Two stories broke today, which, for whatever reason were the straws that broke me.
Variety: Jeremy Allen White Joins ‘Star Wars’ Film ‘The Mandalorian & Grogu’ as Jabba the Hutt’s Son
Jeremy Allen White has joined the “Star Wars” film “The Mandalorian & Grogu” as the voice of Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta the Hutt, Variety has confirmed. The project marks the first major franchise for the actor following his Emmy-winning breakout role on the FX series “The Bear.”
The Wrap: Chris Evans Sets Marvel Return in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ | Exclusive
Chris Evans is returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as part of the cast for “Avengers: Doomsday,” the highly anticipated sequel that will also star Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, The Wrap has learned exclusively. Evans will be involved in some capacity, but the extent and exact nature of his role is unknown.
I grew up as a latchkey kid. Single mom, only child, you get a lot of time to yourself. And I threw myself into the worlds of comics and movies. They showed me the powers of creativity, the magic of filmmaking, the intricacies of line art, taught me lessons about color and light.
I’d devour any of it. Watching movies on cable lead to renting movies from Blockbuster. Renting movies led to buying movies. Buying movies lead to buying more movies (I had roughly 1000 Blu-Rays + DVDs at a point). Reading comics lead to reading Wizard Magazine. Reading Wizard lead to learning about all the amazing and creative things being done at all the comic companies. Just like with directors, I learned to follow writers and artists to their next thing.
I don’t say this to be dramatic or a bummer, but they were my world. A child of divorce, who struggled to socialize, I lost myself in the 4-color worlds of Marvel, DC and Image, and the big screen adventures that hit every weekend.
Then I found my people, fellow nerds who knew more movie quotes than extended family members names, who loved to rank and talk and share and recommend and debate all of this.
Somewhere in here, the comics started hitting theaters again. Tim Burton’s Batman was a near religious experience for me as an 8 year old, but that seemed the exception to the rule. Until X-Men hit. Until Blade hit. Until Spider-Man hit.
My loves were colliding. And what’s that, more Star Wars too? Sure, the prequels were flawed, but they were more of something I loved. Giving me something new from a world that had more or less helped to define my love of movies.
Iron Man hits. Robert freakin’ Downey Jr. as Iron Man? No way. Wait, what’s this about an Avengers project? It ties into that new Hulk movie? No way they got Chris Evans to be a superhero again, I loved that dude in Scott Pilgrim. Paul Rudd(!!!) as Ant-Man with Edgar Wright behind the lens? Holy shit.
And now Disney owns them. And they’re gonna own Lucasfilm too? Wait…more new Star Wars? And they’re gonna try to make up where the Prequels failed. Interesting. Can they? Wow, Force Awakens was a lot of fun. Rogue One, what a flick.
And the saturation came. I didn’t need to special order comic book shirts from Diamond Distributors by way of my local comic store, I didn’t need to go to comic cons, I could just go and buy representations of these things which were the fabric of me at my local goddamned Target? How cool. Phases? TV Shows? Streaming? More? More? MORE? MORE??
…and…I think they’ve gone too far. And I can’t help but feel like I’m a bit at fault.
Not me specifically, but who I am. As has been said before, “The Nerds Won”. Nerdy things don’t make you outcasts, they make you accepted, as I longed to be and eventually was. And there’s always more.
But…it’s not the new. It’s not the different. It’s not the daring.
That Star Wars prequel? Outshined by The Matrix that year, a radically different, unique, original idea that inspired the next generation after me, in ways both in terms of filmmaking, and making people think differently about themselves and the discomfort they feel.
…is it any wonder they did two more? And a fourth, over a decade later?
We’re at a phase where these things I love are just being reheated and re-served to me. Look at the archives of this blog, I was excited about these things along the way. I’m still excited for some things (I really want to see a trailer of James Gunn’s Superman quite badly). But I can’t help but feel like the magic is going away.
The headlines above, while real, they feel like they were slapped together by AI. [ACTOR OF NOTE OR FORMER STAR OF FRANCHISE] Joins [INSERT FRANCHISE WHO NEEDS HELP] as [CHARACTER]. These aren’t the first, they won’t be the last. We’ve got Robert Downey Jr. returning as…Doctor Doom for some reason. Apparently we’re getting a whole slew of actors we know and love…to just do Harry Potter again, but longer. We’re getting more Lord of the Rings and they might just be making them up this time.
I’m 40 years old. Maybe I’m aging out. Or maybe Hollywood needs to realize…they can’t keep marketing to me.
I mentioned above how much comics have meant to me. They went to a fandom to a side hustle to a second career. And if you step in a comic store, you know what they’re doing now? Selling more variant covers of every issue to the same, older growing audience. And raising the price, to see what the ceiling can be. They’re marketing to me and people like me, again and again and again.
There are flashes of hope. Every so often there’s a Saga or a Walking Dead or a Dawnrunner or *Do a Powerboat!*that shake things up for comics and give us something new. Every so often there’s a movie out there which gives us a wholly unique experience and reminds us what we love about movies.
But they’re not coming everywhere. We’re afraid to take swings, we’re afraid to try and fail, we’re afraid of New. We’re afraid of Different. We’re afraid of the old tricks not working. And maybe, the real issue is: we’re afraid of becoming old.
Let the next generation take over and make new things. It’s how we got here in the first place. Whether it was Stan Lee and Jack Kirby using the social changes of the 60’s to create flawed comic book heroes, Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird self publishing a Daredevil parody with turtles in the 1980s, George Lucas using the cache of the success of his 50’s greaser movie to cash in and make a new version of the sci-fi serials he loved, but for the modern day…these were risks. These were creatives. These were people who wanted to make something new, first for themselves, and then found how it reverberated with likeminded folks.
I don’t need to be blanketed in the safety of what was. I’m longing for the challenge.
This is rambling and turning into almost a “Comics and Genre Movies are Dead” version of the speech Jeff Daniels gives at the beginning of The Newsroom, so I’m going to tie this together.
Could these movies be good? Sure. Will I see them? Likely.
But will they inspire? Will they make people want to make their own films at home? Will they make someone say “I have a story and I need to tell it”?
I don’t know. Because right now, it all looks like just another gig for a paycheck. Another instance of confirming shareholder value and maximizing the use of legacy IP or whatever rambling shit the heads of these studios are going to tell people on investment calls. But it’s not adventurous. And we could all use an adventure right now.
While I miss ThinkGeek for a multitude of reasons, not having them as the perfect White Elephant gift shop sure stands out this time of year.
I’m not a big follower of YouTube personalities, but in recent weeks, I’ve become a big fan of Kyle Bosman’s Delayed Input. Clever, funny, insightful video game industry commentary every Friday. Here’s this weeks. Maybe you’ll dig. And stay during the credits.
When I read stupid comments like those in the press from the CEO of OpenAI or the head of the Los Angeles Times, I ask myself: where do they get their confidence? I will spiral if you give me an odd look in conversation, and they’re getting whirlwind dunked by the internet and shrugging it off.
I’m not sure why this wasn’t available day one, but you can now watch the linear HBO networks on Max.
This little app, Festivas, sounds like a great addition to run on your Mac this holiday season.
It’s got a weird-ass name, but I am throughly excited for a new Gundam series as co-written by Hideaki Anno (Evangelion).
Add The Ringer to the list of websites who after a visual revamp, completely killed off their RSS feeds. Woof.
I think the My New Character/Chill Guy meme is the fastest I’ve turned on a meme. Indifference to loathing in days flat.
I had to double check this link like, three times. Drake is now in the midst of TWO lawsuits with UMG regarding “Not Like Us”. What a chump.
Anyone else just have a micro panic attack about these incoming tariffs, and how they may render the economy as such that we’ll all, universally, lose everything?
…Just me?
Larry Fitzmaurice, Hearing Things:
The start of the 2010s saw a steady rise in visibility for indie musicians that encompassed high-profile TV performances and the occasional collision with real-deal pop superstars. (The “rock” part of “indie rock” was partly left behind along the way, for marketing purposes.) Regardless of whether the artists involved were turning a meaningful profit, the smell of success was in the air. Indie’s boom period was, as Kevin Krauter of current Indianapolis indie rockers Wishy describes it, “an era where a popular indie band looked like they had it fucking made.”
It didn’t last. Indie’s commercial decline began to sink in around the mid-2010s—a point when music publications’ collective influence was waning, and streaming services took over as passive tastemakers looking to cut corners on artist royalties, resulting in the decimation of the music industry’s middle class. Then came the pandemic and its ripple effects, including increased touring costs and the persistent threat of canceled shows due to COVID cases. It’s all led to an indie business landscape that’s particularly inhospitable to emerging artists looking to establish careers off their work.
A really in-depth and eye-opening article at the struggles the “middle class” of music are facing these days. Honestly, it’s hell for any sort of creator now. So many platforms, so many responsibilities, none of them related to Doing The Work.
I really can’t say I know the fix here. I sure hope we can find one.
One could argue for Star Wars: Visions as the best post-Disney acquisition work next to Andor. So, suffice to say, I am excited about a 3rd season.
I made the mistake of making myself spicy ramen for lunch today. I kinda wanted to die for a bit there.
Justifiably happy about the surprise guest on this week’s Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast.
Now, did I expect to spend my Sunday evening just chatting about the world for three hours with my mother? No, no I didn’t. But if yours is a situation where you can, and you’d want to, I recommend it. Sounds like middle aged person advise, but, still, recommend it.
Gimme that Bigfoot emoji, ASAP.
Do you think the team at Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is cursing the fact that The Onion got InfoWars before they could?
Not a hoax! Not a what if! Not an imaginary story! The Onion has acquired Infowars. A suitable fate for a miserable joke of a site.
OK, two issues in, I can say confidently that Absolute Batman is some VERY ridiculous comics and it’s all the better for it.
Amazon sez: “You want your low-priced crap in bulk? We’ll give you low-priced crap in bulk!” What a waste.
OH SNAP, CRUNCH TATORS ARE BACK. (Judge if you want, but after last week, I need to embrace small joys like this.)
Oh man, I had no idea James Acaster had filmed a new special, let alone that it was going to be on Max next week. Sweet deal.
For those who may be following me on all the new social sites: You should expect pretty much the same content on each, so if you don’t want to follow me on one, that’s totally A-OK! Threads will get the least, as micro.blog doesn’t cross-post there automatically. Yet.
Lucasfilm has closed a deal with Simon Kinberg to develop a trilogy of Star Wars films. Kinberg will write the trio, and produce them with Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy.
I heard this will comprise episodes 10-12 of The Skywalker Saga that began with George Lucas’s 1977 first film that along with Steven Spielberg’s Jaws reshaped the global blockbuster game. Insiders disputed my intel that Kinberg will continue that storyline, saying this will instead begin a new saga, and sit alongside Star Wars percolating projects with James Mangold, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Taika Waititi and Donald Glover. As usual, Lucasfilm and Disney are not commenting.
It really says something that in the year 2024, not only am I not excited in any way, shape or form about a new Star Wars project, but also: I highly doubt that it will be made.
Meet your new friends in the pile, New Kinberg Trilogy: Boba Fett Movie, Game of Thrones Duo Trilogy, Rian Johnson Trilogy, Kevin Feige Movie, Guillermo Del Toro Jabba The Hutt Movie, and surely, more to come…
make me eat these words, disney.
I appreciate that this is a good use of Live Activities on iOS, but GOOD LORD I COULD NOT WANT ANYTHING LESS THAN LIVE, ONGOING ELECTION NUMBERS STARING ME IN THE FACE EVERY TIME I LOOK AT MY PHONE
I’ve never found a bandwagon I didn’t enjoy jumping on, so, what the hell, I’m in for this #WeblogPoMo AMA (Ask Me Anything) gimmick. Fire some questions away, gang.
Anthony D’Alessandro, Deadline:
The Lego Group under its deal with Universal Pictures is making three untitled live-action movies with directors Jake Kasdan, Patty Jenkins and Attack the Block filmmaker Joe Cornish.
Huh.
Universal’s been working on these movies with a five year deal signed in 2020, so I guess this is the “show your work” phase of things. A few elements stand out.
I don’t know if I’m a pessimist, but something about this reeks of “Oh crap, we need to show LEGO we’re working on something so they renew our deal next year.”
But maybe I’m wrong and these movies will be good.
One of my side-gigs is that I produce, and co-host a live art competition event called Super Art Fight.
We just completed and posted a new explainer video for our event. I did the VO for the video, too. Check us out!
Nintendo releasing their music library over time in their own dedicated app – which you need a Switch Online subscription for – is the most Nintendo-assed thing.
But many stayed at Automattic even though they didn’t agree with Mullenweg’s actions, telling 404 Media they remained due to financial strain or the challenging job market. Several employees who remained at the company describe a culture of paranoia and fear for those still there.
“Overall, the environment is now full of people who unequivocally support Matt’s actions, and people who couldn’t leave because of financial reasons (and those are mostly silent),” one Automattic employee told me.
The current and former Automattic employees I spoke to for this article did so under the condition of anonymity, out of concerns about retaliation from Mullenweg.
What an absolute mess. Feeling all the happier I moved everything to Micro.blog earlier this year.
I find it somewhat ironic that Matt Mullenweg so regularly attacks David Heinemeier Hansson from 37signals, when they both now have absolutely shown their ass online, offered buyouts, and are stunned to see just how bad they screwed up with their employees.
Fix your shit, Matt.
Today, the LEGO Group reveals the launch of the LEGO Marvel X-Men: The X-Mansion Buildable Set. Get ready to answer Professor X’s call as this set will telepathically transmit you straight into the LEGO brick heart of the X-Men universe.
With 3,093 pieces, this immersive, creative construction project gives adults a chance to unwind and lose themselves as they build a lasting model of an essential and recurring part of Marvel’s much loved X-Men stories: The Xavier Institute for Higher Learning.
After many, many leaks the last few weeks, LEGO confirms the most poorly held secret in some time and has officially revealed their latest massive scale set – the X-Mansion from X-Men.
Some of the rooms look a little small, and the $330 price is quite eye-watering, but if you’re a fan of X-Men, it’s hard to not want to get one of these.
I’m sure someone out there will have this, the Daily Bugle set, the Avengers Tower and the SHIELD Helicarrier to have a massive Marvel LEGO Universe in their home.
Set in the aftermath of a robot uprising in an alternate version of the ’90s, The Electric State follows an orphaned teenager who ventures across the American West with a cartoon-inspired robot, a smuggler, and his sidekick in search of her younger brother. The film stars Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, with Giancarlo Esposito and Stanley Tucci. Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo and Alan Tudyk join the cast in voice roles. THE ELECTRIC STATE premieres globally on Netflix MARCH 14.
If nothing else, they’ve nailed the aesthetic of the original book by Simon Stalenhag. We’ll see how the script works out.
I do have to admit, I laughed pretty hard at The Gray Man being listed alongside all those Marvel movies as if it was an equivalent success by the Russo Brothers. Keep trying, Netflix, keep trying.
Marvel is going big on a smaller size – tonight ahead of NYCC they announced the launch of the MARVEL PREMIER COLLECTION, a reader-friendly sized line of reprints of Marvel’s greatest hits.
Like DC’s Compact Comics – which have been a smash hit with retailers and readers – the Premier Collection will be in the 6"x9" format.
… The Premier Collection will launch in February 2025, with stories featuring Daredevil, Black Panther, Captain America, and Fantastic Four.
I had a hunch that the blow away success of the Compact Comics line from DC would lead to this. That said, the initial grouping is somewhat surprising – no X-Men? No Spider-Man, Peter or Miles? Odd.
That said, I now have an easy direction to send people in when they ask me where to start with comics.
Analogue has revealed their N64 device, the Analogue 3D. Looks very, very slick. In a perfect world, with an unlimited budget, I’d have all their systems with their respective flash cartridges and just live in the nostalgia.
The color Kindle is FINALLY a thing. Unfortunately, it looks like this is an early leak, so not sure how it’d handle things like say…comic books… Fingers crossed it’s good!
EDIT: It’s up now! $280. I’m gonna need hands-on impressions with comics, for sure.
Very excited to read The Verge’s 2004 Week this week.
Never thought that Disney+ would become streaming’s #1 source for Beatles content. Now there’s ANOTHER doc coming.
Sunderfolk is inspired by tabletop games like Gloomhaven and Dungeons & Dragons, said head of Secret Door (and hardcore tabletop game enthusiast) Chris Sigaty at a recent hands-on event in New York. The developers behind Sunderfolk were inspired by the depth and inclusiveness of those games, while also recognizing their shortcomings.
“We’ve worked on games like StarCraft, Heroes of the Storm, and Hearthstone,” Sigaty said, “and one of the things we realized upfront was that we didn’t want to start with a competitive game. Even though we love and have a lot of knowledge in that space, we wanted to focus on something that was connective or collaborative. We found that we were having the most connective moments actually around a board game table, playing things like Dungeons & Dragons and board games of all sorts, and that our passion was in this space of tabletop gaming.”
But, Sigaty acknowledged, many tabletop games require reading through thick manuals paired with lengthy setup and breakdown times. In a strategic card-based tabletop game like Gloomhaven or Frosthaven, new players may spend hours unpacking the box, learning the rules, and cleaning up, instead of spending that time actually playing.
With Sunderfolk, Secret Door hopes to address those obstacles to fun.
What a promising sounding game and experience. The pedigree alone sells it, but the idea of a full RPG experience with limited setup time and an ease of gameplay for newbies sounds like a massive win, speaking as someone who got into tabletop during COVID.
An aside though, what timing of this being revealed the same week as the release of Jason Schreier’s Play Nice: The Rise, Fall and Future of Blizzard Entertainment, which I’ve been reading this week and is fantastic.
Absolute Batman #1 was absolutely ridiculous. But in that way that comics can be absurd yet completely engaging. Here’s hoping the whole run works that way.
I didn’t have “Old School Sega Game Shinobi Becomes A Movie” on my Bingo Card for today, but what the heck, I’ll take it.
So…photo hosting.
Yes, I’m using iCloud for personal backup, but is Flickr still the best for hosting galleries of photos?
Anthony D’Alessandro, Deadline:
Here’s a really cool project that just got greenlit at DC Studios and Warner Bros Pictures Animation: Dynamic Duo.
It will mark the first joint project between DC Studios and the Bill Damaschke-led WBPA.
The 6th & Idaho movie scripted by Matthew Aldrich is being made by a new animation studio out of New Orleans named Swaybox and that studio’s husband-and-wife creators Arthur Mintz and Theresa Andersson. Mintz will direct this movie, which follows the early days of Dick Grayson and Jason Todd aka the Robins.
Note the storyline here isn’t connected to Matt Reeves’ Batman and The Penguin canon.
Swaybox uses a technology known as “Momo animation,” which is a cross between CGI animation, practical elements of stop-motion, and live-action real-time performance. The result is long-form storytelling billed as visually breathtaking, dynamically expressive and more human.
This might just be the most interesting idea to come out of the Warner Bros/DC filmography so far. Incredibly intrigued by the idea of how the animation works, and I really want to see it in motion.
Also, having the focus on the Robins (plural) is a very much untapped part of the DC Comics legacy which they’d do well to mine on film.
James Gunn had the following to say about it on socials:
Over the moon excited to announce the newest DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation greenlit film for theaters, DYNAMIC DUO, the story of Robin… or should I say, Robins, as in Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. The first feature film from the visionary Swaybox, a mix of animation, puppetry, and CGI, a script from the wonderfully talented Matt Aldrich, produced with our partners at Matt Reeves’ 6th & Idaho. This is something special.
I recognize that Gunn has to do this at this point, being the Feige of sorts over at DC Studios, but with his track record, if he’s praising it, I’m ever more intrigued.
No release date or other information available at this time, but I’m going to be thinking about the possibilities and hoping its as awesome as it seems promising right now.
I don’t know if it makes me a weirdo in a time with notes apps and to-do apps (many of which I use), but a lot of times, I just throw things into a simple .txt file and run with it.
Pete Wells, The New York Times:
Today, the chicken tender is not just familiar. It is triumphant. It is a fixture of school lunches and kids’ menus, of all-night diners and gas stations. It can be found at airports, food courts and stadiums. It is a major reason for the double-digit sales growth that Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Raising Cane’s and other chicken-centric chains have reported for five straight years.
Along the way, the chicken tender has become a symbol, although its meaning is hard to pin down. It can be an icon of simple, straightforward, unpretentious American taste. It can also be an expression of dull, unadventurous food engineered for the lowest common denominator. Restaurants, in their drive to stand out, have expended great effort devising crunchier breading, zestier dipping sauces, more tender tenders. And yet all the sauces in the world will never quite dispel the suspicion that the tender itself is, at heart, not very exciting.
What a better lunchtime read than that about the humble Chicken Tender?
Btw, the best Tenders? In my humble opinion: Spanky’s in Savannah, GA. Get their honey horseradish sauce and their spuds on the side? That’s a great time in a great city.
Oni Press is now taking pre-orders for a slue of Scott Pilgrim 20th Anniversary merch. It’s not a question of if I’ll buy something…it’s how much.
Disney+ just added a few 24/7 channels. While I could see myself dipping in out of the Hits & Heroes one, we still need a 24/7 Simpsons and/or Fox Animated channel.
Balatro+ has hit Apple Arcade! The other mobile versions are on their way, today. Farewell, productivity.
I absolutely love that we’re still making new discoveries in space which challenge our understandings of how it all works. Today’s find? A black hole which fires energy at a width which dwarfs the size of our own galaxy. SO cool.
Here goes, it’s Take Time™, with your host, me, Marty Day.
Last night into this morning, the internet was ablaze over the latest iPhone review from MKBHD. Not for the review itself, but rather that he used his platform to have the video sponsored by his new app, Panels.
First and foremost, I think it’s fine that he featured the app in the video. He frequently has segments in his videos for a sponsor. It just so happens that this sponsor was, well, himself.
The backlash began, however, as the app is a Wallpaper app which features the following elements:
The arguments I’ve seen against this have been…
In short, dude has been thrown against the wall, and now everyone’s popping up to say how scummy he is, how he’s never been good, etc.
I think – like many arguments online – the answer is, unfortunately for the screaming hordes, actually somewhere in the middle.
I think Marques Brownlee is very very good at what he does, and success has befallen him accordingly. His tech videos are slick, extremely well produced, and while many are to say he’s a shill for x company or y software, I feel like he’s been even handed. I’m not an avid watcher of his content, but I’ve always enjoyed what I’ve watched.
I also know that over the years, his comments have been filled with asks for the different wallpapers he’s used. People LOVE his taste in wallpapers. So he probably saw an opportunity to make something for those people. (In fact, he may have previously had a connection to the app Backdrops, given that they’ve featured the wallpapers he’s used in his videos/he featured wallpapers from the app in his videos). It’s the decisions made from there which are a mixed bag. And MIXED is the appropriate word.
For each argument, I think there’s a valid response. This isn’t – I think – a scenario of the guy going totally awful on his fandom, a cash grab, etc.
Ads (and their tracking) are scummy. No disagreement. And I say that having had worked in the affiliate world for nearly a decade. However, apps cost money to be developed, and the concept is that the artists receive a cut of the monies generated. People are also really against paying for apps. They want to try before they buy, sometimes never ever buy, so the best route you can go is…ads. Just like the rest of the web. It absolutely sucks, but its been the only consistently viable way for online properties to make money. And it’s been getting worse and worse for creators just the same.
$50/yr or $12/mo is insane. Is it really? By comparison, artists regularly sell wallpaper packs on services like Gumroad for $5 (at least)/each. I know this, I buy them. Add the 30% cut which Apple and Google take, and it’s not all that different, especially if you consider app development costs.
Marques has enough money as it is. Yes. Dude is successful, has a studio, fancy cars, the latest tech, etc. But this is a Capitalistic society. People do things to make money. No one is really out here doing things altruistically. Would it be cool if this was a scenario where the app was free, and he just paid artists to have wallpapers up on there? I guess. But that’s a wacky business plan, for sure.
I should just download wallpapers for free. Cool. Please feel free to continue to do so.
You’re not entitled to something because it’s on the internet. No different than the point I’ve been driving with streaming services, none of this is a public right or domain. People make things. It costs money to make things. To continue to make things, they need to be paid. Do you go to your job for free? Once again, I say I’m Sorry, But Things Cost Money.
Sure, everything has waste, I think the entire world of million dollar execs while their employees make pennies is a fucking mess, but to make things, money needs to be exchanged. You don’t get food based on exposure.
Isn’t some of this just AI generated? And this is the other, 100% valid, concern. If this is the handpicked, premium wallpaper app filled with artwork by proper artists…the art should be from proper artists. At the very least, AI generated art needs to be flagged.All and all, I think the concerns are part of the standard give-and-take we have with things online lately. People hate ads, but it’s the only consistent way to make money. People hate costs, or costs going up, but many times: if money’s not made, things won’t be created anymore.I did want to take the time to spotlight an alternative here. Full disclosure, I’m a regular Patreon supporter of the org, but the team at The Iconfactory have a fantastic app called Wallaroo. It’s $20/year, all the art is made BY ARTISTS, and it funds their continued development of really great software. If you want to spend your money, this might be a better place…but at the end of the day? I don’t think Marques really did anything wrong.
We live in a world where there will be Ghostbusters-themed Pumas. Just out there for people to buy. What a time to be alive.
Warner Bros. Pictures on YouTube
A new vision of fear from director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan. #SinnersMovie - Only in theaters March 7. #shotwithimaxfilmcameras
From Ryan Coogler—director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”—and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.”
Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
“You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home.”
Written and directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Coogler, “Sinners” stars Jordan (the “Black Panther” and “Creed” franchises) in a dual role, joined by Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld (“Bumblebee,” “True Grit”), Jack O’Connell (“Ferrari”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Passenger”), Jayme Lawson (“The Woman King”), Omar Benson Miller (“True Lies”) and Delroy Lindo (“Da 5 Bloods”).
Oh boy. Not only does this look great, but the track record of Coogler and Jordan, especially together, is pretty well untarnished.
WB must be feeling pretty confident too, given that they’re hyping it 6 months out.
Day One!
Ask the Developer Vol. 13, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom — Part 1
Terada: We were exploring a few different ways to play the game in parallel. In one approach, Link could copy and paste various objects, such as doors and candlesticks, to create original dungeons. During this exploration phase, this idea was called an “edit dungeon” because players could create their own Legend of Zelda gameplay.
Aonuma: They showed it to me and told me to give it a try. As I played, I started thinking that while it’s fun to create your own dungeon and let other people play it, it’s also not so bad to place items that can be copied and pasted in the game field, and create gameplay where they can be used to fight enemies. That was the beginning of gameplay using “echoes.” The gameplay was shifted from creating dungeons up until then to using copied-and-pasted items as tools to further your own adventure.
Pulled from the latest installment of the Ask the Developer series which Nintendo does around the release of their big first-party games. I may be reading this wrong, but it certainly sounds to me like the original intent for the game, at least in its early form, was to be able to create (and maybe share?) their own Zelda dungeons. So, basically Mario Maker but for The Legend of Zelda.
I just want to put it out there, Nintendo – if you still have an inkling to do this, I’m all for it. Especially if the cool, almost claymation-like visual style from the Link’s Awakening Remake and Echoes of Wisdom were in use.
Marvel Entertainment on YouTube:
Careful who you assemble. Marvel Studios’ #Thunderbolts* is only in theaters May 2025.
Did not expect this to drop today! But it does a great job setting up Thunderbolts* as a unique, harder-tinged installment of the ever ongoing Marvel Cinematic Universe.
One of my favorite elements of Black Widow was the chemistry and humor between Florence Pugh’s Yelena and David Harbour’s Alexei, so it’s great to see the same returned here. Wyatt Russel’s beard is a good look, and overall, I like the “people looking for something bigger and greater than themselves” concept. Plus, a Pixies needledrop is an easy win for me.
That said, here comes the “It looks like Suicide Squad” takes.
Optimistic about this one! We’ll see next Summer.
Thunderbolts hits theaters on May 2, 2025.*
The 30th Anniversary PlayStation consoles and controllers are incredibly well designed, visually.
In just four games in January 2023, Yogesh Raut became an overnight Jeopardy! sensation. In a sign of the times for the show, his ascendance had as much to do with his bluster as it did with his knowing the clues. It was clear he was exceptionally good at quizzing from the moment he took the podium, and between his three initial victories, he totaled nearly $100,000 in winnings. But Jeopardy! fans were especially captivated by Raut’s offbeat demeanor on stage: the violence with which he smacked his buzzer, the confidence with which he taunted flashy luminaries like James Holzhauer. Most memorably, when Raut’s winning streak came to an end, he took to Facebook and wrote a lengthy, difficult-to-parse essay asserting that Jeopardy! and its fandom were a necrotic presence in the world of trivia—specifically that the show is “bad for women and POC who want to be treated with the same level of dignity as their White male counterparts.”
Jeopardy! is a “glorified reality show,” and the aura around it is “fundamentally incompatible with incentivizing the next generation of quizzers to excel,” Raut wrote. “It is fundamentally incompatible with true social justice.”
It does not take much to rankle the librarian-like dictums of Jeopardy! nation, and a former champion taking aim at the show on social media was more than enough for the community to settle on a brand-new villain. “What is ‘Sour Grapes,’ Ken?” went one response to Raut’s post. “He only holds it in such low esteem because he didn’t do as well as he was expected to do,” another fan wrote. So when Raut was invited to the annual Tournament of Champions that was held last spring, fans took note of his impending return. In February, in a story about the deluge of special tournaments that had taken over the show’s programming, I briefly mentioned in a parenthetical that Raut was set to come back to the show he had roasted: “Remember three-time champion Yogesh Raut, who trashed the show after his appearances? He’s back next week!”
That’s when things got weird.
Fascinating read this morning. Whether you agree or disagree with Raut’s perspective on trivia and the games which he plays, this is one of those articles where the iceberg seems to get deeper and deeper the more below the surface you go.
As a Jeopardy! fan, and a Jeopardy! hopeful, this was a must read, but I think everyone’s gonna end up fascinated here. It’s a story of trivia teams, anger, distrust, vengeance, revenge and more. And I never thought those terms would go together.
Warner Bros. Pictures on YouTube:
What’s it feel like to die? From director Bong Joon Ho, comes Mickey 17 - only in theaters January 31, 2025. #Mickey17
From the Academy Award-winning writer/director of “Parasite,” Bong Joon Ho, comes his next groundbreaking cinematic experience, “Mickey 17.” The unlikely hero, Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) has found himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job… to die, for a living.
I’ve been VERY MUCH looking forward to this once it was announced – I adored the original book its based on, Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, and when you have one of my favorite directors (Bong Joon-Ho) matched with someone who is becoming one of my favorite actors (Robert Pattinson), it’s a recipe for greatness.
Just two bits though…
Mickey 17 hits theaters on January 31th, 2025.
Here’s where I’ve landed with my iOS 18 Homescreen after 1 day. Top is a Smart Stack with Weather/Calendar/Reminders/News/Music/Podcasts.
Years of learning how to compose shots, edit photos, etc. has me really interested in pursuing photography more as a hobby. But is a proper mirrorless or DSLR camera really going to be all that different? I’d had an eye on a nice beginner camera, but I’m not sure if its worth the dough.
I cannot believe that the ENTIRE STAFF of Annapurna Interactive resigned yesterday. For those not into the games world, imagine if A24 or Neon’s entire staff left. The video game industry is headed toward an incredibly crucial reckoning.
Genuinely surprised that Chloe Troast isn’t being picked up for a second year at SNL. “Little Orphan Cassidy” last season felt like a genuine star-in-the-making moment. Odd.
The Orioles are falling apart, artist John Cassaday passed at 52, James Earl Jones is gone at 93, and Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse may not see the light of day until 2027.
This is an aggressively Monday-assed Monday.
Welp, I’m in for a new Apple Watch and new iPhone.
But I was going to be anyway, my personal refresh cycle was up.
Twenty-five years ago today, the Sega Dreamcast hit North American shelves.
I remember this launch like it was yesterday. I saved all Summer for the system, a VMU, and copies of Sonic Adventure and Soulcalibur. I remember grabbing the tickets from Toys R Us’s video game department, paying my pre-order deposits, and holding onto those tickets and their stapled receipts like they were the nuclear football.
What I didn’t expect, however, was how this system would become my favorite video game system of all time. As a console, it had a short lifespan, being discontinued in March 2001 – but the legacy it left reverberates even today.
So many hours spent with the Sonic Adventure games, taking the SEGA mascot into 3D for the first time. So many hours playing the amazing Soulcalibur, the first time I can remember a home console version looking better than the arcade. So many hours playing the Marvel vs. Capcom games, the perfect party game fighter, showing the comic heroes in a light we’d never seen before. So many hours playing SEGA classics-in-the-making, like the arcade perfect Crazy Taxi, or the stylish Jet Set Radio.
It was even easy to play import games, where the 1-2 punch of my first real disposable income met the ease of access via the Internet of ordering Japanese titles. I spent far too much time creating, tweaking, and then playing characters in Fire Pro D.
And this doesn’t even include the quirky titles like Seaman or underrated games like the Power Stone series.
Developers were making their art. Trying new things. Each game felt so different from what Sony was producing. It was truly a special time.
In many ways, you can see a shared DNA with what the Nintendo Switch has become, but there truly is, was, and likely never will be anything like the Dreamcast.
25 years on, I salute you. Even if your “It’s Thinking” tagline would be considered a threat in 2024.
The latest episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Fan might be one of the most emotion filled podcast episodes I’ve ever listened to. Check it out here, but be prepared to tear up between laughs.
This joke might land for like eight people, but:
Linkin Park is back together. And with it, a world of Dragon Ball Z music video creators breathed a sigh of relief.
This is a bit early, but The Dish hears momentum is building on the Smokehouse-produced next installment of the Warner Bros caper film franchise that started with Ocean’s Eleven. Sources said that George Clooney and Brad Pitt are coming back, and they are courting Edward Berger to take over directing duties.
This is of no slight to Mr. Berger, who I am sure is a perfectly fine director, nor Mr.’s Clooney or Pitt.
This is a terrible idea.
Even if apparently, there’s been a script in the works, and Clooney even likes it. (How did I miss that?)
Ocean’s Eleven is one of my favorite movies of all time. The times I’ve watched it count easily into the dozens, if not hundreds. Danny Ocean, Rusty and the gang, I love their adventures.
And then Ocean’s Twelve happened. Though I’ve come to appreciate it as its own, scrappy movie, a fun European vacation for a bunch of actors who like to hangout together, it’s a total mess when compared to the first film, which is/was perfection.
They got very lucky with Ocean’s Thirteen. This is the first movie I can recall having the pitch of, “We know we screwed up last time, but this time, we nailed it.” And honestly? They did. While definitely the second best Ocean’s movie, it’s back to the rhythmic fun of the first, effortlessly cool.
A fourth film, going on two decades (god I’m old) after the third installment? You are TEMPTING FATE. You got your mea culpa. Ocean’s 8 was fine. I’m intrigued by the Ocean’s prequel coming with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gossling. But there is no need for Danny and Rusty to come back. Rob Reiner has passed. Bernie Mac has passed. The need for this has passed.
Just keep doing more Ocean’s-like movies like Wolfs. I’ll watch ‘em every time you make ‘em. And you’re already getting a sequel for that one. Don’t tempt fate. You won at the roulette table. Take your winnings.
The new Reeder has arrived. It’s weird to call an app which is so beautifully minimal “a hefty re-think”, but it really is a new way of interacting with feeds. I’m testing it out, and seeing how I feel.
AWESOME news: Balatro, one of my games of the year, hits mobile on September 26th! And if you have Apple Arcade, great news: same day access.
The reviews have hit for Astro Bot, and it sounds like Sony has a very special game on its hands. Incredibly excited to give this one a spin.
Air conditioning was out at my local theater, so my plan this afternoon to see Alien: Romulus was thwarted. Boo.
A little bummed to be saying goodbye to one of my all-time favorite runs in comics. Hopefully they run back Krakoa one day.
Self promotion alert: your dear pal Marty Day (that’s me!) has been featured on Manuel Moreale’s People and Blogs. Get my thoughts on blogging, my favorite folks doing it today, and how I run all of this stuff from one site.
Happy New Music Friday, folks! I’m excited to check out the new Tycho album, along with the first EP from Appleseed Cast side project Black x Sea. What are you checking out?
The season premiere of Only Murders in the Building was fantastic. Who would’ve thought that the show would still be good, four seasons in?
This cassette tape archive is super cool. More projects like this on the Internet, please.
I don’t know what it is, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve grown to really enjoy Metroidvania games. I suppose its the exploration and unlocking aspects, but, I love ‘em.
With announcements of Pizza Tower (coming today!), Power Stone 1+2, and a collection of the DS Castlevania titles, today’s Nintendo Direct was aimed for me directly, it seems.
It’s almost the beginning of Fall, and I don’t know about you, but I like to – just as in Spring – enjoy doing a run of looking at my subscriptions, tidying up my follows, uninstalling my unused apps, and generally, making my tech experience lighter. I recommend it for you, too!
Just some thoughts about some media I’ve ingested the last few days…
Batman: Caped Crusader (Amazon Prime Video) is pretty fantastic. I finished the 10 episode season this week, and as someone who is an avowed fan of the classic Batman: The Animated Series, this doesn’t replace or improve it, but certainly can sit on the shelf next to it. If you were ever a reader of the very early Batman comics, like, around his debut, they did an excellent job of capturing the look and feel – even with some digressions into the supernatural, which was, once, a regular feature of the characters stories.
I’ve started watching Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Paramount+). I really dug last summer’s Mutant Mayhem, and while this trades 3D animation for 2D, most of the voice cast is back (with one exception, handled in a clever way) and the same good vibes persist. Really love how the whole thing still has that “sketchbook” feel, and each turtle feels distinct and like an actual teenager. If you dug the movie, give it a spin. If you haven’t seen the movie…check it out!
I ran through the first nineteen issues or so of Ryan North’s run of Fantastic Four on Marvel Unlimited. I’ve never been a big Fantastic Four guy, but I was absolutely locked in here. Each issue has a real “science mystery of the month” vibe, kind of like a wholesome Twilight Zone? And, there are more issues where they aren’t in costume than are, which was a pleasant difference. When Doom appears, North does a killer job of writing him. I think this run will be as beloved as his Squirrel Girl run when all is said and done. And if not, at least we had that run in the Marvel Dinosaur Universe.
Shout out my iPad for delivering all of this in a cool, easy to enjoy way. We live in the future, every day.
Peter Jackson presents a groundbreaking journey back to Middle-earth through the eyes of legendary director Kenji Kamiyama. #LOTR The War of the Rohirrim - only in theaters Christmas.
OK, let’s go ahead and ignore that the trailer has footage from the original Peter Jackson LOTR trilogy awkwardly shoehorned into it.
How buck wild is it that Warner Bros. has produced, and will be theatrically distributing, a full on (2D?) anime-assed anime, to theaters this Christmas? And it’s by a guy who has a serious pedigree (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Jin-Roh, etc.) and not some anonymous name.
What a time to be alive.
LEGO has revealed a new set based on The Nightmare Before Christmas. Truly a great example of what LEGO sets can be these days, this is gonna FLY off the shelves.
Forgot to post about this when I first saw it: Legendary is Kickstarting a series of 3 Pacific Rim graphic novels, to wrap up the universe. I’d love to know what input GDT had, and I don’t love the 3 year wait, but it’s intriguing just the same.
Hi! I’ve been lusting over the gear from Bellroy for years and years. And now I realize I’m a big boy with a big boy job, so like, I can get these things if I want. But does anyone on my lists have their gear and have thoughts on the quality of their stuff?
Melena Ryzik, The New York Times:
Its influence is visible in the themed bulletin boards dotting school hallways, the character-based lesson plans and educators’ many D.I.Y. craft projects. There’s also the popular touring exhibition “Emotions at Play,” developed by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, in conjunction with Pixar; since 2021 it has been inviting visitors to create glowing “memory spheres” or keep the “train of thought” on track. (“Core memory” is a phrase that the first movie helped introduce to the TikTok generation.)
For Carter, a national school counselor of the year for her work at a junior high in Cape Girardeau, Mo., “Inside Out” provided a shared language and a visual iconography that makes abstract concepts concrete. “I have the figurines of each feeling, so students can show me who’s at the control panel,” she said. Like “Mister Rogers,” “Sesame Street” and “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” it offers a common reference point for families.
And the new movie’s focus on anxiety, which has reached crisis proportions among adolescents, normalizes experiences that for young people could seem isolating or overwhelming, and makes them relatable.
It really is amazing how these two Inside Out films have made mental health concerns easier to discuss, and crucially, easier to relate and understand.
This is how art can recalibrate our world. Even when it’s a multi-billion dollar generating Pixar franchise.
Related: The depiction of an Anxiety Attack in Inside Out 2 was a little too dead on. Uncle Marty may’ve had a hard time keeping the teary-eyes hidden from his niece.
At 11:30pm on October 11, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers changed television – and culture – forever. Directed by Jason Reitman and written by Gil Kenan & Reitman, Saturday Night is based on the true story of what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live. Full of humor, chaos, and the magic of a revolution that almost wasn’t, we count down the minutes in real time until we hear those famous words…
Definitively, I can tell: Yes, this will absolutely be My Shit™.
And hey, a Jason Reitman movie to get excited about! When was the last one, The Front Runner?
I know I’m repeating myself here, but…why would you need to close CartoonNetwork.com? How much could it have really cost to maintain?
McDonald’s out here poking directly at the nostalgia part of my brain with their forthcoming Collector’s Meal drinking glasses. The designs ARE pretty rad…
Anthony Breznican, Vanity Fair
The first thing director Jason Reitman wants people to know about Saturday Night is that it may be about funny people—writers and performers who unquestionably redefined comedy—but it’s not intended to be a laugh riot. The movie plays out in real time over the course of about 90 minutes, and there are certainly comic moments, but there are more tense and fraught ones. The story starts at 30 Rockefeller Center at 10 p.m. on October 11, 1975, and culminates with the first-ever broadcast of Saturday Night Live. What unfolds is less a comedy than a ticking-clock suspense movie. “It’s a thriller-comedy, if you can call that a genre,” Reitman says of the film, which arrives in theaters on October 11. “I always describe this movie as a shuttle launch, and the question was, ‘Would they break orbit?’”
What a perfect comparison of live television to a shuttle launch.
Saturday Night has sounded promising from the jump. Arguably the most exciting thing Jason Reitman’s worked on in years, a cast filled with relative unknowns who are soon to be knowns, and built around the behind the scenes of a creative project. It’s basically every box you could check for me as a movie goer.
As someone who loved Thank You For Smoking, Juno, and Up in the Air, I hope this is a return to form to Reitman, and this movie rights the ship after those Ghostbusters debacles.
Another round of streaming service price increases, another round of people complaining about them. Once again, I’m Sorry, But Things Cost Money.
X has decided to sue a pact of advertisers for the crime of…deciding to not do business with them. Good fuckin' luck, dinguses.
Whoa. Google lost one of their Anti-Trust suits with the DoJ.
There’s a booth here at the con selling: charging cables, wall chargers, external batteries, headphones and deodorant. It may be the smartest audience fit I’ve ever seen for a convention booth. I have to assume they’re making all the money.
I don’t typically have a shopping list these days when I go to a convention, especially since I work so many of them with Super Art Fight. But with us playing Otakon this weekend in DC (PLUG!), I’m looking for whatever I can get my grubby mitts on, Godzilla Minus One-wise. We’ll see what I dig up.
Was in the grocery store as the dance remix of “Call On Me” started playing. As someone who used to visit YTMND daily, I cannot begin to describe the lizard brain response I had.
The headline? “Southwest Airlines is getting rid of open seating” The reality? Southwest Airlines is going to start charging more for specific seats.
As someone who is a semi-professional comedian…what the fuck are you even saying, Marc Andreessen?
If a single quotation can distill an entire subset of pop culture in the 2000s, these 12 words work pretty well: “You gotta hear this one song. It’ll change your life, I swear.”
Most millennials can immediately identify Garden State, Zach Braff’s indie phenomenon from 2004, as the source. For some, the quote is a nostalgia portal, bringing their bygone youth into focus. For others, it’s naive, cringe-inducing corn. But two decades ago, it was kind of the hipster way to trumpet a semi-obscure track like the Shins’ “New Slang” as a metamorphic experience. It was the heyday of Pitchfork, MisShapes, mix CDs, and Seth Cohen. You gotta hear this one song epitomized a generation transitioning from the sovereignty of MTV to the curatorial power of Myspace. Braff loaded Garden State with the sort of in-the-know music recommendations that had become currency.
It’s really hard to communicate how much of a moment this album and movie was for millennials like myself. I can self-aggrandize by saying “I knew most of these bands before this soundtrack”, but to hear these songs and see them used so well justified years of MP3 blog diving.
The movie itself I saw in theaters multiple times with countless friends, and watched the DVD regularly, but I haven’t revisited the film in well over a decade. I wonder how it holds up. I can at least say that the trailer holds up as something special.
The Olympics kick off shortly (though the Opening Ceremony is Friday), and I am unusually pumped. Here’s to two weeks of unbelievably necessary distraction.
Just when you thought musicians had figure out all the clever ways to release an album, Jack White throws a new one out there. Pretty cool stuff.
There’s a massive global worldwide IT outage… …and the new Los Campesinos album isn’t up on Apple Music yet.
Can you guess which one I’m more bothered by?
Borys Kit and Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter:
The Russo Bros. are in early talks to return to Marvel Studios to direct not just one, but the next two Avengers movies, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.
The hiring ends a months-long, high stakes search by the studio for filmmakers to oversee the fifth and sixth Avengers movies. Multiple names were in contention, including Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy, who was offered the gig. Sources say the talks are in the early stages.
Thanos, Avengers: Endgame (2019):
You could not live with your own failure. Where did that bring you? Back to me.
With just a week until San Diego Comic Con 2024 kicks off, Deadpool and Wolverine hits theaters, and Marvel Studios begins its attempt in earnest to turn things around with fan sentiment after the spotty output since Avengers: Endgame, it’s no shock that word is officially getting out early about who Kevin Feige has appointed to turn this bus around.
Look, some of the issues are not of their own doing – Disney certainly didn’t expect that their next big villain would end up having such high profile issues with the law – but I do also wonder if this is a safe, “Lets Play The Hits” sort of move from the Mouse House.
Again, I really adored what the MCU was through Endgame, and since, there have been projects I liked, but on the whole, it’s felt shaggy and lifeless.
Maybe next Saturday, in Hall H, the comeback begins. Let’s hope.
DC Comics announced that they’re reuniting the Daredevil duo of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee for Batman and Robin: Year One. The preview art looks gorgeous.
Marvel Entertainment / YouTube:
Enter a brave new world.
Marvel Studios' #CaptainAmericaBraveNewWorld, only in theaters February 14, 2025.
A bit earlier than I expected, the first trailer for the 4th Captain America has hit the web. I expected it to be attached to, say Twisters or, of course, Deadpool & Wolverine, but instead, its on the web a smidge early.
Let’s ignore that the movie has a crazy budget, tons of reshoots, has had its release date moved multiple times (shout out COVID and two strikes), and got somewhat spoiled by a McDonald’s Happy Meal in May…this looks…or looked… promising.
Honestly, it’s until the end of the trailer that I was totally in. This felt like a gritty return to the comic-book-movie-as-political-thriller vibes which made Captain America: The Winter Soldier arguably the best MCU movie.
And then there’s the stinger at the end. With Red Hulk.
Marvel isn’t hiding Red Hulk by any means, see the attached poster image, but the usage of the character feels so out-of-left field in this trailer, I can only imagine how it feels in the movie proper.
With the movies since Avengers: Endgame being such a mixed bag, while watching this trailer, I was hyped to see a lower stakes, focused movie, less about “The Universe” and more a story which could stand alone.
Instead, here comes CG Punching.
As I’ve discussed recently with friends, the promise of the MCU as a long time comic book fan has become somewhat of a curse. They were giving me amazing, well told interpretations of characters and arcs I loved. And somehow, the entire world was loving it to. But now, like comic books themselves, even the best runs get snuffed out by crossovers and a need to have read it all.
Perhaps I will eat these words come February 2025, but right now, I’m already bothered by the lack of Marvel’s convictions when it comes to this story.
Absolutely loving this tour of Aaron Draplin’s Backyard Studio this morning. Though my tastes go towards the more minimal, I love how its designed and his thoughts on organization.
I can’t get enough of reading stories about Peanut Butter, the Video Game Speedrunning Dog.
WWE signing Holey Moley’s Joe Tessitore as a new play-by-play commentator WITHOUT also signing Rob Riggle for color is a damned shame.
I don’t think this would be relatable to too many people, but watching The Boy and the Heron last night, I was hit with a really strong sensory memory.
When Otakon was based in Baltimore, they’d use some of the bigger panel halls as “Video 1”, and it’s where they’d show movies, sometimes even on 35mm. Understandably, I’d go there a lot. I got to see Seven Samurai and My Neighbor Totoro this way.
You’d walk in to this cavernous room and wait for the movie to start. Sure, there maybe was a packed audience, but all was quiet. The only noise was the air conditioning kicking in. The lights were low, and the air was cold.
You’d come out 2 hours later, to a warm, loud convention hall, people laughing, people having a great time. It was such a juxtaposition, you truly felt like you came out from underground to a new world.
…I kinda miss that.
Clever move by LEGO, to announce their fantastic and detail-rich JAWS set on July 4th.
We need to talk about how absolutely unexpected in style this new Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) single is.
I know dude would name drop/sample indie-rock on his mixtapes, but, wow.
The archives of the MTV News website, which had remained accessible online after the unit was shut down last year by parent company Paramount Global, have now been completely taken offline. As Variety reported yesterday, both mtvnews.com and mtv.com/news now redirect visitors to the MTV website’s front page.
Truly sad, especially given that the upkeep of these archives must have been – at best – a rounding error for Viacom.
For Gen Z, Alpha, and those to come, it’s both going to be odd to explain that, “Yes, MTV once played music videos, and was not wall to wall Ridiculousness.”, but also: “When this intro played, you knew that shit was about to go down.”
Kurt Loder + Tabitha Soren forever.
Jason Zinoman, The New York Times:
Since leaving late-night television in 2021, Conan O’Brien, 61, has become more reflective about life (and death), given to philosophical flights of fancy that he compulsively alternates with comic tangents. O’Brien famously champions the intersection between smart and stupid, but in conversation, what stands out is how quickly he moves between light and heavy. In one of several interviews, I asked him if he was happier now than when he was on television and his response was to question happiness itself. “At best it’s a fleeting moment after a rainstorm when the sun’s coming out,” he said. “Being contented comes in little moments, here and there.”
The only thing trickier than being a late-night talk show host is being a former one. Some relapse (Jon Stewart). A few vanish (Johnny Carson, Craig Kilborn). Most enter a more modest era (David Letterman, Jay Leno). Since he started writing for “Saturday Night Live” in the 1980s, Conan O’Brien has built one of the most consequential careers in comedy. And while his late-night tenure is beloved by comedy nerds, helping define a sensibility for a generation of comedians like Bill Hader, Eric André and Nikki Glaser, his postshow work may turn out to be more impressive.
Besides being an influence to me and my sense of humor, especially for whatever comedy “career” I’ve built for myself, it’s funny how much I found myself relating to Conan and how his brain works – the light and the dark.
Heck of a read.
Thank you, Baltimore Banner, for shouting out Super Art Fight as one of the Things to Do this weekend!
Nintendo knows what works for it, and over the years it has stayed that course, at times to its own detriment. But when it works, it really works. The Switch has been a smash success, which has allowed Nintendo to stick to its guns even as it navigates an industry that’s doubling down on fewer, bigger games. It is notable that Nintendo hasn’t laid off hundreds or thousands of workers in the past couple years, nor has it jumped aboard the forever game bandwagon (unless Mario Kart 8 counts). I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the former is a result of labor law as much as it is anything else, but there’s also a hopeful truth at the core of Nintendo’s approach: If you create something good and dependable, people will appreciate it. You don’t have to trick or trap them to build a successful business.
I mean…this is why Nintendo is able to do what it does so well. They play the long game. Sure, they’ve had their bumps and bruises (Wii-U, Virtual Boy), but this article – along with the latest Nintendo Direct – illuminates why they’ve been able to cut out a market for themselves and ultimately side-step the console wars.
It’s funny, I can sit here right now in 2024 and say that I will for sure be picking up a Switch 2 (or whatever its called), but I am already skeptical – without a game or acknowledgement of it existing! – about what a PlayStation 6 will bring. That is the confidence Nintendo has built.
After this morning’s Nintendo Direct, I’ve got about 10 new games I want to pick up.
I’d already wanted to check out Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, but, I also find myself excited for…
For a system which just past its seventh birthday, that’s pretty amazing.
Tonight’s Phillies / Orioles game has been one of the most incredible live sports viewing experiences of my life.
I wish I could’ve been there live!
The new RJD2 album, Visions Out Of Limelight, is good working music, if you’re looking for some on this Friday.
The announcement of a Sheetz location coming to my neck of the woods has realized I haven’t poked this bear in a bit.
So, what are your rankings of convenience store / gas station food?
Mind, I’ve not had Buc-ees, but my picks are…
What say you? This, of course, is with the asterisk of Japanese Convenience Stores being far far better than anything US ones have produced.
Heck yes. LEGO has revealed a Transformers Bumblebee set which – like the Optimus Prime before him – can transform. 950 pieces, $90. Hits LEGO.com on July 1.
Sony Pictures has purchased Alamo Drafthouse. Wow. Gonna have to think on this one. May write more later.
For 10 years, The Sporkies have encouraged our State Fair vendors to create next-level foods… and drinks worthy of mouth-watering Instagram pics. The Drinkies, State Fair’s non-alcoholic beverage competition! This sip-tacular competition will refresh the drink options at the State Fair for all ages.
Once again, we have ourselves the annual listing / competition for the most bizarre, insane, intense and absolutely ridiculous fair food.
Among the, uh, highlights (?) this year…
You can view the full breakdown of entries for The Sporkies here.
What a world.
But I’d wager that if you wanted to see the most exciting drama happening at the MGM on this Friday night, you’d have to walk through the casino and look for the small sign advertising something called The Active Cell. This is the site of the play-in round for the Excel World Championship, and it starts in five minutes. There are 27 people here to take part in this event (28 registered, but one evidently chickened out before we started), which will send its top eight finishers to tomorrow night’s finals. There, one person will be crowned the Excel World Champion, which comes with a trophy and a championship belt and the ability to spend the next 12 months bragging about being officially the world’s best spreadsheeter. Eight people have already qualified for the finals; some of today’s 27 contestants lost in those qualifying rounds, others just showed up last-minute in hopes of a comeback.
I did not expect to be enthralled by a write up about a spreadsheet writing competition. Yet, here I am.
I very much recommend clicking through if just to see the awesome visual style that The Verge’s team applied to the article. Nice touch, and helps make the site feel like a magazine.
What a lame move from NBC. Live bands are an intrinsic part of the late night experience, as much as cue cards or monologues. This absolutely sucks.
HFStival, the long-dormant, yet supremely iconic Washington, DC-based alt-rock music festival, looks to be making a comeback in 2024.
Today, the social media accounts for both the 9:30 Club and Nationals Park in Washington, DC indicated the festival would return on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at Nationals Park.
The flashback vibes, they are strong.
For those not from the DMV region, WHFS was an incredibly important alternative rock station, who held an annual event, called the HFStival. Tens of thousands of teenagers/early 20’s folk would descend upon an area stadium, and enjoy the bands of the day. Famous alums include Rage Against the Machine, Eminem, Red Hot Chili Peppers, but also made sure to spotlight area bands.
In 2010 and 2011, these were run again as a nostalgia play, but today, we’re getting a possible return.
My hope is that it focuses on what alt is in 2024 – even with a throwback headliner or two – and maybe, just maybe, has a path to return of the station?
Wix, the platform known chiefly for its web design tools, is launching a generative AI feature that’ll let customers create and edit iOS or Android apps by describing what they want to see in plain English.
The capability, which is set to arrive in Wix’s app builder tool this week, guides users through a chatbot-like interface to understand the goals, intent and aesthetic of their app. With this info, Wix’s AI generates an app that can be customized from the app editor, and then optionally embellished with first- and third-party integrations, widgets and connectors.
F’s in the chat for the App Store Review team.
“Alien: Romulus” takes the phenomenally successful “Alien” franchise back to its roots: While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonizers come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe. The film stars Cailee Spaeny (“Civil War”), David Jonsson (“Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy”), Archie Renaux (“Shadow and Bone”), Isabela Merced (“The Last of Us”), Spike Fearn (“Aftersun”), Aileen Wu. Fede Alvarez (“Evil Dead,” “Don’t Breathe”) directs from a screenplay he wrote with frequent collaborator Rodo Sayagues (“Don’t Breathe 2”) based on characters created by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. “Alien: Romulus” is produced by Ridley Scott (“Napoleon”), who directed the original “Alien” and produced and directed the series’ entries “Prometheus” and “Alien: Covenant,” Michael Pruss (“Boston Strangler”), and Walter Hill (“Alien”), with Fede Alvarez, Elizabeth Cantillon (“Charlie’s Angels”), Brent O’Connor (“Bullet Train”), and Tom Moran (“Unstoppable”) serving as executive producers.
This looks big, and loud, and scary, and exciting, and dark, and gorgeous and basically everything-I-have-wanted-in-an-Alien-movie-for-years.
Hard to believe this was originally set for Hulu, right?
I will be there, August 16th.
Till death do they part. Tom Hardy returns in Venom: The Last Dance – coming exclusively to theaters this October.
In Venom: The Last Dance, Tom Hardy returns as Venom, one of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters, for the final film in the trilogy. Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance.
Venom: The Last Dance stars Tom Hardy, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans, Peggy Lu, Alanna Ubach and Stephen Graham. The film is directed by Kelly Marcel from a screenplay she wrote, based on a story by Hardy and Marcel. The film is produced by Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Amy Pascal, Kelly Marcel, Tom Hardy and Hutch Parker.
Looks absolutely ridiculous.
Dance sequences, giant CG monsters, and crucially, VENOM HORSE. Sign me up for the next version of whatever goofiness Tom Hardy has put together here.
Oh boy! I am definitely making time to listen to Blank Check with David and Griffin today. https://overcast.fm/+FnAgZfDLI
FINALLY Godzilla Minus One is up on VOD!
Seems to be rolling out on Netflix worldwide, as well (not yet in the States), so…WATCH THIS MOVIE. ITS SO GOOD.
Got into the beta for the new version of Reeder for iOS. Interesting idea, focusing on NOT being completionist with the feeds you follow, and acting as a hub for RSS, Podcasts, YouTube, etc.
Not sure if it would replace standard Reeder for me, and I’m also intrigued to see how Iconfactory approaches a similar idea with their Project Tapestry.
As a former marketing technology specialist, today’s massive Google leak is unreal. Whole orgs and careers had been built around the oblique nature of SEO, and having real answers is wild.
LEGO has announced their first official The Legend of Zelda set, for release this September. Features the Deku Tree and minifigures of three versions of Link, along with the Breath of the Wild Zelda. Looks great, but is a pricey $300.
I’ve got a new tech related pet peeve. TheTakeout.com was acquired by Looper.com. Looper updated The Takeout’s RSS feed to supply everything from The Takeout AND Looper. What a mess.
For my toy nerds: Is it just me, or is it kind of weird that Mattel never worked out licensing for a series of die-cast Mad Max vehicles? My desk longs for a War Rig.
It’s been WAY TOO LONG for the DoJ to finally move against Ticketmaster, but I’m glad something is finally being done.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga tonight. To say I am excited would be an understatement. Trying to remind myself that Mad Max: Fury Road was a once-in-a-lifetime film, and to not expect lightning striking twice.
"The Munsters, but grim." I have zero skin in the Munsters fandom game, but…when are we going to do more of the “[License] but uplifting” or “[License] but comedic.” reboots?
The world of video game journalism just got a lot smaller. I have to imagine IGN won’t be keeping these sites alive for too long.
Inaugural comic read on my new iPad: The first collection of the new Transformers series by Daniel Warren Johnson (Do A Powerbomb!)
The Stop Making Sense tribute album from A24, Everyone’s Getting Involved hit today. Not all of the covers work for me, but those that do – Paramore’s “Burning Down the House”, The Linda Linda’s “Found a Job” – absolutely make the project worthwhile.
#FastFoodArmsRace: I don’t know what the hell Grandma flavor is, and now you’re confused by it too. Way to go, McDonald’s!
A year ago, Google said that it believed AI was the future of search. That future is apparently here: Google is starting to roll out “AI Overviews,” previously known as the Search Generative Experience, or SGE, to users in the US and soon around the world. Pretty soon, billions of Google users will see an AI-generated summary at the top of many of their search results. And that’s only the beginning of how AI is changing search.
And from a few months back…
A few minutes ago, I opened the new Arc Search app and typed, “What happened in the Chiefs game?” That game, the AFC Championship, had just wrapped up. Normally, I’d Google it, click on a few links, and read about the game that way. But in Arc Search, I typed the query and tapped the “Browse for me” button instead.
Arc Search, the new iOS app from The Browser Company, which has been working on a browser called Arc for the last few years, went to work. It scoured the web — reading six pages, it told me, from Twitter to The Guardian to USA Today — and returned a bunch of information a few seconds later. I got the headline: Chiefs win. I got the final score, the key play, a “notable event” that also just said the Chiefs won, a note about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, a bunch of related links, and some more bullet points about the game.
I think I finally put a finger on what bothers me so much about the push for AI based searches.
It reduces the entire web to an answer. Yes, many times, we want to learn one detail, but by searching for it, we may learn additional data points, find the writing of a writer we admire, or end up down an entirely different rabbit hole, which leads to discoveries of its own.
Tools like Arc Search and where Google is heading (to where web searches are going to be a toggle) essentially boil down hundreds if not millions of results – and the effort behind those results – to a pithy blurb.
It’s very similar to how we’ve reduced movies and TV to content, and our attention spans from being able to watch full movies to barely making it through an entire TikTok.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a part of, responsible for, and facing those same struggles with my admiration of and attention to the work of others…but goddamnit, we’re more than a blurb. We’re more than an answer. We’re more than a tweet. We’re more than a Reel. More than a TikTok.
And its time we start showing the web that.
In continued Bands-Marty-Likes-Are-Dropping-New-Albums news - Nada Surf’s got Moon Mirror coming out on September 13 and And So I Watch You From Afar is back in August with Megafauna. A good year for music, indeed.
Los Campesinos! have announced their next album to release this July, All Hell. The first single, “Feast of Tongues” is up, and it’s definitely a progression from the sound of Sick Scenes.
I am very excited for this one.
Hard Drive, like it’s mother publication The Hard Times, always feels a bit like its narrowcasting right to me.
Today’s example: “Console Startup Sounds Ranked by How Well They Cure My Depression”
Seems I’ve been sleeping on the current Joshua Williamson / Jamal Campbell Superman run. Checked out Vol. 1 tonight, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Wow.
For those who know what this is, stop reading and enjoy! For those who don’t know what Famicase is, every year the indie Japanese games store Meteor holds an exhibition where artists from all over the world submit fake Famicom cartridges featuring game ideas that can be cool, interesting, funny, macabre, whatever! Maybe all of those things! Note that these games aren’t real, and you can’t play them; they’re just jokes/pitches/ideas.
There are actual cartridges hanging on the wall in the store if you’re lucky enough to be able to visit in person, but since most of us can’t, the best we can do is admire them from afar courtesy of Meteor’s online showcase. You can view them all there, and definitely should, but for now I’d also just like to highlight some of my favourites…
Truly, I always enjoy seeing these every year, and it’s because of Luke Plunkett that I’ve been reminded of them each time. Thanks for keeping the legacy alive, Luke!
How is there not a US version of this using NES cartridges?
Check out the full gallery here. I’ve attached my personal favorite: PermaChroma, by Joe Wright.
Trying to get tickets to (finally!) see The Go! Team live, when they tour the US in November. On sale is 10am. Wish me luck.
If it weren’t for the people involved, in 2024, these closures would almost feel routine. This is far from the end of Xbox, of course - in Los Angeles next month, it’ll hold yet another make-or-break press conference, that maps out yet another plan for rescuing a lost generation. But be it through exasperation or exhaustion - or the wider industry’s sheer, pent-up rage - this feels like something of a nadir. Xbox has spun its wheels for more than a decade, lurching from U-turn to U-turn, strategic reboot to strategic reboot, acquisition to acquisition, closure to closure. The good times have always felt just over the horizon. Project Scorpio will set the tone; Game Pass is the future; the Series X will have the games; Starfield will jump-start Game Pass now it’s stalled. The growing sentiment today is that they’ll probably never come.
The immediate response is, justifiably, anger. Closing studios always feels villainous, but closing award-winning ones, ones with eminent talent, creativity and expertise, feels genuinely absurd - just as it did with Take-Two and the wonderful people of Roll7 and Kerbal Space Program developer Squad, only last week. But with Microsoft and Xbox, the problem feels part of something bigger. Trace a line through the modern history of Xbox - from the end of the 360 era, through the lost years of the Xbox One, to the present day - and a scarlet thread becomes clear. This is a platform holder that has lost its purpose and direction, that fundamentally - and perhaps inevitably, given the sheer vastness of its parent company - misunderstands why it exists.
The video games journalism world is whirlwind dunking on Microsoft in a way I’ve not seen since…last weekend, when Kendrick absolutely wiped the floor with Drake.
Brutal headline, too.
Batman: Caped Crusader will finally be hitting Amazon on August 1st. EW’s got a First Look. I’m sure the internet will be normal about the changes to Harley Quinn.
A new trailer for A Quiet Place: Day One has been released. They better not harm that cat.
Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter:
Warner Bros. has made it official: It will be returning to Middle Earth.
On Warner Bros. Discovery’s first-quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, CEO David Zaslav said that the company is “now in the early stages of script development” for new Lord of the Rings movies, which he says they “anticipate releasing in 2026” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
Zaslav says that director Peter Jackson and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.”
Random news drop this morning, but its not one that should be super surprising, given that Zaslav has pushed so hard the use of WB’s existing franchises since he took over the head role there.
Thankfully, this doesn’t appear to be a remake of the trilogy, but something else in the Tolkien world. Knowing that Jackson and Boyens are involved is somewhat of a relief, but I don’t know what meat there is on the bone here.
For those who may be going, “2026? Without a script? That’s fast!” Sadly, this is the route of Hollywood now. Set the release date and work backwards. And it’s not like Peter Jackson is new to this, he infamously “winged it” during the production of the Hobbit trilogy.
Aside: Did you know there’s a CG Lord of the Rings movie that’s supposed to be hitting theaters this Holiday? Yeah. Really. For real.
EDIT: Update from Variety. Quoting a press release, the movie will be The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, and it will both star – and be directed by – Andy Serkis. Huh.
RIP Steve Albini. What an absolute legend.
Many consumers are thinking carefully about how they spend every dollar, with some cutting back on visits to quick-service restaurants, as executives told investors on a series of earnings calls last week. To win penny-pinching customers back, some say they’re planning smaller price increases for the rest of the year.
Several fast-food chains described a gloomy outlook. The chief financial officer of Wendy’s, Gunther Plosch, told investors on Thursday that consumers were “still under pressure” — especially those with household incomes under $75,000. “They are reducing frequency, so visitation is down,” he said.
Chains raised prices drastically during the pandemic to offset rising labor and food costs, and it’s coming back to bite them. Some diners are cutting back, saying fast food is too expensive and no longer represents good value.
OK, so…the headline of this article is…
Fast-food chains are getting the message about soaring prices
And one of the first statements is…
To win penny-pinching customers back, some say they’re planning smaller price increases for the rest of the year.
So your plan to win back customers who dislike how high prices have become is to…
…continue to raise prices.
More slowly, but still. Raise.
Are we all that dumb? Number cannot forever go up. Number can drop. Number can stay maybe. But Number does not always go up.
Lower your prices, provide a better experience for employees and customers alike, and people will flock to your restaurants.
“Oh, our profits aren’t high enough!”, you’ll cry. But profits you’ll still have. And in this economy, that is your win.
I swear I’m going to avoid being super political, as we’ve got a long road to November but…
…our third best option is someone who had PART OF THEIR BRAIN EATEN?!!
Had a change of heart! Originally had an 11-inch iPad Pro and new Pencil ordered as of last night. Thought more about it…for what I use my iPad for, the new Air really is a leg up and more accurate to my use. So…cancelled and ordered the Air! Feeling pretty good about this.
Today has been new iPad announcement day, and while you’ll find much better recaps + details elsewhere, I’ll just say for me…
Now to get a trade-in estimate.
Ugh, more video game industry cuts, this time at Microsoft. I get – due to the failures of Redfall – Arkane, but Tango Gameworks?! Hi-Fi Rush was one of the most unique games in years, and a hell of a time to play. This sucks.
Nintendo has finally officially confirmed what anyone with a pulse knew: the successor to the Switch will be announced within the next year.
Get ready. Superman 7.11.25 @dcofficial … The above photo was taken on set by Jess Miglio and was entirely in-camera.
Here we go, folks. After what feels like ages of hype and excitement, the first fruit of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Comics movie universe has been revealed, as we get a look at David Corenswet (The Politician) as Kal-El/Clark/Superman.
I’ve attached the image to this post, and I have to say: I really like the vibe here.
After what feels like ages of Hollywood looking at Superman and having only the creatively bankrupt idea of “What If Superman was…evil?!” as if it were a new, original thought, to see a more…mundane version of Superman is kind of wild.
You can practically hear the sigh, as he remembers that his job isn’t done, he’s gotta go back to work, pull on the boots, and face down evil and terror once again.
It’s humanizing, something that is so easily forgotten about who Superman is as a character.
Given that James Gunn made a world care about a talking raccoon and a tree, I feel like that his version of the Last Son of Krypton will speak to us all. Finally.
Superman hits theaters on July 11, 2025.
If the new Justice album was out in the late 90’s, you KNOW every PS1 racing game would license a song from it.
To celebrate today’s unofficial “holiday”, Lucasfilm has released a new trailer for The Acolyte, which premieres in June. It looks good as hell, and thankfully: different.
Fun new Apple ad in time for tomorrow’s Star Wars Day.
Sure, it’s an ad for their Find My feature (with the precision locating found only on iPhone 15), but I thought it did a good job of capturing the mundane process of finding your pals at a convention.
My iTunes copy of Ocean’s Eleven got upgraded to 4K, so I’ve got that on in the background while I work from home. I could – and have – watched this movie a million times over.
Oh boy! Ted Leo has chosen this Bandcamp Friday to release the demos for his 2003 classic, Shake the Sheets.
io9 is honored to exclusively debut a brand new poster for Godzilla Minus One by Phantom City Creative. Released by Bottleneck Gallery and Ish, it’ll go on sale Friday, May 3 at noon ET at this site. Capturing Godzilla in a cloud of fire, the poster comes in three different editions, all 24 x 36 inch screenprints.
Godzilla Minus One was one of my favorites of 2023, and this poster is absolutely stunning. I’ve featured the black-and-white variant in my post here, and if you want to see all three versions, head to the source link above.
Should you be interested, hit this link on Friday, May 3, 2024 at Noon Eastern.
Remember how in February publisher Take-Two–who, thanks to Grand Theft Auto, have more money than you or I could ever conceive–had no current layoff plans, then two months later went out and laid off 600 people? We’ve learned today via Bloomberg that among those 600 people are everyone at two of the company’s studios: Intercept Games (Kerbal Space Program 2) and Roll7, which are both being closed.
While it’s still unclear what the future will hold for Kerbal Space Program 2–a game that hasn’t had the best time since launching last year, but will apparently still be receiving “updates”–I had a particular fondness for Roll7, a studio that was only bought by Take-Two in 2021! It had been around in some form since 2008, and in that time had developed a ton of very cool video games, from the side-scrolling skateboarding series OlliOlli to rollerskate murder simulator Rollerdrome to the much-expanded OlliOlli World.
This absolutely sucks. The OlliOlli games – along with Rollerdrome – are some of the most fun, polished, unique and engaging experiences I’ve had in gaming over the last few years, and now, because they were acquired just 3 years ago, and Number Must Go Up, this talent team is being gutted, drawn and quartered.
Going beyond official recognition, I also honestly believe the OlliOlli titles are some of the best skateboarding games ever made, and that the studio should be applauded for the work they put into making their games look amazing as well; Roll7 games had such a unique and vibrant style that in a previous life I wrote art features on both OlliOlli World and Rollerdrome in the same year.
But now two entire studios are toast, all because a company with revenue in the billions woke up one day and decided it didn’t need to keep them around anymore. And why would they, when all they really care about is shaking people down for spare change every second minute they’re playing Grand Theft Auto Online or NBA 2K.
And that’s the point. What’s the line in Mad Max: Fury Road? “Do not, my friends become addicted to water, it will take hold of you and you will resent its absence.”
These super studios are so massive, and so dependent upon the recurring DLC revenue of live service games and its ilk, that they’re cutting themselves down to just those sorts of titles. Much like the drum I keep beating about movies, we’re fast approaching in gaming the place that the movie industry has arrived in: you get two games now – the massive AAA blockbusters like Grand Theft Auto VI or Assassin’s Creed: This Years Location and Era or the stunning, quirky indie successes, like Vampire Survivors or Balatro.
The last two weeks, I’ve found myself immersed in the gaming of the 90’s and 00’s, thanks to Delta on my phone and the Miyoo Mini+ I just got in the mail. You know what’s great about those games? They’re simple. The gameplay is the focus. You don’t need to buy DLC. The experience is contained.
I may be Old Man Yelling At Cloud here, but game studios – seriously – lower the production values, up the actual value for the customer. There’s a reason why so many years on, the Nintendo Switch was outselling the new gen systems.
In the meantime: I hope the Roll7 team lands as well as they can, and should they decide to re-form and start a Kickstarter for their next project, I’m there Day One.
I have to say, I’m really happy with the state of my website. It’s lightweight, contains all of my posts (longer and shorter), and cross-posts where I want it to cross-post to.
Owning your own part of the web really is key, gang.
I did not realize that Godspeed You! Black Emperor had been playing new songs on their current tour. There’s a playlist on YouTube with really great bootlegs of all three of them. New album soon, I hope.
The new owners of The Onion are being hilariously aggressive and I love it. (And it’s the entire homepage right now.)
If you’ve got $1200 and a crippling toy robot addiction, the new Self-Transforming Megatron is for you!
While I’m sure most will be drooling at the Artemis Space Launch System set from today’s LEGO announcements, I’m most intrigued and enthused about the Milky Way art set. SO cool.
Great Polygon interview with writer Ram V regarding his current Dark Horse series, Dawnrunner. I read issue one and adored it – a great concept met with incredible art from Evan Cagle - and I cannot wait for the trade!
“Uh, sir, you might get people turning against you for the TikTok ban.” “Time to fuck with the airlines.”
I swear, I’m not trying to be Old Man Who Yells At Cloud, but this whole TikTok thing just underlines that if you are running a business online, you need a direct voice to your customers which you own. Mailing list, your own site, all of it.
Edward Zitron, Where’s Your Ed At?:
This is the story of how Google Search died, and the people responsible for killing it.
The story begins on February 5th 2019, when Ben Gomes, Google’s head of search, had a problem. Jerry Dischler, then the VP and General Manager of Ads at Google, and Shiv Venkataraman, then the VP of Engineering, Search and Ads on Google properties, had called a “code yellow” for search revenue due to, and I quote, “steady weakness in the daily numbers” and a likeliness that it would end the quarter significantly behind.
A blistering read from Ed Zitron breaking down the managerial changes and overall focus on profits before people which has – perhaps irreparably – ruined Google search.
I feel like the term “enshittification” has become an overused shorthand for “thing I don’t like”, but this is the term at its purist. A focus on Fuck Yours, Got Mine on a massive level, which trickles down across the web as a whole.
A reckoning is coming, of this, I am sure.
I’ve discovered World Chase Tag, and I’m sorry, I think I’m going to make this my personality moving forward.
The announcement graphic for next month’s Apple (presumed) iPad Event is really well done. Kudos to the illustrator.
For years, people who have found Google search frustrating have been adding “Reddit” to the end of their search queries. This practice is so common that Google even acknowledged the phenomenon in a post announcing that it will be scraping Reddit posts to train its AI. And so, naturally, there are now services that will poison Reddit threads with AI-generated posts designed to promote products.
A service called ReplyGuy advertises itself as “the AI that plugs your product on Reddit” and which automatically “mentions your product in conversations naturally.” Examples on the site show two different Redditors being controlled by AI posting plugs for a text-to-voice product called “AnySpeech” and a bot writing a long comment about a debt consolidation program called Debt Freedom Now.
This here is why we cannot have nice things.
That said: the name of the tool being “Reply Guy”? Honestly, no notes. What a perfect assessment of this internet ruining tool.
Anyone else really love the recent “Add-to-Dock” functionality for making websites sandboxed “apps”? They’re great for streaming services.
Watch the new trailer for Marvel Studios’ #DeadpoolAndWolverine. Only in theaters July 26.
The “For You” section of Threads is the most baiting, triggering horseshit. So glad I can just follow those I care about over there through Mastodon.
…provided that they’ve turned on federation…
They say kill the part of you which is cringe, and to just be you, right?
Here goes: The first two Coldplay albums are good and might be what Radiohead would’ve been if they were more commercial.
I align with Elizabeth Warren on many things, but she is way too far out of her element when it comes to discussing Apple / iMessage. We really need more of the tech generation in office.
The best art inspires more incredible art and Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films have certainly done that. In addition to the artistry in the films themselves, graphic designers from all over the world have been moved to create gorgeous Dune posters—and the latest may be the most unique, and quite possibly the best, one yet.
Korean American artist Deb JJ Lee has created just a sumptuous, stunning poster for Dune: Part One, which is being released Friday April 19 by the team at Mutant. It’s their first collaboration together and, after seeing this full image, you have to imagine it won’t be their last. io9 is honored to exclusively debut your first look at Deb JJ Lee’s Dune: Part One from Mutant.
Goddamn, what a print. You can click through the source link to view the variant.
It’s been a while since I’ve had a print I was enthused about, and having the ex-Mondo crew deliver here shines all the stronger for it.
Granted, I don’t have the wall space, but I have the enthusiasm.
If you have the wall space, along with the cash ($75 for the standard, $100 for the variant), head to MadeByMutant.com tomorrow, April 19, 2024 at 1pm Eastern to pick one up. And I’ll be keeping an eye on Deb JJ Lee moving forward.
Paramount Pictures on YouTube:
Every Transformer has an origin. Watch the new trailer for #TransformersOne - only in theatres September 20.
TRANSFORMERS ONE is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. In the first-ever fully CG-animated Transformers movie, TRANSFORMERS ONE features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi with Laurence Fishburne and Jon Hamm.
I’m not sure what I expected from a CG animated Transformers movie, but I definitely don’t think it was this.
It might just work? Either way, I’ve landed on intrigued. Of note, it’s the director of Toy Story 4 behind this, so the pedigree is strong.
Inspired by the unbelievable true story, a strait-laced professor (Glen Powell) uncovers his hidden talent as a fake hit man in undercover police stings. He meets his match in a client (Adria Arjona) who steals his heart and ignites a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities.
From Academy Award-nominated writer/director Richard Linklater and co-written by Glen Powell, HIT MAN comes to select theaters in May and only on Netflix June 7.
Oh boy, this looks like a great time.
Get ready for maximum Glen Powell this Summer, by the way, with this and Twisters hitting over the warm months.
iOS folks – the Delta emulator is FINALLY available on the App Store. I cannot wait to dig into this when I get home.
Edit: More of a write up on it is available now at The Verge.
This, I think, is what’s actually pissing the AI people off about Brownlee’s Humane review. He is clear that he has no fealty to them or their stock prices (“I literally don’t care what the stock price is of any company, of any product I review,” he says.) He even says in his video that “my reviews are technically not for” these products’ makers, which must be infuriating to our new Gilded Age robber barons who need constant reassurances of their genius. Because Brownlee isn’t in the business of promoting them or even talking to them, he’s not required to tout AI’s potential.
If you’ve missed The Discourse™ about MKBHD’s review of the Humane AI pin, Congrats! You’re not Extremely Online. But for those who do have a stake in the conversation, I think MacLeod’s piece I’ve linked above does a great job of summarizing both the situation and my personal beliefs on it.
I’ve expressed privately my confusion of the number of companies which grew to massive size not on the work they’ve delivered or the contributions they have made to our day-to-day lives, but more on the potential of doing so.
These reviews – and more specifically, the pearl-clutching of those who are insulted by reviewers, well, reviewing work – are the beginning (in my opinion) of a much needed reckoning.
Potential means nothing. Actions and reality are everything. I’m sorry that it took interest rates changing for a slue of folks to realize this, but you’re only worth what you actually do.
Read the reviews for Guy Richie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, and there are a lot of comparisons to his The Man from UNCLE remake, which pretty much means: I’m gonna love it.
Not that I disliked my prior car (Toyota CH-R), but I actively get excited about driving my new car. Dang hybrid has some zip in it!
Follow up to my post about how Disney+ should have “channels”…per a paywalled post at The Information, they’re in progress and should launch soon. You’re welcome, Bob.
As I read posts about the increasing costs of game development, and that being used as justification for DLC, predatory pay-to-win models, etc.
What about making cheaper, less bleeding-edge games? I’d be fine with a 1080p game that’s super fun to play versus a 4K title with all the monetization.
Got a new car today. It has Wireless CarPlay. As a long time tech nerd, I can say wholeheartedly: it’s dark magic and I know not the horrors which allow it to work.
Now that Hulu and Disney+ are integrated, there’s even less excuse for them to not have a series of live channels a’la PlutoTV or Peacock.
24/7 Marvel, 24/7 Star Wars, 24/7 Classics, or a channel that is just The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, King of the Hill, etc.
The Fallout TV series has been out for just under 12 hours. It takes roughly 8 hours to watch. The “Fallout Ending Explained!” stories are already published. What are we even doing here?
That raises the second question: should you buy this thing? That one’s easy. Nope. Nuh-uh. No way. The AI Pin is an interesting idea that is so thoroughly unfinished and so totally broken in so many unacceptable ways that I can’t think of anyone to whom I’d recommend spending the $699 for the device and the $24 monthly subscription.
David Pierce absolutely whirlwind dunking on the Humane AI Pin in his review this morning. Goddamn!
Cherlynn Low at Engadget did not care for it either.
If the headline of “The Humane AI Pin is the solution to none of technology’s problems” wasn’t clear enough, here’s a pretty damning pull quote:
Not only is the Humane AI Pin slow, finicky and barely even smart, using it made me look pretty dumb. In a few days of testing, I went from being excited to show it off to my friends to not having any reason to wear it.
I had a feeling that the Pin was a solution looking for a problem, but I didn’t realize it’d be this downright useless or bad. Not the best first step for the Humane team.
The first Joker movie was a cynical, joyless movie, devoid of any interest or care in the character, slapping a license upon a barely related film. The trailer for the sequel looks just as head scratching. Good luck with that one, gang.
Join Seth Meyers as he sits down with fellow SNL alum and comedy-music sensations The Lonely Island (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone) to discuss their wildly popular and groundbreaking series of SNL Digital Shorts that aired on Saturday Night Live beginning in 2005. Episode by episode they’ll discuss how each short was created, what the response to it was at the time, and what impact, if any, it still has today. Aided by Seth, the guys will relive their time at SNL and reminisce on the nearly 50-year-old show from a time when putting short comedy sketches on the internet was so novel that they maybe even helped launch YouTube to do it. Along the way they’ll talk all things SNL from guests, fellow cast members, and favorite live sketches including many that never aired.
The Lonely Island has had a near direct line to my funnybone since I first became aware of them and their work in 2005.
In fact, the free giveaway of “Lazy Sunday” was my first iTunes video “purchase”.
Since then, they’ve released three albums, over a hundred shorts, and produced two of my favorite comedies of all time, in Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping and Hot Rod.
Suffice to say, the moment I heard that Andy, Jorma and Akiva were going to be doing a watchalong/look back podcast with Seth Meyers, I was in.
The first episode hit on Monday, and is more about their road to Saturday Night Live and their struggles in getting on air. The Lonely Island gang are great storytellers, and their friendship comes through (though I believe its all recorded remotely). Seth acts as the perfect host, and if you are at all a fan of how comedy is made or the behind the scenes of SNL, I cannot recommend this enough.
If you’re not aware of The Lonely Island for whatever reason, get on watching Popstar. Immediately.
Uniqlo’s latest video game collaboration may be its best yet. It teamed up with Nintendo on six T-shirts inspired by The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and they’re coming to stores in late April. Each $24.90 T-shirt features iconography and characters from Tears of the Kingdom.
As usual, Uniqlo has put together a pretty sweet series of tees for a licensed property.
I think the pocket tees with the Korok’s peeking out is the most clever of the set.
I’m not sure whether to be mad at – or proud of – the Noodles & Co. marketing exec who came up with this slogan.
I didn’t expect The Ringer to be the site to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Monument Valley, yet, here we are.
Instagram’s co-founders built a powerful and useful tool for recommending news to readers — but could never quite get it to scale. Yahoo has hundreds of millions of readers — but could use a dose of tech-forward cool to separate it from all the internet’s other news aggregators. And so, the two sides are joining forces: Yahoo is acquiring Artifact, the companies announced on Tuesday.
The few times I gave Artifact a spin, I did think it was a compelling way to have news articles raised up and aggregated to your personal taste. At the same time, the weird social features seemed to get absolutely drowned by people trying to push their app/crypto/etc.
Keep the algorithmic news, drop the tech bros holding court like this is LinkedIn, and I think Yahoo! may actually have something compelling in their portfolio that isn’t Fantasy Sports related.
Driving home from another great Super Art Fight event, I had my Apple Music library on shuffle.
Not sure if that’s just a me thing to do, or others handle their music libraries the same way, but that’s not the point.
The song “War on Torpour” from the amazing Canadian post-rock band Do Make Say Think came on, off their 2017 release Stubborn Persistent Illusions.
It’s a hell of a song, and a great kick off to an album. After a slow, yet intense build, the song goes in all sorts of directions.
Here, give it a listen.
Pretty rad, right? Comes in with a lot of energy and a feeling of catharsis, not to mention the drumming is out of this world.
Thing is, for years and years, I just knew that song and its driivng force. Honestly, that’s really what I knew of Do Make Say Think’s music - the sound, the noise, the feeling.
During COVID, I looked up a live performance of the band – and not only is there a killer rendition on YouTube, via House of Strumbo, but I was hit upon not just delight at how well they performed the song, but a reminder that I was seeing – finally – how that incredible noise was made. You can forget that these songs are the efforts of individuals, making noise, together.
That should be timed to the song’s appearance in the video. If not, it’s at 24:45.
It was a crash course for me in not just respecting their efforts, but seeing the craft which spawned it. The magic trick, explained, even if I couldn’t believe it, as my ears and eyes couldn’t jive their perceptions of the work.
I don’t want to sound like an Old Man Yelling at a Cloud here, but I think we forget the art we digest is through the skill and effort of the artesian. They made the magic. Their dedication gave us something to appreciate and love.
And that hung with me on this drive home, how lucky we are to just be able to digest the art of so many, so easily, in a way more accessible than ever before. It’s a lucky time.
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and other unions representing film and TV writers and journalists sent a letter to Congress Thursday urging protections for their industries in any legislation regarding Artificial Intelligence.
Addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the letter was co-signed by the NewsGuild-CWA, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), Writers Guild of America West (WGAW), and National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET-CWA).
“So far this year, our members have witnessed the impact of unregulated AI on their jobs,” the letter, obtained by Variety, states. “Major news media companies, including Gannett and G/O Media sites, deployed AI articles with fake bylines to replace the work of hardworking local and digital journalists and writers. Film and television writers won critical protections in their collective bargaining agreement, but their work continues to be used by AI developers without their consent.”
This is going to be the first of many instances of different worker organizations speaking up and speaking out to their government about further regulating AI.
My galaxy brained take? The AI revolution will lead to greater adoption of unions and collective bargaining. And I couldn’t be more for that.
Michigan, 1963. Kellogg’s and Post, sworn cereal rivals, race to create a pastry that will change the face of breakfast. A tale of ambition, betrayal, sugar, and menacing milkmen, Unfrosted stars Jerry Seinfeld in his directorial debut.
Unfrosted is coming to Netflix on May 3.
Following in the footsteps of other Movies About How This Thing Was Made, like The Social Network, BlackBerry, Air, Tetris, The Founder and many, many others, Jerry Seinfeld (of all people) directs the story of the humble Pop-Tart in Unfrosted.
Personally, I thought Jerry was more of a cereal guy, but I suppose I was wrong.
Strong cast, with people like Melissa McCarthy, Bill Burr and Hugh Grant, so maybe this won’t be too bad? Or maybe it’ll just slide off the public consciousness like most Netflix movies.
Do you think we get a S’mores Pop-Tarts post credits scene?
That’s a good one. Ha ha. Go ahead and type your email address in the box. Please.
Look, just write it. Hit the enter key. Now give me your password. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.
What, you want me to level with you? You want to know how real this gets?
If I let any more non-subscribers in, they’re gonna kill me. They’re gonna kill my family. Bam. Done.
That’s right, just type the password in the box. Nice and easy.
That wasn’t so bad, was it?
A gloriously grim first person article from everyone’s favorite paywall, The New York Times. Absolutely nails it.
Granted, it must be effective, as I now pay for two newspaper subscriptions, not also including Apple News+.
The New York Times (Paywall):
The concept of the A.I. software is so novel and quirky that when we — Brian X. Chen, a tech columnist who reviewed the Ray-Bans last year, and Mike Isaac, who covers Meta and wears the smart glasses to produce a cooking show — heard about it, we were dying to try it. Meta gave us early access to the update, and we took the technology for a spin over the last few weeks.
The artificial intelligence technology in Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses uses cameras and image recognition to give the wearer information about what he or she is looking at. We wore the glasses to the zoo, grocery stores and a museum while grilling the A.I. with questions and requests.
The upshot: We were simultaneously entertained by the virtual assistant’s goof-ups — for example, mistaking a monkey for a giraffe — and impressed when it carried out useful tasks like determining that a pack of cookies was gluten-free.
Is this impressive tech? Absolutely. Do I see a use for it in my day to day life? Absolutely not.
I feel awkward enough asking Siri for anything, and I’ve been using her since my iPhone 4S way back in 2011.
Maybe the more digital native generations will glom onto this, and maybe future updates will make the process less awkward, but the more I see breakdowns like these, I see solutions looking for problems, rather than the other way around.
If this sort of thing is your jam, though? It’s some of the best integrated A.I. tech I’ve seen so far.
7-Eleven has unveiled a bold addition to its beverage lineup with the introduction of Big Bite Hot Dog Sparkling Water, developed in partnership with Miracle Seltzer. This unique offering joins the array of 7-Select sparkling waters, presenting fans with a range of innovative flavors.
In collaboration with Miracle Seltzer, 7-Eleven has curated a selection of sparkling waters featuring intriguing flavors such as Lemon Lime, Green Apple, Sweet Orange, and the unconventional Hot Dog, inspired by one of 7-Eleven’s signature snacks, the Big Bite Hot Dog.
…wait, what the hell?
The Big Bite Hot Dog Sparkling Water promises to encapsulate the essence of the iconic 7-Eleven hot dog experience, complete with the flavors of ketchup and mustard. This innovative beverage aims to transform the traditional pairing of hot dogs and sodas, allowing consumers to enjoy the essence of their favorite snack in a refreshing bubbly form.
That’s it. Wrap up the run of the human race. We’re done here.
While details regarding the availability of the Big Bite Hot Dog Sparkling Water will be disclosed on April 1, the rest of the 7-Select x Miracle Seltzer range, including Lemon Lime, Green Apple, and Sweet Orange flavors, can already be found at select 7-Eleven stores.
OH! It’s a gag. Thank God.
Running a test.
Feels a little odd to post my normal level of wacky bullshit today, all things considered. Back doing my thing tomorrow.
Maybe you’ve heard of the Waffle House Index, as a sign of severity of storm damage. But have you heard of The Pizza Meter, as a sign of impending war?
Unlike me, MacStories' John Voorhees actually understands the law, and has put together a great explainer of the DOJ vs. Apple case.
NPR:
The world of influencing is pretty simple.
Companies from the likes of Airbnb to Amazon to Louis Vuitton pay people with a lot of followers on social media to promote their products. These creators then make content, typically videos, where they recommend the products and services, often adding a discount code their followers can use to sweeten the deal.
…
It has evolved over time and can now include things like the “come shopping with me” trend that emulates the feeling of casually shopping with a friend. The influencers film themselves walking around stores and filling their carts with clothing, makeup, cute little bowls for your ramen noodles and, of course, Stanley cups.
…
De-influencing encourages people to buy less stuff and instead use what they already have.
I did not expect to share two articles related to sustainability today, but here we are.
In what I’d chalk up as another moment in the win column for Gen-Z, The Kids® are pushing up against the last few years of influencer culture, and saying, “Hey, wait, why do we need all of this crap?”
As someone who has been looking around his house and considered purging quite a bit, it’s a concept that I can absolutely agree with. Ironic, given how much of my last day job involved influencers.
I think the next generation is putting a strong focus on being genuine, real, and considerate, and rejection of capitalistic norms like these is just another example of it.
Now, how much this eventually effects our economy and relationship with countries that produce all of this junk…that’s for someone much smarter than me to consider. In the meantime: I breathe a sigh of relief that some people are still considering more than themselves.
Apple (apparently) finally allowing for greater homescreen customization for iOS 18 sounds pretty cool. Now, can I have the option to revert back to the old, non-interactive Reminders widget?
I cannot say that I expected Spotify to become an e-learning hub.
Let’s say you’re a sustainable healthcare company selling over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in compostable and refillable packaging. Pain relief, allergy, cold and flu—all the good stuff that prompts many late-night Walgreens runs. You offer consumers a bottle—a beautiful, frosted glass bottle that looks great in a medicine cabinet—they can fill for the rest of their lives.
Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right? You can high-five yourself because you’ll never buy Tylenol again. That’s just another plastic bottle that would likely end up in a landfill.
But you’re also a young brand with maybe just a few years under your belt. And now, lo and behold, Target comes calling. They want to stock your products because they believe in your core mission of sustainability. Swell, huh? But now you not only have to stand out on the shelf, you need to explain to shoppers—who have no clue who you are—what your brand is and how it actually works.
Very cool write up from The Dieline, not just showcasing some very cool, very effective packaging design for the sustainable medicine brand Cabinet, but also digging into the tough parts of selling to customers the “buy the package once, then refills only after” ethos.
This made me excited to buy aspirin, y’all.
I’m bummed that it’s taken this long, but I’m glad to see the FTC do something about the crazy increases in grocery prices, while those orgs take in massive profits.
I’d prefer that it weren’t, you know, clear, but this featherless down jacket design is wild.
The upcoming season of “Doctor Who” follows the Doctor and his companion Ruby Sunday as they travel across time and space, with adventures all the way from the Regency era in England, to war-torn future worlds. Throughout their adventures in the TARDIS – a time-traveling ship shaped like a police box – they encounter incredible friends and dangerous foes, including a terrifying bogeyman, and the Doctor’s most powerful enemy yet.
A new era, a new Doctor, an influx of cash money from the mouse, this should make for a great time.
I really enjoyed the anniversary specials over the holidays, including the debut of Ncuti Gatwa, who was a lot of fun in the role, so I look forward to the release!
For the first time, it’s a world-wide debut, with episodes hitting Disney+ around the world starting on Friday, May 10th, 2024 at 7pm Eastern. That’s midnight, UK time.
Larian will NOT be making a Baldur’s Gate 4, it seems. I just heard so many of my friends groan at this news.
Bloomberg is reporting that OpenAI is meeting with Hollywood execs, studios and more to encourage filmmakers to use their Sora AI generated video tool. I do not care for this.
The internet was ablaze yesterday, as the United States Department of Justice officially did as rumored and decided, well, they were gonna sue Apple!
As The New York Times (paywalled) put it…
The federal government’s aggressive crackdown on Big Tech expanded on Thursday to include an antitrust lawsuit by the Justice Department against Apple, one of the world’s best-known and most valuable companies.
The department joined 16 states and the District of Columbia to file a significant challenge to the reach and influence of Apple, arguing in an 88-page lawsuit that the company had violated antitrust laws with practices that were intended to keep customers reliant on their iPhones and less likely to switch to a competing device. The tech giant prevented other companies from offering applications that compete with Apple products like its digital wallet, which could diminish the value of the iPhone, and hurts consumers and smaller companies that compete with it, the government said.
Sixteen states! Eighty eight pages! This is a Big Boy Document! They are serious about this one.
Let’s dig more into those accusations, shall we?
By tightly controlling the user experience on iPhones and other devices, Apple has created what critics call an uneven playing field, where it grants its own products and services access to core features that it denies rivals. Over the years, it has limited finance companies’ access to the phone’s payment chip and Bluetooth trackers from tapping into its location-service feature. It’s also easier for users to connect Apple products, like smartwatches and laptops, to the iPhone than to those made by other manufacturers.
This is the point and purpose of having a technology stack. Integrated systems which work together. Guess what? If you want to use a Fitbit (Google product) with an iPhone, you can. If you want to connect your iPhone to a Windows machine? You can.
You can do those things. But it’s better, easier, and works more cohesively via Apple products. Because Apple can account for all of their hardware and its quirks. This is no different – in my opinion – than JoyCons working more accurately on a Nintendo Switch than on an iPad. You sure can connect JoyCons to an iPad, but they sure as hell don’t work as well.
The lawsuit asks the court to stop Apple from engaging in current practices, including blocking cloud-streaming apps, undermining messaging across smartphone operating systems and preventing the creation of digital wallet alternatives.
Blocking cloud-streaming apps? OK, yeah, you’ve got a point. I think that’s a great idea to open that realm up. That’s what the EU has done with their DMA (Digital Markets Act), and Apple responded with their latest iOS update to account for it. The response to Apple’s response has been mixed, but there’s precedent. Go for it, DoJ!
Undermining messaging across smartphone operating systems? Uh…the only thing they have is iMessage, which allows Apple based users to use their version of a more secure enclave for messaging, a’la a Signal. If an Android user – who does not have iMessage – sends a standard SMS text to an Apple user, guess what? Apple users get that SMS. Yes! There is that green bubble versus the blue bubble thing – but that is almost exclusively a US based issue. Internationally, most people use WhatsApp…which doesn’t support SMS.
At best, maybe Apple should develop an iMessage app for Android or Windows. But I’ll be honest, I don’t see the point. And I know, you might argue “WHAT ABOUT RCS?” Apple’s on it. Sure, they got strong armed into it, but it’s happening.
Preventing the creation of digital wallet alternatives? I don’t even know what we’re fighting about here. The crummy US banking system already has tools like Zelle for you to send money. Perhaps I’m out of my realm here, but I definitely know that I’m not inclined to use a third-party payment tool.
And this is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ve got the government taking credit for Apple’s success by way of the 90’s antitrust case against Microsoft, you’ve got the weird breakdown of calling Apple the primary vendor of “performance smartphones”, which isn’t a thing, but if it were, you could go after Ferrari or Bugatti for being successful there, it just goes on and on for 88 pages of nonsense. Minus that one decent argument about app installations / the App Store.
Let’s wrap this up, with the last bit from the New York Times story:
“Competition makes devices more private and more secure,” said Jonathan Kanter, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s antitrust division. “In many instances, Apple’s conduct has made its ecosystem less private and less secure.”
What better way to make things more private and more secure than opening it up to anyone and everyone, and not locking the doors behind them. Do they hear themselves?
Up next: Merrick Garland finds out his newly bought PlayStation 5 copy of Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth won’t play on his Nintendo Switch, so he sues Sony.
The next chapter in @TheBatman saga from Matt Reeves. Academy Award Nominee Colin Farrell is #ThePenguin in the new Max Original Series coming this fall to Max.
It’s been a bumpy two years since the release of The Batman, with writers strikes, actors strikes, and more, but the spin-off series The Penguin is finally on its way.
With the above teaser, we now know that the series will hit Max this Fall, and yes, Colin Farrell remains unrecognizable under all that makeup.
It looks like a no-nonsense crime drama, and I cannot wait to return to the orange hued version of Matt Reeves' The Batman universe.
Here’s a fun blast from the past: Steve Jobs promoting a PlayStation emulator for use on iMac. I had no idea this had happened.
Wild to think it’s been 10 years since Wye Oak released Shriek. They put out a special 10th Anniversary edition today, and it’s worth checking out for the crazy orchestral versions tacked onto the end. I recommend comparing both versions of “The Tower”.
I’ve been absolutely obsessed with Balatro since I picked it up a few weekends ago. This TouchArcade interview with its single(!) dev is a nice read if you’ve been obsessed too.
It was a fraught process, filled with some serious hold your breath moments…but! I think I’ve condensed everything to Micro.blog as a host, and blast-o-rama.com as the URL, with forwarding if you go to marty.day. Annnnd this should cross post to Mastodon/BlueSky, too!
Finally, the world is on my side: it’s OK to wear shoes in your house sometimes.
Making a major, AAA Marvel Comics game and setting it within World War II seems like a risk, but so far, it looks promising!
I like the push for electric/hybrid vehicles. Even if I’d like it sooner than 2032. Which reminds me, my lease is almost up…
The first teaser trailer for the next Alien installment, Alien: Romulus is out. I’m getting some real “highly-regarded-Dark-Horse-mini-series” vibes from it.
Right now I’ve got a mix of sites on different hosting.
I’ve been thinking lately about merging my WordPress stuff into Micro.blog, but now omg.lol’s creator is hinting on their own blog service.
What the heck do I do? I’d like something cheaper, lightweight, and distributable. That’s all I’m considering in this.
Wow. X-Men ‘97 has debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a 100% Fresh score. I’ll be damned.
Spider-Man 2 for the PS5? Cost $300 million to make. Monopoly Go, a free to play mobile version of the board game? Spent $500 million on marketing alone. I have no idea how any of this is sustainable.
Picked up Hi-Fi Rush last night, now that it’s available on PS5. Really awesome game so far, but as a Nine Inch Nails fan, I about lost my mind when “1,000,000” kicked in. HELL YEAH
The trailer for the next Star Wars series – set well before the original films – has arrived. Say hello to The Acolyte.
I can already tell that this article from The Verge about the changes (end?) at Pitchfork is going to be a good read.
First, it was the Chicken Sandwich wars. Next? Chicken pizza wars. #FastFoodArmsRace
Today I learned that there was a whole-ass variant of asbestos we hadn’t banned here in the US. Until today. And it’s still gonna take years for it to be gone.
Picked up Balatro on Steam, since I could play it on my Mac. I totally get the hype. Now…when there’s a mobile version…
Very excited to hear what Marvel has planned for the next era of X-Men comics.
Very cool that Hello From The Magic Tavern is getting an animated series. Also: Turns out Sam Rockwell has a production company?
The New York Times:
But, according to a new report, none of these sightings were of alien spacecraft.
The new congressionally mandated Pentagon report found no evidence that the government was covering up knowledge of extraterrestrial technology and said there was no evidence that any U.F.O. sightings represented alien visitation to Earth.
The 63-page document is the most sweeping rebuttal the Pentagon has issued in recent years to counter claims that it has information on extraterrestrial visits or technology. But amid widespread distrust of the government, the report is unlikely to calm a growing obsession with aliens.
Suuuuuuuure. There’s nothing. And the report is true, not at all trying to calm a public hysteria.
And nice job trying to cover it up with the “individuals’ preconceptions and confirmation biases” dodge, Pentagon!
DC:
I can’t say a Zatanna series was on my list of must haves…and then I saw this bit of art from the announcement post…
That looks dope as hell. I’m in.
Many are going to be eulogizing Akira Toriyama today. With Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump and his designs for Dragon Quest, he was a defining artist for many. I’d like to shout out his work on the Tobal games, which didn’t need to go so hard for a game best known for having the Final Fantasy VII demo disc.
Watching Kyle Kinane’s new special, Dirt Nap. Dude is one of the best going, hands down.
An ongoing mystery I’ve not yet been able to solve. Of all the emoji you can get engraved on Apple products…why is the humble rocket 🚀 not an option?
It says a lot that the bit I’m most excited about from this bit of news was the word Original when it comes to films.
Surprised, and a little bummed, that among the many many creators, Jonathan Hickman is not among those contributing to the final Krakoa-era issue of X-Men.
Toyota made a real Cat Bus with help from Studio Ghibli. I love it.
VERY interested in this Steve Martin documentary coming to Apple TV+. https://www.thewrap.com/steve-martin-a-documentary-in-two-pieces-trailer/
We had to know this was coming, right? If Nintendo didn’t think this was going to be a Hydra situation, they weren’t prepping correctly. https://www.gamesradar.com/barely-12-hours-after-the-shutdown-of-major-nintendo-switch-emulator-yuzu-replacements-began-surfacing-online/
Very excited to watch the new version of Shōgun when I get home tonight.
Power Stone turns 25 today. And there’s no better time than the present for Capcom to announce a remaster or new installment or something… https://www.timeextension.com/news/2024/02/anniversary-power-stone-one-of-capcoms-forgotten-classics-turns-25-today
Your reminder that Installer is one of the best reads of the week, over at The Verge every Sunday. (Or via newsletter every Saturday, if you like.) www.theverge.com/24081130/…
And that’s that. My time at the current job is complete. Wiped my laptop to mail back to them, and I start the new gig Tuesday. LFG.
There was a time when I considered making a go of blogging, taking my efforts and building it somewhere. Glad I didn’t.
Folks, I turn 40 this year. And I JUST NOW got that Firmware fits between Hardware and Software. Don’t let me vote.
Sitting here telling myself that even though it’s $300 off on Amazon, I don’t need an Apple Studio Display.
…the issue is, I really WANT one…
I think my favorite warning in the listing of various issues in a prescription drug ad is, “Don’t take [new drug you’re hearing about for the first time] if you’re allergic to [that drug].” A real help.
…and it looks like it’s coming true.
As revealed earlier today on social media, Marvel confirmed quite a few things about its forthcoming Fantastic Four movie, the first with the FF as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
First, it’s title, which is The Fantastic Four. Not to be confused with Fantastic Four or Fantastic 4.
Second, the cast, which features…
And most cruically, based on the logo art and the promo image we’ve got here below…
IT’S A SIXTIES PERIOD PIECE
Now, I don’t know if this means that part of the movie is in the 1960’s, the whole thing is, or if Marvel just really likes the retro aesthetic, but the style combined with those costumes feels very 1960’s.
Ever since The Incredibles came out, my mind’s eye has had a vision of a perfect Fantastic Four movie, set in the era the original comics were made. This may not live up to my brain’s hopes, but goddamnit, it’s a start.
The Fantastic Four hits theaters on July 25, 2025.
The FTC is back for Microsoft. 1,900 people might get some sense of justice, I suppose.
I was a very big fan of Arcade Fire for a very long time – thought their most recent album was a return to form even! – but the allegations against Win Butler were absolutely atrocious in content. It’s fascinating to me that their move appears to be to…act like it didn’t happen and have anniversary shows anyway?
Had one of those evenings where I was just relaxing and using my iPad and recognizing how wild it is that I just have this pane of glass that gives me access to the world’s knowledge, every song ever recorded, most movies ever…
Enjoying the debut album from The Last Dinner Party this morning. Lands somewhere between chamberpop and almost, like…50’s rock? https://music.apple.com/us/album/prelude-to-ecstasy/1716063932
“Marty, how was your weekend?” “Well, my pro-wrestling inspired art competition show did a weekend of shows with a real pro-wrestling company. And we packed the venue for two nights straight.”
Why is it that movies which are exclusive to streaming services automatically feel less-than versus those which had theater releases? I can only think of 3 that had staying power in my head…Glass Onion (Netflix), Prey (Hulu) and Palm Springs (Hulu).
It absolutely sucks that Twitch and Unity are making big cuts in a time where the game industry has been so volatile.
At the same time, if you’re looking to build out a great game engine or streaming platform…a lot of good people just got on the market. May everyone land well on their feet.
I don’t mean to be alarmist, but every time I open Threads, the “For You” section is the most baiting, lowest common denominator takes.
It’s as if you’re incentivized for angering. I know others see worse, but that’s not a space I want to put my time and energy into.
2023 was a tough year. Dealt with some health issues, both mine, and for those in my family.
But there are some positives! I started going to therapy again, getting my mind right.
2024 is going to be about prioritizing my own health and care. It’s time.
Shout out to Sony’s Game Trials options for PS Plus subscribers. I just tried two very hyped games, and learned that they were Not For Me…without spending the cash!
Really dug Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor on the Doctor Who Christmas Special. My lone complaint? What the hell is with that Sonic Screwdriver?!
Annnnnnnnd that’s a bunch of Substack newsletters (including some I pay for!) unsubscribed from.
Happy to say Flynn got the all clear from the neurologist, and he’s back home.
We’re not 100% out of the woods, and are going to be watching him closely…but the important part is that he is home.
A middle of the night trip to the Pet ER is never fun. Our little dude Flynn had a seizure. He’s stable, but we’re trying to figure out what’s what.
Why do I love Blank Check with Griffin & David? 2 hours into a 3 hour episode about The Boy and the Heron, they’re deep diving into the Spawn movie. overcast.fm/+FnAi-DI-…
Noticed a lot of places near me promoting visits with the Grinch. Less so, visits with Santa. When did this shift happen?
I’m going to try to avoid saying the name of the movie, but it’s always fascinating when a fanbase so fervently awaits reviews, looks to champion the Rotten Tomatoes score, and when it’s low…immediately goes to “WELL IF THE CRITICS DON’T LIKE IT IT MUST BE GOOD.”
Got a wrong number voicemail from an apartment complex, a message from the leasing office. I called them back – not because I wanted to correct the number/call per se – so that they could make sure to call the right person at the right number. Couldn’t sit with myself if it was something really crucial regarding their housing.
This might be some serious nerd shit, but I absolutely agree with how life changing having access to a clipboard manager is.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to be in, on, and working, but for the most part, this week is the last week for office people “working”, right?
I know everyone hates “Wonderful Christmas Time” by Paul McCartney, but does it sound like to anyone else that the song was one take, just Paul messing around with a keyboard and figuring out the song?
Still trying to parse if I enjoyed Napoleon last night. The scenes of battle are truly masterful in execution, but Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Napoleon is quite surreal at times. Maybe accurate to the real man? I don’t know enough about him or his life to say. I just know that it made for a jarring viewing experience.
Enjoyed the first episode of MONARCH, but oh boy was that CG masking of John Goodman’s face onto a running stuntman’s body nightmarish.
For years, I had a tradition of doing a snark filled live tweet of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Now that I am mostly on other social media sites, I think they’re not as “live post” focused. So I think that those are retired.
Maybe don’t get your daily Starbucks today. Support the people who support you.
Every time I look at Hideo Kojima’s Instagram, he’s eating awesome looking food, listening to rad music, or going to the movies. Be more like Kojima, everyone.
I suppose we knew it was coming eventually, but RIP Comixology.
THIS IS NOT A DRILL THE FULL THREE HOUR VERSION OF GRINDHOUSE IS ON VOD NOW
I did not have “Andre 3000 releases a surprise instrumental album and does his major promotion of it on NPR” on my bingo card for today.
Kyle Chayka - The New Yorker:
These experiences don’t seem as readily available now as they were a decade ago. In large part, this is because a handful of giant social networks have taken over the open space of the Internet, centralizing and homogenizing our experiences through their own opaque and shifting content-sorting systems. When those platforms decay, as Twitter has under Elon Musk, there is no other comparable platform in the ecosystem to replace them. A few alternative sites, including Bluesky and Discord, have sought to absorb disaffected Twitter users.
But like sproutlings on the rain-forest floor, blocked by the canopy, online spaces that offer fresh experiences lack much room to grow.
Once again, I find an article that I read and go, “I wish I had been the one to write this.” Chayka hits the nail on the head of something I’ve been feeling in my gut over this past year, but haven’t quite been able to square.
An absolutely worthwhile read.
Paramount Pictures on YouTube:
Starring Nicolas Cantu (Leonardo), Sharon Brown Jr. (Mikey), Micah Abbey (Donnie), Brady Noon (Raph), Jackie Chan (Splinter), Ayo Edebiri (April), Ice Cube (Superfly), Seth Rogen (Bebop), John Cena (Rocksteady), Paul Rudd (Mondo Gecko), Rose Byrne (Leatherhead), Post Malone (Ray Fillet), Hannibal Buress (Genghis Frog), Natasia Demetriou (Wing Nut), Maya Rudolph (Cynthia Utrom), and Giancarlo Esposito (Baxter Stockman)!
I really love how much the success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has inspired American animation companies to experiment, visually.
Also, real actual teens as the turtles themselves is an inspired choice.
Flick looks to be a nice, late-Summer jam.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem hits theaters on August 2, 2023.
Originally was planning to go see Guardians Vol. 3 or Fast X tonight.
Instead? Put 3 more hours into Zelda.
Finally got to dig into Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. A few hours in, it’s doing a great job of making me feel like a massive idiot, followed by a super genius…then back to idiot. GOTY.
Gonna go ahead and wade into The Discourse™ for a hot minute: The running time of a movie means absolutely fuck all and should not be something to be excited about or dreaded over. Only matters if you’re trying to schedule other things around it.
Paramount Pictures on YouTube:
It’s crazy how, though the franchise has always been — at least — good, over the last few installments, I’ve absolutely become a drooling fanboy for the Mission: Impossible films.
Tom Cruise is a crazy, crazy man, but I’m so glad that Christopher McQuarrie pushes him to make these incredible action ballets.
Have a poster, too.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One runs into theaters on July 12, 2023.
Though I’ve not yet been able to start Tears of the Kingdom, seeing all of the videos of wild in-game creations across social media has absolutely given me life this weekend. Shine on, you crazy diamonds.
Just now caught up to Scream (2022) – had a lot of fun with it.
That said, I’d like Radio Silence to get back in the swing of more originals like Ready or Not, ASAP.
Noticed that people don’t seem to be talking up Yellowjackets as much this season. I’ve yet to start it – still worth it?
Looking forward to catching up with my dude Paul this Fall. www.youtube.com/watch
With the Summer Movie Season arriving this weekend, I am again reminded how much I miss things like music videos for songs from movies soundtracks, or massive fast-food promotions. They made each movie feel like an event.
Got an obvious spam email for internet services for an upcoming con SAF is a part of. How did I know it was spam? For some reason, it was addressed to “John Fake”.
It’s Disney vs. Florida: WHOEVER WINS – WE LOSE.
Sometimes, folks, it’s a strategic meal of Five Guys that you need to sand down all the rough edges of life.
LEGO.com:
The four-piece postcard sized set is vibrant and showcases an overarching story of a space shuttle, moon base, black hole, lunar eclipse, different star constellations and more. Additionally, it offers lots of flexibility in how it can be arranged, as each picture is physically independent of the others.
This rules SO HARD!
Hits May 5th for LEGO VIP Members, May 8th for the general public. $50. Nab it here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuk77TjvfmE
Marvel Entertainment on YouTube:
Monica Rambeau returns in Marvel Studios' #TheMarvels, only in theaters November 10.
Looks like an aggressively fun time. Marvel could use a nice win with this one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSXqU92cymY
Star Wars on YouTube:
Streaming May 4 on Disney+.
Star Wars: Visions is one of my favorite things of the Disney era of Star Wars, and once again, this looks SO COOL.
Different studios, different animation styles, different feels, but all undeniably Star Wars. Can’t wait!
StarWars.com:
James Mangold’s movie will go back to the dawn of the Jedi, while Dave Filoni’s will focus on the New Republic, and close out the interconnected stories told in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, Ahsoka, and other Disney+ series. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s film will be set after the events of Rise of Skywalker, and feature Daisy Ridley back as Rey as she builds a new Jedi Order.
Honestly, I dig all 3 ideas.
You get a big bit of closure to the Mandalorian/Book of Boba Fett/Ahsoka series, dig into completely uncharted territory with Mangold’s film (who must’ve really impressed with Indy 5), and some decent closure to the frought Sequel Trilogy era with a new movie around Rey.
Let’s hope they actually get made!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQfMbSe7F2g
Lucasfilm on YouTube:
Harrison Ford returns as the legendary hero archaeologist in the highly anticipated fifth installment of the iconic “Indiana Jones" franchise, which is directed by James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari,“ “Logan"). Starring along with Ford are Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag"), Antonio Banderas (“Pain and Glory"), John Rhys-Davies (“Raiders of the Lost Ark"), Shaunette Renee Wilson (“Black Panther"), Thomas Kretschmann (“Das Boot"), Toby Jones (“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom"), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan"), Oliver Richters (“Black Widow"), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel") and Mads Mikkelsen (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore"). Directed by James Mangold, the film is produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Simon Emanuel, with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas serving as executive producers. John Williams, who has scored each Indy adventure since the original “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981, is once again composing the score.
I can’t say I expected a John Williams and Rolling Stones mashup today.
This looks like a really fun adventure. The de-aging tech is WILD. Let us continue to hope it’s good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnzNZ0Mdx4I
Star Wars on YouTube:
Straight from the opening showcase at Star Wars Celebration in London this weekend, here’s our first look at the next Star Wars TV series — Ahsoka, which looks like another action filled romp.
4 months to go!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shW9i6k8cB0
Sony Pictures Entertainment on YouTube:
I am absolutely gobsmacked by this trailer.
This movie is going to be something really special, I am more and more sure of it with every piece of footage I see.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Michael Cera will voice star as Scott Pilgrim and Mary Elizabeth Winstead will reprise her role as Ramona Flowers. Other returning castmembers include Satya Bhabha, Kieran Culkin, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Alison Pill, Aubrey Plaza, Brandon Routh, Jason Schwartzman, Johnny Simmons, Mark Webber, Mae Whitman And Ellen Wong.
HOLY SHIT.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World was one of the projects most passionately followed on this here blog, and knowing that they got the ENTIRE CAST back for the animated adaptation, that Edgar Wright is producing, and freaking ANAMANAGUCHI — who did the video game soundtrack — is doing the score.
Absolutely unreal. I cannot wait.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6qna-ZCbxA
Nintendo on YouTube:
The Nintendo dev team are wizards doing unreal things with the worlds of in game physics and interactivity.
Is there pop up? Does it look a little slow at times? Sure.
But what they’re producing beyond that? Unreal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXzcyx9V0xw
Pixar on YouTube:
I have to say, this appears to be an absolute visual feast, but overall, this kinda just feels like Zootopia but if elements instead of animals.
Maybe there’s a missing piece here that the trailers aren’t showing?
Elemental hits theaters on June 16, 2023.
I feel like Cocaine Bear could’ve gone harder in either direction of comedy or horror, but it’s a movie that knows exactly what it is, without being too winky or cloying. Had a fun time. Alden Ehrenreich redeemed.
Genuinely exciting news for the future of the Open Web: Automattic has acquired the plug-in “ActivityPub for WordPress” and hired its developer as well.
For those who don’t know what this means, it means we’re closer to WordPress blogs being something you can follow on ActivityPub using sites – like Mastodon, Micro.blog, and even Tumblr (soon).
So cool to see Everything Everywhere All At Once practically sweep the Oscars last night. That said, if you haven’t, I highly recommend watching Daniels' first film, the surreal and incredible Swiss Army Man. It’s up now on HBO Max.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The streamer and retail giant has handed out a two-season order for the animated series that was scrapped at HBO Max last August. Caped Crusader landed at the Jennifer Salke-led streamer after producer Warner Bros. Animation shopped the project following the cost-cutting move that saw parent company Warner Bros. Discovery scrap the show more than a year and a half after ordering it straight to series. Other streamers, including Netflix, Apple and Hulu, also kicked the tires on the project that marks a reunion for executive producers J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves, who previously collaborated on The WB Network’s beloved Felicity.
More Timm Batman, and more WB animation, cannot be a bad thing, right?
Deadline:
Details are sketchy because some of the conversations are still in exploratory stages but we hear that an anime series connected to the Rocky spinoff IP is in the works, and there are ideas for a companion live-action TV series. Also percolating is a potential project centering around Adonis Creed’s daughter, Amara, who was played by deaf actress Mila Davis-Kent in Creed III, making her film acting debut.
A few quick thoughts on this one.
I mean, this is the same day where Bob Iger’s literally saying “hey, maybe less Marvel sequels“…so what makes this teflon?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBMajXwi6Cs
Apple TV+ / YouTube:
Getting serious Snowpiercer vibes off of this. Hell of a cast, though. Apple TV+ keeps bringing out bangers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooZdaF2zMlM
Paramount Pictures / YouTube:
Watch the new teaser trailer for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: #MutantMayhem - Only in theatres August 4, 2023.
In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, after years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
This looks like a blast!
It’s Superbad meets Into the Spider-Verse. I’m very into it!
At that phase in having sinus issues where I just want to eat a giant plate of Buffalo Wings to get things moving.
So many of me and my friend’s interests are colliding on this one: Daniels (directors of Everything Everywhere All At Once) have put together a photoshoot of Jennifer Coolidge for W Magazine…that is a giant Tokusatsu homage.
Digging through an archive of my Last.fm account, I dug up a great song/band I’ve not listened to in ages. Here’s a Casket Lottery side project, Jackie Carol, with their song “No Fiction”.
io9:
io9 can exclusively confirm that Battle Chasers #10 will complete its long, long road to publication this June, setting off a new story arc for the fantasy series. Having hopped from Wildstorm in the late 90s, Image—which, three years ago, published an anthology of the first nine issues of the series that has gone to multiple reprints—will release the series, with Ludo Lullabi joining the book on art.
Talk about an unreal, completely unexpected announcement from the world of comics.
I adored Battle Chasers, as an anime-obsessed teen who loved Joe Mad’s run on Uncanny X-Men. The idea that the comic is picking back up 22 years later is something I never thought to occur, especially since the RPG video game seemed to be the proper destination for the tale.
I’ve no idea if this will be good, but at the least, I’m intrigued!
A history of the Pizza Hut/X-Men promotion?! THIS is why I pay for SKTCHD!
This headline reads as if Square is looking to make a Final Fantasy game designed specifically for me, Marty Day.
I have to say, using a smartphone or a computer with your eyes dilated is a hell of a ride.
But on the good side of things: eyes are healthy, and my prescription just has to eek up a smidge. New glasses in two weeks.
Whatever allows movie theaters to stay in business, I guess.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR9yjn7Lkdg
Apple TV / YouTube:
Thanks Apple UK YouTube for having this a smidge early.
What can I say? We’re at the Return of the Jedi season.
New season starts March 15th. Can’t wait!
Let me tell you – it’s a lot easier to progress in Metal Slug when you can give yourself infinite credits.
Why yes, the new Gorillaz album was my first pick on this #newmusicfriday.
Deadline:
Ever since I started reading Something Is Killing The Children, I just knew it was ripe for a TV or movie adaptation.
Add the Dark duo working on it, and you have something very promising.
If nothing else, expect to see a ton of monster bandanas sold at your local Hot Topic / Box Lunch.
EW.com:
Now, EW can exclusively reveal that Hickman and Hitch are teaming up for a new comic series, Ultimate Invasion, which will feature elements from the Ultimate Marvel universe. The Maker (an alternate version of Reed Richards) and Miles Morales (perhaps Ultimate Marvel’s most important original character, though he wasn’t created by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli until 2011) are both set to play major roles in the story.
I can’t say I had “Marvel Brings Back The Ultimate Universe", on my bingo card, even what might be a one-off event?
Though, this line sounds ominous…
A fun conversation starter from the Club MacStories Discord…how many apps are on your phone? I currently have 172.
Pretty hyped about there being a new Bone anthology, even if it doesn’t hit until September.
Oh boy, I’m going to be making serious use out of my AMC A-List subscription these next few weeks!
…and so on, and so on…
Bottleneck Gallery:
Iron Man kicked off the MCU juggernaut in a very real way and helped create a foundation for Marvel’s future films. Nicolas’ print for Iron Man features the characters and lore from the movie all in one awesome print (just check out that classic superhero pose!). Oh, and we had to include lenticular and aluminum editions of the print because it’s Iron Man!
Really awesome stuff, especially with Bottleneck’s trademark lenticular variants.
They go on sale tomorrow at Noon Eastern, if you’re so inclined, $55-$175.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m14CQFtNi8
YouTube:
There’s more plot revealed in the above synopsis than in the teaser itself, but it’s interesting that this will be Apple TV’s first show not dropping new episodes on Fridays.
Time to Believe again, y’all.
HIGH FIVE TREE
Ted Lasso returns for Season 3 on March 15th, 2023 on Apple TV+.
I’m sure this is such a “no duh” moment for many, but: blasting music you know and love really makes the workday zoom.
As a new fan of the Premier League, I have to say: their on-screen graphics + typography are out of this world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32RAq6JzY-w
YouTube:
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever.
Jason Momoa! Brie Larson! Rita GODDAMNED Moreno! A nearly four minute goddamned trailer!
THE FAMBILY IS BACK
Fast XÂ hits theaters on May 19, 2023.
Variety:
The untitled series will follow an older, grizzled superhero in 1930s New York City. An individual with knowledge of the project says that the show will be set in its own universe and the main character will not be Peter Parker.
The saddest part? I’m 99% sure that this will not feature Nic Cage.
Lord & Miller producing, however, makes me hopeful that this version of Spider-Man Noir will retain the same hammy dialogue as the Into the Spider-Verse version.
The Hollywood Reporter:
I’m actually genuinely happy to see this!
Before it went off air, I was a big fan of @Midnight, given how close it was to a British panel show versus a proper game show or  late night talk show, and would frequently join its daily Hashtag Wars.
That said, I have two thoughts off the bat:
Either way, I am very intrigued to see how this plays out…
…even if I’m an old man who will watch the episodes the next day on Paramount+, versus “live" on CBS.
Highsnobiety:
But then there’s the really wild stuff that pushes the boundaries of MSCHF Sneakers' entire oeuvre — if not the entirely definition of the word “sneakers — MSCHF’s big, red Astro Boy-indebted boots are the latest and greatest example.
Grab your own pair on MSCHF’s site on February 16th at 11am, for a brisk $350.
LEGO.com:
This set is absolutely unreal.
Over 6000 pieces, all the mini figures you could want, and a $500 price tag, this is for the hardcores, but goddamn the execution of it all! The set will be available from March 8th, 2023.
I highly recommend checking out the source link for all the photos. Wow.
Oh boy! New Nintendo Direct tomorrow!
I don’t know about y’all, but I’m gonna just keep calling this Brad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jok7jfOUUxI
YouTube:
Finally, a sequel to the seminal Mel Brooks film, HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART I, with each episode featuring a variety of sketches that take us through different periods of human history.
I’m still pretty skeptical on this being successful and not a Spaceballs: The Animated Series level failure, but at the same time…
Mel? Get paid, buddy.
DC:
Yes, we can finally reveal that Adventures of Superman: Jon Kent not only continues Jon’s story that Taylor began in Superman: Son of Kal-El, but also builds on the legacy of storytelling he crafted for the popular DC video game franchise, which hasn’t been seen in a DC comic book since the Injustice 2 series concluded in 2018. But how exactly will Jon find himself in Injustice’s harrowing world, in which Batman finds himself fighting for survival against a tyrant Superman? We were as curious as you, so we sat down with Taylor for an exclusive interview about the upcoming series and its newly revealed twist.
I have to say, Taylor’s run on Injustice was SHOCKINGLY good for a video game tie-in comic, and I’ve enjoyed his run with the Jon Kent Superman*, so odds are this could be a decent read.
But really, I just want to know what the heck the NetherRealm team is working on post Mortal Kombat 11, and this just ads to the frothing need for an update!
Â
*it’s not as good as his run on Nightwing, which is some all-timer level stuff.
Variety:
The country’s largest exhibition chain is rolling out Sightline at AMC, a ticket pricing initiative based on seat location within the auditorium. Moviegoers will have the option to pay more or less for admission depending on where they choose to sit in the theater. In effect, front row seats will be available at a lower price, while seats in the middle of the theater will be available at a higher price.
The initiative kicks off on Friday at select AMC locations in New York, Chicago and Kansas City and will be expanded to all domestic AMC locations by the end of the year.
I say this as a proud AMC A-List member…
…this is the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard of.
I recognize theaters, arenas, etc. all do this as is, but you’re ruining one of the few advantages which the movie theater has over those outlets.
Boo to this, complete.y
Bottleneck Gallery:
Raid’s print pays homage to one of the greatest creative minds of all time, Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have been creating magical animated films for decades, and Raid has a deep history with the films.
$50 for the standard print (above), $60 for the variant (viewable at the above link), $110 for both, hits tomorrow at Noon Eastern.
What a cool print!
Really enjoying Shrinking on Apple TV+. Gives me Scrubs x Ted Lasso vibes, which makes sense, as they’re all Bill Lawrence shows.
Also? Killer needle drops.
Art of the Title:
The main-on-end title sequence of the show, created by studio Aspect with illustrations by Toronto-based artist Kagan McLeod, takes the form of vibrant courtroom sketches that seem to paint themselves. The scenes aren’t moments from the show but rather a bonus, scenes that happen outside of the scripted episodes. The vivid drawings show Jen/She-Hulk and her cousin the Hulk, as played by guest star Mark Ruffalo, shopping for spandex and cheese puffs in bulk, discussing the relationship history of certain Avengers, and generally going about their larger-than-lives. As the Aspect team and McLeod discuss below, arriving at this illustration style and creating unique drawings for each episode’s ending proved to be no mean feat.
Art of the Title is a great website, and this is an awesome break down of the very cool credits customized for each episode of the recent Disney+ series.
Of note: the artist who did the illustrations, Kagen McLeod, who is interviewed here, did one of my favorite indie books of some time, Infinite Kung-Fu.
Marvel.com:
One of the things done with the latest run of X-Men which I’ve really enjoyed is the implementation of a fan vote of a member for the team.
Part of the annual Hellfire Gala in universe, the last X-Men vote resulted in Firestar joining the (frankly, excellent) Gerry Duggan run of X-Men, and your pick will be reflected in the next lineup.
The available options this year are Cannonball, Dazzler, Frenzy, Jubilee, Juggernaut, and Prodigy, and per an update yesterday, Â Cannonball and Juggernaut (my pick) are neck and neck for the final pick.
If that wasn’t enough, awesome comics website AIPT decided to ask the current crop of X-Writers to give their picks, so vote early, vote often, and let’s see who ends up becoming a part of the next X-Team!
Information is Beautiful:
Well, it depends how you look at it. We took a data-dive to find out.
Very cool, interactive presentation of an ongoing debate between movie fans.
While the first graph focuses on just the box office success, we get some surprises when the data is changed to look at values based on inflation, based on return on budget, and what happens when you move the budgets to an even playing field.
In short — we’ve been ignoring The Exorcist for far too long.
I think I’ve officially decided: my mid-life crisis will be getting into MLS (maybe Premier League too?) and POSSIBLY F1. Thanks for your time.
Wake up, Film Twitter! Uniqlo is dropping a Sofia Coppola collection. Really.
Baltimore’s own PLRLS have an awesome new album, Curses, out today. It’s been brightening my morning. RIYL: B-52s, Talking Heads, Other 80’s Post-Punk.
I don’t need another video game system and my TV doesn’t have the extra HDMI port for it anyway, but I’ll be damned if there aren’t days I look with jealous eyes at the Xbox and the GamePass.
Hey, brands who pulled your ads from Twitter? Just an FYI that Facebook is gonna give the guy who incited violence on the capital his account back. Do with that what you will.
So, you’re telling me that Tom Taylor, who is killing it on Nightwing is going to be writing the new Titans book? Yeah, I’m down for that.
Oh boy! Goldeneye 007 comes to Switch on FRIDAY!
It strikes me that remote starters probably took a major hit in sales once more of us started working from home.
My favorite Mastodon app, Ivory, is officially out in the App Store. It’s by the amazing team at Tapbots, who brought us Tweetbot (RIP). If you loved Tweetbot, it’s like having an old friend back.
A well-deserved ELEVEN Oscar nominations for Everything Everywhere All At Once this morning.
I didn’t have “One-half of Daft Punk returns with a solo orchestral album” on my bingo card, that’s for sure.
Tickets for the 200th Super Art Fight show, which is also our 15th Anniversary Show(!) are on-sale NOW!
I hate being a broken record, but what does it say about a platform you’ve created when you need to remind people to use it less?
Dope! My favorite food tracking app just gets better.
Vulture has profiled, in my humble opinion, the best part of current SNL – the surreal and insane humor of Sarah Sherman.
Surprise! New Apple products have been announced featuring upgrades to the M2 chip, including a new MacBook Pro and Mac Mini.
This lengthy piece on The Verge discussing the state of Twitter since Musk’s takeover is:
With that, still a must read. Kudos to The Verge, New York Magazine and the Platformer team.
Headline of the Year nominee, just 16 days in: “Scientists steer lightning bolts with lasers for the first time”.
Fighting the urge to buy an Apple Studio Display / sell my current display, display arm, speakers, webcam and USB-C dock on eBay.
I can’t help but feel like selling the display would be a pain in the ass online.
This is definitely not going to be the last AI art related lawsuit. Keep an eye on how this goes, friends.
Time to play: Do you know who directed this new McDonald’s ad for the UK?
New blast-o-rama. newsletter written and ready to go for tomorrow AM. Not on the list? Join here.
Running back one of my favorite albums of last year – big and loud in my good headphones – And So I Watch You From Afar’s Jettison.
Michael Ausiello, TVLine:
ABC on Wednesday announced that it has picked up Jeopardy! Masters, a Ken Jennings-hosted primetime spinoff that will find the six highest-ranked, current Jeopardy! contestants facing off in a Champions League style event.
The six MVPs vying for the title of Jeopardy! Masters Champion will be Matt Amodio, Sam Buttrey, Andrew He, James Holzhauer, Mattea Roach and Amy Schneider.
Where my fellow Jeopardy! heads at?
This should be a great competition. I don’t think I’ve spoken of it, but I’ve been pushing for the past few years to try out for Jeopardy!, and while I haven’t gotten the call yet, my audition tests seem to get better each year.
The 6 contestants chosen are an incredible crop — I just wish we could’ve seen other Jeopardy! notables get a play-in round, like Brad Rutter, Buzzy Cohen, Austin  Rogers, Julia Collins and so on.
Steven Soderbergh released his 2022 watch list, in case you wanna compare your movie + TV habits to a Hollywood director.
Interesting: a bunch of the movies I read about in Quentin Tarantino’s Cinema Speculation are on sale on iTunes this week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuiWDn976Ek
YouTube:
RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2023
DIRECTOR: Ari Aster
CAST: Joaquin Phoenix, Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zoe Lister-Jones, Armen Nahapetian, with Parker Posey and Patti LuPone
I have to say, the direction after Hereditary and Midsommar for Ari Aster I expected was not…“Weirdly uplifting, surreal adventure movie".
Zag on em, Ari.
Beau is Afraid hits theaters on April 21st, 2023.
I will say this: watching AGDQ has made me want to live like it’s 1999 and download a ton of tracks from OCRemix.
Variety:
Now, look, I will personally admit to being part of the problem here as I had yet to watch the two parts of Inside Job released so far, despite being a big fan of Gravity Falls.
And I’ll be the first to admit that the era of “peak television" has resulted in there being more shows on the market than even professional critics can keep up with.
But between cancellations like this, after a renewal was approved, cancellation of shows mid-airing/mid-production, and well, whatever HBO Max is doing, this is a dark time to be a creative, full stop. And I don’t know the solution.
Except…maybe not chasing the funnel of money loss that is an exclusive, streaming-only, revenue system?
David Ehrlich’s annual “Best Films of…” Video is up for 2022. Enjoy!
The latest edition of my blast-o-rama. email newsletter is out now. Check it out!
Always a good design situation when you have to design reminders for your user-base to, uh, sleep.
Letterboxd’s 2022 Year-in-Review is up. Always a fun read.
“Spontaneously shattering camera glass” sounds bad, Google.
Hmm, is my living room configured properly for me to do Kickboxing workouts?
Is anyone really excited about PlayStation VR 2? Or is it, like most VR products, a niche device set to be appreciated by a subset of hardcore fans?
Today I learned there is an episode of late-era The Simpsons which is a full Inception redux. And it’s not even a Treehouse of Horror segment.
I can’t say that I expected Them! to be on the remake block, let alone being the proper feature directorial debut of Michael Giacchino, but given how good Werewolf By Night was, screw it, I’m in.
Congrats to the QA team at ZeniMax Studios. Now, may the rest of the industry follow your lead.
The Menu – one of my favorite movies of 2022 – is now available for streaming on HBO Max / purchase on PVOD. Recommended!
The Smile is the latest band to play an NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Enjoy!
Tip of the hat to Kottke for a look at the awesome “Art of the Skateboard” stamps coming out later this year.
Very cool music news: De La Soul’s catalog will finally be available on streaming this March. Gonna have to blast “Me, Myself and I” to celebrate.
This is absolutely wild – Apple has a patent in the works for an Apple Pencil that samples colors FROM REAL WORLD OBJECTS.
Digging in with one of my favorite annual podcast traditions: Bullseye’s annual stand-up round-up. Enjoy!
Tenet is a messy movie, with lots of problems, but I’ll be dammed if the prologue isn’t incredibly captivating.
For the record, I’m a massive fan of the current trend of BlancPosting, and I hope it continues for some time.
Whoa, a Hokusai LEGO set!
Finally started reading ONCE & FUTURE. What a yarn of a comic! Just in time for the final trade dropping on Wednesday.
Looks like DotEmu added a bunch of tweaks to TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, including custom game modes. A reminder: it’s easily one of the best games of the year for anyone who grew up loving the old Konami arcade game.
A stark reminder that for as awful as Meta is, TikTok MIGHT be worse.
Bless, the winners of the 2022 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards are here.
If you’ve ever wondered why we’re in a society filled with the super-rich, The Pudding has a killer explainer on the topic.
Sounds like the whole ad-supported Netflix thing isn’t working out great.
For the record, I’m a privileged snob who pays for the ad-free version of every streaming service I can.
I’ve gotta be honest, with every new update video – like today’s upgrade build – Retro Game Corps sure has made me interested in buying + customizing a Miyoo Mini!
And given their price, maybe a few for friends…if they’d just remain in stock.
Great news: Kickstarter is also on the side of non-AI generated art.
Variety:
U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson issued a ruling in a case involving “Yesterday,“ the 2019 film about a world without the Beatles.
Two Ana de Armas fans filed a lawsuit in January, alleging that they had rented the movie after seeing de Armas in the trailer, only to discover that she was cut out of the final film.
Universal sought to throw out the lawsuit, arguing that movie trailers are entitled to broad protection under the First Amendment. The studio’s lawyers argued that a trailer is an “artistic, expressive work" that tells a three-minute story conveying the theme of the movie, and should thus be considered “non-commercial" speech.
But Wilson rejected that argument, finding that a trailer is commercial speech and is subject to the California False Advertising Law and the state’s Unfair Competition Law.
Legit, this could truly change how movie trailers are produced.
Happy Holidays, Marketing Teams!
Drew Magary, Defector:
An annual tradition which makes my Defector support worth it every year.
Jenn Pelly, Pitchfork:
To be a fan of modern music is to see entangled crises of mental health and economic sustainability that are increasingly conspicuous, and, if not new, then no longer possible to ignore. Since 2019, an uptick of non-profit and research-based initiatives have emerged to address the mental health dimension of this sobering reality and to offer more immediate support to musicians and touring crew members. But the dozens of artists and experts interviewed for this story believe that systemic change to both the music industry and to society, including universal healthcare, is what’s needed most.
An absolutely necessary read for any fan of music.
I fear that this same concern is coming for artists of all levels, between AI art, the consolidation of entertainment studios, and cost cutting all the way down.
Support the things you love, folks. Support the things you love.
It turns out that John Cleese in 2022 is useful in at least one way.
I don’t know about you, fellow comic nerds, but ‘Stark Sentinels’ sounds cool as hell to me.
I think $200 is a ridiculous price for a video game controller. But the DualSense Edge sounds like it’s worth it, if you’re that kinda gamer.
Alright folks, you asked for it, you’ll get it. I will gladly become the CEO of Twitter.
Once I’ve negotiated my massive golden parachute, which I will need upon my rapid ouster.
…maybe I shouldn’t have said the second half of that sentence…
A fine reminder to my friends with projects, stores, etc – if you don’t have a mailing list, you’re shortchanging yourself. Like your own website, you own it, BUT! The updates go to your followers, versus then having to hit your site/socials/store.
New blast-o-rama. email locked-and-loaded for 9am Eastern tomorrow. Want to get on the mailing list? Head to buttondown.email/blast0ram… and sign up!
Can’t sleep, so I find myself already going down rabbit holes on Mastodon. Maybe it sticks this time?
Whoever had the Monkey’s Paw and said, “Donald Glover Spider-Man Movie”, I blame you here.
Welp, lock me in for the Barbie half of the Barbie / Oppenheimer double feature.
Christmas came early: We got a new jam from The Protomen today.
Oh cool, Twitter banned Mastodon. Which reminds me, if you need a Mastodon invite, ping me, mutuals!
And this is why I’m not entirely regretting taking the next two weeks off.
The problem with these lists and these rankings and these favorites is that they circumvent discovery—instead, they dictate. The reason people get excited by word-of-mouth recommendations—rarer and rarer these days—is because they come with a pulse. A list doesn’t. A list is assigned by an organization. A list is anemic. A list removes the desire that you started with. A list is fake in the way that finding something out for yourself is not. Imagine if we treated art with the same richness as we treat sports, with the same nuance with which we consider players (Moneyball notwithstanding). But there is no goal in art; it is impossible to quantify until an artist transcends the work and becomes a commodity. That is when a Van Gogh becomes currency. Or a Banksy is stolen off a wall like wad of cash. In a 2007 talk on the “aestheticized equity” of art, Professor Donald Kuspit described the evaluation of art as a rigged game: “Paying a certain amount of money for a work of art can be compared to placing a bet on a number in roulette. It is in fact less of a gamble, for the more money one places on the art number the more one guarantees that it will win the art game. Big money guarantees big art historical returns—good art historical fortune as well as a very good economic future. It is a way of controlling the game. It is a way of fixing the spin of fortune’s wheel so that it is always in one’s favor.”
Loved this bit from Soraya Roberts' piece about the latest Sight & Sound Greatest Films of all Time list, over at Defector.
“Oh boy! I got paid today!” [pays monthly bills, moves money into savings] Well, that was short-lived.
Your latest twist in the DC Studios revamp – James Gunn is writing a new Superman movie which reboots the character, and will NOT star Henry Cavill.
I guess I should get ready for a The Fabelmans sequel sometime down the line then, yeah?
The Seth Meyers / Lizzo daydrinking video is goddamned delightful.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The streamer has greenlit a series based on the award-winning PlayStation game God of War. The Wheel of Time’s Rafe Judkins will serve as showrunner on the adaptation, and Oscar nominees Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby (Children of Men, Iron Man, The Expanse) are writing and executive producing with Judkins.
Sony Pictures Television and Amazon Studios are producing God of War in association with PlayStation Productions.
ahem
BOY
Now that I’ve said that, I think the idea of a God of War series is quite the layup. The recent PS4/PS5 installments have felt like episodic TV series as it is, so I can see the translation being a straight-forward one. We wish em the best of luck.
Like any good millennial, I’ve got my presale code for the Death Cab for Cutie/The Postal Service tour ready to rock at 10am.
Just kidding, it’s not aliens! It’s DINOSAURS!
Getting serious Returnal vibes from this.
I see we’re going full Jason Takes Manhattan now.
Note to self: Watch Scream (2022) already.
Interesting twist in the Patty Jenkins/DC Studios story – she just took to Twitter to refute all of it, and affirm that she’s back working on her Star Wars movie, Rogue Squadron.
Before I finalize my “Best of the Year” list, I need to watch…
What haven’t you seen which you want to check out before the year is over?
Oh boy. A bill has been introduced to…ban TikTok in the US. What on Earth will people re-post to Instagram for engagement now?
Speaking of Apple, in case your devices haven’t told you yet, updates are out for iOS/iPadOS/macOS/tvOS/HomePod/AppleWatch/etc. including the new Freeform app!
Kinda wild. Rumors are that due to the EU regulations coming, Apple is looking into an official way to allow third-party app stores on iOS devices.
Of COURSE Vince McMahon is back in the news for continuing to be a horrible person and TRYING TO RETURN TO WWE.
After what has felt like ages since the original teaser dropped, Sony has finally taken the veil off of the second installment of the Miles Morales Spider-Verse Saga!
The trailer itself builds off of some key moments from — and the score of — the first film, but remains a visual stunner, and has some key frames I’ll definitely be freezing to understand, including a spiral of alternate Spider-Man, and a first look at this version of Spider-Woman.
The first film was one of my favorite theatrical experiences when it released back in  December 2018, so suffice to say, I’m chomping at the bit for the release of this movie. Between gorgeous animation, a stellar voice cast, and it honoring the legacy of my favorite fictional character of all-time, I’m firmly in the audience for this film…even as a 38-year-old man. 😬
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse hits theaters on June 2, 2023, followed by Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse on March 29, 2024.
I’m sure that this is a great sign for the Crypto market.
This Reebok x Street Fighter collab is pretty damn rad.
Spider-Man 2 has been made real. The sacrifice of Dr. Otto Octavious will never be forgotten.
Jordan Raup, The Film Stage:
The project, titled Kimi-tachi wa DÅ Ikiru ka (which translates to How Do You Live?), has been set for a July 14, 2023 release in Japan, which hopefully means a U.S. release is in store before the end of 2023. The film is inspired by Genzaburo Yoshino’s novel of the same name, which follows a 15-year-old boy named Koperu and his uncle, who move to a new neighborhood, as the kid deals with bullying, poverty, education, work, courage, and progress.
A copy of the teaser poster is above.
I’m always excited for a new Miyazaki film, even though at age 81, the odds of us seeing another is getting lower and lower.
I hope this makes it to the states before the end of the year!
Big day on VOD. Both The Fablemans and The Banshees of Inisherin dropped. Excited to see where they land on my Best Of… list for the year.
Well, I did it. I uninstalled Tweetbot from my phone. Now, pretty much anything you see from me on Twitter, unless I break my streak, will be filtered as coming from my microblog (marty.day) which gets automatically re-posted to Twitter/Mastodon. End of an era.
Hey! The latest edition of my newsletter is locked and loaded for tomorrow morning. Want it in your inbox? Sign up here.
I’m gonna go ahead and take back the good things I said about Diablo IV yesterday.
OH MY GOD THE POSTAL SERVICE AND DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE ARE TOURING TOGETHER I KNOW THE SINGER IS THE SAME FOR BOTH
As a strong advocate for personal data privacy, all I have to say to the latest Apple iCloud encryption changes is: Bravo.
Do A Powerbomb! #7 ends the series perfectly, both completely absurd yet acting as a nice bow on the storytelling. Can’t recommend the trade enough when it drops in March.
Gosh, I really am gonna get suckered in for Diablo 4, aren’t I?
The creator of Stardew Valley made a music video for a track off of the latest Alvvays album. Chocolate, meet Peanut Butter.
In addition to being a great weather app, Carrot is now a dating sim.
Wanna do Karaoke at home? Great news. Apple Music will let you.
Really enjoyed this interview with the writers of The Menu, which, warning – DOES contain spoilers.
Pixelmator continues to be the best value in image editing in the biz…as now you can even edit video.
I am Marty Day. I am 38 years old. And I’d like to own a tricycle.
GET READY FOR YOUR 2023 MOVIE OF THE YEAR: COCAINE BEAR.
At least two times now I’ve been in the theater with an audience who has not seen – nor knows about – the trailer for M3gan, and it’s a wonderful delight seeing people react to it.
Finally, Apple Music gets a bit closer to their annual Replay feature being half as good as Spotify’s Unwrapped.
Once again, the team at Tools and Toys has pulled together a great annual holiday wishlist. Maybe you’ll be adding some things from it to your personal list this year, as I do every year.
I don’t often invoke the man’s name, unlike many Apple fans, but I feel like Steve Jobs would absolutely force the team to revert back to the page flip animation in Apple Books on iOS 16.
Absolutely fascinating profile of James Cameron by GQ ahead of Avatar: The Way of Water. I enjoy the casual admission that the movie needs to be the 3rd or 4th biggest OF ALL TIME to be profitable.
Looking over the plans for their “Dawn of DC” event, there are a bunch of books from DC I’m actually excited to read? Wild stuff.
I don’t need or want an Escape From New York remake. That said, the directing trio of Radio Silence kinda rules…
Yes, it’s Pixar anthropomorphizing another thing, but I’ll be damned if the teaser trailer for Elemental isn’t a visual stunner.
Having been at my local Starbucks this morning for “Red Cup Day” without realizing what was occurring, I 1000% sympathize for the workers. It was absolute pandemonium for some cheap, plastic cups. I would’ve skipped today had I known.
Whatever Lionsgate does, please let them get Yuzo Koshiro for the Streets of Rage movie score.
Continuing to use Twitter via a 3rd party app is interesting. Since your timeline is reverse chronological and you get no ads, you’re sort of shielded from the garbage fire of the rest of the site, now more than ever. As always, once Tweetbot’s gone, I’m gone.
Today, Conan O’Brien launched a station on SiriusXM. The sketch posted on his YouTube page today of him getting a jingle for the station is on par with some of his better remotes from the late night show.
Hearing that Damien Chazelle’s Babylon is divisive, honestly, excites me more. Gotta go for big swings, even if people don’t like ‘em.
God of War: Ragnarok is very good so far (5 hrs. in). Though I definitely agree with a podcast I listened to this weekend, where they recommend breaking up the story quests with side quests, as the story quests are dense with walk-and-talk segments.
New John Wick looks good, even though I feel like the series is getting SLIGHTLY long in the tooth.
The only way this AMC/Zoom team-up is OK by me is if your company then shows you a movie. But even then…pretty dystopian.
OK, pre-ordered God of War: Ragnarok, got tickets for Glass Onion…now I just need to figure out when I’m going to see Wakanda Forever and my big-time November entertainment is set.
In case you weren’t already sold on it, here’s ONE MORE trailer for the Knives Out sequel, Glass Onion.
Great interview with the Marvel Snap team who, well, really should be proud of the incredibly addicting game they’ve created, along with the not-gross way they’ve monetized it.
A reminder: No matter what anyone tells you, it’s not actually the holiday season until this ad starts playing.
Tonight, 11 year old me would be very proud. Well, he’d probably also have questions like: “where’s our hair?” and “why are we fat?” and “why is our beard so grey?”, but he’d be proud, as tonight, I’m seeing Weird Al live. Let’s freakin' go.
I’ve been playing Marvel Snap the past two days. Like The Verge attests, it’s a damn fun time.
Oh boy, the trailer for Creed III looks REAL REAL GOOD. Jonathan Majors looking like a STAR.
The new Apple TV 4K looks like a decent specs bump (and the price has dropped!), but as someone rocking a 1st-gen Apple TV 4K combined with last year’s new Siri remote, I see no need to upgrade.
The new standard iPads look nice (I dig the colors!), and both the new landscape camera and the Smart Keyboard Folio are slick, but its a shame that, at least, the M1 couldn’t come along. Also – making it so that you can still only use the 1st Gen Apple Pencil and you need a USB-C dongle to make that work, pretty weak.
Cool to see the M2 hit the new iPad Pros, but that seems to be the only notable change. You don’t get the new landscape camera, nor the new keyboard folio, basically, it’s an odd transition year for all iPads…including the iPad Air, which once again, I wonder who it’s for.
I was ready to consider trading in my 2020 iPad Pro and moving forward with a new one today, but honestly, nothing here gets me excited. Saving my money for another day.
Do I need a Steam Deck? God no. Do I want a Steam Deck? Yes. (See also: stuff like an Apple Studio Display, an Apple Studio itself, etc., etc.)
RIP G4 Take Two.
This might be me as a late-30’s gamer speaking, but the built-in hints for PS5 games really are great, both as a leg up for those of us with limited game time, and as a reminder of what the hell the last thing you were doing was.
This morning I learned that Ted Leo had released 3 new EP’s exclusively on Bandcamp. AND it’s Bandcamp Friday. Suffice to say, picked ‘em up.
Yes, this season of SNL will indeed be a rebuilding year, but I was the perfect audience for this spoof of the Nicole Kidman/AMC ad.
I’m still not sure if they’re going to be able to thread the needle here, but that makes two amazing trailers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Finally giving the new Death Cab for Cutie a listen today. Great album, but “Foxglove Through The Clearcut” might be the boldest step forward for them in ages. song.link/us/i/1621…
Bummed to not be going to SPX this weekend (husbandly duties call), but I hope everyone who DOES go has a great time. See you next year, I hope!
Fire Emblem feels like the troll option for Nintendo. I’m sure it has its audience, but I genuinely tune out. Haha
It’s almost as if that Instagram should focus on being Instagram and not being TikTok.
Nintendo Direct in the morning and a Sony State of Play in the evening. Big day for video game nerds tomorrow.
Well with last night’s reactions, I’m really gonna need to see Glass Onion, The Menu and The Fabelmans this Fall. TO THE CINEMA!~
A really great piece on Kate Beaton, ahead of the release of her new book Ducks, up now on Vulture.
The teaser for Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is out! EEEEEEEEEEEE!
So I’m gonna guess…
This is my kind of internet: a deep dive on the ubiquity of a 90’s era ad which has a line read which won’t leave your head…Sears' Air Conditioning “You’ll Call NOW” Ad.
If you, like me, enjoy the annual deluge of Fall foods, may I recommend not sleeping on the Pumpkin Spice Cream Smoothie at Wawa? Might be my sneaky favorite…
On one hand: YES! New Gorillaz album!
On the other: Not until February.
Definitely excited for this Oral History of Comic Con book coming out next week.
I wondered if anything would walk in the footsteps of Walk Hard.
I didn’t expect it to be the “Weird” Al Yankovic movie.
The Splatoon 3 Splatfest rules.
But! If you disconnect from a bout, you’re a chump, and you cause all of us to get kicked back to lobby.
OK, the new Fletch movie looks freaking fantastic.
It’s a movie about movies with THAT CAST and directed by Sam Mendes AND Roger Deakins on cinematography AND Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross doing the score. LETS FREAKIN GOOOOOOO
FINALLY watching Top Gun: Maverick, thanks to its VOD release. What a gorgeous movie. And the sound mixing is LOUD. Dang.
Great news, the countdown to Glass Onion (aka Knives Out 2) can officially begin. It hits Netflix on December 23.
The world is absolutely bleak some days. On other days, I read stories like this and think, “There’s a way out of here, yeah?”
Note to self: get ready to watch the launch on August 29th.
OK, so I’m not the only one looking at the August release slate and going, “There’s absolutely NOTHING in theaters.”
Well, my weekend of awesome movies continues, as Prey absolutely ruled ass. Amber Midthunder is a STAR, and this really should’ve been BIG and LOUD in a theater.
Bullet Train is a star-studded, ultra-violent, incredibly stylish, absolute comic book of a movie. What a joy!
Last Fall, I customized one of those grey market handheld retro game systems, and got it filled with a ton of ROMs.
Now that I’m dealing with vision issues and RSI in my wrists, I’m thinking of building a RetroPie setup.
Now…where the hell do I buy a Raspberry Pi in 2022 that has them in stock for not an insane amount of money?
My To-Watch List this weekend:
…and I still haven’t seen Thor or Nope yet!
The year is 2022. I am 37 years old. And I am enamored with a concept design for a goddamned CONTACTS app.
FYI: Licorice Pizza is now on Amazon Prime. Minus one, horrible, absolutely baffling choice, this was one of my favorite movies of last year.
Oh wow. Showtime put all 4 episodes of We Need To Talk About Cosby up on their YouTube page for free.
I’m glad someone else said it.
BRING BACK THE ERA OF THE GAMESHARK/ACTION REPLAY/GAME GENIE. Shit was fun.
Watching a movie on my MacBook. Genuinely surprised by how GOOD the speakers are on this thing.
…I should watch more movies this way when I’m bullshitting on the web.
[sigh] I guess it’s starting to look like it’s time to google “best NAS for Plex” and “best newsgroup subscriptions”, eh?
The trailer for The Banshees of Inisherin, or, “Hey! I need to re-watch In Bruges!”
Wow, I did not think that WB would can the Batgirl movie this far into production.
My tin-foil hat theory? They’re gonna can The Flash next, since both that and the Batgirl movie were going to tie together.
Universal Pictures, bless you for deciding to give Daniels all the money.
It feels a lot like a version of The Raid, with Daffy Duck cast in the lead role.
Welp, I’m totally sold on Bullet Train with Polygon’s review.
Dang. That trailer for Star Wars: Andor is looking pretty solid. Truly stunning visuals, and a vibe which makes it feel more like a prestige sci-fi drama, versus a bombastic blockbuster. Here’s hoping it’s good!
audience of 100.
audience of 500.
audience of 500.
audience of 2200.
yeah, that’s a good Otakon in the books.
Big news, fellow Jeopardy! fans: the host moving forward is…both of ‘em.
The Marvel #SDCC panel sounds like some very odd decisions (why are the Phases split the way they are?) matched with cool sounding projects (GOTG Vol. 3, new Daredevil series) but the teaser trailer for Wakanda Forever really feels like something special.
I’ll be damned. Netflix may’ve really pulled it off with The Sandman. #SDCC2022
I don’t know how the rest of you are, but for me, when the lottery gets high enough, I buy ONE ticket.
For me, the daydreams are worth the $2.
This oral history (which contains SPOILERS) for TMNT: The Last Ronin is a great read about a great comic that I really enjoyed digging into last week. Recommend both!
I appreciate the modern era of things like Twitter and Instagram specifically during events like SDCC. Otherwise, these are pipes which should get shut down.
OK D&D movie. I guess we will give you a shot. Even if you’re probably going to be a forgettable romp.
Today in Headlines which have to be AI generated: SOUJA BOY helps LIMEWIRE relaunch as NFT MARKETPLACE
It’s not often that I see a trailer for an action movie and go, “wait, how did they shoot that.” Then I watched the trailer for Netflix’s upcoming movie Carter. Dang.
Watched The Bob’s Burgers Movie last night. What an absolute delight.
I understand why it didn’t make a huge splash in theaters, but gosh, if you like the show (and why wouldn’t you?) spin it up on Hulu/HBO Max/VOD now.
As cynical as I am about a Lord of the Rings TV series, watching the new teaser trailer, there’s no doubt that Amazon got their money’s worth.
I’d like to thank Twitter for going down on my first day back to work after vacation. It’s like the universe wants me to focus my attention.
It’s kinda wild to me that eight years after his death, Casey Kasem’s Top 40 Countdowns are still syndicated and hit the airwaves every weekend. Classics or not.
I had heard much praise for Dicey Dungeons, but had yet to pick it up. It just came to iOS today, and I’ll be damned if it isn’t the perfect mobile game.
The new LEGO Bowser is, frankly, an incredible piece of engineering and I can’t believe it’s coming out as a general release.
An online radio station based in my backyard? I’m gonna have to give this a spin.
This reference is only going to hit for some, but…
Neon White is the most “I-would’ve-imported-this-for-my-Dreamcast-and-not-shut-the-hell-up-about-it” game I’ve played in a long time. This rules.
I never had a name for this, but I can’t recommend a “Feeds Reboot” enough. Your internet experience will be better for it.
Sure, Geico’s ads are a mixed bag, but the Animal in the Attic one? That’s my jam, folks.
Provided that we make it to 2028 (😬), we might at least have Sasuke/Ninja Warrior in the Olympics to look forward to.
Running back 2002 this morning with a personal classic, Hot Rod Circuit’s At Nature’s Mercy.
Oh my gosh. These new Scott Pilgrim action figures look perfect.
The new Jimmy Eat World single is pretty damn good. New album soon, I hope?
Trying to be a better human in 2022 is correcting your own pronoun usage while catching friends up on the latest Ezra Miller drama.
I’m not smart when it comes to the economy, but it’s pretty wild how “The Great Resignation” and another recession came so close together.
In short, Street Fighter 6’s “Modern Control Mode” means one thing…I’M COMIN' BACK TO FIGHTIN' GAMES BAYBEE
Distopian doesn’t even begin to describe how bad the Meta TV ad extoling the virtues of Personalized Advertising is.
I don’t care much for JKR either, but – with today’s news about the voice cast of the LOTR Anime, I’m somewhat surprised there has not been a Harry Potter anime.
I’d imagine you could just animate the 7 books into a very long shonen series.
Heck yeah. Always excited to see more work from Genndy Tartakovsky.
And that’s it, with these last two eBay sales – minus Ring Fit Adventure (which isn’t available digitally) – I have no more physical video games.
I feel lighter.
The Instagram experience sure has gone downhill. I’m met with “suggested” auto play videos, ads for businesses nowhere near me, and everything seems to just be TikTok reposts.
I think it might be time for me to close up shop there.
“We absolutely loved Squid Game here at Netflix.”
“You got the message then, yeah?”
“Absolutely! Loud and clear! Now, we’ve got another spinoff we’d like to pitch…”
Who had “The sequel to Joker will be a musical co-starring Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn” on their 2022 Bingo Card?
OK, what platform are we all buying TMNT on?
I don’t have GamePass, my PS5 has easier/better online play, but there’s a discount on Switch…
Is it odd that, though I don’t own an Xbox, I’m gonna try to make an effort to watch the Xbox/Bethesda presentation today?
Finished Stranger Things 4 Vol. 1 today. Thought they really delivered on the increased scale and scope. Looking forward to Vol. 2 on July 1st!
I love reading analysis of the rumored Roku/Netflix deal where they repeatedly forget to mention that Netflix’s resources were used to develop the first Roku, and Netflix chose to spin off the business.
Watched the first episode of Ms. Marvel. It’s a very fun little show. Exactly the type of storytelling which should be explored as a series, as opposed to a movie. Lower stakes, more heart.
After 15 years of development, we’ve got a trailer for Black Adam, and I can tell you this folks: there are movies coming out this year, and this is one of them.
Apple presented some very cool updates yesterday at WWDC (sadly, my iPad Pro is NOT an M1, so no fun new multitasking for me), but I think the coolest thing shared? The new lock screen customization.
Hope your Monday is going well. I’m here to melt your brain with this Street Fighter II acapella video.
The next Disney movie, Strange World, looks to be 100% my shit.
I think my final, last minute, long shot WWDC 2022 want is that they’re finally updating Apple News to go completely ad-free for News+ subscribers.
If nothing else, the latest Sony State of Play was a win for me since they announced a release date for Tunic on PS5.
Shock of shocks, sounds like Diablo Immortal is a great mobile translation absolutely handicapped by IAP.
It’s almost as if being a social media influencer is an unsustainable lifestyle.
Get your money and get out, kids.
Why yes, I did watch the surprise Bo Burnham Inside outtakes video as soon as humanly possible.
A great piece on The Verge about the special Hell that is the Kindle / ComiXology integration.
I echo the writer here, though I spend significant amounts in both stores still.
A great Washington Post piece, by way of SFGate about the new, final Norm Macdonald special which just dropped on Netflix. I look forward to watching it soon.
Just watched the first episode of Obi-Wan. My lone gripe? No concept art credits. I LOVED that on Mando/Boba.
The teaser trailer for the next Disney+ Star Wars series, Andor looks pretty good. Beyond the fact that I adored Rogue One, I love how different this feels to everything else we’ve seen thus far in the D+ series.
Folks, it’s almost as if organizing labor works.
Incredible piece on Defector today, about, well, all of this mess.
This is why I pay to support that site every year.
They had me at “Weird Al Graphic Novel”.
Not that I’m necessarily in the market any time soon, but…if one wants an electric car and NOT a Tesla, what’s the one to get?
I hate how often this Onion story is valid.
Sure, it’s the writing/directing team of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Endgame, but the new Netflix movie The Gray Man looks like it’s going to sit right next to Red Notice in terms of being a fun, light diversion. I’ll give it a spin.
We’ve got a new Thor: Love and Thunder trailer! I really like the visuals for when Gorr appears.
The new Mission: Impossible trailer hit the web officially (after being leaked over the weekend), and it definitely looks like Tom Cruise is back to trying to die on film. Good times!
The new Amazon Prime documentary about The Kids in the Hall, Comedy Punks, is great. Weird that it’s cut into two episodes, but I can’t recommend it enough (and also, you can run it back with the new season!)
I’m not sure what it takes for Apple to get Netflix to let them add Netflix shows to the TV app queue, but I could really use it. I constantly forget things I actually want to watch on there…
I love this new Essentials Anniversaries idea on Apple Music. This is the sort of content I think of for prime MTV, just, y’know, in audio form.
The new live episode of Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend with Bill Hader is an absolute gem.
Kind of obsessed with this new retailer I learned about, Local Vyntage. They make apparel featuring logos of defunct chain stores of different regions. (Link is for Baltimore.)
The new Marvel/Stan Lee deal reads kind of ghoulish. I sure hope it’s not what I’m thinking…
And lo, there was a She-Hulk trailer. Hits D+ in August.
Only Murders in the Building was a great show, but I’m not entirely sure about a second season. The new teaser is promising, though.
Where was this ASUS/Eva collab when I was a teen weeb?
Thanks, cats. For perhaps finding a way to save the planet.
I just want to say, I know social media is really dismissive, but I’ve enjoyed how much we’ve all rallied around being horned up for the very jacked cast of Thor: Love and Thunder. Bless.
Very big Vanity Fair story on the future plans for Star Wars today. Will be interesting to see what from here comes up at the end of the month at Celebration.
Anyone else remember when 4Chan had a yearly panel at Otakon and it was just this massive thing that drew hundreds, if not a thousand plus, into one of the Baltimore Convention Center’s ballrooms? Very weird to see the results of that domino falling…
Few things make me chuckle to myself more than the moment in all these pharmaceutical ads where they say, “Don’t take [drug you’re just now hearing about] if you’re allergic to [this new drug you’ve never heard of prior to this moment].
Disney/Pixar have announced their movie for next Summer: Elemental.
Very cool new teaser trailer for Prey, the Hulu-exclusive continuation of the Predator franchise.
Emphasis on teaser.
Hm, the game list of PlayStation Plus games for the first month is pretty dang compelling. It’s not a Game Pass beater, but it could be a decent rival.
This week’s episode of The Besties is a wild listen – a completely randomized power ranking of Star Wars games. Where else are you going to hear a video game podcast shout out the Leapster?
What a stunning list of creators for Amazing Fantasy #1000. Looking forward to reading it and celebrating 60 dang years of the web-head.
It’s New Music Friday, so I am spinning the debut album from The Smile (a new band featuring Radiohead’s Thom Yorke + Johnny Greenwood). Pretty good so far!
One last, secret special filmed by Norm Macdonald? I feel like this will be something to see, for sure.
New overview trailer for Mario Strikers: Battle League.
Game looks very good graphically, and the gameplay seems fun, but only having 10 playable characters feels super small in scope, especially for a full-priced game.
LEGO has gone and done it. They’ve made an Optimus Prime model. And yes, by God, it transforms.
I know I just mentioned how good my Apple Music Favorites Mix was going, but I have to share a track with y’all. “Middle States” by the Appleseed Cast, off the EP of the same name. The end of this song absolutely rules.
I know it’s the purpose of the Apple Music Favorites Mix to be all your jams, but gosh, it’s just HITTING RIGHT today.
I don’t have the wallspace for it, but this new Batman ‘89 print by Florey is just fantastic.
EMPEROR PENGUINS ARE GOING EXTINCT? This environmental shit just got personal.
The iPod is dead. Long live the iPod.
So, uh…Facebook might…heh heh…pivot to video?
The trailer for Avatar 2 is here, and I can say definitively – it’s an Avatar movie.
oh wow, this timed Scott C. Peacemaker print is absolutely stupendous.
Now that we’ve gotten all the streaming services on board, what do we need to do to get cable networks to air movies in their proper aspect ratios?
Love, a nerd.
GREAT SNL last night. Cumberbatch was super game, and holy hell, Arcade Fire sounded fantastic. Might need to get tickets to see them at The Anthem.
I completely missed that Amazon dropped the briefest of Paper Girls teasers yesterday.
Last night, the team behind I Think You Should Leave did an event showcasing cut sketches and extended versions of favorites. Come for the extra Buff Boy details, stay for the description of the best lost SNL sketch, I dunno, ever?
Rest In Peace to one of the greatest comic artists to ever live. Safe travels, George Perez.
This week’s Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend with John Mulaney is a gem. Gonna be doing a bad Sinatra for the rest of the day now.
The best show you may not be watching, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson is getting a third season. Coffin Flop may not be a show, but this will be. Hell yes.
Happy new Arcade Fire album day. I feel like I’m going to be spinning WE quite a bit this weekend.
Netflix producing a sitcom set at Blockbuster, while being the business which killed Blockbuster is some wild stuff.
This Behind the Mac: Skywalker Sound doc is SO COOL. May the 4th be with you, y’all.
I’m far from a “stick up for the big tech company” guy, but seeing what’s going on with Netflix described as a “sinking ship” is ridiculous. Thousands, if not millions, of businesses would KILL to have the situation Netflix does in April 2022.
Proof positive that 2 years of D&D games by way of Super Art Fantasy rubbed off on me: I just backed the KickStarter for the official Blade Runner role playing game.
Well, if you needed any proof of the type of movie Weird: The Al Yankovic Story was going to be…here it is.
Did anyone actually use Podcasts on Facebook, anyway?
They had me at George Carlin HBO Documentary.
There’s a part of my lizard brain which these Marvel vs. Predator variant covers have awakened, perfectly.
That Don’t Worry Darling trailer is a showstopper.
I knew Olivia Wilde had some serious skill after Booksmart hit, but this looks like a major step up.
I didn’t have “a Large Scale Brick-Built Baby Groot replica” on my LEGO bingo card today, no.
This extended Rolling Stone interview with Sam Raimi, though designed to promote Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, is really just a great snapshot of where Raimi is now as a director.
I can’t really say I’m surprised to see that Almost Famous is being turned into a musical, but it also has made me feel incredibly old. 💀
Turned out to be a really lovely day today, the wife and I helped my mom out with some shopping and yard supplies, and the weather is gorgeous. More of this, Spring, more of this.
I guess Jon Watts didn’t want to make four MCU movies in a row?
What awesome and unexpected news! Blake Lively (directing) and Edgar Wright (writing) are teaming up for a film adaptation of Seconds!
Wow. For me at least, Neal Adams is my mind’s-eye version of Batman. Rest in Power.
They had me at “Moon Motorcycle”.
A pretty quiet New Music Friday for me here. Might give the new Bloc Party a spin… What are you listening to today?
It’s frankly stunning how much prediatory / spam email you get from “legal assistance” companies once you submit for a trademark.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is such an extra title for the next installment, but I’m all about it.
I’ve got the Spider-Man hardcover of these new Marvel Penguin Classic editions pre-ordered, and I’m very excited for it.
LAIKA (the awesome stop-motion animation studio) is making…a “Neo-noir”? Hell yeah, I’m in.
Sure, it’s Who Framed Roger Rabbit with different properties and a Lonely Island take, but I’m all in for this Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers movie on Disney+.
The new toys – a high-end action figure, and a die cast ship replica, respectively – from Bandai for Lightyear are really great. Why do I feel like this movie is going to surprise us?
No shocks here: The Batman 2 is happening, complete with Pattinson returning and Reeves back in the director’s chair.
Ruh-roh. This does not sound good for Fast X.
If you’re wishing for something to replace your daily Wordle (and you haven’t moved on to those dang daily movie games I can’t give up), behold! Knotwords. Hits April 28th.
Love this series of movie spoiler paintings, titled, well…Spoiler Paintings.
I suppose a new Matrix movie opened the possibility to new merchandise, but I’m still surprised to see new Matrix toys…let alone ones which are SO ADORABLE.
I sure hope that the announcer for the A’s throws to the cats to do a big cheer in the later innings.
“LET’S HEAR IT FOR YOUR OAKLAND A’S, YOU FOUR-LEGGED FREELOADERS!”
It was only a matter of time before Charm City got in on the action, I guess.
Hell yes.
I am incredibly lucky to not have a Krispy Kreme location near me.
Great news for a Friday morning. Splatoon 3 hits on September 9, 2022.
LEGO just announced a high-end version of Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder, releasing May 4th. I know that if I buy one of these, I’m going to want many of these.
I have terrible news: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has been moved from October 2022 to June 2023.
I am way too hyped about the debut album from The Smile.
Fast X. Bless us all.
If nothing else, playing The Box Office Game every day has underlined to me how diverse the top 5 used to be, versus what plays well in theaters now.
Here’s a free thought for Netflix. In addition to considering ad-supported plans, maybe make 4K available to everyone without needing additional payments, like every other streaming service? Just a thought…
Maybe the second try is the charm for Amy Henning to get to make a Star Wars game.
Oh cool, it looks like the official Nintendo Switch Game Boy Advance emulator has leaked.
As someone who spends wayyyyy too much money on Apple products + services, I’d just like to say:
I’d love for that money to go towards a company which officially acknowledges and supports a union for their retail employees, if not the business at large.
They’re gonna make a Streets of Rage movie? I don’t know what it would be…beyond a 90 minute long action scene.
But that worked for The Raid and The Raid 2, so, maybe this will be an all-timer.
Things I learned today:
Enjoy.
Loving the first teaser for Thor: Love and Thunder. The shot of Jane at the end rules, but I’d imagine the internet was losing their mind at seeing Thor in a Taika Watiti directed movie where he’s on a…pirate ship? Even briefly?
Great news: If you were waiting for streaming – which is completely understandable – The Batman is now available on HBO Max and the VOD providers of your choice.
Possibly a day early, because I can’t imagine 9am Sunday is when they’d want to announce them, LEGO has revealed their full line of collectible The Muppets mini-figures on their Facebook.
I’m gonna have to order a case, aren’t I?
I think half of why I watch Bar Rescue is to see if THIS is the episode where Jon Taffer has the massive heart attack which causes him to finally chill out.
Wrapping up the wild three-part Steven Seagal series on The Dollop.
If you think you know the story, it’s only the beginning. First part is here.
Just heard the new Holy Fuck track, “Ninety Five”. Definitely could be an outtake from nine inch nails' Ghosts sessions. That’s a good thing.
(Shout out Sirius XM’s #DL15 for the heads up on this track.)
Oh boy. LinkedIn Ghostwriters are a thing now.
At least it’s not another photo of a homeless person that a CEO posts about giving a shot, right?
However long it’s going to take to subtitle / release Shin Ultraman in the United States already isn’t fast enough. Cannot wait to see Anno go wild here, if the new trailer is any indication.
Cool to see that TheYetee got the rights to do an exclusive Godzilla vs. Kong run. That Chibi Kings shirt is a TEN.
Enjoying the new Flock of Dimes b-sides/rarities/demos compilation this morning. What are you listening to?
A Kirby shopping bag. Admit it, you need it.
I’m a sucker for a good Batman: The Animated Series print. This one is no different.
Love this Fellowship of the Ring-themed LEGO Diorama.
Not sure how long this is going to stay up, but someone on Reddit has a high-quality image of Keaton’s Batman from The Flash.
I love how it looks like a natural extension of the Batman Returns costume.
Looking for a fun iOS game? Night Skate is just $3.
Awesome Game Boy homage graphics, addictive gameplay and nice chip tune soundtrack. Recommended.
Oh, rad! These deals are perfectly timed, as I’m working to move my Nintendo Switch library to digital.
Happy to see Netflix finally using the native tvOS video player.
They give you these standardized options for a reason, y’all. Just makes life easier.
Crimes of the Future, the new David Cronenberg movie. Sure to be all sorts of creepy when it drops later this year. Not sure if I’ll have the stomach for it.
The new LEGO botantical sets are genuinely cool.
I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Twitter.
Nintendo.com:
So, basically this seems to take the lessons learned from Nintendo Labo and Super Mario Maker and apply them to actual full-on game design.
And, they’re sneaking it out on June 11th for $30.
You so sneaky, Nintendo.
Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca" is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna") and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,“ “Cars 3"), “Luca" releases June 18 on Disney+.
In a word? Lush.
A little bummed that my vaccinated butt won’t be able to see this in a theater proper, but you better believe I’ll be streaming it on Disney+ this June.
EDIT: Hey, there’s a poster now, too.
Premieres April 29 only on Netflix.
Starring Lakeith Stanfield (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah), with a score by Flying Lotus. Could be dope!
Six Colors:
For years, Apple has been a leader in user automation. AppleScript was an early attempt to demystify scripting for a lay audience; Automator was sold as an easy building-block interface for performing tasks; and Shortcuts on iOS brought a modern sensibility to Automator’s premise.
The problem is that today, everything about user automation on Apple’s platforms is fractured. On the Mac, the technologies feel old-fashioned, adrift, and increasingly unsupported. On iOS, Shortcuts has some weaknesses and an every-app-for-itself mindset prevails. And between the two platforms there’s no connectivity at all.
This has to change.
Great piece by Jason Snell, getting into how AppleScript laid down the framework of what Shortcuts can do over on iOS, and how badly macOS needs to have Shortcuts come to that platform.
As someone who makes regular use of Shortcuts (in fact, many posts on this site were generated with Shortcuts), I could not agree more.
Variety:
The first “Knives Out" was produced by Media Rights Capital. It was distributed by Lionsgate, going on to earn $311.4 million on a $40 million budget. Johnson was nominated for an Oscar for best original screenplay. It was not immediately clear who benefits from the massive windfall, as MRC is said by sources to have acquired the rights to the material from Johnson and his producing partner Ram Bergman.
As someone who has been a massive fan of Rian Johnson’s work since he first saw Brick, and absolutely adored the world of Benoit Blanc we got our first glimpse into with Knives Out, I am absolutely stunned.
I was just commenting about how so much of the Netflix original library leaves me cold, and now, here we are, two movies I definitely want to see.
I’m so damned excited for these movies. Get PAID, Rian!
When we last heard about this movie, it was called Connected and was due for a Fall 2020 theatrical release.
Now back to its original title, The Mitchells vs. the Machines still looks great, but now it’ll be hitting Netflix in just about a month.
I’m in.
PR Newswire:
Look at that image. And that’s the “appetizing" image they went with. I mean, what an absolute car crash of a me….
Wait a second.
Alfonso Ribeiro?!
THEY GOT CARLTON UP IN THIS?!
I AM THERE.
Premieres on May 4th with an extended episode, then new episodes every Friday starting on May 7th.
Apple Newsroom:
No big surprise here. Honestly, I think the online format of their conferences as of late has treated Apple quite well.
Publishers Weekly:
The two companies have signed an exclusive, worldwide multi-year sales and distribution agreement for Marvel’s comics—including individual issues, trade collections, and graphic novels both newly published and backlist—to the direct market. PRHPS officially begins its distribution to direct market retailers for Marvel titles on October 1. The move marks a major change in the U.S. comics distribution market, which Diamond Comic Distributors has long dominated.
Unreal! I mean, DC Comics made a similar move last year, moving all distribution in house, but Diamond has had such a monopolistic lock on the comic book industry that I am absolutely stunned such a change has occurred.
Wonder what this means for the longevity of the brick-and-mortar comic store…
Deadline:
The game is developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment and centers around samurai warrior Jin Sakai, the last surviving member of his clan, who must set aside the traditions that have shaped him as a warrior to wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima.
Ghost of Tsushima was one of my favorite games of last year, and was an absolute love letter to Japanese samurai films, so when you add one of the best action directors going today, I’m very excited.
Now, will it break the curse of bad video game movies? Too early to say…but all the right tools are there.
Update:Â Now Sucker Punch Productions Game Director Nate Fox has chimed in with some notes on the movie:
Yes folks, I’ve decided to bring it back. And what way to bring it back.
PepsiCo Press Release:
Marshmallow cola. Fuck outta here.
Variety:
Dr. Fate, also known as Kent Nelson, is a founding member of the Justice Society who gains superpowers through putting on the magical Helmet of Fate. The casting of Brosnan completes the lineup for the Justice Society of America, with Aldis Hodge playing Hawkman, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher and Quintessa Swindell taking on Cyclone.
“Black Adam" follows the story of the anti-hero of the same name, played by Johnson. The character of Black Adam first appeared in DC Comics in the 1940s as a power-corrupt villain, and slowly became an anti-hero by the 2000s, known for his disregard of rules and conventions.
For those not super familiar with DC Comics ephemera, here’s a quick analogy:
Dr. Fate is to DC Comics what Doctor Strange is to Marvel Comics 1
All that being said, I refuse to believe that Black Adam or The Flash (which also had casting, er, re-casting news today) is a real movie until it’s actually playing in front of me.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Fukunaga will direct a feature adaptation of cyberpunk Image comic series Tokyo Ghost for Legendary.
Tokyo Ghost is set in 2089 when humanity has become fully addicted to technology as an escape from reality. The story follows peacekeepers Debbie Decay and Led Dent, who are working in the Isles of Los Angeles and are given a job that will take them to the last tech-free country on Earth: the garden nation of Tokyo.
Rick Remender, whose series Fear Agent is currently being developed by Seth Rogen’s Point Grey for Amazon, and Sean Gordon Murphy, who is behind the Chrononauts comic that is set for adaptation at Netflix, are behind Image series. Remender, who previously worked with the Russo brothers as co-creator and co-showrunner on SyFy series Deadly Class, is set to pen the Legendary project.
Let’s just hope they get Murphy’s eye for cool technologies and vehicles JUST right on this adaptation!
Deadline:
The project, from the films’ producer Jerry Bruckheimer and original writers Marianne and Cormac Wibberley, is a reimagining of the National Treasure franchise. Written by the Wibberleys and to be directed by Mira Nair (Vanity Fair), the series explores the timely issues of identity, community, historical authorship and patriotism, told from the point of view of Jess Morales, a twenty-year-old DREAMer who, with her diverse group of friends, sets off on the adventure of a lifetime to uncover her mysterious family history and recover lost treasure.
Dope! I love those movies.
Very close to making me consider going to the theater.
That said, just let me know when that 4K remaster is up on iTunes.
Rocket League:
We’re hard at work on this free mobile game for iOS and Android that takes the core, competitive gameplay of Rocket League and reimagines it for a mobile device. In Rocket League Sideswipe, players compete from a new perspective on the field in 1v1 or 2v2 matches. Games will be fast-paced, 2-minute matches that you can play with friends near or far thanks to online play.
Looks fun enough. Now let us hope the free-to-play elements aren’t too cringeworthy.
Anna Kendrick? Check! Space movie? Check!
Yeah, I’ll see you in April, Netflix.
Variety:
All that is to say Disney has massively overhauled its upcoming slate and amended release plans for “Black Widow,“ “Cruella,“ Pixar’s “Luca" and several others.
Short version:
Must be fun running a movie studio right now.
As mentioned in an article on Deadline discussing the re-opening of Regal Cinemas:
So, if I’m to read through the lines here, the plan with the 2022 release slate is:
Enjoy those direct-to-HBO Max movies while you can, gang, the genie is going back in the bottle. As well it should, IMO — can’t recoup a $300 Million blockbuster with streaming money.
Bloomberg Japan:
The new Switch iteration will support Nvidia’s Deep Learning Super Sampling, or DLSS, a novel rendering technology that uses artificial intelligence to deliver higher-fidelity graphics more efficiently. That will allow the console, which is also set for an OLED display upgrade, to reproduce game visuals at 4K quality when plugged into a TV, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plan is not public.
The U.S. company’s new chipset will also bring a better CPU and increased memory. DLSS support will require new code to be added to games, so it’ll primarily be used to improve graphics on upcoming titles, said the people, including multiple game developers. Bloomberg News previously reported that the new Switch is likely to include a 7-inch OLED screen from Samsung Display Co. and couple the console’s release with a bounty of new games.
Day one. There’s not a system on the market I like more than the Switch, and these enhancements sound exactly what the system needs for a nice refresh.
Now, about that JoyCon drift…
Deadline:
“Hey Seth? Steven Spielberg here.“ “Y-yeah? Hi!“ “Wanna play my cool Uncle?“ “[stoner giggle]“ “…“ “Yeah man! I’ll play your Uncle.“
Nintendo Japan Press Release:
The app is scheduled to launch globally later in 2021, with Niantic as the publisher. The title will also be the first title created by Niantic Tokyo Studio, Niantic’s development studio established in April 2018.
That’s all we know now.
I do have to say, it’s very refreshing to see them not go the obvious route (Pokemon Go 2!) and instead move forward with one of Nintendo’s sleeper franchises in Pikmin.
I wonder if they can catch even an essence of the lighting in a bottle which was Pokemon Go.
The Verge:
For nearly two decades, “Xbox Live" has been the name of online play for Xboxes.
The new name isn’t bad, and all and all, Xbox Network and Xbox Game Pass are way better titles than PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now. 1
GamesBeat:
Two sources familiar with the matter said that Discord is exploring its options for a sale in the wake of interest from multiple parties that want to buy the company. And one source said the company has signed an exclusive acquisition discussion with one party, meaning it is in final negotiations about a sale. This news comes after Discord raised $140 million in December at a $7 billion valuation (based on data found by Prime Unicorn Index).
I’m definitely concerned about…
I know, it’s the way tech goes, but gosh, I wish a tech company would just aim at being sustainable/profitable and not exiting as a Unicorn.
Update: Per Bloomberg, the suitor is Microsoft.
Variety:
Anecdotally, a few friends reported having issues loading content on Disney+ on Friday morning, which certainly lines up with this.
That said? I feel like there was a much bigger conversation about The Mandalorian and WandaVision.
I guess we will have to see what the next 5 weeks of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier have in store for us.
AIPT!:
The book will contain tips, techniques, and more focused on digital comic book lettering. Given Piekos’ work at Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Image Comics, Oni Press, and more he has plenty to share.
True story, I once really wanted to become a comic letterer. Even got to do it on the amateur level for a while.
Piekos’ is truly one of the best at his craft, so good, you probably haven’t considered how great he is, so this is sure to be a great read for creators and fans alike.
From a write up that Erik Shilling at Jalopnik did about trying to watch older seasons of Top Gear 1 on Amazon Prime:
He’s not wrong, that’s how it is.
I — personally — have been trying to combat this by purchasing favorite movies and TV shows 2, but this is the issue everyone’s trying to crack.
I can’t help but feel like if Apple TV Channels or Amazon’s Channel formats were more widely accepted, each provider would offer some crazy “omni-pass" for a price just under the combined total of say, 5 of them together, but alas, we’re not there.
…and I don’t think an “Apple-Music-or-Spotify-for-movies-and-television" is on it’s way, gang…
What a gorgeous looking movie. I’m there.
Had me at “zombie heist movie". Batista and Tig Notaro are just some nice bonuses.
Nerf reveals Hyper, its next-gen high capacity blasters with the fastest reloads ever - The Verge:
Today, the company’s announcing Nerf Hyper, a new line of blasters that not only shoots harder (up to 110 feet per second) than any stock blaster but also features the company’s fastest reloads yet, thanks to a smaller foam projectile that takes up so little space, you can fit 40 of them inside a pistol-sized blaster. That’s unheard of in Nerf. You can clip on (or carry around) 50 or 100 round canisters to quickly top them up, much like a paintball gun.
This is amazing. Time to shoot my friends really hard.*
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*once we’ve all been vaccinated and feel comfortable being physically around each other, so probably 2022-ish?
Daft Punk Break Up | Pitchfork:
An absolute heartbreaker for a Monday morning.
Here’s the announcement video.
I’ve got a lot of feelings about this, as Daft Punk as an act always seemed to match my tastes both musically and visually.
While I process those thoughts, I’m going to share Interstella 5555, which I’ve always thought was their magnum opus, matching their amazing album Discovery with 70’ throwback animation.
This looks super fun. Considering it hits HBO Max in April, I will absolutely give it a spin.
BLOODKNIFEBLOODKNIFEBLOODKNIFE
Wednesday Addams Live-Action Series Set at Netflix - Variety:
The project was first reported as being in development back in October, though no network or streamer was attached at that time. Netflix has given the coming-of-age series an eight episode order.
Based on the character originally created by Charles Addams, “Wednesday" is a young adult TV series described as a a sleuthing, supernaturally infused mystery charting Wednesday Addams’ years as a student at Nevermore Academy. She attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart a monstrous killing spree that has terrorized the local town, and solve the supernatural mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago — all while navigating her new and very tangled relationships at Nevermore.
The previous rumors are confirmed.
I guess this will be like the recently ended Sabrina series, but with Addams Family characters?
‘The Simpsons’ x adidas Superstar & ZX 1000 Info | HYPEBEAST:
The Flaming Moe version is fantastic.
The Movie Worlds of Superman ‘78 and Batman ‘89 Are Heading to Comics in Two All-New DC Digital First Series! | DC:
Very excited for this. Joe Quinones posted about his pitch for this very same idea back in 2016, and I’m very glad to see it come to life.
The other bit which has me stoked? Look at these character designs!
Yep, that Bruce Wayne is what you think it is.
Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land") stars in Disney’s “Cruella,“ an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinemas most notorious — and notoriously fashionable — villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. “Cruella,“ which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,“ “Sense & Sensibility"). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.
This feels a lot like someone at Disney wanted to make their own Harley Quinn movie.
Yet, it doesn’t look bad? I’ll gladly check it out on Disney+.
‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ to End With Season 8 on NBC - Variety:
The show was famously canceled after five seasons at Fox in 2018 before NBC revived it for a sixth season that same year. The comedy, set in a Brooklyn police precinct, stars Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Terry Crews, Melissa Fumero, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Lo Truglio, Dirk Blocker and Joel McKinnon Miller. Season 8 will consist of 10 episodes. The show was originally renewed for an eight season in 2019 but the pandemic has stymied production. Season 8 will air as part of the 2021-2022 season.
I can’t imagine trying to write and produce a police-based comedy show is easy in the year 2021.
Still one of my favorite shows going. It will be missed.
‘Last of Us’: ‘Game of Thrones’ Breakout Bella Ramsey to Star as Ellie (Exclusive) | Hollywood Reporter:
Pedro Pascal Joins Bella Ramsey to Star in HBO’s ‘Last of Us’ | Hollywood Reporter:
The Mandalorian star is playing Joel.
Sounds awesome to me.
‘The Mandalorian’ Star Gina Carano Fired Amid Social Media Controversy | Hollywood Reporter:
“Gina Carano is not currently employed by Lucasfilm and there are no plans for her to be in the future,” a Lucasfilm spokesperson said in a statement. “Nevertheless, her social media posts denigrating people based on their cultural and religious identities are abhorrent and unacceptable.”
Carano has also been dropped as a client by UTA, an agency spokesperson confirms.
“They have been looking for a reason to fire her for two months, and today was the final straw,“ a source with knowledge of Lucasfilm’s thinking tells THR.
You know, I was really rooting for Carano. Following her MMA run in Strikeforce (where I was a fan), I was excited to see her launch a pretty decent acting career in movies like Deadpool, Haywire and Fast Five.
But, I guess like fellow MMA fighter Tito Ortiz, those punches to the head really did a number on her.
It’s so wild to me to see a situation which, honestly, could’ve been solved by just not posting.
By no means do I support her views (though I admit its her right to have them, as dumbass as I believe them to be), but really, she had A PRIMARY ROLE IN THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE which she pissed away here by way of Twitter/Instagram.
Sure, I guess a future of being a butt-hurt “cancelled" commentator for Fox News and similar outlets is in her future, but…Jesus Christ. It’s amazing to see someone light a match, pour gasoline and burn a bridge in real time.
Clone High’ Reboot, Scooby Doo’ Spinoff & Pete Davidson Comedy Set At HBO Max — Deadline:
The streamer has handed a two-season order to Clone High, the reboot of the classic MTV series with Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Bill Lawrence, and ordered Scooby-Doo spinoff Velma with Mindy Kaling set as lead voice star and exec producer and Fired on Mars from Pete Davidson.
TWO SEASONS!
For those who did not watch Clone High, it was an amazing show which gave us the rise of Lord and Miller. I think it’s only available for purchase digitally now.
It was the perfect encapsulation of early 00’s angst, colliding with surreal humor. Their interpretation of JFK is an all-timer.
Now, as for that Velma show…
I’m thinking / hoping this is basically Harley Quinn but for Velma?
Any way you slice it, I’m very excited for HBO Max’s focus on cartoons!
I love Daft Punk. And because of that, Alive 2007 is one of my favorite live albums of all time, an incredible mashup of all their music recorded prior.
Really, for me, one of the biggest bummers was that they didn’t also do a proper DVD or Blu-Ray release of the set.
On the tour for Alive 2007, the robots made a stop at Lollapalooza, in Chicago, IL. Earlier this month, someone (YouTube user Johnny Airbag) uploaded the RAW satellite footage from the show, which was used on the screens inside the venue.
Who would’ve thought this would ever surface, let alone 14 years later?
Amazing stuff.
Enjoy, I know I will.
Carrot Weather gets major overhaul, now free to download - 9to5Mac:
Very nice breakdown from 9to5Mac on this new version of the iOS weather app I absolutely swear by.
The fit and finish on this new version is unreal. I never thought I’d care this much about a weather app, but here we go. And now, it’s free to try, so go check it out!
Tweetbot 6 Moves to Subscription Pricing - MacStories:
The subscription costs $0.99 per month or $5.99 annually. Many of the features previously available as part of the paid app, including multiple account support, advanced filtering, and push notifications, are now subscription-only features. Tapbots says that subscribers will also benefit from future updates as Twitter expands its third-party APIs and ensure Tweetbot’s continued development. You can still download the app to view your timeline if you’re not willing to subscribe, but the free version is read-only, so it isn’t possible to tweet from it.
I can hear pearls being clutched at yet another great third-party application being turned to a subscription model, but really, it’s more Apple’s fault than Tweetbot’s.
Tweetbot is an app I live far too many hours in. It’s everything Twitter was in 2012, but in 2021. No ads, no Fleets, a chronological timeline, and across device timeline syncing. And they’re using the new v2 Twitter API (which does cost $$$) so the app is only going to get better.
You know how everyone says about Twitter, “I can’t believe this site is free?“ Yeah, this is worth the $6/year.
Solve Everything: An Oral History of 2015’s Secret Wars and How It Came to Be - SKTCHD:
The problem is this doesn’t always happen. Many events are just big stories with enough oomph to warrant a more significant focus — or even arcs elevated in hopes of goosing orders — rather than something with actual line-wide significance. The rarity of a true universe-changing event, though, can mean that when they do arrive, they have an outsized impact.
One of those — maybe even the biggest of them all — was 2015’s Secret Wars. This nine-part mini-series from writer Jonathan Hickman, artist Esad Ribić, colorist Ive Svorcina, and letterers Chris Eliopoulos and Clayton Cowles was the culmination of not just Hickman’s preceding Avengers and New Avengers run, but arguably the totality of his time at Marvel up until that point. It told the story of Doctor Doom’s reign as a god on a newly remade Battleworld — built from Incursion points of other, destroyed Earths and filled with new versions of old favorites — as Reed Richards, Black Panther, Namor, and a small group of heroes (and villains) who still remembered what once was endeavored to end Doom’s reign and return the Earth to its rightful state.
It was a monster of a series, resulting in the temporary ending of Marvel’s entire line, the destruction of the Ultimate Universe, the migration of Miles Morales (and others) to Marvel’s primary 616 universe, the sunsetting of the bulk of the Fantastic Four for more than two and a half years, and an array of story points that continue onwards in Marvel stories to this day. It wasn’t just a big deal in theory either. It sold like gangbusters and had a deep impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. In short?
Secret Wars changed everything.
This is its story.
Another amazing, comprehensive piece from the madman David Harper at Sktchd. I know, it’s a subscription site, but if you enjoy truly in-depth looks at the comics industry, the guy is doing the lord’s work.
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Aqueux — Dynamic wallpapers based on a classic:
Ultra high-resolution wallpapers, inspired by an OS X classic — available in several wide-gamut color editions, with easy installation on macOS, and a collection available for mobile devices.
From the creator of Wavēy. Just $3. Cheap!
Managing Movie Superheroes Is About to Get a Lot More Complicated - The New York Times:
The most expensive DC movies (up to four a year, starting in 2022) are designed for release in theaters, Mr. Hamada said. Additional superhero films (two annually is the goal, perhaps focused on riskier characters like Batgirl and Static Shock) will arrive exclusively on HBO Max, the fledgling streaming service owned by WarnerMedia.
In addition, DC Films, which is part of Warner Bros., will work with filmmakers to develop movie offshoots — TV series that will run on HBO Max and interconnect with their big-screen endeavors.
So, 6 movies a year along with TV spin-offs is the goal.
Meanwhile, Marvel is arguably going “too big" with 3 movies and 3 TV shows a year.
Good luck, gang. If Wonder Woman 1984 was any indication, you need a lot more “no guys" on your staff than “yes men".
Oscar Isaac To Star As Solid Snake In Sony’s Metal Gear Solid’ Movie — Deadline:
The film is based on the Metal Gear Solid video game created by Hideo Kojima and published by Konami. The script is written by Derek Connolly. Avi Arad is producing. Peter Kang is the executive overseeing for the studio.
Between this and Moon Knight, Oscar Issac is appearing as all of my favorite heroes. This absolutely rules.
‘Matrix 4,’ ‘Dune,’ 2021 WB Slate Debuting on HBO Max and in Theaters - Variety:
Instead, the studio will deploy a similar release strategy for the next 12 months. In a surprising break from industry standards, Warner Bros.’ entire 2021 slate — a list of films that includes “The Matrix 4,“ Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune" remake, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical adaptation of “In the Heights,“ “Sopranos" prequel “The Many Saints of Newark" and “The Suicide Squad" — will debut both on HBO Max and in theaters on their respective release dates. The shocking move to simultaneously release movies day-and-date underscores the crisis facing movie theaters and the rising importance of streaming services in the wake of a global health crisis that’s decimated the film exhibition community.
This was, in short, an absolutely stunning bit of news to hit midday today.
With the Disney+ release of Pixar’s Soul and the HBO Max release of Wonder Woman 1984 hitting on Christmas Day, I had a feeling one of the studios was going to start testing the waters for this type of move next year — COVID numbers and vaccine response pending — but I didn’t think we’d see an announcement this big, this soon.
For those wondering the full scope of the WB schedule of next year, here’s more movies to come:
Potential hit after potential hit, and you can get them all at home…with the caveat that they’re only on the service for a month…and then they’ll go through the standard home release/after home release shell game until they return to…HBO Max.
This definitely cannot be good news for theaters. I mean, word came today that AMC was going to have to sell even more stock to stay afloat (again), so, unsurprisingly, the CEO of AMC, Adam Aron, hates this news.
Aron said his chain, which operates 659 locations as the largest U.S. exhibitor, is being asked to subsidize HBO Max.
“Clearly, Warner Media intends to sacrifice a considerable portion of the profitability of its movie studio division, and that of its production partners and filmmakers, to subsidize its HBO Max start up. As for AMC, we will do all in our power to ensure that Warner does not do so at our expense. We will aggressively pursue economic terms that preserve our business. We have already commenced an immediate and urgent dialogue with the leadership of Warner on this subject.“
I’ve got bad news for him.Â
Paramount is already selling their movies off — see Borat 2 and Coming 2 America going to Amazon.
And Disney? The crown jewel? They’re “focus[ing] on streaming“, and they’ve got more to announce on December 10th.
Tick-tock, theaters. The future is here. And it may not involve you.
Internal Sony Docs Explain How “Activities” Became a Cornerstone for PS5:
I had a hunch this was the focus — besides killing off the traffic to walkthrough sites like GameFAQs or video walkthroughs on YouTube, but seeing it spelled out from the internal Sony docs really nails it.
I relate to this so hard. We’ve come so far from suggesting that we start making to-do lists for our games, haven’t we?
20th Century Studios Taps Dan Trachtenberg To Direct Next Predator Film — Deadline:
The definition of “something I didn’t know I wanted, and now I do."
How far we’ve come from The Totally Rad Show. #DanIsAMan
Introducing the next generation of Mac - Apple:
In many ways, the world of laptops and desktop computers has remained relatively stagnant, with the biggest innovations (to the casual observer) occurring on the higher end — such as Apple’s ridiculous Mac Pro and the latest family of Nvidia graphics cards for gamers.
Otherwise, the most someone would raise an eyebrow is with bizarre, left-of-center computing options, like Microsoft’s Surface Studio 2.
Based on today’s presentation, I think this new line of Macs will speak to everyone, with dramatic increases in power, performance, battery life, and, get this — little to no heat.
It will remain to be seen how these play out when they get out into the real world, but on paper? These computers will be massive hits.
I’m already trying to find an excuse to get myself a new Air.
DC Comics Promotes Marie Javins to Editor-in-Chief - Variety:
So, who is Marie Javins?
This could be a very good move for DC.
Remember, this isn’t just a sequel to Halloween (2018), which was itself, a sequel to Halloween (1978), it’s going to be directly followed by Halloween Ends in October 2022.
Can’t wait.
Every time that there’s a new Homestar Runner cartoon, it should be considered a national holiday.
‘Ted Lasso’ Renewed for Season 3 at Apple - Variety:
The news comes ahead of the start of production on Season 2 of the comedy series, which was announced in August. Production is slated to begin in early January in London.
The series stars Jason Sudeikis as the titular Lasso, a small-time college football coach from Kansas hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having no experience coaching soccer. The series also stars Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Phil Dunster and Nick Mohammed.
Literally my new favorite show on television. It’s so heartfelt, genuine and hilarious. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s literally the reason why I think you should get an Apple TV+ subscription.
Genndy Tartakovsky’s Unicorns: Warriors Eternal Headed to Cartoon Network | Collider:
Further describing the series, the official release states that the show will center around a “team of ancient heroes protecting the world from an ominous force. Throughout history, unicorns have symbolized the virtuous, appearing to ensure that goodness reigns. When the reawakening of our heroes comes too early, they find themselves in the bodies of teenagers. Damaged as a result, their memories of who they are and the history of the unicorn over the centuries have been lost, with some of their magical abilities weakened and fragmented. Not only do they have to protect the world against the prevailing darkness, they have to do it while navigating the unexpected laughs and humor that come with teen angst and emotions.“ This sounds incredibly weird and incredibly cool.
Just let Genndy make whatever he wants.
That reminds me, if you haven’t, you really should watch Primal. It’s streaming on HBO Max and is an incredible piece of animation.
‘Tiny Toons’ Revival Gets 2-Season Order at HBO Max, Cartoon Network:
The new series, “Tiny Toons Looniversity,“ centers on Babs, Buster Bunny and the rest of the gang as they follow their comedic ambitions all the way to Acme Looniversity, the esteemed institution of higher hijinx learning, where young dreamers become professional toons.
First Animaniacs returns, now this.
Anyone want a Freakazoid reboot?
Jon Stewart to Host New Current Affairs Series for Apple TV+:
The untitled series, which has been picked up for multiple seasons, is described as a “one-hour, single-issue series will explore topics that are currently part of the national conversation and his advocacy work,“ according to Apple. Each season will be accompanied by a companion podcast which will “continue the discussion.“
I’m there.
Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne Reteam for Apple Comedy Series ‘Platonic’ - Variety:
Titled “Platonic,“ the half-hour series will see the pair reunite with Nick Stoller, who directed them in both of the “Neighbors" films and also worked on the screenplay of the sequel. The show has received a 10-episode order.
“Platonic" explores the inner workings of platonic friendship. A pair of former best friends who met in their youth (Byrne and Rogen) reconnect as adults and try to mend the rift that led to their falling out. As their friendship becomes more consuming, it destabilizes their lives and causes them to reevaluate their choices.
Hey, whatever gives me an additional, non-Ted Lasso show worth recommending from the service.
An absolutely perfect cover. Seventeen-Year-Old Me is losing his mind over this.
I’d kinda be into Tenacious D covering the entire Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack?
‘Assassin’s Creed’ Live-Action TV Series in the Works at Netflix | Hollywood Reporter:
Netflix and Ubisoft are teaming to bring Assassin’s Creed to television and will develop a slate of properties based on the best-selling game. The first project under the pact is a live-action, genre-bending adaptation of the game. A search is under way for a showrunner for the project, which is currently in the development stages.
Honestly, the television format is way better for Assassin’s Creed than the movie format.
They could easily change assassins and eras season by season to freshen up the show, which I know is sort of Netflix’s want to keep things new and different.
An interesting note here, though…
So, it sounds like this is just the beginning for the franchise.
Marvel Taps Oscar Isaac To Star in Moon Knight’ Series’ — Deadline:
Jeremy Slater, who developed and wrote Netflix’s comic book adaptation of the Umbrella Academy series, has been tapped to develop and lead the writing team on the series for the streamer.
Oh fuck yeah.
I sure hope this is at least partially based on He Who Won’t Be Named’s run on the series, if not Jeff Lemire’s.
Destruction AllStars coming to PlayStation Plus in February — PlayStation.Blog:
Destruction AllStars is a multiplayer game that’s at its best when you’re competing with gamers online from all around the world. We want as many people as possible to experience the mayhem on PS5, and what better way to do that than to provide the game to our PlayStation Plus members?
I think the PS5 is going to be plenty hard to get this year, so for a game based on multiplayer, this is a wise move.
I know that at least personally, I thought the game looked intriguing, so with the option as a PlayStation Plus member to get it “free", that’s a total win.
Scarlett Johansson to Star in ‘Bride’ for Apple, A24 - Variety:
“Bride" follows a woman created to be an ideal wife — the singular obsession of a brilliant entrepreneur. When she rejects her creator, she’s forced to flee her confined existence, confronting a world that sees her as a monster. While on the run, she finds her true identity, her surprising power and the strength to remake herself as her own creation.
Johansson and Jonathan Lia will produce “Bride" through their company, These Pictures. Keenan Flynn will co-produce. Lauren Schuker Blum (“Orange Is the New Black"), Rebecca Angelo (“Wolfman") and Lelio are on board to write the script.
So it’s a 21st century reinterpretation of The Bride of Frankenstein, and Scarlett Johansson isn’t playing Asian. Win-win.
Simon Kinberg to Write, Produce ‘Battlestar Galactica’ Movie for Universal (Exclusive) | Hollywood Reporter:
Simon Kinberg has signed on to write and produce Battlestar Galactica, Universal’s long-gestating feature adaptation of its sci-fi TV franchise.
Kinberg, who was the main architect of almost a decade’s worth of X-Men movies, now has a new franchise universe to work with and will be starting from the ground up in telling the tale of humans on faraway planets on the run from a race of intelligent machines bent on wiping them out.
He will join producer Dylan Clark, who has long shepherded the project, which has attracted filmmakers such as Bryan Singer and Francis Lawrence over the years.
Why not? I mean, the TV reboot is now 16 years old, having gone off the air 11 years ago.
At the same time…
Welp.
Tim Burton Is Making An Addams Family’ TV Series — Deadline:
I feel like Burton has been rumored to be working on an Addams Family project since the era of the Paramount movies in the 1990’s.
He’s definitely the right guy for such a project, but it also feels like autopilot.
I also wonder how this will play with the sequel to the CG animated movie (I never saw the first, if anyone can chime in how that was) due in October 2021.*
Step Up To The Brand-New LEGO® Ideas 123 Sesame Street - About us - LEGO.com US:
Created with all the delightful elements of 123 Sesame Street, the new set is packed with authentic details from the famous New York City neighbourhood. From Bert and Ernie’s apartment, in which Bert famously pleaded with Ernie to remove a banana from his ear so he could hear better, to Big Bird’s nest, where the grown-ups finally met Mr. Snuffleupagus in person - builders will marvel in Sesame Street’s most memorable moments.
At a retail price of $120, this is clearly for the adult fans looking back at their childhood, but I can say for sure, this set would’ve blown my mind as a child.
LEGO Ideas 123 Sesame Street arrives on November 1, 2020.
I guess this movie is finally, truly getting made.
That said, this doesn’t feel like I’m seeing a still from an Uncharted movie, but instead that Tom Holland is a really really great Nathan Drake cosplayer.
Uncharted is scheduled (in theory) to hit theaters on July 16, 2021.
I still can’t believe this is a thing.
It’s 2020, and you can pit Rambo versus Robocop, The Terminator, Spawn or The Joker in Mortal Kombat.
What a world we live in.
Staged’: BBC Renews David Tennant & Michael Sheen Lockdown Comedy — Deadline:
The first season of the Infinity Hill, GCB Films and No Mystery-produced show featured Tennant and Sheen mounting Zoom rehearsals for their furloughed West End theatre production during the pandemic.
Season 2 sees the pair attempt to navigate the world of “virtual Hollywood" while keeping their increasingly fragile egos intact. Parks and Recreation star Ben Schwartz joins the cast as an assistant to their American agent.
Hey! A new season of a show featuring two of my favorite people, NOW featuring a third of my favorite people!
Awesome!
Now I just need to watch the first dang season on Hulu.
The Ottobar, storied Baltimore music venue, launching local playlist to raise money during pandemic - Baltimore Sun:
Called “No Stagediving,“ the playlist will feature 50 or more artists that are local, have gotten their start at the Ottobar or are otherwise associated with the venue, owner Tecla Tesnau said. The venue announced the fundraiser in a promotional email and on social media Tuesday.
I’ll be sharing a link to the actual playlist once it is up. I’m really looking forward to this project, and not just because I’m a heavily invested member of the Ottobar community, but because I always love seeing my local scene celebrated — regardless of the eventual cause it benefits.
Burger King Testing Reusable Containers To Cut Down On Packaging Waste - Chew Boom:
As part of the pilot, fans will be offered the option to reduce waste when ordering their favorite Burger King signature menu items like Whopper sandwiches, soft drinks or coffee in reusable sandwich containers or beverage cups.
Fascinating idea in theory, but I’m not sure how well it would work in practice.
I don’t know about your local BK, but my Whopper’s always end up a sloppy, mayo-and-lettuce-fueled mess. I can’t imagine cleaning those packages would be nice.
Maybe we just move forward with, I dunno, plates?
Hideo Kojima confirms a new project is in development, says nothing about it “¢ Eurogamer.net:
In a statement issued on Kojima’s official Twitter accounts and Kojima Productions' LinkedIn page, the Metal Gear creator said the studio was hiring for various roles at its Tokyo office.
I know, this is one of those “no shit" sort of stories: Active Software Company in Development of Next Project, if you will.
But in the case of Kojima, his work is always so interesting, lauded and unique, that it’s genuinely exciting to know that the next project is on the way.
That said: I still haven’t played Death Stranding. Should I fix that, dear Internet?
NASA to Announce New Science Results About Moon | NASA:
This new discovery contributes to NASA’s efforts to learn about the Moon in support of deep space exploration. Under NASA’s Artemis program, the agency will send the first woman and next man to the lunar surface in 2024 to prepare for our next giant leap — human exploration of Mars as early as the 2030s. Understanding the science of the Moon also helps piece together the broader history of the inner solar system.
WE’RE GONNA FIGHT THE MOON
Designing the Future of Airbnb:
…
Today, I’m thrilled to announce that Jony and his partners at LoveFrom will be engaging in a special collaboration with me and the Airbnb team. We have made the decision to work together through a multi-year relationship to design the next generation of Airbnb products and services. Jony will also help us continue to develop our internal design team, which he believes to be one of the world’s best. I know he is particularly excited about a relationship that will evolve to become a deep collaboration with our creative team.
I’m gonna go ahead and assume that everything related to Airbnb will now include aluminum.
But seriously: Get paid, Jony. I have no idea what they’re paying you for, but go ahead, get paid.
Quibi Shutdown: Jeffrey Katzenberg & Meg Whitman Exclu Q&A On Closing Up — Deadline:
KATZENBERG: Well, yes and I think the big question will always be was it that the idea of a standalone streaming premium short form platform wouldn’t work, or is it that we got caught in a pandemic?
DEADLINE: What do you think?
KATZENBERG: I think Meg and I are agreed that it’s probably a mix of those two things, it’s some of each. We are not solely a victim of COVID but for sure it had a pretty extreme impact on how we conceived and launched the business.
No, Jeff. It never was COVID.
It was a dude who hasn’t done anything new in nearly 30 years, and his partner CEO who doesn’t watch TV trying to reinvent TV. The poison was already in the wound. COVID just killed you quicker.
Netflix has a not very secret’ site showcasing the Mank soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - The Verge:
The soundtrack comes from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who have created a score with an old-school Hollywood vibe — a big leap from the haunting digital style they’re best known for. From the teaser, you can already hear how Reznor and Ross find ways to impart themes and motifs we know them for into a genre of music that is anything but their usual fare.
Â
You can listen to it (while checking out stills for Mank) here: https://www.thewhitewinecameupwiththefish.com/
Enjoy!
‘Ghostbusters’ Sequel Moves to Summer 2021 - Variety:
Like nearly every film slated for 2020, Sony has hopscotched the release date for “Ghostbusters: Afterlife" multiple times during the pandemic. It was originally scheduled to open in July before it was pushed to March 5, 2021. Given the unpredictability of coronavirus and audiences’ apprehension to go to the movies amid a global health crisis, there’s no telling if the latest summer release date will stick.
As always with these stories about movie release dates, add a big honking …for now to them.
What did a dinosaur’s butt look like? This fossil tells us.:
Now I finally have a clearer view, thanks to a fossil of a horned dinosaur called Psittacosaurus, described in a paper online earlier this month. These dinosaurs, which lived over 100 million years ago in what’s now northeastern China, were odd little creatures. While belonging to the same branch of the dinosaur family tree as Triceratops, these Labrador retriever—size dinos walked around on two legs and had beaks like those of parrots, cheeks that were each adorned with a flared horn, and, jutting from the tail, a spray of featherlike bristles. Now we also know that they had buttholes like those of crocodiles.
God damnit the Internet is great.
Jared Leto to Play Joker in Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’ (Exclusive) | Hollywood Reporter:
Jared Leto, who played classic DC villain The Joker in 2016’s Suicide Squad, has joined the reshoots for the “Snyder Cut,“ the filmmaker’s definitive version of the 2017 superhero movie he was forced to exit and he never saw through completion, multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter.
Two horrible tastes that taste horrible together!
Quibi Weighs Shutting Down as Problems Mount - WSJ:
Hahahahahahahahahahahahaahhahahahaha
Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahaahhahahahaha
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Just a reminder from the past…
Is Anyone Watching Quibi?:
Katzenberg is on his phone all the time, but he is also among the moguls of his generation who have their emails printed out (and vertically folded, for some reason) by an assistant. In enthusing about what a show could mean for Quibi, Katzenberg would repeatedly invoke the same handful of musty touchstones — America’s Funniest Home Videos, Siskel and Ebert, and Jane Fonda’s exercise tapes. When Gal Gadot came to the offices and delivered an impassioned speech about wanting to elevate the voices of girls and women, Katzenberg wondered aloud whether she might become the new Jane Fonda and do a workout series for Quibi. (“Apparently, her face fell,“ says a person briefed on the meeting.)
These were the people who thought they were inventing the future of media.
God grant me a tenth of their confidence. And a tenth of their incomes, too.
But hey, in the meantime, you can finally watch their TV shows on TV. Now. 6 months later. If you stayed a subscriber. Which you probably didn’t.
Update:Â TheWrap is reporting the official meeting to close down Quibi is happening tonight.
‘Ghostbusters’ x Reebok Ghost Smashers & Classic Leather | HYPEBEAST:
The “Ghost Smashers" are ridiculous in all the best ways.
If you want something a little more standard, here’s the Classic Leather for you.
These shoes hit Reebok’s website on October 31, 2020 with the Ghost Smashers costing $150 and the Classic Leathers for $100.
Mel Brooks endorses Joe Biden: “Joe likes facts”:
With the 2020 election less than a month away, however, Brooks is getting serious. On Wednesday, his son, the author Max Brooks, shared the 94-year old’s very first political video. And, no, he doesn’t want to see Trump reelected.
Something very interesting is in the air this election season.
We’re seeing previously apolitical public figures speak out about the need to vote — or as we see here, specifically endorse a particular candidate, and we’re seeing record amounts of pre-Election Day voting.
I hope this isn’t a one time blip. I hope this is an indication of a shift of political interest in this country. It’s one of the strongest rights we have as citizens, and we’ve ignored it for too long. And while I can’t say I’m thrilled about my options — I certainly want, nay, need to make my vote count this November.
‘Smokey and the Bandit’ TV Series in the Works From Seth MacFarlane, Danny McBride | Hollywood Reporter:
More than 40 years since the Burt Reynolds feature film launched a franchise, Universal Content Productions is reviving the property for television with a new series in development from some of the biggest names in comedy. A network is not yet attached.
David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express, Eastbound and Down) and frequent collaborator Brian Sides (Alaska: The Last Frontier) are re-teaming to co-write a new take on the 1977 Southern adventure pic. Fellow Green cohorts Danny McBride, Jody Hill and Brandon James of Rough House Pictures will also exec produce the potential series alongside Seth MacFarlane and Erica Huggins and their Fuzzy Door banner. Green will also direct the potential pilot.
You know what? I’m not opposed.
Green and McBride helmed an amazing reboot of Halloween, and McFarlane’s effort to reboot Cosmos was pretty great, so I’d say the property is in great hands here.
SHIN-COOKIEZILLA BY GABRIEL MARQUEZ & DONATELLO BY BRAD HILL - ON SALE - Bottleneck Art Gallery:
Shin-Cookiezilla is a wild kaiju born from sculptor Gabriel Marquez’ wildly talented imagination and sculpting abilities. Part radioactive lizard, part classic childhood puppet, Shin-Cookiezilla is all fun. And destruction.
Amazing.
The blue (standard) and red (variant) figures drop on Bottleneck Gallery’s site on Thursday for $100 and $125 respectively.
So cool.
Universal’s ‘Candyman’ Finds 2021 Release Date | Hollywood Reporter:
The project, from director Nia DaCosta, had previously been taken off the theatrical calendar due to the coronavirus pandemic. DaCosta, who is also set to direct Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel 2, co-wrote the Candyman with Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld, whose Monkeypaw Productions is producing along with BRON Creative.
You absolutely cannot blame them for the shift.
Nothing should be hitting theaters right now. Nothing.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Streaming on Apple TV+:
The classic Peanuts specials, which have aired on broadcast TV for decades, will soon have an exclusive streaming home on Apple’s subscription-based TV platform. What’s more, Apple said it is teaming with WildBrain, Peanuts Worldwide, and Lee Mendelson Film Productions to produce new Peanuts holiday specials, including Mother’s Day, Earth Day, and New Year’s Eve. As for whether or not viewers will still be able to watch the Peanuts gang on ABC, that wasn’t immediately clear — though a source familiar with the matter says the answer is no.
I’ve seen a lot of hand-wringing about this online, but let’s be honest here — eventually, these specials were going to end up on streaming.
Do I want them to be on broadcast, too? Sure.
But something tells me that this is less that Apple paid the crap out of them (and I could be wrong!) and more that ABC (i.e. Disney) was less interested in continuing to license the classic Peanuts specials.
The pandemic will make it hard to find these foods:
The good thing is, grocers are aware of the possibility of food shortages this time around, and many are preparing by assembling “pandemic pallets” of those food items they think are likely to sell out quickly and/or be difficult to re-stock at short notice. We’ve all had many months by now to assess what happens when people are forced to stay at home for long periods of time, either due to the fact that they’re self-quarantining, or because there’s nowhere to go since businesses are shut down, or else due to the weather being cold and wet so who wants to go out anyway?
Still, before the weather (or pandemic) closes in, you should make one last grocery run to stock up on supplies. Here are a few items you might want to squirrel away before hibernating just in case the whole world goes nuts once again.
Can’t wait for a repeat of the Spring.
I guess I should aim to get all the baking supplies ASAP.
Fast & Furious’ Final Two Films: Justin Lin Directs Both For Vin Diesel Series — Deadline:
It’s early days on when this will begin production but it seems likely they will tell a big story over two films that will focus on franchise patriarch Vin Diesel and bring back Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris" Bridges, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel and Sung Kang.
I wonder if the push of F9 from 2020 to 2021 made them decide that after the (previously-announced) tenth film that they weren’t going to be any younger and an eleventh should tie it all up?
That said…
Bring on Hobbs & Shaw 2! Giselle and Han: Year One! Tej and Roman: The Legend Continues!
iPad Air reviews: This is the new default iPad - 9to5Mac:
Ahead of the reviews, I voiced my view that the 4th-gen iPad Air is probably the model most people should be buying’ — and the reviews universally agree …
I can’t say I’m shocked here — though I absolutely adore the iPad Pro 2020 I bought earlier this Summer.
I may need to buy one of these for the wife.
Now, if I’m going to tell you one review to read, I recommend checking out that of Federico Viticci at MacStories, as that guy has forgotten more about iPad’s than I’ll ever know.
In his review, he writes:
So, there ya go. If you want an iPad…get the iPad Air.
Starring Academy Award Winner Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, Arliss Howard, Tom Pelphrey, Sam Troughton, Ferdinand Kingsley, Tuppence Middleton, Tom Burke, and Charles Dance.
Directed by David Fincher.
1930s Hollywood is reevaluated through the eyes of scathing wit and alcoholic screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz as he races to finish “Citizen Kane.“
It feels weird to describe a David Fincher film as appearing fun, but this seems like the most non-Fincher-esq movie the dude has ever made.
Oscar-bait or not, I’m in.
And hey, there’s a dope poster for it too.
Mank arrives on Netflix, December 4, 2020.
They’re back! The Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and the Warner sister Dot, have a great time wreaking havoc and mayhem in the lives of everyone they meet. After returning to their beloved home, the Warner Bros. water tower, the siblings waste no time in causing chaos and comic confusion as they run loose through the studio, turning the world into their personal playground. Joining Yakko, Wakko and Dot, fan-favorite characters Pinky and the Brain also return to continue their quest for world domination.
Animaniacs is absolutely 100% back. This looks freaking fantastic.
It’s as if they just decided to make new episodes 22 years later and refused to miss a beat.
Wakko sounds a little off though.
Animaniacs hits Hulu on November 20, 2020.
AOC’s debut Twitch stream is one of the biggest ever - The Verge:
That peak viewership puts her broadcast among the 20 biggest streams ever, according to the third-party metrics site TwitchTracker, and much higher if you’re only looking at broadcasts from individual streamers. Ninja holds the record for an individual streamer, with more than 600,000 viewers during a Fortnite match with Drake in 2018. TwitchTracker’s metrics suggest that AOC’s stream could in the top 10 for an individual in terms of peak viewers.
Like it or not, this is the future of media — people from all walks of life connecting with different groups of people by meeting them where they are, and sometimes, that’s in a place which is mostly designed for gaming.
Also, I’m pretty sure we’re going to see a lot of hemming and hawing in the media about this, but let’s be honest — this seemed genuine as hell, and it’s nice to see someone in the world of politics (or, someones, given Ilhan Omar’s joining the stream) who seems to have a life outside of goddamned politics.
Umberto Gonzalez, The Wrap:
That plot will introduce general audiences to the idea of the multiverse, one of the of core concepts underpinning DC Comics. For the non fanboy set, the multiverse refers to a shifting number of alternate universes that coexist within the larger reality depicted in DC comics. Originally created to explain various contradictory changes the company’s characters experienced over decades, it allows several different versions of the same characters to simultaneously exist and, occasionally, interact. Matt Reeves upcoming “The Batman" will not be affected and Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne is still viewed as the future of the franchise.
Wow! I definitely did not expect this, but I think it’s super cool to see Keaton in the DC Universe once again!
The remastered Crash Bandicoot trilogy was just the beginning.
I’m incredibly stoked to run back another great platformer game.
Also, props for the use of Fatboy Slim!
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time arrives in October 2020.
ARMS is a horribly under-loved game.
Hopefully, this addition makes people check out the game proper. I’m hyped!
If I am brutally honest, I completely forgot that The King’s Man was a Fall 2020 release.
The trailers so far look very good (even I’m pretty sure this one is cleaning up the undoubtedly Rated-R gore), the cast is great, and the flick should redeem the Kingsmen franchise after Kingsmen: The Golden Circle, but like with most movies hitting theaters right now — I’ll see you when you’re on VOD, gang.
The King’s Men goes back to where it all began on September 18, 2020.
“Hamilton" is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton" has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016, the film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way.
I can’t wait. Going to see the show itself in New York was cool enough, I’m now very excited to see how the filmed version works out.
Hamilton arrives on Disney+ on July 3, 2020.
Customize the loadouts of starfighters such as the X-wing and TIE fighter and divert power between their weapons, shields, and engines as you roar into the fray. Immerse yourself in strategic multiplayer space battles and a thrilling STAR WARSâ„¢ single-player story, seen from alternating perspectives between the New Republic and the Empire.
Master the art of starfighter combat in the authentic piloting experience STAR WARSâ„¢: Squadrons. Available October 2, 2020 on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Origin PC, Steam, Epic Games Store and Virtual Reality (VR) on PlayStation®4 and PC with cross-play support.
Remember when the trailer came out earlier this week and I said “well, the gameplay better look good!“
Yeah. This looks good.
Star Wars: Squadrons takes to the skies on October 2, 2020.
Andy Swift, TV Line:
Jodie, the previously announced spinoff about a grown-up version of iconic Daria character Jodie Landon, will air on Comedy Central, TVLine has learned. The spinoff picks up with Jodie (voiced by black-ishs Tracee Ellis Ross, who will also executive-produce) “graduating from college and entering a complicated world.“
It’s only taken 20 years, but we’re finally getting something close to a Daria spin-off.
Now…about Clone High…
Mike Fleming, Jr., Deadline:
The novel had been in talks to be acquired by Paramount before it was published last July by LittleBrown/Mulholland, but the deal never crossed the finish line. It has come together quite nicely in this new iteration. Working Title’s Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan will produce alongside Complete Fiction’s Nira Park and Wright, and The Story Factory’s Shane Salerno.
The Chain tells the story of Rachel, who learns that her 11-year-old daughter has been kidnapped. The only way to get her back is to kidnap another child. Her daughter will be released only when that next victim’s parents kidnap another child. If Rachel doesn’t kidnap another child, or if that child’s parents don’t kidnap a child, her daughter will be murdered. She is now part of The Chain, a terrifying and meticulous chain letter-like kidnapping scheme that turns parents from victims into criminals.
Of note, this will mark the first time that Edgar Wright directs a film which he did not at least co-write.
Palm Springs made headlines when Neon (who distributed Parasite) and Hulu teamed up to pay the largest fee in Sundance history to get it, and if this trailer is any indication, the movie is worth every single penny.
I cannot wait to kick back and watch this.
Palm Springs hits Hulu on July 10, 2020.
LEGO Newsroom:
The partnership was announced earlier this year, and in April the fun-packed Adventures with Mario Starter Course was revealed alongside two Expansion Sets. The Starter Course is key to unlocking the entire play, being the only set to feature the interactive LEGO® Marioâ„¢ figure that collects coins in game levels created with LEGO bricks. LEGO Super Mario brings new interactivity and gameplay to the traditional LEGO brick experience.
All sets come with their own series of unique challenges and characters for fans to play with, or to play against friends. In addition to the Piranha Plant Power Slide Expansion Set and Bowser’s Castle Boss Battle Expansion Set announced in April, the Expansion Set line-up includes: the Guarded Fortress Expansion Set, the Mario’s House & Yoshi Expansion Set, the Toad’s Treasure Hunt Expansion Set, the Desert Pokey Expansion Set, the Whomp’s Lava Trouble Expansion Set and the Boomer Bill Barrage Expansion Set.
Also announced today are ten collectible enemy characters that are available in blind bag Character Packs, adding that extra level of excitement. Each pack will contain a buildable character and action tag to play with — it could be a Paragoomba, Fuzzy, Spiny, Buzzy Beetle, Bullet Bill, Bob-omb, Eep Cheep, Blooper, Urchin or Peepa!
All your monies are belong to Nintendo, apparently. Loads of sets, costumes, and even blind bags. Dang.
For a look at all the sets, I recommend this link from The Brothers Brick..
The full LEGO Super Mario line hits on August 1, 2020.
Richard Lawler, Engadget:
It’s not nearly as full featured as Ring Fit Adventure, but it does encourage activity using the accessories you already have. It simply emulates the jump rope experience using Joy-Cons while counting your jumps on the screen, and even has support for up to two players. According to the company, this game “was created by a small group of Nintendo developers while working from home in Japan.“
Super cool to see Nintendo doing random experiments like this during quarantine.
You can get your own copy of Jump Rope Challenge here.
In a fateful campaign set near the conclusion of the Galactic Civil War, learn what it means to be a pilot in a thrilling STAR WARSâ„¢ single-player story. The New Republic fights for freedom. The Empire demands order. We need you to join the galaxy’s finest. STAR WARSâ„¢: Squadrons is available October 2, 2020 on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Origin PC, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Virtual Reality (VR) on PlayStation 4 and PC with cross-play support.
This looks very pretty as a CG trailer and all, but especially in an age after the PlayStation 5 reveal, I really need some gameplay footage to get hyped and believe in the potential of a game.
I’m praying that this is the Rogue Squadron redux I’ve long hoped for. I loved Rogue Leader on the GameCube something fierce.
Thankfully, gameplay footage is supposed to be coming later this week, during EA’s “EA Play" event on June 18th. Here’s hoping for the best.
Star Wars: Squadrons arrives on October 2, 2020.
Dave Schefcik, The Brothers Brick:
43179 Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse Buildable Characters features the duo of iconic characters in their newest animated versions but in their classically colored outfits, dynamically posed on a solid film-reel base.
I appreciate the idea that these are almost LEGO marionettes, but something about them looks very off.
But hey, if they’re your jam, the set goes on sale July 1st for $179.99.
This looks so goddamned fun.
I look forward to swapping between this and Ghost of Tsushima on July 17th.
PR Newswire:
Today’s livestream also provided fans with a first look at the new games that will define the next generation of gaming on PlayStation 5. Across dozens of titles, most of which are launching as console exclusives or full exclusives on PS5, the world’s most talented developers showcased the potential of the hardware, which will unlock rich experiences for gamers, bringing them deeper into extraordinary game worlds than ever before.
You can watch the full stream of the reveal above, but here are the games which stood out for me:
Though subsequently revealed as an expansion to 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man re-release on the PS5, I don’t think anyone expected a solo outing for Miles this fast, let alone as a PS5 launch title.
I am 100% in the bag for this game. Published by Annapurna Interactive, about sad robots and a kitty. I mean, C’mon.
The Ratchet & Clank series has been a quiet workhorse for the PlayStation consoles, and Rift Apart looks no different, adding a Portal-esq dimension hopping mechanic, which really showcases the wild things the PS5 can do.
Much like Stray, this is just one of those games which I was in the bag for immediately. Space adventure, as designed by a studio I love (Superbrothers) and with a soundtrack by SCNTFC? I am in.
Definitely the biggest surprise of the presentation to me, Little Devil Inside looks like the wildest game in ages. Very cool visual style met with what appears to be an ever changing, ever growing set of play styles and locations.
The sequel to 2017’s amazing Horizon Zero Dawn, this might be the most gorgeous game ever made? Watch this trailer in 4K if you can. Because, dang.
Sadly, no pricing or release date was announced for the space-age looking PlayStation 5 — still just the “Holiday 2020" date — but after yesterday’s presentation showcasing a breadth of experiences I VERY MUCH want to play (including those which I didn’t mention in this post), I know that for me it’s not a question of if I get a PS5, but when.
It’s taken 29 years, but Bill and Ted are finally returning. I can’t say I expected this one to be a time travel heist, but both Keanu Reeves and Alex Winters seem to have fit back into the roles like a comfy pair of shoes.
Bill & Ted Face the Music is scheduled for a Summer 2020 release.
Mark Gurman, Bloomberg:
The company is holding WWDC the week of June 22. Unveiling the initiative, codenamed Kalamata, at the event would give outside developers time to adjust before new Macs roll out in 2021, the people said. Since the hardware transition is still months away, the timing of the announcement could change, they added, while asking not to be identified discussing private plans.
Pretty wild, gang. They’re going to own the entire process, end-to-end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf4cea5oObY&feature=share
Incredible.
That’s it. That’s the post.
Justin Kroll, Variety:
Paramount Pictures and Sega Sammy confirmed on Thursday that they have commenced development on a sequel to the family comedy. The sequel would reteam the filmmakers, with Jeff Fowler directing, and Pat Casey and Josh Miller writing the script.
The first movie was way better than it had any right to be, anchored by a great voice performance from Ben Schwartz and Jim Carrey going full 90’s Jim Carrey. I could definitely be into another.
…this is definitely not a post I ever thought I’d put out into the world…
Mike Fleming, Jr., Deadline:
The story takes place a decade after an embarrassing prom prank ran Shelly Wheeler (Awkwafina) out of town and so hardened her heart that she became an ice-cold hit-woman. Revenge threatens to be sweet when she learns her next target is her former high school tormentor, Dianna Park (Gillan). But when Dianna unexpectedly befriends Shelly, the assassin finds herself in with the cool crowd, protecting her old nemesis against another hit crew hired to kill them both. The tone is Mean Girls meets Barry.
Sounds a bit like the Kevin Hart/Dwayne Johnson flick Central Intelligence, but a bit darker and meaner.
Gillan and Awkwafina are both a welcome delight in any movie I see them in, so I’m very excited to see them co-headline together. Here’s hoping the final product turns out great!
Nellie Andreeva, Deadline:
The series is co-created and executive produced by Whannell and Tim Walsh (Treadstone) who serves as showrunner. Whannell, coming off writing and directing Blumhouse’s The Invisible Man, is set to direct. Blumhouse Television and UCP are collaborating on the adaptation, which has opened a writers room.
Upgrade the series picks up a few years after the events of the film and broadens the universe with an evolved version of STEM and a new host — imagining a world in which the government repurposes STEM to help curb criminal activity.
Upgrade is probably one of the best movies of 2018 which you haven’t seen yet. It’s a fantastically gory, ridiculous, fun action movie which, I’m pretty sure, that is everything Venom wanted to be, but way better.
I’m very glad to see the story continue, and I’m intrigued by the path its taking as a sequel series as opposed to a sequel film.
Edwinder Singh, The Brothers Brick:
Too pricey for my blood, but it’s a gorgeous set.
For a comparison, here’s what a real-live Lamborghini Sian looks like:
You can click through the source link above for a full gallery of the set to take in all the details.
Umberto Gonzalez & Ross A. Lincoln, TheWrap:
The extent of Cavill’s return to the role — whether just for additional work to be done for the upcoming “Snyder Cut" of “Justice League" or for appearances in future films — has not been disclosed.
This is great news. Henry Cavill is and was a fantastic Superman who was dramatically let down by the movies he was given (see also Ben Affleck’s Batman), and I think the world has seen that between his turns in The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Mission: Impossible - Fallout and The Witcher, that Cavill is a true star.
I look forward to them getting it right this time.
Justin Kroll, Variety:
Sources tell Variety that Paramount will still distribute the murder mystery drama, with Apple coming on to finance the pic and also serve as the film’s creative studio. Deals still have not closed, but sources add that they’re very likely to in the coming days.
Imperative Entertainment, whose partners Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas acquired the book in 2016, will produce the film. Imperative first bought the book and would later bring on Scorsese and DiCaprio to reteam on the project before bringing it to Paramount.
Based on David Grann’s non-fiction book, “Killers of the Flower Moon" is set in 1920s Oklahoma, where the newly created Bureau of Investigation began investigating a string of murders of wealthy Osage Indians who had been granted revenue rights to oil discovered under their lands. The book carries the subtitle “The Osage Murders and the Birth of the F.B.I.“
This flick is gonna cost a brisk $180-200 Million.
Respect to Scorsese for recognizing that the iron is hot, and striking.
Variety:
The project, which is currently titled “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,“ will not be a sequel or continuation of the story from the books or the films into which they were adapted. It will instead take Salander and place her in today’s world with a wholly new setting, new characters, and a new story.
Third time is the charm, I guess? Once again, just let the originals lie.
Josef Adalian, Vulture:
Pretty exciting to see Fraggle Rock get properly introduced to a new generation.
As for me, I’ll see how my memories of the show hold up.
Mike Fleming, Jr., Deadline:
I’m really quite very unsure and anxious about Labyrinth being revisited, but given how goddamned good the Netflix Dark Crystal series was, I think the chances of this turning out good are higher than you’d expect.
Fingers and toes crossed, gang.
Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone:
The Gorillaz Almanac, published by Z2 Comics, will feature 120-plus full-color pages featuring Hewlett’s artwork for the band. The hardcover book will also boast exclusive new artwork, the first-ever comic strip starring 2D, Noodle, Murdoc Niccals and Russel Hobbs, plus “puzzles, games and a raft of special guest appearances from Gorillaz collaborators past and present.“
The Gorillaz Almanac is available for pre-order now in standard, deluxe and super-deluxe variants, all including a CD from Season 1 of Song Machine.Â
Based on the aftermarket pricing for the first Gorillaz book, Rise of the Ogre, I recommend pre-ordering this ASAP, if you’re at all interested.
Zach Sharf, IndieWire:
“Haunted by someone else’s past, but we’ll see you in the future,“ Wright wrote to his Twitter followers while announcing the film’s new release date. “It’s true, Last Night in Soho’ is not quite finished yet due to Covid-19. But, I’m excited for you all to experience it, at a big screen near you, on April 23, 2021.“
A totally understandable and sensible push back. I will look forward to its release, whenever it may be.
Margeaux Sippell, TheWrap:
The network gave the Tiffany Haddish and Ali Wong-voiced cartoon a season two pickup after Netflix canceled it after one season last July.
The new, 10-episode second season is set to have a domestic release in 2021.
“I’ve been a fan of Adult Swim shows since my teens, so I’m thrilled to bring my beloved fowl to the party and be a new voice for a fresh decade of absurd, irreverent, yet heartwarming adult animation,“ said creator Lisa Hanawalt, who worked as a producer and production designer on “Bojack Horseman.“
I hadn’t watched the show myself, but I know some people are absolutely beaming with excitement right now. Well done, Adult Swim.
Brian Welk, TheWrap:
The film from Focus Features stars Steve Carell and Rose Byrne and was meant to open in theaters on May 29.
“Irresistible" will be available for a 48-hour rental period for $19.99 beginning on June 26 on nearly all on-demand platforms including — Amazon, Apple, Comcast, DirecTV, Fandango, Google/YouTube, Charter/Spectrum, Verizon, Microsoft, Dish, Sony, Cox, Altice, Vudu, Frontier, and Row8.
It’s worth noting that Focus Features is the “indie" brand of Universal Pictures, so, technically, this continues the trend.
And now the running list is:
For a reminder about Irresistable and what it was about, here’s the trailer.
Irresistable hits VOD on June 26, 2020.
And lo, ladies and gentlemen, this is what the future of the film industry rests upon, as Warner Bros (and the moviegoing public) has held their breath and hope to say that Tenet will be the movie people will return to theaters for.
That said, with a release date up in the air, who knows when we’ll see it.
From this new trailer, what’s clear —versus the original teaser— is that this isn’t about Time Travel, but rather Time Inversion. And what’s up with Robert Pattinson’s accent?
Tenet arrives in movie theaters…eventually.
It doesn’t look as good or inspired as Atomic Blonde, but I’m sure it’ll fill a nice two hour, lazy weekend void.
The Old Guard hits Netflix on July 10, 2020.
Variety:
While it’s unconfirmed at the time who the character at the center will be, insiders say there is a strong possibility that the film will be based on the Madame Web comic-book character.
…
In the comics, Madame Web is depicted as an elderly woman with myasthenia gravis and thus was connected to a life support system that looked like a spider web. Due to her age and medical condition, Madame Web never actively fought any villains. For that reason, sources have stressed it’s possible the project could turn into something else. The studio has a list of possible stars, such as Charlize Theron and Amy Adams, but stress that nobody has committed or even met to for the part yet.
Good luck with that one.
Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter:
The answer to Emmerich’s question, a whispered-about secret for months, was revealed Wednesday when Zack Snyder confirmed, at the end of an online screening of his 2013 movie, Man of Steel, that his version of Justice League was indeed real. And that it will be coming to HBO Max, the WarnerMedia digital streaming service launching May 27, and is expected to debut in 2021.
It is currently unclear what form Snyder’s Justice League will take. Whether it will be released as an almost four-hour director’s cut or split into six “chapters” has yet to be decided, but the Snyders are now in the midst of reassembling much of their original postproduction crew to score, cut, add new and finish old visual effects, and, yes, maybe bring back many of the actors to record additional dialogue.
On one hand…
On the other…
I sure hope we learn the right lessons from this, gang.
I don’t think we will.
I look forward to the calls to redo Star Wars: Episode VIII and IX and the final season of Game of Thrones getting rehashed, at length, again. Because as we all know, disappointment is something that only happens in life and can’t happen in Hollywood.
So, earlier today, Lucas Shaw and Mark Gurman at Bloomberg wrote of Apple apparently looking to build out the Apple TV+ library with non-original content:
The move represents a subtle strategy shift for Apple TV+, which launched in November with a lineup of original programs. The company plans to keep TV+ focused on original shows, and hasn’t yet acquired any huge franchises or blockbusters for its back catalog, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are private.
I don’t know if this is part of the same initiative, but word has just broke thanks to Mike Fleming Jr. at Deadline that the Tom Hanks written-and-led film Greyhound (previously) is now moving from being a theatrical release, planned for June 12, 2020 from Sony Pictures…to a direct Apple TV+ release:
This is the latest theatrical-to-streaming shift, which has included:
What’s next? Stay tuned.
Variety:
Based in both London and Los Angeles, the new company will operate across film and television and is already working with Netflix to develop three new series under the Complete Fiction banner.
The first is “Lockwood & Co,“ a supernatural action-adventure detective series, based on the novels by Jonathan Stroud. The series will be helmed and executive produced by Cornish.
Also with Netflix, the company has optioned the sci-fi horror trilogy “The Murders of Molly Southbourne" from novelist Tade Thompson and historical Middle-Eastern set fantasy series “The City of Brass" from author S.A. Chakraborty.
Complete Fiction, which is independent, has a development deal with Netflix for the aforementioned projects plus one other that is still under wraps. The business also has a number of ongoing feature developments with long-term producing partners Working Title.
I am game for literally anything this group has made and produced thus far, so it should not come as a surprise that I am excited to read this news.
Now, I go back to waiting for Last Night in SoHo.
Space Force is definitely NOT The Office, but the more I see of the show, the better it looks.
Also, I can’t help but notice the super GI Joe-es voice Carrell is doing here. Not sure how I missed it last time, but it’s slightly distracting.
Either way, later this month, I’m in.
Space Force arrives on Netflix on May 29, 2020.
Variety:
Sources say that before Gosling had even finished reading the manuscript, he was lobbying to execs that it seemed like the perfect project for Lord and Miller. The one hurdle that needed to be overcome was making sure Universal, which just signed the duo to a first-look deal, was OK with Lord and Miller making this their next project. MGM chief Michael De Luca and Universal chairman Donna Langley have a long-standing relationship, and following discussions between the two studios, Uni gave its blessing for the project to move forward.
So, you’ve got:
Now, that book doesn’t hit until Spring 2021, but it sounds pretty rad:
Yep, very much in the vein of The Martian. I’m there.
Facebook PR:
A lot of people in our community already know and love GIPHY. In fact, 50% of GIPHY’s traffic comes from the Facebook family of apps, half of that from Instagram alone. By bringing Instagram and GIPHY together, we can make it easier for people to find the perfect GIFs and stickers in Stories and Direct. Both our services are big supporters of the creator and artist community, and that will continue. Together, we can make it easier for anyone to create and share their work with the world.
We’ve used GIPHY’s API for years, not just in Instagram, but in the Facebook app, Messenger and WhatsApp. GIPHY will continue to operate its library (including its global content collection), and we’re looking forward to investing further in its technology and relationships with content and API partners. People will still be able to upload GIFs; developers and API partners will continue to have the same access to GIPHY’s APIs; and GIPHY’s creative community will still be able to create great content.
How soon until Facebook requires companies which wish to use the GIPHY API to also insert their tracking and libraries into their app/site?
Woof.
Kyle Buchanan, The New York Times:
Just don’t expect Charlize Theron to play her.
When we discussed the production of “Fury Road" for a new oral history, Miller confirmed rumors that he is moving ahead with a stand-alone movie about the action film’s heroine, who became a fan favorite thanks to Theron’s determined portrayal. Still, for those hoping to see the Oscar-winning actress back in the driver’s seat, you may have to adjust your expectations: The film is a prequel centered on a young Furiosa, and Miller is searching for an actress in her 20s to take over the role.
That oral history (again) is here.
Personally, I can’t wait to see a pre-Fury Road Furiosa, as she gets to the point of being a War Rig driver.
Could be amazing.
A key note from the write-up:
So, no Charlize Theron. But a lot more crazy cars. Hell yes.
Fresh off the internet wire - Nintendo is releasing a new Paper Mario this July!
BusinessWire.com PR:
Luckily, Mario is equipped with a range of new tools at his disposal to help secure victory. One of Mario’s new abilities, called 1000-Fold Arms, allows you to interact with the landscape by stretching out and pulling, peeling and revealing new locations, helping you to solve puzzles and uncover unexpected surprises. Along the way, you’ll enlist the help of characters old and new, such as King Olly’s good-natured sister, Olivia, along with a range of unlikely allies, including Bowser himself! If they haven’t yet folded to the whims of King Olly’s origami will, Mario will accept all the help he can find with open arms!
Paper Mario: The Origami King also introduces a new ring-based battle system that lets you flex your puzzle-solving skills to line up scattered enemies and maximize damage. While the enemies may be crafted from paper, these dynamic, turn-based battles are far from stationary. It’ll require a sharp mind to make short work of these crafty enemies.
With a detail-rich world to explore, off-the-wall mini-game events and countless mysteries waiting to be solved, the next joyful Mario adventure on Nintendo Switch is ready to deliver huge helpings of crafts and laughs.
There were rumors that we’d see a new Paper Mario soon, but I don’t think anyone expected it this quickly.
I love the visual style - the contrast between the 2D paper’ and 3D origami’ is so cool.
I’m in.
Paper Mario: The Origami King releases for Nintendo Switch on July 17, 2020.
Brian Welk, TheWrap:
For those keeping track at home, this is the fifth release date scheduled for the film.
Just drop the sucker on VOD, gang.
Thus far:
The New Mutants hits Disney+HBO MAX on June 7, 2025.
I have to admit, for a second, I thought this was the cast of the Netflix series in the works, and I was beyond stoked, but, I guess an audiobook will have to do for now.
The audiobook version of the classic comic book series The Sandman — adapting the first three volumes — is available for pre-order now, here, and will arrive this July.
If you’ve never read it, there’s a reason it’s a modern classic. Given the cast and crew behind this adaptation, I’m sure it will be a glorious listen.
The Sandman arrives on Audible on July 15, 2020.
Kyle Buchanan, The New York Times:
To celebrate the (holy shit) fifth anniversary of Mad Max: Fury Road, Kyle Buchanan does the lords work and puts together an absolutely enthralling oral history of the best film of the 2010’s.1
So far, I’ve just read up to when they finally began production, and I knew I had to share it with you all. Enjoy.
Pitchfork:
Here’s your tracklist:
You can pre-order the album (along with assorted goodies) here.
Run the Jewels 4 gets in your ear holes on June 5, 2020.
Mild Spoilers for The Mandalorian Season 2 Follow
/Film:
Although both Lucasfilm and Sackhoff’s reps declined to comment, we have confirmed this story with multiple sources. She filmed her role back in February before Hollywood production shut down due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
Love it, though I can already hear Star Wars fans moaning about how close The Mandalorian may be to tying into Clone Wars and Rebels.
The Mandalorian Season 2 hits Disney+ in Fall 2020.
-Skate as the legendary Tony Hawk and the full pro roster -Skate to songs from the era-defining soundtrack -Hit insane trick combos with the iconic handling of the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series -Play all the original game modes and go head-to-head with local 2-Player modes -Show off your style and creativity with upgraded Create-A-Park and Create-A-Skater features -Take your sessions online and compete against players from around the world in multiplayer modes and leaderboards
Break skateboarding boundaries, show off your own style, and be part of the next generation of skaters and creators with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 and 2.
Most of the soundtrack is back, but, personally, so long as I get the game feeling right with Goldfinger’s “Superman" playing, I’m set.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 & 2 hits consoles on September 4, 2020.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziIwxPCeByU&feature=emb_title
How do you follow up a comedy special / cultural moment like Nanette?
With a special named after your pet dog, apparently.
Again, Netflix leaves the work mostly open by giving us just a taste of the special in the trailer (above), but Gadsby is sure right about y’all.
Hannah Gadsby: Douglas arrives on Netflix on May 26, 2020.
GamesIndustry.biz:
The PlayStation Studios brand will go live alongside PlayStation 5 later this year, and will only be used on games developed and managed by Sony.
Alongside the logo, PlayStation has created a new opening video that will appear at the start of its games. The video features characters from Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, God of War, Ratchet & Clank, Horizon: Zero Dawn and The Last of Us. You can check out the video below.
Here’s that intro video:
I love Sony’s First Party lineup, so I’m glad to see them really pushing how much these games are PlayStation first.
Disney+ and Lin Manuel Miranda broke the Internet this morning with a simple Tweet or two.
Originally scheduled for a theatrical release in Fall 2021, the streaming service and musical maestro surprised us all with today’s announcement.
The recorded version of the smash musical will instead be headed straight home on July 3 of this year, on the massively successful Disney+ platform.
That’s some good news for a Tuesday Morning.
Hamilton hits Disney+ on July 3, 2020.
APPARENT SPOILERS for The Mandalorian SEASON TWO FOLLOW
The Hollywood Reporter:
Sources say Morrison will play Boba Fett, the famed bounty hunter who first appeared on the big screen in 1980’s Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and who seemingly died in 1983’s Return of the Jedi as he fell into a sarlacc pit. Actor Jeremy Bulloch portrayed the character in the original trilogy.
Boba Fett is expected to play just a small role in season two of the series, after the character was teased in the season one episode “The Gunslinger,” when a mysterious figure sporting the bounty hunter’s trademark spurs approached the apparently lifeless body of Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen).
Add that to the apparent casting of Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka Tano, and The Mandalorian Season 2 is looking to have a lot more familiar faces than the first season did.
Personally, I’d be fine with The Mandalorian continuing to chart out unseen eras and characters from the Star Wars saga, but if I’m going to trust anyone here, it’s the braintrust of Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni.
The Mandalorian Season 2 is currently set to hit Disney+ in Fall 2020.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Flanagan is writing the script with an option to direct. Flanagan and Macy will produce via the pair’s Intrepid Pictures.
The novel focused on the relationship between a heroin-addicted musician and a dubious faith healer with a hidden agenda. The minister is obsessed with trying to find a way to communicate with his departed wife and child but ends up connecting to a Lovecraftian horror.
Revival is one of the King novels which I haven’t read, but my understanding is that it’s sort of a Frankenstein-esq tale.
What I do know is that I absolutely loved Doctor Sleep (which reminds me, I need to give the Director’s Cut a spin), so I’m game to see what Flanagan does with Revival.
I swear, Neon is almost at A24 level as a distribution company, where whatever they release, I’m interested in seeing.
Shirley hits theaters and VOD on June 5, 2020.
This summer, Apatow directs Saturday Night Live breakout Pete Davidson in a bracing comedy about love, loss and laughter on Staten Island.
Scott (Davidson) has been a case of arrested development ever since his firefighter father died when he was seven. He’s now reached his mid-20s having achieved little, chasing a dream of becoming a tattoo artist that seems far out of reach. As his ambitious younger sister (Maude Apatow, HBO’s Euphoria) heads off to college, Scott is still living with his exhausted ER nurse mother (Oscar® winner Marisa Tomei) and spends his days smoking weed, hanging with the guys—Oscar (Ricky Velez, Master of None), Igor (Moises Arias, Five Feet Apart) and Richie (Lou Wilson, TV’s The Guest Book)—and secretly hooking up with his childhood friend Kelsey (Bel Powley, Apple TV+’s The Morning Show).
But when his mother starts dating a loudmouth firefighter named Ray (Bill Burr, Netflix’s F Is for Family), it sets off a chain of events that will force Scott to grapple with his grief and take his first tentative steps toward moving forward in life.
The film also stars Steve Buscemi as Papa, a veteran firefighter who takes Scott under his wing, and Pamela Adlon (FX’s Better Things) as Ray’s ex-wife, Gina.
This is definitely the Trainwreck for Davidson, but goddamnit, the “Apatow Way" of having bracing humor meet strong emotions gets me every single time.
I’m there this June. Even if it probably runs a good half hour too long.
The King of Staten Island hits VOD on June 12, 2020.
I really enjoy how Netflix now basically uses their trailers to play out a full gag from a special.
Never the less, it seems that — much like his life — Patton Oswalt’s new standup special, I Love Everything, is going to be considerably less maudlin than the prior, absolutely blow away Annihilation.
Something I think is really cool is that Oswalt has put an entire comedy special - that of Bob Rubin - post-credits to this special. Nice way to use the halo of your own notoriety to give another comic a lift.
Patton Oswalt: I Love Everything arrives on Netflix on May 19, 2020.
Deadline:
The aim is to build a franchise around John Prophet, a DNA enhanced super-soldier placed into a cryogenic freeze for a future mission only to awaken prematurely in the present, searching for a mission that does not exist. The ruthless berserker must find his humanity.
Pic is produced by Adrian Askarieh (Hitman: Agent 47), Brooklyn Weaver (Run All Night), and Rob Liefeld. John Hyde and Terissa Kelton will also be involved in producing capacities.
I’m assuming then, that we’re getting a movie based on the EXTREME 90’s version, not the really cool more recent weird European sci-fi reboot.
Deadline:
Here’s the description from the four-part comic book published in 1999: Edgar and Mallory Bulson have decided to throw in the towel. That was the plan anyway, until a mysterious meteor bathed the battling couple in extraterrestrial energies that gave them super-powers. Will their newfound abilities be enough to make their marriage work?
Sadly, Jungle Cruise—which, legitimately, was one of the movies I was most looking forward to this Summer—was pushed back to Summer 2021, but clearly, Blunt and the Rock enjoyed working with each other enough to come back for round two.
Also of note, the script for Ball and Chain is written by Emily V. Gordon, of The Big Sick and used-to-book-Meltdown fame.
I’d never heard of the comic before now, but if you’re so inclined, it appears to be a comic you can get pretty cheap.
UPDATE:Â May 14, 2020 - the movie has been picked up by Netflix.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the Trolls sequel’s top voice stars, including Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick, also were not informed ahead of the March 16 announcement that the film would be available to rent for $20 online. This is not the sort of surprise such people usually like, and it’s a sensitive matter because compensation for big stars in animated films is largely tied to box office bonuses. The stars' reps are now asking for them to be paid, no doubt to the tune of seven figures, but they were still game to publicize the film.
Another prime example where being the first to do something (at least at this level) results in some existing plans and processes needing to be altered.
I’m reminded of when the WWE shifted from their monthly PPV model to a streaming subscription model.
Typically, the performers on the show would receive a paid bonus based on the PPV performance. With more people moving to paying a lower, monthly fee, the payment plan had to be shifted, right?
Well, that was in February 2014, and still hasn’t been addressed, so I wish Mr. Timberlake and Ms. Kendrick all the luck in the world.
Finally set to arrive on June 19 of this year, Sony has released a new story trailer for The Last of Us - Part II.
While many of the story details have leaked (thanks to hackers, which is always fun), this trailer still is incredibly brutal and affecting, much how the game itself should be when it lands on PlayStation consoles worldwide in just about a month.
I’m not as into The Last of Us as many gamers are — I thought the gameplay was fine, but greatly outshone by the storytelling — but I’m excited to see the final product.
If nothing else, it helps to know where the sure-to-be-awesome HBO series will go.
The Last of Us - Part II hits PlayStation 4 on June 19, 2020.
Polygon:
Provoked by a review suggesting that Fantastic Four be “studied in film schools as an example of what not to do,“ the writer-director fired off 138 vicious characters without so much as a reread to catch his typo. The responses were immediate. He had champions who praised the gall it took to slap back against The Man, and detractors who thought the whole episode was maybe a little gauche. Drowning in a sea of notifications, Trank finally picked up the phone when his manager called.
“He was afraid of what was gonna happen to me,“ Trank told me of the dizzying moment. “I was messing with one of the most powerful corporations in the world.“
That’s the intro for a lengthy, incredibly interesting read, looking at the career of director Enfant Terrible Josh Trank - discussing his rise (Chroncile), fall (Fantastic Four & the lost Boba Fett movie), and hopeful rise again (the forthcoming Capone), and finally answers a lot of questions and addresses rumors about his career.
Very recommended read.
It’s October 1993. I’m turning 9 years old. My birthday party, arranged by my mother, is being held at Discovery Zone. For those who don’t remember, Discovery Zone was sort of a more play-based version of Chuck E. Cheese. Less mouse mascots, more indoor zip-lines and ball pits to climb through. It’s pretty much exactly what a 10 year old would want.
That said, my real want at the time was a Sega Genesis.
Somehow, I’d almost completely missed owning a video game system as a child. Besides a secondhand Atari 2600 which didn’t do much to hold my attention, my only exposure to video games was through my relative’s Nintendo and Super Nintendo Entertainment Systems. I never had one of my own.
But lo, on that fateful birthday, I opened the gift wrapping from a large present from my mother, and there it was. The Sega Genesis. But not just any Genesis, it was the “Fighting System", which at the time, included my hoped for Sonic the Hedgehog, a mail-in slip for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and some other game…Streets of Rage 2.
I was on cloud nine.
I came home that night, and after putting some time into Sonic the Hedgehog, which was as exciting and attitude-filled as the game promised, I decided to give this “Streets of Something" a shot.
And then I heard this music drop.
My 9-year-old brain absolutely melted.
Here was a game which played like the arcade brawlers I’d sunk quarters into at local mom-and-pop eateries (like Final Fight, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, and who can forget that massive X-Men cab?), but it was MINE. And that soundtrack. WHAT THE HELL WAS GOING ON.
This is a dopamine hit which I’ve spent my life, through to this very age trying to chase.
Now, literally 27 years later, I’m reliving all of these moments again, thanks to Streets of Rage 4.
Hitting PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PC this past Friday, I’ve put a few hours into the game, and while I’m recognizing how much my skills have atrophied, I’m pleased to say that the team at DotEmu have 100% delivered.
The game itself is beautiful, with high definition, hand illustrated frames for each fighter. The game play is as punishing as ever, and for better or for worse, the controls are almost 100% the same as before. They seem to have added some weapon tossing/catching mechanics, but…my kingdom for a double jump and a block! Maybe this is 35 year old me speaking instead of 9 year old me. But, I digress.
I’ve played both solo and, appropriately socially distanced online play (though I could do co-op in better times), and the game plays like a dream. This is what Streets of Rage was in my mind’s eye, even if some of those higher-resolution graphics have revealed how poorly I had connected the dots with some of the 16-bit pixel graphics back in ’93.
Simply put, if you’re gaming today, and you have that fondness for the Streets of Rage franchise, throw the money down. You’ll, even if just for a moment, feel that joy again. I know I did.
Oh, and as for the soundtrack this time around? Yep. Still rules.
Streets of Rage 4 is available now for Sony PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Xbox One and PC.
Apple Newsroom:
Pretty cool stuff. I’m not even a developer - though I code a lil’ bit here and there - and I might check some of this out.
The first trailer for Netflix’s new comedy Space Force has arrived, and while it’s not quite the Office rehash one would expect, given that it’s a re-teaming of Greg Daniels and Steve Carrell, it does look pretty darn good.
What an absolutely looney cast. No idea how they got Malkovich for this.
Space Force lands on Netflix on May 29, 2020.
Late last month, Netflix — as they are want to do — added to their ever-expanding lineup of comedy specials with something rarely seen in the world of filmed and produced comedy: a series celebrating long-form improv, Middleditch & Schwartz.
Starring the titular Thomas Middleditch (best known as the lead of HBO’s Silicon Valley) and Ben Schwartz (of Parks & Recreation or voice of Sonic the Hedgehog fame), Middleditch & Schwartz is the end result of literally seeing a live comedy show come together before your eyes. They take a prompt from the audience, ask some questions, and then weave a tale running roughly an hour.
Literally, that’s all they’ve got to go on. And miraculously, it works. Sure, it helps that Middleditch and Schwartz respectively have both been improvisers for roughly two decades each, but each of the three specials is truly funny, and more importantly, truly alive.
A lot of writing has been done in recent memory about the media and content people are using to self-medicate during this pandemic. I’ve mostly tried to avoid the topic on here, so as not to bum folks out, but the secret ingredient of Middleditch & Schwartz is the “third member" of the show. The audience.
The live audience, like you at home, lives or dies based upon how quick Ben and Tommy can be on their feet. If it works, it’s amazing - you want the magic trick to continue. But if it didn’t work, you and the audience both would be completely uninterested. This is how it’s easy to see why no one had really ever brought improv into a properly produced format before. What makes the shows presented here so savvy, however, is that both improvisers are willing to break the fourth wall. They acknowledge their screw ups. They point out in jokes. They’re not afraid to engage when they’ve lost the plot. But more than anything, they keep saying “Yes.“ And in turn, so does the audience.
I went into watching Middleditch & Schwartz looking to laugh and have a good time. I left watching it realizing how much I miss being a part of a live show — as a performer or an audience member — but the joys of their show, if just for 50 minutes at a clip, reminded me of how truly alive a great show can make you feel.
Throw it on. Laugh, hard. Have a great time.
Middleditch & Schwartz is available via Netflix, now.
Deadline:
I did my best to homage The Onion in my headline there.
Seriously, while his religious politics are questionable at best and scummy at worst, I enjoy how late-era Tom Cruise has a Jackie Chan-level death wish.
Just sad that he’s gonna get to space before the Fast & Furious crew will.
Deadline:
I haven’t bothered to watch Extraction yet. My Netflix time was tied up with something else (longer post tomorrow AM).
Any good?
Consider this an unofficial post-script to this post…
Variety:
EVO Entertainment plans to open two theaters on Monday using “airport security-style check-in,“ says CEO Mitchell Roberts. Guests will enter a cordoned area near the front door, where they will be asked if they are anyone in their household have had flu symptoms in the last 14 days. They will also be subjected to an infrared temperature screening, with anyone over 100.4 degrees turned away.
Never mind the fact that many COVID-19 cases seem to be asymptomatic, does this sound like an enjoyable experience you’d pay for, to literally anyone?
I’m good with VOD until we’ve got a flattened curve or a vaccine, gang.
Pulitzer.org:
For illuminating, impactful reporting on a lucrative, undisclosed financial relationship between the city’s mayor and the public hospital system she helped to oversee.
Pretty rad to see my local paper win a Pulitzer Prize for what was truly some bold, wonderful reporting.
Now maybe they can get some less shitty ownership…
Apple Newsroom:
This 100% is now the MacBook Pro you want to order. You can all breathe easy now.
Shame that the newest processors are only available with the higher priced model.
Personally, I’ve got a 2019 MacBook Pro via my employer, but I’m definitely wondering what, with a 5 year old MacBook Air as my personal device, I should consider as my next “laptop". Do I go with this? Do I kit out an iPad Pro? Decisions, decisions.
StarWars.com:
Joining Waititi on the screenplay will be Academy Award® nominee Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917, Last Night in Soho), who received a BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Film of the Year on the three-time Oscar-winning film, 1917.
The announcement also confirms the rumored Disney+ series from Russian Doll show runner Leslye Headland.
Gimme that Waititi movie ASAP.
Eurogamer:
It’s not entirely clear how the disparate elements making up the inaugural Summer Game Fest will be tied together (although there’s a website, which seems like a good place to keep a watchful eye on), but the event is scheduled to run from May through August this year.
At present, 2K, Activision, Bandai Namco, Bethesda, Blizzard, Bungie, CD Projekt Red, Digital Extremes, EA, Microsoft, Sony, Square Enix, Private Division, Riot Games, Steam, and Warner Bros. are confirmed to be involved, and the official announcement says additional publishers will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Sounds like just the replacement that E3 needs. Shame that I don’t see a Nintendo on that list…
Deadline:
David Darg and Price James directed the doc, which was filmed over a three-year period. Following his infamous championship run as part of a marketing stunt for the film Ready to Rumble, Arquette is widely known as the most hated man in pro-wrestling worldwide. Nearly 20 years after he “won" the initial title, through ups and downs in his career, with his family, and with his struggles with addiction, Arquette seeks redemption by returning to the ring for real this time.
I saw a trailer for this earlier this year, which appears to have been removed from the web, but I can say that the trailer made this doc look like a must watch, even if you’re not a wrestling fan like myself.Â
TheWrap:
Searchlight Pictures has acquired an untitled comedy pitch from “Parks and Recreation" and “Sonic the Hedgehog" star Ben Schwartz, and both he and Sam Rockwell are set to star in the film, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Schwartz will write the screenplay for the film based on his pitch. Both he and Rockwell will star and executive produce in the untitled comedy.
Logline details are being kept under wraps.
Headline says it all, gang. Two of my favorite humans in Hollywood working together. How could it go wrong?
HBO’s new drama series, based on the 2016 novel by Matt Ruff of the same name, debuts this August. The series follows Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) as he joins up with his friend Letitia (Jurnee Smollett-Bell) and his Uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) to embark on a road trip across 1950s Jim Crow America in search of his missing father (Michael Kenneth Williams). This begins a struggle to survive and overcome both the racist terrors of white America and the terrifying monsters that could be ripped from a Lovecraft paperback.
Lovecraft Country is executive produced by Misha Green, who also serves as showrunner, J.J Abrams, Jordan Peele, Bill Carraro, Yann Demange (who also directed Episode 1), Daniel Sackheim (who also directed Episodes 2 and 3) and David Knoller (executive producer on Episode 1); based on the novel by Matt Ruff.
Looks pretty dope to me. I mean, I was in with Peele and Abrams producing, but, yeah.
The Brothers Brick:
Check more photos at the source link above.
Should retail for roughly $200 when it releases in August.
Bottleneck Gallery:
Lyndon’s created a series of prints inspired by The Legend of Zelda video game series, chronicling Link’s adventures through both Hyrule and Nintendo’s consoles. The series is brilliantly imaginative and pushes all of our nostalgic buttons!
Lyndon’s prints will be available for purchase on Friday (5/1) @ 12PM ET on our homepage, Bottleneckgallery.com!
These prints are absolutely gorgeous. I love the idea and the execution is absolutely stellar.
[gallery ids=“29235,29237,29241,29236,29239,29234,29238” type=“rectangular” link=“file”]
Nab them here tomorrow, and see more of Lyndon’s work here.
TheWrap:
“Ant-Man and the Wasp" writers Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari wrote the script and the film is in the early stages of development. The origin story will take place on the Transformers’ homeworld of Cybertron.
Just make it look like the opening of Bumblebee and we’re golden.
Grey Matter Art:
Even with the recent news that the release date is being pushed back a bit, we are still all kinds of excited and we hope our newest upcoming release holds you over in the meantime.
We are pleased to feature Thor & The Mighty Thor Limited Edition posters by UK based graphic designer and digital illustrator, Doaly!
These two “Mighty” 24x36 inch Screen Prints came out just beautifully and although amazing on their own, look even better together, check ‘em out!
Appropriately enough, these prints feel like they should be on a van.
Well done, Doaly.
Here’s the Odinson version…
…and the Jane version.
Nab em both tomorrow here.
Spoke Art:
Tomorrow at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern we will be releasing Austin-based artist Tim Doyle’s “Let’s Talk Infrastructure.” screen print. This time release will be available until midnight on Sunday, May 3rd.
If you’re like us you’ve been shaping your island getaway and decorating your home with all the newest DIY projects. Get all your projects taken care of today so you can put your tools away, change into that comfy outfit, sit back on your apple chair and order Tim’s Animal Crossing inspired print tomorrow.
Available as a regular 7-color edition and a glow-in-the-dark edition. These 16" x 20" screen prints will be, $40 for the regular edition and $60 for the glow-in-the-dark edition, sorry we can’t accept bells at this time. The final edition size will be determined by the total amount of prints purchased throughout the sale.
I love this, and not just because my quarantine time has basically been Animal Crossing: New Horizons time — when I can get the Switch away from Sam, that is.
Wanna see the Glow-in-the-Dark version? Cool, here it is in snazzy GIF form.
Pick it up tomorrow at 10am from Spoke Art.
[caption id=“attachment_29206” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash[/caption]
Well, this sure is fun. In case you’re wondering how the moviegoing experience is doing in terms of surviving the pandemic, if this is any indication, things are great.
It all started with a Wall Street Journal article, where Universal Pictures spoke of the massive success of going direct to VOD with the release of Trolls World Tour:
Three weeks later, “Trolls World Tour" has racked up nearly $100 million in rentals.
With nearly five million rentals in the U.S. and Canada, the digital release has in three weeks generated more revenue for Universal than the original “Trolls" did during its five-month domestic theatrical run, according to a person familiar with the matter. Its performance has convinced Universal executives that digital releases can be a winning strategy, and may diminish the role of theaters even after the pandemic passes.
Yeah, that’s pretty shocking, all things considered.
Personally, I figured with the $20 rental fee (when digital movies are typically $20 to purchase themselves), more purchasers would be pushed away from the rental. Instead, it went well. Really well. So well, in fact…
The same amount of revenue during a theatrical run would have required a box-office gross of $154 million, or about the final tally of the original “Trolls" movie. The sequel cost about $90 million to produce. The original “Trolls" collected $153.7 million at the domestic box office. Universal received about $77 million of that total; about half stayed with theaters.
Understandably, this made the head of Universal Pictures, Jeff Shell, say the following:
I mean, this was inevitable, right? At some point, the nickel-and-diming of the theatrical experience, and the lack of love for the exhibition of film itself, was going to lead to audiences completely ignoring the theatrical format.
Of course, you had to know, the theaters were going to respond.
AND LO THEY DID, with AMC Theatres head Adam Aron going nuclear in an open letter published by Deadline, among other outlets.
Here’s the highlights:
Universal stated it only pursued a direct-to-home entertainment release for “Trolls World Tour" because theaters were closed and Universal was committed to a lucrative toy licensing deal. We had our doubts that this was wholly Universal’s motivations, as it has been a longstanding desire by Universal to go to the home day and date. Nonetheless, we accepted this action as an exception to our longstanding business practices in these unprecedented times.
And here’s the kicker:
Accordingly, we want to be absolutely clear, so that there is no ambiguity of any kind. AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theatres simultaneously, Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our two companies. It assumes that we will meekly accept a reshaped view of how studios and exhibitors should interact, with zero concern on Universal’s part as to how its actions affect us. It also presumes that Universal in fact can have its cake and eat it too, that Universal film product can be released to the home and theatres at the same time, without modification to the current economic arrangements between us.
It is disappointing to us, but Jeff’s comments as to Universal’s unilateral actions and intentions have left us with no choice. Therefore, effectively immediately AMC will no longer play any Universal movies in any of our theatres in the United States, Europe or the Middle East. This policy affects any and all Universal movies per se, goes into effect today and as our theatres reopen, and is not some hollow or ill-considered threat. Incidentally, this policy is not aimed solely at Universal out of pique or to be punitive in any way, it also extends to any movie maker who unilaterally abandons current windowing practices absent good faith negotiations between us, so that they as distributor and we as exhibitor both benefit and neither are hurt from such changes. Currently, with the press comment today, Universal is the only studio contemplating a wholesale change to the status quo. Hence, this immediate communication in response.
Yep. No Universal Pictures movies in any of AMC’s theatres, the biggest chain in the world. No Fast 9. No Jurassic World 3. No Minions 2.
But isn’t this cutting off your nose to spite your face? You’re literally grandstanding in public to say “I know we’re going to need massive movies to make our business work post-pandemic, but the studio with some of the biggest films can fuck off.“
I can easily tell you that if this were Disney, AMC would just roll over. (Wouldn’t be the first time.) With this being Universal, they’re making this bold move.
Now, I’m not fighting for either side here in saying they’re “right".
Massive movies with massive budgets need as many people to see them as possible. Theaters are - currently - the best way to do this.
Theaters need movies to show, otherwise, they’ve got nothing.
But in the center is the populace, a group who has been pushed away from theaters by ever increasing pricing for tickets, a regular lowering of the bar of the quality of their experience (between both crummy displays of films, and theaters filled with phone users, texters, and talkers, an experience which AMC almost pushed as an alternative theatrical option, less we forget), and the increase of quality/lowering of price for a home theater experience.
The movie theater should be a premium experience, one which you feel great paying for. There are chains which promote this accordingly (looking at you, Drafthouse and Arclight), and great independent theaters which push the quality just the same (hello Baltimore’s own Senator and Charles Theatre), but for many movie-goers, the options are crap, and not worth the money, time and effort.
You reap what you sow, gang. And this is just another example of how the rapid change of the world thanks to this pandemic is expediting an already existing issue.
Yes, Universal Pictures issued a statement last night which backed things up, a little bit:
But the fact is, at the same time:
The change is already here, folks. The VOD future is the VOD today. The question now is: how will you make going to the movie theater worth it?
Updated, April 30, 2020: Regal Cinemas has joined the fray, so I’ve revised the title from Universal Pictures Sees Success Going Straight to VOD, AMC Theaters Gets Mad, Public Pissing Contest Ensues to Universal Pictures Sees Success Going Straight to VOD, Theaters Get Mad, Public Pissing Contest Ensues. The points still stand.
Bottleneck Gallery:
Florey’s new set of Star Wars prints focuses on Luke Skywalker’s journey–from his humble beginnings as a moisture farmer on Tatooine to his Jedi training with Yoda on Dagobah to his climactic confrontation with The Emperor. Florey’s created an exceptional series, honing in on one of the most important threads in the Star Wars tapestry!
The set goes on sale tomorrow, April 29, 2020, at Noon Eastern.
I know, you’re probably saying “Another dang Star Wars print set!?!“, but…like…look at these.
Yeah. I know, right?
Video Game Chronicle:
Multiple sources have told VGC that Sony Interactive Entertainment has greenlit ambitious plans for the post-apocalyptic open-world franchise, which debuted in 2017 with the ten million-selling Zero Dawn.
Amsterdam-based Guerrilla had always desired to deliver a series of Horizon games — and a multi-part script was written — but the plan was only officially agreed after the original game’s strong debut on PlayStation 4.
If it weren’t for these guys breaking the Mario Anniversary titles news a few weeks back, I’d be a bit more skeptical.
Horizon: Zero Dawn is a great freaking game, so I’m all for more from Sony and Guerilla.
Mondo:
And we also celebrate Jonesy the Cat.
This year, Alien Day (4/26) lands on a Sunday, so we’re kicking the festivities off a little early (call it “Alien Day Weekend”) with two new variants of the Alien Queen Tiki and Alien Egg Shooters, a brand-new set of ALIEN pins from 100% Soft, and a returning favorite now in women’s sizes.
There’s also shirts, puzzles, pins, vinyl soundtracks, and more still in stock and available now in The Alien Collection.
I think I might need to nab that Jonesy shirt and the Xenomorph pin…
Bloomberg:
The Cupertino, California-based technology giant is working on three of its own Mac processors, known as systems-on-a-chip, based on the A14 processor in the next iPhone. The first of these will be much faster than the processors in the iPhone and iPad, the people said.
Apple is preparing to release at least one Mac with its own chip next year, according to the people. But the initiative to develop multiple chips, codenamed Kalamata, suggests the company will transition more of its Mac lineup away from current supplier Intel Corp.
Ignoring the awkward way that Bloomberg writes about these sort of things (“According to the people"), this is really awesome news.
I remember how big a deal it was when Apple was moving to Intel-based Macs, and now they’re going to own the entire device with their own hardware. The line between Apple devices continues to blur.
So, basically it’s a hybrid of what you’d typically see in the behind-the-scenes extras for a DVD set of The Mandalorian with a splash of Jon Favreau’s fantastic series Dinner For Five.
Yeah, I’m in.
First episode hits on May 4, 2020.
Variety:
Details of the exact plot of the series are being kept under wraps, but sources say it will be a female-centric series that takes place in a different part of the “Star Wars" timeline than other projects. Headland is said to be attached to write and serve as showrunner on the series, with the show currently staffing.
All good by me. Now that the Skywalker Saga has been told, let’s get into the margins and the unexplored history and future.
Vulture:
I’d say “This is a sad day for New York comedy", but it’s actually been sad for a little while now.
TheWrap:
I don’t have the fondest memories of the Val Kilmer version, but maybe I need to revisit it?
Variety:
Avi Arad and Ari Arad of Arad Productions are producing the film.
Hugely popular both in Japan and around the world, “One Punch Man" follows the story of Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch but seeks to find a worthy opponent after growing bored by a lack of challenges in his fight against evil.
I’ll just say, if there’s any name to be skeptical of here, it’s the involvement of the Arads…
Variety:
No major shocks here. Even Carnage being in it isn’t a surprise for those of us who watched that post-credits scene…and that awful wig.
Variety:
Lionsgate — which produced Collins’ novels into four blockbuster films from 2012—2015, grossing $2.97 billion worldwide — announced the creative team for “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" on Tuesday.
Well, I mean, duh.
Given that the book doesn’t come out until May, I sure hope people actually like it?
Get hyped, folks - bushes, artwork, and a load of holidays are coming to your island, starting this Thursday, April 23, 2020.
Given that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is apparently the best selling Animal Crossing ever already, I’m sure there are going to be a lot of happy island dwellers this week.
Oh, and while I’m at it, if you’re an iPhone user, this app is a great enhancement to your ACNH experience. Couldn’t recommend it more.
Seinfield Adventure:
The 90s were ripe for video game cash-ins on popular franchises. In this game we imagine, “What if there was an official Seinfeld point-and-click adventure game that was never released?“
Why Seinfeld as a point and click?
For a “show about nothing" Seinfeld has a surprisingly rich world. There are so many memorable recurring characters, plot lines and locations as the four protagonists navigate new relationships, jobs and rivals.
The show existed during the time of iconic adventure games such as Monkey Island, Full Throttle, King’s Quest and many more.
Point-and-click adventure games often involve some sort of task or mission that requires a mix of conversational skills, puzzle solving, item collection and use. In Seinfeld, conflict also arises regularly from miscommunication or involves novel items (think episodes like The Pez, The Junior Mint, The Statue, The Calzone, The Fusilli Jerry, The Couch, The Big Salad etc). All this melds perfectly with the point-and-click formula!
I have rarely seen a fan pitch with more depth, focus, and overall love than this one. I hope Sony Entertainment, Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld are eyes on with this.
Yes folks, like you, I’ve spent the last few weeks in social isolation, getting increasingly angrier at the news, sadder at the lack of movies, downright depressed at comics publishing getting completely halted, and all and all feeling like that I can’t do anything.
What I can do is this. I can give you a distraction.
In turn, I’m gonna start signal boosting goofy/awesome/fun stuff I see online again. Hope you dig.
BusinessWire PR:
Both companies share a passion for innovation and play and their collaboration has led to a reimagination of the LEGO building experience, enabling an entirely new way to play inspired by the beloved video game icon, Super Mario.
Neither a video game nor a traditional LEGO brick-based set, LEGO® Super Marioâ„¢ is a new product line that features an interactive LEGO Mario figure who collects coins in real-life game levels created with LEGO bricks. The new line will let kids experience the playful world of Super Mario like never before. Super Mario will be brought to life in the physical LEGO world and new levels of challenge and styles of play will be part of the iconic LEGO experience enjoyed by generations.
Oh my gosh this is crazy. Check out the video!
This looks absolutely gorgeous. From the amazing “real-world" animation, to the abstract “after-life"/“pre-life" visuals, Pixar is pushing their aesthetic storytelling forward for sure with Soul.
But as for the story? Wow - I didn’t think they could top trying to discuss mortality or emotions, but now we’re getting into the very essence of being. Pixar is going to mess up some kids (and provide tears to adults again), I’m sure!
Soul hits theaters on June 19, 2020.
Hits Apple TV+ on May 29.
I’m a huge Bob’s Burgers fan, I love the voice cast, and I love musicals.
You know I’m there day one.
This new trailer feels a bit more serious than the last trailer, which had serious Brendan Fraser The Mummy vibes, but Jungle Cruise will still probably be a super fun summer romp.
New posters - “His" and “Hers" variants hit online today too. Enjoy!
Jungle Cruise hits theaters on July 24, 2020.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybji16u608U
YouTube:
Still looks like a solid action flick. But will it be stopped in its tracks by Coronavirus like No Time to Die? Stay tuned.
The Beat:
New spinoff series Chu promises to be a delectable cat-and-mouse story and will stand on its own for new readers—but delight longtime fans of the Chew universe—and will launch from Image Comics this June.
“After more than 60 issues of Chew, it was never a matter of if I would return to the world Rob Guillory and I created, but when. I needed a break after the book ended, but it wasn’t too long after that I started missing the characters and the world, and had the itch to return. It was something I approached cautiously because, while Chew was a complete story, I wanted to return to it in such a way it would be new and say something different, and it took a while to find the right angle. Outer Darkness/Chew was a step in that direction, as well a coda, a flower on the grave that was the story of Tony Chu. Chu is a different take on the Chu family and the Chew-universe, and in many ways it is a mirror, the flip side,“ said Layman. “I’m confident readers of Chew will enjoy it, but it’s also something totally new, the story of Saffron Chu, not Tony Chu. She was completely absent from Chew, and this first story arc will tell the story of why that is.“
While Chew’s Tony Chu is a cibopath—able to get psychic impressions from what he eats—Chu’s Saffron Chu is a cibopars—able to learn secrets from who she eats with. Tony is a cop. Saffron is a criminal. They are brother and sister, and they are on a collision course.
I’ve always felt that Chew was one of the most underrated titles to come out of the Image Comics renaissance of the mid-to-late 2000’s. Very glad to see the universe continue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyzxu26-Wqk&feature=emb_title
I’ll be honest, Tom Hanks Gravitas Filled Drama is a guilty pleasure of mine, so I’m already in the bag for Greyhound.
What makes the movie more interesting, however, is that Hanks both stars in and wrote this one.
Greyhound hits theaters on June 12, 2020.
Hollywood Reporter:
In a rare development in the world of video game adaptations, the writer and creative director of the game, Neil Druckmann, is also involved, and will work with Mazin to pen and executive produce what is intended to be a series.
Well fuck yeah.
I could be in to a lot more 42 second trailers which leave you questioning what the awesome movie you just had teased to you was.
I’m in.
Antebellum hits theaters on April 24, 2020.
PlayStation.Blog:
Today we revealed a brand-new trailer that showcases our hero, Jin Sakai. In the past, we’ve shown the world around Jin, but this time we wanted to give you a taste of the people he meets along his journey and the scale of the threat that forces him to transform into a new kind of warrior.
The trailer, below, is fantastic, and completely sold me on Ghost of Tsushima.
My only concern is that the game may be Dark Souls-esq in its difficulty.
Sure hope it’s not.
What the fuck is this movie and where the hell did it come from?!
It’s like E.T. meets a super violent Japanese Sentai movie?!
I MUST SEE YOU PG (PSYCHO GOREMAN)!
Mashable:
Starting on Thursday, March 5, you’ll be able to head over to MondoShop.com and choose from a selection of items inspired by Marvel’s First Family — so named for being the first superhero team to spring from the minds of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
How AMAZING are these prints?
[caption id=“attachment_28899” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] “Fantastic Four: Galactus” by Killian Eng[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_28900” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] “Fantastic Four: Silver Surfer” by DÁ¡niel Taylor[/caption]
There’s also a series of pins, and a record slipmat (not pictured). Check it all out via the source link above.
It’s amazing how well they converted Simon StÁ¥lenhag’s visual aesthetic to a series.
But will the scripts match up? We’ll find out April 3, 2020.
Variety:
Sources say that while a deal hasn’t closed, “Ford v Ferrari" director James Mangold is in talks to take the job. Mangold has been put in this situation before when he took over the “Wolverine" franchise; 2017’s “Logan" was a blockbuster, grossing $619 million globally, and earning Mangold an Oscar nomination for adapted screenplay.
Spielberg will remain as a hands-on producer on “Indy 5.“ According to a source close to the filmmaker, the decision to leave the director’s chair was entirely Spielberg’s, in a desire to pass along Indy’s whip to a new generation to bring their perspective to the story.
Or, alternatively, they could just not make the movie?
I love Mangold’s work, but, we just don’t need another Indy.
Announced today, the creator of Rock Band and Dance Central is returning with a new music game which seems to be all about mashups and music festival culture - Fuser.
When I first heard about this, my thought - like others - was, “Isn’t this what DJ Hero was supposed to be?“, but it seems based on this gameplay video, that it’s more about making mashups and perfecting timing.
The official website is here, and the game is scheduled to hit this Fall.
If nothing else, I look forward to keeping an eye on it and seeing how it progresses.
I unabashedly love this era of Anthony Bourdain-inspired food travel shows.
Whether The Chef Show, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or the original Ugly Delicious, there’s something I truly admire about these shows which somehow balance the celebration of food as an art, but also break down the cultural barriers of “high end" and “low end" dining.
I truly believe the world is a better place when we can say - confidently - that the finest cut of meat at the best restaurant can be held in a similar regard to a warm pepperoni slice at a mom ’n pop pizza shop. That’s the sweet spot, folks, for any type of “art". Culinary, creative, otherwise - let it all flow together into one great world of appreciation.
Ugly Delicious 2 hits Netflix on March 6, 2020.
Amazon.com
Yep, it’s a $10 jar of Peanut Butter to end a pedantic internet debate. That’s where we’re at now, folks.
The Verge:
You can order one here.
This is probably the closest I’ll ever get to owning a Cybertruck of my own. (The $20 version, naturally.)
Hasbro Pulse:
This figure leaked out earlier this week, but it’s official - with the release of this exclusive Snake Eyes figure (order it while you can), Hasbro officially moves the beloved action figure franchise into the 6-inch scale, turning it’s beloved heroes and villains into high quality figures, a’la the Marvel Legends and Star Wars: Black Series line.
I can wait for the figures to hit shelves proper, but it’s really cool to see an icon of my childhood like Snake Eyes rendered in this way. My inner child is beaming.
Newsarama:
Announced as part of Marvel Comics' presentation at this week’s ComicsPRO Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, Non-Stop Spider-Man will be, according to Kelly, “relentless…”
“Non-Stop Spider-Man is, for me, the best of what Marvel comics can be: relentless action, epic storytelling, mind-melting art, and relevant themes, all grounded by the heart and soul of one of my all-time favorite characters, Spider-Man,” Kelly said in the announcement. “Chris and I want to redline your adrenaline and shatter your hearts, giggling the whole time. Please sign your waivers and gather your safety gear of choice before issue one comes out. I truly can’t wait for this. Buckle up, Tigers."
A dope ass creative team delivering a book during the current Spidey Renaissance? (Seriously, Amazing Spider-Man, Miles Morales and Ghost-Spider have all been good.)
Heck yeah, I’m in.
Here’s the cover for the first issue (illustrated by David Finch), due in June:
I have to be honest, I fell off during Season 2 of Westworld, despite adoring the first season.
This trailer makes me want to catch back up for sure.
Mark Gurman at Bloomberg:
The technology giant is discussing whether to let users choose third-party web browser and mail applications as their default options on Apple’s mobile devices, replacing the company’s Safari browser and Mail app, according to people familiar with the matter. Since launching the App Store in 2008, Apple hasn’t allowed users to replace pre-installed apps such as these with third-party services. That has made it difficult for some developers to compete, and has raised concerns from lawmakers probing potential antitrust violations in the technology industry.
This is another one of those long-awaited finallys.Â
You can do it on macOS, why not on iOS?Â
(And I’m a guy who thinks that the standard apps are great for most people.)
Mark Gurman at Bloomberg:
The technology giant is discussing whether to let users choose third-party web browser and mail applications as their default options on Apple’s mobile devices, replacing the company’s Safari browser and Mail app, according to people familiar with the matter. Since launching the App Store in 2008, Apple hasn’t allowed users to replace pre-installed apps such as these with third-party services. That has made it difficult for some developers to compete, and has raised concerns from lawmakers probing potential antitrust violations in the technology industry.
This is another one of those long-awaited finallys.
You can do it on macOS, why not on iOS?
(And I’m a guy who thinks that the standard apps are great for most people.)
The Hollywood Reporter:
…
Patrick Gibson (The OA, Tolkien) stars in the film, which Jeffrey Walker (Ali’s Wedding, Lambs of God) will direct from a screenplay adapted by Leon Ford (Griff the Invisible).
…
In The Portable Door, Paul Carpenter, a new intern at the mysterious London firm J.W. Wells & Co., becomes steadily aware that his employers are anything but conventional. Charismatic villain Humphrey Wells (Waltz), the CEO of the company, is disrupting the world of magic by bringing modern corporate strategy to ancient magical practices. Dennis Tanner (Pearce) is the shape-shifting goblin trapped in the organization’s middle management. Paul Carpenter (Gibson) is the lowly, put-upon intern who discovers the true agenda of the vast corporation where they work.
This sounds like a blast! If you’d like to read the book series before it becomes a film, the first one can be purchased here.
Deadline:
Don’t Look Up tells the story of two low-level astronomers who must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching asteroid that will destroy Earth. Production will begin in April for a release later this year.
Sounds like a fun movie. I feel like Lawrence has some comedy chops which have been woefully underused, so I look forward to seeing what she and McKay can do together.
That said: will it be another Netflix movie which releases to a cultural indifference? We’ll see.
Deadline:
Also inspired by true events, The Shrink Next Door is a dark comedy following the bizarre relationship between psychiatrist to the stars Dr. Isaac “Ike" Herschkopf played by Rudd, and his longtime patient Martin “Marty" Markowitz, played by Ferrell. Over the course of their relationship, the all-too-charming Ike slowly takes over Marty’s life, even moving into Marty’s home and taking over his family business. The series explores how a seemingly normal doctor-patient dynamic morphs into an unprecedentedly exploitative one filled with manipulation, power grabs, and dysfunction at its finest.
Sounds fun to me!
Much in the same vein of movies like Superbad, The Kings of Summer, Booksmart and countless others, we’ve got another modern “teen-comes-of-age" movie, but this time, Pete Davidson is the outrageous older “brother" for our lead.
Honestly, as cynical as that above bit sounds, I think Big Time Adolescence looks pretty good, and the word out of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival was pretty damn positive. I guess it’s just a bummer that in this day and age, an indie flick sorta just gets dumped onto a streaming service with little-to-no fanfare.
Either way, I’ll be watching it, if no one else does.
Big Time Adolescence hits Hulu on March 20, 2020.
I remember (vaguely) really liking Amazing Stories as a kid. In turn, I’ll at least give this a shot, as hey, I still have a free Apple TV+ subscription.
Let’s see how that works out, eh?
Amazing Stories hits the web on March 6, 2020.
Alex Ritman at The Hollywood Reporter:
Produced by Riverstone Pictures and Pulse Films from a script by Ronnie Sandahl, Perfect is the extraordinary true story of gymnast Kerri Strug’s triumph against all odds to win Team USA’s first gold medal at the 1996 Olympics.
The movie will be based on Strug’s biography, Landing on My Feet: A Diary of Dreams.
The movie will be certainly less salacious than recent Olympian bio pics like I, Tonya, but after how damn good Booksmart was, I’ll watch whatever Wilde chooses to direct.
Takashi Mochizuki for Bloomberg.com:
Call me a tin foil hat wearer, but I think this might be Sony intentionally leaking information to surprise us with pricing and lure Microsoft into a pricing trap.
This teaser was released with a note from the Duffer Brothers, as the series goes into production:
Season 4 is shaping up to be the biggest and most frightening season yet, and we cannot wait for everyone to see more. In the meantime — pray for the American.“
From Russia with love,
The Duffer Brothers
No release date yet for Stranger Things 4, but it’s coming.
I’ll be damned, I guess this game really is coming out.
For a comparison, here’s the original PlayStation Final Fantasy VII opening:
Pretty dang good, once it kicks in and goes full Bond Theme’. Might be as good as Adele’s Skyfall’?
Once again, of course, this is where I remind people of what could’ve been, and share Radiohead’s theme for SPECTRE.
No Time to Die, the TWENTY FIFTH James Bond movie, hits theaters on April 10, 2020.
From Director Matt Reeves’ Twitter:
Yeah, I know, it’s really dark (but that Michael Giacchino score!), but the fine folks at Birth.Movies.Death. did that which needs doing and brightened some screenshots, which I’ve embedded below.
I like the homemade feel of the mask.
The bat symbol feels very tech-y, kinda like the prototype suit from Batman Begins. A popular fan theory right now is that the symbol is made from the gun which killed his parents, which feels a bit much, but I don’t hate it?
The Batman hits theaters (and will presumably be much clearer) on June 25, 2021.
IGN:
The series will feature DC characters never before seen in the original show, using designs from the recent action figure line. These characters were designed by Templeton in the signature Bruce Timm art style. While DC’s press release doesn’t name which new characters will appear, the line includes the likes of Deathstroke, Azrael, Red Hood, and The Batman Who Laughs, so any of them are fair game.
Here’s a first look at the art. I’m very excited for this.
Issues will hit first digitally in chapter form starting in April, with print releases starting in May.
Well, I guess Dev Patel is gonna have a good year, between The Green Knight and this. Bonus, it’s from Armando Iannucci, who brought us The Death of Stalin and Veep.
The Personal History of David Copperfield hits theaters May 8, 2020.
This is exactly what a teaser trailer is supposed to do.
Prior to hitting play, I knew nothing about The Green Knight.
Now, I’m obsessed with seeing it. Holy hell this looks great. Plus, It’s A24, So I’ll See It!â„¢
The Green Knight hits theaters this coming Summer.
The Hollywood Reporter:
A sequel to the 2019 blockbuster is in the the works at Disney, with the studio hiring scribes John Gatins (Flight, Real Steel) and Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton, The Kitchen) to plot the new course.
Guy Ritchie is set to return to the director’s chair, while Will Smith, Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott are expected to reprise their roles as Genie, Aladdin and Jasmine, respectively.
I didn’t hate Aladdin as much as many other people I know, but I wasn’t necessarily wowed by it, either. It felt like a high budget traveling broadway production of the movie. So, at the end of the day, I’m not sure who this is for, or why they’re making it.
Oh. That’s why.
Variety:
She will star as Alex and Brady Noon is set to portray her son, Evan. Based on the 90s hit franchise, the news series begins production this month in Vancouver and will premiere later this year on Disney Plus. Graham is also a co-executive producer on the series.
The new update is set in present day Minnesota, where the Mighty Ducks have evolved from scrappy underdogs to an ultra-competitive, powerhouse youth hockey team. After 12-year-old Evan (Noon) is unceremoniously cut from the Ducks, he and his mom Alex (Graham) set out to build their own ragtag team of misfits to challenge the cutthroat, win-at-all-costs culture of competitive youth sports.
There’s a rumor out there that Emilio Estevez has been approached about returning for this series as well.
Personally? I need a Kenan Thompson cameo.
Deadline:
Disney was trying to quiet rumors that Moranis was returning, but our breaking news today is that Rick Moranis’ deal, is a done deal.
As previously reported, the pic’s original director Joe Johnston will be back with Josh Gad also starring. The movie centers around Gad’s character who is the son of Rick Moranis’ Wayne Szalinski. Son is aspiring to be a great scientist like his father, but accidentally shrinks the kids.
Rumors about this had circled for a bit, with fan site The DisInsider reporting this casting earlier this month.
Hopefully, the plot for Shrunk is closer to how Deadline describes it, and not as incredibly depressing as The DisInsider reported it:
Yeah. Yikes.
We’ll see when Shrunk hits theaters.
io9:
Beginning this May, Wonder Woman will take center stage in Dark Nights: Death Metal, a new series from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo that will follow the Themysciran warrior and her few remaining allies on their quest to defeat the Batman Who Laughs after he manages to seize control of the world. With Superman trapped within the heart of the sun and Batman busy trying to lead a human resistance to fight back the laughing Batman’s forces, it initially seems as if Diana’s Amazonian strength alone won’t be enough to turn the tides in the Earth’s favor and slay Perpetua, the mother of the Anti-Monitor. But just when all hope is lost, Wonder Woman gains an unexpected ally who provides her with key intel that could change everything.
I really love everything the Snyder/Capullo team has touched, most prominently their run on Batman, so I’ll be checking out the trade of this when it hits.
That said, the look and feel of this is agressively 1990’s in the best way (looking at you, Long Haired Superman), so, in turn, my enthusiasm may just be from some misplaced nostalgia.
We’ll find out soon when Dark Nights: Death Metal hits shelves in May.
The Verge:
People can choose to disable autoplay in two different formats: one that automatically starts the next episode in a series and one that autoplays previews while browsing. Netflix rolled out an option to disable autoplay with episodes in a series way back in 2014, but this new setting specifically relates to the autoplay previews on the homepage.
Learn how to do it here. I’m fixing my account up right now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwhHDypFeC8&feature=youtu.be
For the past decade or so, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing movies with one Jamie Noguchi, Super Art Fight co-founder and all around great guy.
I don’t know that I’ve ever known anyone who’s overall enthusiasm about the things he loves has ever been so palpable or enjoyable as his.
So, when the latest trailer for his favorite franchise (Fast & Furious) dropped, and he found himself chained to his desk illustrating his graphic novel (pre-order it here), we knew we needed him to share his gift of reaction not just with us, but with the web as a whole.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Shakespeare the way it was meant to be performed.
TechCrunch:
Wild, I don’t think I’ve seen a single social network focus on the idea of cultivating/editing your follows, not just adding more. Bold!
Hope it pays off and people see the value in “less-as-more".
MacStories:
I love the functionality enabled by iPad multitasking, but the current system is unnecessarily complex. I don’t believe the iPad should revert to its origins as a one-app-at-a-time device, but I know there’s a better way forward for multitasking.
My proposal for a new multitasking system employs a UI mechanic that already exists across both iPhone and iPad. Without losing any of iPadOS 13’s current functionality, it brings the iPad closer to its iPhone roots again and makes multitasking accessible for the masses.
There’s been a big debate about how multitasking is handled on the iPad, mostly stemming from this post by John Gruber, and as someone who works more-and-more from his iPad, I think the suggested revision here would be a brilliant step forward for iPadOS.
Variety:
Raimi replaces original director Scott Derrickson, who Variety reported on Jan. 9 had officially departed the project due to creative differences. Derrickson will remain as an executive producer. Raimi, meanwhile, will need to get up to speed before the film’s scheduled production start date in May.
Man, Raimi would absolutely thread the needle of “horror" yet also “general audience friendly".
Hell of a pick, if true.
Mondo:
Titled FARAWAY GALAXY, this poster is Scott’s love letter to a film that inspired a generation and chronicles nearly every beat and character imaginable from the film. We’ve been working with Scott and our friends at Acme Archives, who we’ve partnered with on the release, on this poster for a few years and it’s a real pleasure to finally be able to share it with you. If you’re familiar with Scott’s work, it’s lovingly produced in watercolor and usually released as high quality giclee prints. We wanted this one to be a little different, and for the first time, Scott’s artwork will be offered as an 11-color screenprint! We’re incredibly proud of this one, and hope you like it as much as we do.
From Scott, “Every square inch of that movie inspired who I am today and the paintings and stories I create. Every character in that film meant something to me, even the characters passing by in the background. It is incredible to me that a film would make that much of an impression on people that fans collectively remember that there was a wolfman and a praying mantis in the bar. I have always wanted to create a painting that paid homage to every one of those characters. That is what this painting means to me. I wanted to include every Cantina patron, every X Wing pilot and Jawa. The ships were all characters to me, so it was important that they were welcomed in the family. It became quite a party, this painting. It is a place I have always wanted to live within. It was a dream realized, my friends, and I invite you to join me in this world.“
I love this print so goddamned much. It’s a timed edition release (meaning, as many as are ordered between 12pm CST Thursday and 11:59pm Sunday Night will be printed).
It can be yours for $100.
As a sucker for Star Wars and a lover of Scott C’s whimsical art, I’m very tempted.
Between this trailer and the first poster, below, I’m very intrigued to see what direction that Chris Rock (as lead AND producer) is taking the Saw franchise.
I don’t really have any particular love for the Saw franchise (I saw the first one, and that was all I needed to see), but this feels like such a different take on the series that my interest is piqued.
Plus, hey, Samuel L. Jackson.
From a new piece discussing the departure of 20th Century Studios’ (formerly 20th Century Fox) head, Emma Watts, over at The Hollywood Reporter:
This is a heartbreaker.
I recognize that Disney is, in essence, splitting up the Fox name between 20th Century and Searchlight (and I assume that these four are not inclusive of the Searchlight brand), but to see one of the best motion picture studios of all time reduced to four token releases a year absolutely blows.
I wonder - and optimistically, though probably not realistically, hope - if / that a studio can come in and fill the void in general release theatrical releases and creative risk-taking. Looking at you, A24, maybe? Hopefully?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RYNThid23g
Denis Shiryaev:
Here’s the original source clip:
See, not everything when it comes to AI-based video editing is a nightmarish hellscape.
Just most of it.
BuzzFeed News:
Awesome!
Now, could someone please purchase and free, I dunno, The Onion, Kotaku, Gizmodo, Deadspin and Jalopnik?
io9:
The show is called “Through the Woods,“ and it’s by artist Nan Lawson. It’s open now through February 15 at Gallery 1988 in Los Angeles, CA and takes some of the most famous sci-fi and fantasy properties of all time—Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, X-Men, etc.—and filters them through their most gorgeous, natural settings. The results are subtle nature prints you could put on your wall without anyone knowing exactly what they are.
You can check out the full show (and buy prints or original artwork) here.
Glad to see Lawson pushing herself creatively, these are great.
Definitely was considering that Into the Spider-Verse print (as seen at the top of the post).
Variety:
The series comes as part of a multi-year overall production pact which Chabon and his producing partner Ayelet Waldman have inked with CBS TV Studios. Under the agreement, CBS will have the exclusive rights to produce TV content created and developed by the husband-and-wife team across all platforms.
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is simply one of the greatest books I’ve ever read, so I can’t wait to see a television-length series adapting it.
…even if it means I have to sign up for yet another streaming service. Bless you, Apple TV Channels.
Jason Reitman’s taking the reigns from his father in this completely authorized continuation of the Ghostbusters saga (in something which both buries the 2016 installment and gives credence to the doofuses who whined about it.)
I’m of two minds here:
Guess we will have to see how it comes together. At the least, Carrie Coon and Paul Rudd will deliver something watchable. The real question will be: how soon after this will Dan Aykroyd start claiming that the real real really real Ghostbusters 3 was coming?
No real glimpses of Kristen Wiig as Cheetah (which I think will make or break the movie), but goddamn does Pedro Pascal look to be having fun as Maxwell Lord!
The trailer for the movie is fun, and makes me wonder if (like with Deadpool) Reynolds has a direct line to Disney/Fox marketing, but really, the concept feels like it’d be a short at best.
Also, does enough of the general public understand non playable characters and similar concepts for this to resonate? I know the nerds won and all, but this feels a smidge presumptuous.
Either way: happy to see Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) get a prominent role in a blockbuster.
Doesn’t look bad by any means - if anything, it feels a bit by the numbers. If you had a mind’s eye version of what Black Widow would be as a movie, chances are, it was this.
In turn, I’m hoping the stellar supporting cast (David Harbour, Florence Pugh, RACHEL WEISZ!~) and the dope choice of villain (Taskmaster!) makes this worth the time at the cinema.
…but let’s be honest, I’ll be seeing it anyway.
Yep, this whole thing was shot on an iPhone. Wild, right?
Despite the appearances of both Ana de Armas and Daniel Craig, it pains me to say that this is not the next phase of the Benoit Blanc Cinematic Universe.
I have a hunch that Rami Malek will knock the villain role out of the park, and even if the cameo of Christoph Waltz as Blofeld really just reminded me how not-good Spectre was, this trailer promises that the visuals will stun and the stunts will be ridiculous…so, it’s kind of all you want from a modern day Bond, you know?
SI.com:
Even in 2019, it is still time to snap into a Slim Jim.
The legend of the “Macho Man" Randy Savage continues. Mattel is celebrating Savage’s time as a spokesperson for the Slim Jim brand and their memorable television commercials with a new action figure.
This is amazing.
Holy shit, this is fantastic.
Another reason why I love the customized pre-shows for every movie at the Alamo Drafthouse.
Hey folks!
Your dear pal Marty is in Austin, TX this week, to celebrate his wedding anniversary.
In turn, updates here will be minimal.
For random newsbits through the week, check Twitter. For what will most likely be a lot of food photos, head to Instagram.
Back on Monday, June 3rd.
TheWrap:
…
Per the official logline, in the movie version, “Zach Galifianakis dreamed of becoming a star. But when Will Ferrell discovered his public access TV show Between Two Ferns’ and uploaded it to Funny Or Die, Zach became a viral laughing stock. Now Zach and his crew are taking a road trip to complete a series of high-profile celebrity interviews and restore his reputation. Directed by Scott Aukerman, Between Two Ferns: The Movie’ is a laugh-out-loud comedy that gives new insight into the curmudgeonly, beloved outsider Zach Galifianakis has created over the years.“
I’m in.
Buzzfeed News:
Can’t say I expected this today. I know that this is the movie everyone swears the Game of Thrones guys are doing, but I would figure that they’re writing that themselves?
Still not going to subscribe to you, CBS All Access.
Stereogum:
The concept behind this whole ridiculous project is pretty inspired. In the late ’80s, the monster home-run hitters Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire conquered the baseball world, leading the Oakland A’s to a World Series victory in 1989 and generally capturing the public imagination. They were both on tons of steroids, of course, and that’s now their main legacy. But all three members of the Lonely Island come from the Bay Area, so they remember what it was like to look at these sketchy guys as childhood idols. And with The Unauthorized Bash Brothers Experience, which the Lonely Island are calling a “visual poem,“ they’ve imagined what would’ve happened of Canseco and McGwire, at the height of their fame, had recorded a rap album.
I haven’t watched or listened to this yet, but since its from The Lonely Island, I’ll give it a shot.
This looks…not bad?
The new Terminator model looks wild, Linda Hamilton looks ready to wreck things, and I’m excited to see Mackenzie Davis get a big spotlight like this.
I forgot to post this the other day.
I still feel like this is a situation where either Pixar is keeping things quiet, or the story of the movie is a bit more slight than expected.
The Verge:
I’m already in love. Check out this cool aspect of the device:
Also of note - synth kings Teenage Engineering are behind the hardware.
I’m now going to be obsessed with this little toy for a while.
I don’t know what a “Visual Poem" is, but I can’t wait to see what this is.
Variety:
ClÁ©mence PoÁ©sy, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine are also joining the cast that includes John David Washington, Elizabeth Debicki, and Robert Pattinson.
“Tenet,“ which is being filmed on location across seven countries, is an action epic evolving from the world of international espionage.
Michael Caine!
“International espionage", eh? Sounds like we’re finally getting that Chris Nolan spy movie he’s clearly wanted to make for years.
Hits Summer 2020.
Fortune:
Such targeting has caused privacy headaches for Yahoo, Google, and Facebook, of course. That’s why AT&T requires that customers give permission for use of their data; like those other companies, it anonymizes that data and groups it into audiences—for example, consumers likely to be shopping for a pickup truck—rather than targeting specific individuals. Regardless of how you see a directed car ad, say, AT&T can then use geolocation data from your phone to see if you went to a dealership and possibly use data from the automaker to see if you signed up for a test-drive—and then tell the automaker, “Here’s the specific ROI on that advertising,“ says Lesser. AT&T claims marketers are paying four times the usual rate for that kind of advertising.
This is a really interesting profile, but this chunk just gives me the heebie-jeebies.
And I work in Online Advertising!
CNN:
The company is bringing back a limited number of New Coke cans in honor of the upcoming third season of “Stranger Things,” in which the product is featured.
What a world we live in.
The new Tarantino film finally premiered yesterday at the Cannes Film Festival, and as great as this trailer looks, apparently the final film is even better.
It’s going to be a good Summer of moviegoing.
Jason Mantzoukas is, in my opinion, one of the funniest humans alive. Very cool to see him discussing his craft.
Another awesome trailer for a movie with a terrible name.
I look forward to this one!
The Intercept:
FUCK YOU ZUCKERBERG
IGN:
Click the link to check out the full line. I especially love the Ditto tee.
Deadline:
Not familiar with her work, but I’m glad to see another prominent female director in the Marvel Studios mix.
Vanity Fair:
Continuing the series seen (to my recollection) since The Phantom Menace, Lev Grossman goes behind the scenes of the final Skywalker Saga film, with beautiful photographs to peruse.
Added to my Instapaper for later reading today.
Bloomberg:
So the PlayStation 5 Xbox Two is not happening, then?
The Hollywood Reporter:
Works for me! Better this than all the start/stop we’ve seen with the Uncharted movie, which really should’ve been a layup of a movie to make.
If I may, let’s go ahead and make the new God of War game a movie.
Disney Parks Blog:
Can’t say this is shocking. It’s pretty cool, if I’m honest!
The Hollywood Reporter:
Akiva Schaffer, one-third of Lonely Island along with Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone, has closed a deal to helm the studio’s live-action/CG hybrid take on Rescue Rangers, featuring the classic chipmunk duo.
What a strange universe we live in.
Collider:
I’m game for Penguin, but it feels like we just had Anne Hathaway’s Catwoman, 7 years ago or not.
Variety:
While sources say it’s not yet a done deal, Pattinson is the top choice and it’s expected to close shortly. Warner Bros. had no comment.
This is a bit of news which has been received — just like we saw with Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton — with considerable handwringing across social media.
I think he’s a great choice, an actor (who, like his Harry Potter co-star Daniel Radcliffe) has built on his original fame for a teen franchise and used it to get really unique, great, thought provoking roles.
Chris Nolan’s already put him as the lead of his next film, so it’s clear that Pattison is on his way to being a top st…
Wait a minute. What’s THIS?!
Deadline:
Interesting…
Hoult could be a good choice too. But he’s going to have 2 bad X-Men films locked to him after this. That’s gotta be rough.
Microsoft:
Under the memorandum of understanding signed by the parties, the two companies will explore joint development of future cloud solutions in Microsoft Azure to support their respective game and content-streaming services. In addition, the two companies will explore the use of current Microsoft Azure datacenter-based solutions for Sony’s game and content-streaming services. By working together, the companies aim to deliver more enhanced entertainment experiences for their worldwide customers. These efforts will also include building better development platforms for the content creator community.
Wonder what this means for the next generation Xbox and PlayStation, respectively…
TheWrap:
Rock will star in the project that he is also executive producing. The film will be produced by longtime “Saw" producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules. Darren Lynn Bousman, who helmed three of the most successful films in the “Saw" franchise, will direct this reimagining. The screenplay is based on a story by Rock and written by Pete Goldfinger and Josh Stolberg. Daniel Heffner and the original creators of “Saw,“ James Wan and Leigh Whannell, will also executive produce.
Never would’ve pictured this in a million years.
TechCrunch:
Then Valve submitted it to the iOS App Store and… Apple rejected it. At the time, Valve said that Apple pinned the rejection on “business conflicts".
A year later, it seems said conflicts have finally been resolved. Steam Link for iOS just hit the App Store.
I wonder what made them finally work it out.
USGamer:
Looks like another winner for the Nintendo Switch!
Change.org:
This series deserves a final season that makes sense.
Subvert my expectations and make it happen, HBO!
Jesus Christ, this is absolutely cringeworthy.
Here’s something crazy about creative projects. Those who make it, make it for themselves at a point.
It’s not necessarily about pleasing you.
Sure, in a world of art-as-commerce, which, let’s be honest, Game of Thrones is a strong part of, they want you to enjoy and pay for the product.
But never forget - the creation is theirs to do with as they wish.
Stop being so entitled, nerds. You’re embarrassing the rest of us.
Deadline:
Recommended read. This is the first time James Gunn has opened up about all of this, and it really gets into the detail about how he navigated the experience.
Say what you will about the final season, but I bet this behind the scenes look will be fascinating.
The Brothers Brick:
This is so unbelievably cool.
TheWrap:
The two companies have entered into a “put/call" agreement regarding NBCUniversal’s 33% stake in the streaming service.
As early as January 2024, Comcast can require Disney to buy NBCUniversal’s interest in Hulu and Disney can require NBCUniversal to sell that interest to Disney for its fair market value at that future time.
I hope this doesn’t ruin my use of Hulu as “the streaming service where I watch currently airing shows, but without commercials and on a slight delay.“
I never saw the first one. Worth the time?
I’m just distracted by how gaunt Jolie looks with the makeup here.
Deadline:
Primal features a caveman at the dawn of evolution. A dinosaur on the brink of extinction. Bonded by tragedy, this unlikely friendship becomes the only hope of survival in a violent, primordial world.
With Tartakovsky’s track record, Primal is a can’t miss.
EDIT:Â We’ve got a trailer now, too.
/Film:
The plan is for the movie to be set about three decades after the 1989 original, with Gad set to play the grown-up version of scientist and inventor Wayne Szalinski’s son, Adam Szalinski, who was played by twins Daniel and Joshua Shalikar in the 1992 sequel Honey, I Blew Up The Kid. The new movie, which will be titled Shrunk, will be a reboot of the original film, but positioned as a “legecyequel,“ which means it will exist in the same world and continue the overall storyline. And yes, Adam Szalinski accidentally shrinks his kids, which kickstarts the story of the film.
Disney sure loves them some Josh Gad.
Deadline:
Wahlberg will play the Blue Falcon, a superhero from the Hanna-Barbera canon who teamed up with Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Gang to fight against one of his arch-enemies, Mr. Hyde. Blue Falcon’s right hand was Dynomutt who in the feature animated pic is being voiced by comedian Ken Jeong.
Isaacs will portray twirling mustache villain, Dick Dastardly, who is reported to be the main baddie of Scoob. Dick is a duplicitous car racer and pilot whose vehicles are known to carry various bombs and traps. He too has a right-hand dog in scruffy giggler Muttley.
Is this going to be the goddamned Avengers: Endgame of the Hanna Barbera Universe?
The New York Times:
Each page of the comic will correlate to one year in Marvel history. Along the way, readers will see many of the marquee characters from the mighty Marvel universe like Captain America, Thor and Iron Man, and some less familiar ones, like Blue Marvel, Night Thrasher and the Three X’s.
Yes, this is what all those teasers this week were about.
I’ll give it a read, for sure.
The Wrap:
I’m for it. Rooker surprised all of us with his performance as Yondu, and he’s sort of a James Gunn good luck charm, a’la John Ratzenberger for a Pixar film, or Michael Caine for Christopher Nolan movies. Let’s make it happen!
Yesterday, Sony held their second State of Play event, basically their version of a Nintendo Direct. You can watch it below:
It was pretty darn cool - there’s a multiplayer Predator game coming, there’s this really cool game called Away in the works, the MediEvil remake is shaping up, but there’s one bit people are losing their shit about…
Yep, the Final Fantasy VII Remake isn’t dead.
Looks like it’s an action RPG now, and it’s still episodic. But if you want to know more, I guess you gotta wait for E3.
i still don’t think it is ever coming out
Variety:
Adult Swim has given a series order to “Birdgirl,“ a spinoff of “Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law" with Paget Brewster set to lend her voice to the title character. Brewster previously voiced Birdgirl in the original series as well as the recent special “Harvey Birdman, Attorney General,“ which aired on Adult Swim in October.
In the new series, after being named CEO of the world’s largest and most non-sensical corporation, Sebben & Sebben, Judy Ken Sebben (aka Birdgirl) has to find a way to maintain her work/superhero life balance. Through the halls of the company headquarters she assembles her Birdteam. By day, they try to drag the company into this century. By mid-afternoon, they usually end up having to break a lot of things to stop something bad that one of them may have helped cause.
Very excited for this.
I love that they decided to let a scene play out.
The casting of the adult cast is out of this world. I can’t wait!
I’m getting Hitman: Go vibes. Very into this.
Deadline:
In a zeitgeisty twist, the reimagined, big-canvas package will have a female lead — casting is underway — and a female director in the shape of Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night). Aquaman star Jason Momoa is talks for a key cameo.
Ana Lily Amirpour is a very interesting directorial choice.
I’m guessing Momoa would appear as the person who dies at the top of the film?
Kotaku:
Highly recommend you click through to see the pitch art for the other shows, especially the Castlevania take.
The Wrap:
Another good get for an increasingly intriguing cast.
This reminds me, I need to watch Season 2, now that it’s on Hulu.
Variety:
As part of the great release date shake-up, Disney announced that three new untitled Star Wars films will start hitting theaters in Dec. 16 2022. There will be two other follow-ups during the Christmas corridor in 2024 and 2026. Disney is poised to dominate around Christmas for the foreseeable future. The studio is alternating between “Avatar" and “Star Wars" films every year through 2027 starting in 2021. In 2020, Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story" adaptation" will bow on Dec. 18, while “Cruella" will launch Dec. 23 ahead of the long holiday weekend.
Other release date changes of note:
Crazy stuff.
Is there actually going to be anyone interested in the four Avatar sequels by the time they release?
Inside The Rock Poster Frame:
I love how this movie has made so many great artists bring their A-Game to the print world.
The print releases Thursday, May 9th at 1PM EDT at greymatterart.com.
Variety:
I wondered why I was so cynical about this Hellraiser reboot, versus say, the Candyman reboot being overseen by Jordan Peele.
And I realized the difference.
With Peele’s version of Candyman, it’s coming from someone who has something to say - he saw something in the original material which he thought needed a brighter light shined on it (the slave-based history of the character) - and it will take the original work and shine it through that prism.
I have literally no clue what David S. Goyer will bring to this project which wasn’t already covered in the 10 existing films. Prove me wrong, Davey. Prove me wrong.
Comichron:
That’s awesome news. Maybe that industry isn’t going to die just yet. Maybe.
PlayStation.Blog:
PlayStation Worldwide Studios will be showing off an extended look at MediEvil, as well as a first look at a new title. And we’ll have other updates and announcements from upcoming PS4 games.
Let the hype and speculation begin.
You do NOT ghost Nick Fury.
Bloomberg.com:
The Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, starts June 3. The company will reveal updates to the operating systems that run the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Highlights include upgrades to core iPhone apps such as Maps, Reminders and Messages; new apps for the Apple Watch that make it more independent from the iPhone, and enhancements to the health tracking capabilities of Apple devices, according to people familiar with the plans.
Exciting stuff — they’re really going all out here.
Does make one wonder…how much does all of this growth hurt third-party developers?
Marvel Press Release:
One of the most versatile creators in the comic industry, Gleason has lent his talent to numerous DC, Marvel, and Image properties over the years, helping to produce multiple New York Times best-selling books including Batman And Robin, Aquaman, Green Lantern Corps, JLA, and Welcome To The Working Week with Patton Oswalt.
Gleason, known for his striking dynamic art style, will be joining the incredible family of Spider-Man artists on today’s titles to bring the Marvel Universe to life, starting with a short story in Amazing Spider-Man #25 in July!
I’m excited about this as I loved Gleason’s work on Batman And Robin and most recently his run on Young Justice, but you had to know Marvel had to get all sneaky and make his promo image all sorts of Easter Egg filled.
Similarly to the Marvel Now! And All-New Marvel Now! announcement images, this look at a bunch of characters from the Marvel U has some hints as to where things are going.
I spot:
What do you see?
Variety:
The original fantasy film came from a George Lucas story and was produced by Lucasfilm, so a Disney+ series adaptation would seem like a natural fit, given how many other Lucasfilm projects are in the works for the streaming platform.
And now I know why the film just now received a release on iTunes.
Already looks better than the movie, IMO.
Variety:
There will be a 20-minute live interactive simulcast streaming event on May 4 at noon PT during the team’s first “Earthworm Jim" design meeting. During that meeting, the team will discuss their new vision of the game firsthand as well as showing off original art pieces. Some of that art will be signed and given away, as well as 50 new posters, to livestream viewers.
They had me until “Intellivision Amico".
Looks like a fun movie for a rainy Sunday afternoon at a movie theater!
Deadline:
When you think about it, there’s kind of a straight line from The Fate of the Furious to Saints Row, so this should be a perfect fit.
Marvel.com:
“Marvel’s Ghost-Rider” and “Marvel’s Helstrom” make their way to Hulu in 2020, as Marvel Television and Hulu expand their partnership with the addition of these two new live-action series based on fear properties.
Quite the Marvel lineup is forming over at Hulu — the continuation of Runaways, plus the announced animated series including MODOK — pretty cool, and definitely going to make people have a subscription alongside their Disney+ login.
The Wrap:
The Academy Award-winning and Emmy-nominated writing, directing and producing team will create a slate of both live-action and animated series under their Lord Miller Productions banner — including a suite of new TV series based on Sony’s Marvel Universe, produced in partnership with Amy Pascal.
Awesome news. These guys are 100% worth it.
CNN:
I will GLADLY try one. Sounds exciting.
The Verge:
The Verge and I clearly disagree on what a “smarter idea" means.
EDIT: Wait a minute — this piece of shit is $16,000? Fuck off so goddamned hard, Samsung.
Hey folks!
I, your gentle host, will be a guest at Awesome Con all weekend as a part of Super Art Fight (The Greatest Live Art Competition in the Known Universe).
In turn, this site will be quiet for the next few days, but feel free to head to my Twitter - @blast0rama - for my regularly scheduled links shared.
Thanks, and see you back here on Monday!
This rules.
Variety:
“The Huntsman: Winter’s War" director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan is helming from a script by Umair Aleem.
The story revolves around a female assassin, who, after being poisoned and given less than 24 hours to live, must go on a manhunt through the streets of Tokyo to take vengeance on her murderer before she dies.
It’s Crank but with a lady, I guess?
The following review is 100% Spoiler-Free.
22 films.
11 years.
From Iron Man to Captain Marvel, it all came down to this.
And they did it. Deliriously wonderful, absolutely epic, the crazy bastards did it.
Avengers: Endgame is in theaters now.
Entertainment Weekly:
Fury also connects Peter with a new ally: Quentin Beck, a.k.a. Mysterio, a powerful magician played by Jake Gyllenhaal. “If Tony Stark was sort of the mentor in the previous films, we thought it would be interesting to play Mysterio as almost like the cool uncle,“ Watts says.
Interesting angle for Mysterio. Definitely adds to my “that’s not really Fury" theory though.
Bottleneck Gallery:
Alien Day is a yearly celebration of Ridley Scott’s classic sci-fi space horror film, Alien. Tom’s print is a wonderful, pulp-inspired poster featuring some of the horrors that the Nostromo space ship’s crew faces in the film. Despite the brighter color palette, Tom has still successfully conveyed how truly scary and intricate the movie’s monsters are.
I love when people do designs like this - matching a retro, fun aesthetic to something close…but definitely not in that wheelhouse.
Well done, Tom Walker. Well done.
/Film:
For some baffling reason, rather than provide this cut as a full movie, Netflix has broken it up into a mini-series with four episodes. The big question is: why?
I don’t hate this, personally.
One of the things I liked so much about the Lord of the Rings Extended Cuts was that the movies were split into two discs, and when I’d rewatch it, I’d routinely split the discs up, as if they were individual chapters to be savored..
The Toyark:
At another time in my life, I’d spend $180 on Spider-Man figures without hesitation.
They’re wonderful pieces, but I just can’t do it.
ComingSoon:
Confirmed cast members returning for the film include Daniel Craig as James Bond 007, Ralph Fiennes as M, Lea Seydoux (Spectre), Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, Ben Whishaw as Q, with Rory Kinear as Tanner and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter.
New cast members confirmed for the film include Dali Benssalah, Billy Magnussen, Ana De Arma, David Dencik, Lashana Lynch, and Rami Malek.
Cary Fukunaga is directing from a script by Neil Purvis & Robert Wade and Scott Burns and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Hits theaters April 2020.
I still think Spectre, as not great as it was, should’ve been the farewell to Craig.
The application is up now, and the Beta runs May 22nd-June 4th, 2019.
Android users only — sign up here.
The Washington Post:
The debate about how to respond to Russia’s “sweeping and systemic" attack — and how to hold President Trump accountable for obstructing the investigation and possibly breaking the law — has been reduced to a false choice: immediate impeachment or nothing. History suggests there’s a better way to think about the choices ahead.
Obviously, this is personal for me, and some may say that I’m not the right messenger. But my perspective is not just that of a former candidate and target of the Russian plot. I am also a former senator and secretary of state who served during much of Vladimir Putin’s ascent, sat across the table from him and knows firsthand that he seeks to weaken our country.
I am also someone who, by a strange twist of fate, was a young staff attorney on the House Judiciary Committee’s Watergate impeachment inquiry in 1974, as well as first lady during the impeachment process that began in 1998. And I was a senator for New York after 9/11, when Congress had to respond to an attack on our country. Each of these experiences offers important lessons for how we should proceed today.
I try to keep this site apolitical.
But this was too surreal to not share.
I’ll let you make your own conclusions from this. I made mine.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Also poised for curbside pickup, The Hollywood Reporter has learned, is Ted Melfi’s mental-hospital-set dramedy Fruit Loops, which has Woody Harrelson starring (that project is still officially in the Disney fold but likely will be put in turnaround).
This is just an absolute bummer.
Like I said before, there’s another edge to that sword which brought the MCU back together, and it’s going to harm the Hollywood landscape for a bit. Hopefully, another studio can find a way to flourish in the aftermath.
Variety:
Hey, FTC - now is a GREAT time to raise those fines.
Gizmodo:
Shared both for its fantastic title, and because of the nightmarish truth of these devices it shares with us.
(Please don’t let the Kindle Paperwhite be next.)
I could barely tell what was happening here, but it sure looked horrifying.
(In a good way.)
Variety:
The new CG-animated series will follow a group of lawless teens who discover a derelict Starfleet ship and use it to search for adventure, meaning and salvation.
I remember when I was a kid, they used to air the original Star Trek cartoon.
Fun how things come full-circle.
Variety:
Ken Watanabe (“The Last Samurai,“ “Godzilla,“ “Inception") will star in the title role made famous by David Janssen in the 1963-1967 U.S. TV series and then by Harrison Ford in the 1993 film. Both the show and the movie were hits in Japan.
So, how can we get it over here?
The New York Times:
Mr. Spielberg has been publicly silent through all of it. But inside his company, Amblin Entertainment, Mr. Spielberg has expressed frustration with the way his views about streaming have recently been characterized in the news media, according to two people close to him, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to maintain their relationship. Yes, he believes that theater owners, streaming services and traditional studios need to come together to figure out a way to protect what he likes to call the “motion picture theatrical art form.“ If the academy were to come up with a reasonable way to ensure that only films with robust theatrical releases are eligible for Oscars, there is a strong chance he would vote for it, the people said.
Huh. How bout that.
Turns out the guy who loves movies, really loves movies.
The Wrap:
King wrote the novel in 1975, only his second to be published at the time. It follows a writer who returns to the town of Jerusalem’s Lot, where he lived as a young boy, only to discover everyone he used to know is now a vampire. It was also King’s first book to top the New York Times Bestseller list. In 1979, Tobe Hooper directed a “Salem’s Lot" TV movie, while a miniseries was released in 2004.
Surprised that there hasn’t been a Wan/King team-up before this, given that Wan sort of has his own horror kingdom over at Warner Bros, but this could be great! Love Salem’s Lot, and I’m really loving the modern era of King adaptations…The Dark Tower aside. (And they might even fix that one with the TV show.)
Deadline:
Created, written and executive produced by Iannucci, who directed the pilot, Avenue 5 is space tourism comedy set 40 years in the future when the solar system is everyone’s oyster. With Hugh Laurie as the Captain, nothing can go wrong. Rebecca Front, Lenora Crichlow, Suzy Nakamura and Ethan Phillips co-star.
Love the cast, love the creator, love the concept. Keep em coming, HBO!
HBO PR:
If you haven’t read the original story this is based on, here it is. This is going to be a fun ride.
Toy Wizards:
They’re running for about $21 on Amazon right now.
Sadly, Mocking Spongebob (or, moCkiNG SponGeBoB, if you will) is currently sold out.
The Playlist, Reporting from the Wall Street Journal:
Currently undergoing reshoots which Tom Holland has been posting about on Instagram, principal photography on the film began August 7, 2017, and was previously set for a March 1, 2019 release date. That date came and went and during a Lionsgate Entertainment earnings call earlier this year, the company confirmed the film would miss that date and would instead come out sometime in 2020.
Well, the Wall Street Journal, in a piece about the financial difficulties and challenges Lionsgate is currently facing, has shed some more light on “Chaos Walking" and all of it is essentially unflattering. WSJ calls the film a “major challenge" for the company and the movie has already cost $100 million to produce. But the real kicker is a film that allegedly “turned out so poorly it was deemed unreleasable by executives who watched initial cuts last year, according to current and former employees.“
Jesus Christ.
Bloomberg:
Oh, so I guess I’m good with my day one model then?
Cool!
Variety:
Del Toro will direct the pic and co-wrote the script with Kim Morgan. The pic is being produced and financed by del Toro and J. Miles Dale with TSG Entertainment, with Fox Searchlight acquiring worldwide distribution rights to the film.
While there is a 1947 Fox pic that starred Tyrone Power, this film will be more based on the William Lindsay Gresham novel of the same name.
Hell yeah!
If you’re like me, and haven’t heard of the novel, here’s a synopsis.
And since Stan is clever and ambitious and not without a useful streak of ruthlessness, soon enough he’s going places. Onstage he plays the mentalist with a cute bimbo (before long his harried wife), then he graduates to full-blown spiritualist, catering to the needs of the rich and gullible in their well-upholstered homes. It looks like the world is Stan’s for the taking. William Lindsay Gresham’s novel is a dark jewel, a classic American tale about the varieties of deception and self-deception and the dream of redemption—a dream that is only a nightmare in disguise.
Sounds wild.
TechCrunch:
It’s Amazon’s world, we just live in it.
TheWrap:
Per Netflix, “Inside Job" is a workplace comedy set in the shadow government, where every conspiracy theory — from the Illuminati to Reptoids — is true, and one woman struggles to keep the chaos under wraps.
Dope! Love that Hirsch is still working in the world of conspiracy theories and such.
Collider:
I’m a little bummed that this won’t be original pieces, but the idea of getting high-quality screen printed versions of classic Batman covers (and even some left-field favorites) is pretty cool.
Newsarama:
Long-time animation artist/director Vinton Heuck has shared artwork from Superman Family, an animated series he was pitching to Warner Bros. Animation. Heuck, who recently worked on Young Justice and is now working on DC Universe’s Harley Quinn, wanted to bring the Kent family to cartoons with a heaping helping of “crazy Silver Age stories” inspired by comic books of the past.
Goddamnit. This is the sort of thing I’d love to see on DC Universe.
Mondo:
Following that, tomorrow we are hugely excited to release our first poster with the amazing Jen Bartel for CAPTAIN MARVEL! We’ve been eager to collaborate with Jen as we’re mega fans of her work (check out BLACKBIRD, a comic she co-created with Sam Humphries!) and are stoked that the first poster out of the gate is for none other than CAPTAIN MARVEL featuring both an unmasked regular edition and unmasked variant edition. The limited variant and regular version will go on sale tomorrow (4/23) at NOON (CT). The regular version will be available as a Timed Edition through Sunday (4/28) until 11:59PM (CT).
Jen Bartel is such a great choice for a Captain Marvel poster (that’s the variant above), and once again, Matt Taylor kills it with his great pin game.
I really think this Summer is going to kick our asses up and down the movie theater aisles.
The Verge:
After years of turbulence at Telltale from problematic management and constant crunch, the company closed its doors suddenly in September 2018. It left 250 people with no jobs, no severance, and only days left on their health insurance. In-progress projects, like Stranger Things and a second season of The Wolf Among Us, were killed.
The popular Netflix show exists as a video game adaptations with other developers, but Telltale’s game wasn’t the only project that died with the studio. Indie developer Night School Studio had its own unannounced project — a hybrid of puzzle games and storytelling mechanics — set to be published by Telltale. When it shuttered suddenly, Night School nearly suffered layoffs of its own.
Such a shame. I loved Oxenfree, and the Stranger Things world would have been perfect for them.
WILL SMITH vs. WILL SMITH in a BATTLE OF WILL SMITHS
Hypebeast:
Love this collection, especially the Japanese Star Wars logo, and the cool throwback McQuarrie logo.
IndieWire:
Such a move is incredibly rare, though it has happened at least once before: in 1965, when the James Bond film “Thunderball" arrived in theaters. That film, adjusted for inflation, was a bigger hit than “The Dark Knight" 43 years later.
This movie will be huge.
I kinda want to pop in for a random 4am screening or something.
Electrek:
Absolutely insane. Tomorrow’s future is here, today.
I have a lot of questions about the logistics of this, but on paper - this is an incredible idea.
Great video from Dave Chen and Jeff Cannata from the /Filmcast, one of my favorite podcasts.
I know, it’s ironic, considering how many trailers I share on here, but for the most part, I’ve grown into watching the first trailers for movies, then not watching any others if I’m already sold. If I want to know more (like, I was sold on Toy Story 4, but I had no idea of the plot, and wanted to know), I’ll watch trailers 2-through-whichever.
That said — I don’t go the extreme routes which Dave and Jeff do: if I’m at a movie screening, I’ll watch the trailers as they spool, but I’m trying to get caught up less in the hype machine.
Marvel.com:
In Saladin Ahmed and Minkyu Jung’s recently launched MAGNIFICENT MS. MARVEL, it hasn’t been business as usual in Jersey City. Aliens are wreaking havoc in Kamala’s corner of the world, and they seem weirdly interested in her…and her family. As this new tale spins Ms. Marvel into outer space and unprecedented adventures, she’s about to learn that sometimes even victory comes at a cost. And in issue #5, Kamala has no choice but to pay up…
As the Jersey City hero heads toward the explosive finale of her adventure across space, she finds her life forever changed—and her costume too!
I like it!
Newsarama:
This sucks, but these figures may have been one of those “too weird to live" items. Alas.
TechCrunch:
The social media giant confirmed the new information in its updated blog post, first published on March 21.
At what point does Facebook feel any amount of heat for everything they’ve done in terms of user privacy (or lack thereof?)
Business Insider:
I guess they really are going to be the Napster of the movie theater subscription world: shows what people want, has no business plan, and dies sadly.
Hackaday:
What made this increase in accuracy possible is supercomputers running sophisticated weather modeling software. But models are only as good as the raw data that they use as input, and increasingly that data comes from on high. A constellation of satellites with extremely sensitive sensors watches the planet, detecting changes in winds and water vapor in near real-time. But if the people tasked with running these systems are to be believed, the quality of that data faces a mortal threat from an unlikely foe: the rollout of 5G cellular networks.
There is something darkly humorous to me that in an era of unpredictable weather due to climate change, we may harm our ability to foresee said weather…so our cell phones can download things faster.
Marvel.com:
Pretty cool, given how popular her series as Thor was.
Very much giving me a Broad-City-if-it-were-anthropomorphic-animals vibe.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Behold, the other edge of the sword of getting everyone back in the MCU and The Simpsons on Disney+.
Continuing in my trend of “If I watch the first trailer and like it, I will not bother with watching the others", I haven’t watched a frame of this trailer.
But goddamn am I hyped for Hobbs & Shaw.
Business Insider:
Since May 2016, the social-networking company has collected the contact lists of 1.5 million users new to the social network, Business Insider can reveal. The Silicon Valley company said the contact data was “unintentionally uploaded to Facebook,” and it is now deleting them.
Jesus. Fucking. Christ. This company.
The Verge (Translating Nikkei):
A more powerful “next-generation" version with a major redesign is further off, according to today’s report, although it’s not clear from the language whether Nikkei is referring to the enhanced Switch model that The Wall Street Journal has reported is likely to be coming this year.
There was a (now removed) leak yesterday of what appeared to be the body of this smaller, portable only Switch (think the 2DS to Nintendo’s 3DS) - I could see it selling well.
Me, I’m just waiting to see what the “enhanced" model brings.
Variety:
Wiig and Mumolo co-wrote and will co-star in the film, which will be directed by Josh Greenbaum.
…
The pic tells the story of best friends Barb and Star (Wiig and Mumolo), who leave their small midwestern town for the first time to go on vacation in Vista Del Mar, Fla., where they soon find themselves tangled up in adventure, love and a villain’s evil plot to kill everyone in town.
Sounds fun! I find it interesting how — Ghostbusters and Wonder Woman 1984 aside — Wiig has mostly stuck to unique, interesting indie projects as opposed to going for the big star move.
I was a big fan of Bridesmaids, so I’m hoping this is just as solid.
/Film:
The new Spider-Man Far From Home release date has been set for Tuesday, July 2, a few days before the previous weekend release that would have started on Friday, July 5.
Dope. Ya mo be there.
TheWrap:
Details about the role for the actor, who broke out in 2016’s South Korean zombie apocalypse action thriller “Train to Busan,“ are being kept under wraps.
I was not as high on Train to Busan as others, but I’m very intrigued by the cast being pulled together for The Eternals.
CNBC:
The tech company has been working on this new initiative since early 2018. The effort is coming out of the company’s augmented reality and virtual reality group, a division that works on hardware, including the company’s virtual reality Oculus headsets.
Fuck that.
That’s some cool makeup, but shame about…y’know, the show.
Variety:
Sources tell Variety that Cena is in talks to join Idris Elba and Margot Robbie in Warner Bros.’ follow-up to 2016’s “Suicide Squad.“
Robbie is returning as Harley Quinn and Jai Courtney is back as Captain Boomerang. Variety first reported that the studio decided to have Elba play a brand-new character instead of taking on Deadshot, a character portrayed by Will Smith in the first film. It’s currently unknown who Cena and Elba will be playing.
Hell yeah. Get that franchise check, John!
TheWrap:
Schrieber will play the lead character, who is described as Earth’s most advanced warrior in the 26th century and the only hope of salvation for a civilization pushed to the brink of destruction by the Covenant, an unstoppable alliance of alien worlds committed to the destruction of humanity.
Two thoughts:
Variety:
Hmm. Wonder if this will be a sketch thing, or a weird sitcom where he plays multiple characters, a’la Eddie Murphy in The Nutty Professor.
Star News:
The currently in-production project is being shut down earlier than expected as its producer, Warner Bros., evaluates the future of its DC Universe streaming service, on which the series was scheduled to premiere May 31, according to several sources within the local industry.
Local crew members were notified of the unexpected development Tuesday night, and were told the project would wrap production on episode 10 and then halt as writers and producers rewrite an ending. Initially, the show was scheduled to film 13 episodes through May.
Huh.
Now, I just signed up for DC Universe earlier this month with my personal focus being the comics, since they’re basically bringing everything up to date (with a year cut-off, a’la Marvel Unlimited’s 6-month cut off.)
I haven’t really touched too much of their original content, mostly focusing on the comics and episodes of the Batman animated series, but this is a bummer if WB is already looking into pulling the plug.
Entertainment Weekly:
It’s only logical. As Banks puts it, her update isn’t a reboot or a remake of the beloved franchise, but rather a “continuation" that incorporates the events of the original 1970s TV series and the McG-directed 2000s films. And so, she imagines, in the more than 40 years since Charlie assembled his first trio of Angels, he must have given his operation a makeover. “If you were rich in 1976, you only got richer,“ Banks, who co-wrote the script, says with a laugh. “Charles Townsend is richer than ever, so he’s grown the business into a global spy agency.“
His expanded roster includes the crew at the center of Banks’ story: Sabina Wilson (Kristen Stewart), the hard-partying, highly skilled wild card; Jane Kano (Ella Balinska), the ex-MI6 muscle of the group; and Elena Houghlin (Aladdin’s Naomi Scott), the MIT-trained scientist who, Banks says, serves as “the heart of the movie.“
I like the idea that this is building on the two prior renditions.
Recognizing that this one is hitting sixteen years after the last film just makes me feel old, though.
Woof. This looks bad.
I feel sorry for all the talent with this weight attached to their ankles.
TheWrap:
Based on the globally popular video game in which players craft buildings, weapons and even environments in a sandbox world, the film will follow a teenage girl and her unlikely group of adventurers who, after the malevolent Ender Dragon sets out on a path of destruction, must save their beautiful, blocky Overworld.
I get that Minecraft is incredibly popular, but…uh…do we really need a movie version of this?
Variety:
Sue Kroll, Bill Gerber and Steve Levinson are producing with Bill DuBuque penning the script.
“The Six Billion Dollar Man" is based on the sci-fi TV series “The Six Million Dollar Man,“ which is about a former astronaut, Colonel Steve Austin, portrayed by Lee Majors. Majors’ character, employed as a secret agent, had superhuman strength due to bionic implants. The series ran for five seasons on ABC between 1973 and 1978, and was based on Martin Caidin’s novel “Cyborg.“
I loved Knight’s work with Laika, and was surprised by how enjoyable Bumblebee was. I’m not too sure about this one though.
TheWrap:
Cusack will play Dr. Kevin Christie. Charismatic and media-savvy, with a brilliant biotech mind and a philanthropic outlook, Christie altruistically wants to change the world through science.
“Utopia" follows a group of young adults who meet online, and “are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near-mythical cult underground graphic novel — they discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced into the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.“
This cast keeps kicking ass — now if only there was a legal way for me to watch the UK original in the States.
Capcom:
Featuring 16 of the best Capcom titles from the golden-age of arcade gaming, the two full-size premium stick and button configurations allow these games to be played the way they were meant to be played.
On paper, having all these arcade games as they were meant to be played sounds pretty cool!
But there are some strange missing titles (Street Fighter II Turbo and not Super Street Fighter II Turbo? No Marvel vs. Capcom? No Street Fighter Alpha?) and the idea of putting it all in a giant shiny Capcom logo sure seems silly to me. Pass.
Olivia Solon and Cyrus Farivar for NBC News:
The documents, which include emails, webchats, presentations, spreadsheets and meeting summaries, show how Zuckerberg, along with his board and management team, found ways to tap Facebook’s trove of user data — including information about friends, relationships and photos — as leverage over companies it partnered with.
Jesus Christ. The fucking balls on these guys.
Variety:
Variety has confirmed that series showrunners Michael Green and AÁ¯da Mashaka Croal have departed the series due to creative differences. A spokesperson for FX said the network is still planning to move forward with the series with its current cast. Diane Lane stars, leading an ensemble cast featuring Barry Keoghan, Imogen Poots, Lashana Lynch, Juliana Canfield, Marin Ireland, and Amber Tamblyn.
I’m beginning to think that any adaptation of Y: The Last Man is cursed.
Peter Rubin at Wired:
You’d have good reason for thinking otherwise. Sony and Microsoft both extended the current console generation via a mid-cycle refresh, with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4spawning mini-sequels (the Xbox One S and PS4 Pro). “The key question,“ Cerny says, “is whether the console adds another layer to the sorts of experiences you already have access to, or if it allows for fundamental changes in what a game can be.“
The answer, in this case, is the latter. It’s why we’re sitting here, secreted away in a conference room at Sony’s headquarters in Foster City, California, where Cerny is finally detailing the inner workings of the as-yet-unnamed console that will replace the PS4.
Hell of an exclusive for Wired!
Solid state drives, fancier graphics, and (thankfully) Mark Cerny orchestrating it all.
It’s a very pretty trailer - with definite signs that this is from the team whom developed Titanfall (I see you, Wall Run!), but until I see actual gameplay, I’m neither thrilled nor dreading the game.
Deadline:
She is best known for her collaborations with director and partner Ben Wheatley, who co-wrote several of them. That includes Free Fire, the action drama that starred Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy and Armie Hammer. Her other credits include the Wheatley-directed Kill List, A Field In England, Sightseers, and High-Rise. The films are cult favorites in the UK. She broadens the pool of female action writers, who are now in high demand. Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Alastair Siddons wrote the first installment. Warner Bros released the first film.
I really loved Free Fire, but the first Vikander-lead Tomb Raider movie was basically audio-visual wallpaper to me. There’s really only one direction this can go — up.
It’s an announcement day, isn’t it?
The Kareem Abdul Jabbar-penned series (really!) hits Hulu on July 26th.
In an Entertainment Weekly Article showcasing the cover of the first Saga Compendium, containing the first 54 issues…
I’m glad they have an ending to work toward!
Disney PR:
In short - every rumored show is real, the price is amazing (it drops to $70, if you do a yearly subscription), and holy shit, they’re going to have pretty much every episode of The Simpsons.
Day one.
The Beat:
Giant-Sized X-Statix #1 was announced Thursday from writer Peter Milligan, artist Michael Allred, colorist Laura Allred, and letterer Nate Piekos. Allred officially tipped it himself on social media, noting it “had the longest gestation and longest held secret" of any comics project that he’s done. For days (if not weeks), Allred has been noting on Twitter that he’s about to announce two projects that are years in the making, along with a new creator-owned comic.
Great! I love Mike Allred’s stuff, so I’m always glad for more.
The Wrap:
Certainly explains how this got a whopping 12% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Vanity Fair:
What a cool way to build a buzzy moment in the era of streaming.
Alas, I’m going to be out of town this weekend, so I don’t know that I will be able to watch it before it goes off Prime.
Finally, we’ve moved on from the non-stop character trailers.
Looks like the kids’ll be delighted and my niece will be stoked.
Variety:
The news comes less than two weeks after the second season debuted on March 31.
One of the best shows on TV, hands down.
Deadline:
Besides being good additions, the wild part about their characters is that these continue to mine odd sections of the Hanna Barbera universe, with Jeong as Dynamutt and Clemons as Dee Dee Sykes, a tertiary character from Captain Caveman.
Engadget:
I’m beginning to think that this will never actually come out. Not a shock.
Marvel.com:
…
“Marvel’s Hero Project" reveals the remarkable, positive change several young heroes are making in their own communities. These inspiring kids have dedicated their lives to selfless acts of bravery and kindness, and now, Marvel celebrates them as the true Super Heroes they are.
…
“Marvel’s 616" (working title) is an anthological documentary series exploring the intersection between Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters and creators and the world outside your window. Told through the lens of a diverse group of filmmakers, each documentary will dive into the rich historical, cultural and societal context that has become inseparable from stories of the Marvel Universe.
616 sounds infinitely more interesting than Hero Project does, but who knows, maybe they’ll be good.
Variety:
Variety has learned from sources that Disney’s upcoming streaming service is officially developing a limited series based on the archery ace Marvel character with Renner attached to star. The project is said to be an adventure series in which Clint Barton, a.k.a. Hawkeye, will pass the torch to Kate Bishop. Bishop is a Marvel Comics character who took up the Hawkeye mantle after Barton. She is also a member of the group known as the Young Avengers.
AW YES KATE BISHOP TIME
National Science Foundation:
Today, in coordinated press conferences across the globe, EHT researchers reveal that they have succeeded, unveiling the first direct visual evidence of a supermassive black hole and its shadow.
So goddamned cool. Check it out.
9to5Mac:
Fellow developer Steve Troughton-Smith recently expressed confidence about some evidence found indicating that Apple is working on new Music, Podcasts, and perhaps Books apps for macOS, to join the new TV app.
I’ve been able to independently confirm that this is true. On top of that, I’ve been able to confirm with sources familiar with the development of the next major version of macOS — likely 10.15 — that the system will include standalone Music, Podcasts, and TV apps, but it will also include a major redesign of the Books app. We also got an exclusive look at the icons for the new Podcasts and TV apps on macOS.
About time. I just hope that with these being Marzipan based, the keyboard commands are a little more natural, unlike with say — the new App Store and/or Apple News.
Deadline:
Kinda crazy to see a studio essentially give two creatives the keys of the castle as architects, but hey, totally rad for the Russos, right?
Marvel PR:
This July, the superstar creative team of Mark Waid (Avengers No Road Home, Doctor Strange), Mattia De Iulis (Jessica Jones), and Adam Hughes (Star Wars, Captain America) take Sue on a journey that will unlock the secrets of her past in the most surprising way!
Kinda surprised they never did this before. The Adam Hughes cover is pretty nice.
Deadline:
Makes sense - High Fidelity was an odd property for the presumably family friendly Disney+, and this underlines Hulu as the “mature" counterpart.
Deadline:
Dope! I love both movies, and would be game for this. This seems to be one of the Pixar universes with the widest breadth for storytelling.
Jumbo:
You can get it today on iOS. The Android version is coming soon.
I’m very interested to see how long this works — I feel like all of these companies could kill this app with a simple change of their APIs.
And for those worried about the security aspects of this, understandably so, the app is developed by Pierre Valade, who also created the now defunct (acquired by Microsoft) Sunrise Calendar, so dude is legit.
I really love how well they’ve adapted the Charles Addams designs into 3D.
Variety:
Sony Pictures Animation, which made the announcement on Monday, said Moore will also be be available to act in an advisory capacity with ongoing feature film and series-based projects.
Wow, this is kind of a surprise.
I guess having a John Lassiter-esq role was the key to bring him over, but I figured Moore was Disney for life. I’d love to know the full story here.
Gizmodo:
These look really cool, and are shockingly low priced.
I will be avidly watching for reviews.
TV Line:
The follow-up to Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead — co-created by franchise overlord Scott M. Gimple and longtime TWD scribe Matt Negrete — will, per AMC, “feature two young female protagonists and focus on the first generation to come-of-age in the apocalypse as we know it. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. In the end, all of them will be changed forever. Grown-up and cemented in their identities, both good and bad.“
I guess AMC will just slowly become the Walking Dead channel. Shame we couldn’t have gotten so many Mad Men spinoffs.
I really, really hate the name Stuber.
IÂ really, really love Dave Bautista and Kumail Nanjiani as a comedy duo.
I think this might be a very fun movie!
Deadline:
Scripted by Shay Hatten and Snyder, the adventure is set amid a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, during which a man assembles a group of mercenaries to take the ultimate gamble: venturing into the quarantined zone to pull off the greatest heist ever attempted. Zack Snyder and Deborah Snyder are producing, and Ori Marmur and Andrew Norman are overseeing it for Netflix.
I really enjoyed Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead redux, so why the heck not?
The Hollywood Reporter:
The comedian and Oscar-nominee is in negotiations to star alongside Angelina Jolie in The Eternals, one of two features that Marvel is prepping to shoot this year.
Like I said - Marvel just keeps picking up my favorite actors.
Variety:
Variety has learned that Nolan and Joy and their Kilter Films banner have signed a massive overall deal at Amazon, meaning the pair will exit their current deal with Warner Bros. Television. Sources say the new deal is worth $150 million over five years. Amazon declined to comment.
They’ll still be working on Westworld for HBO, but this is a big grab from Amazon.
Mashable:
Fuck right off with that.
And I love Cadbury Creme Eggs.
Variety:
John Cho, Mustafa Shakir, Daniella Pineda, and Alex Hassell have all been cast in lead roles in the series, which is based on the anime series of the same name.
In order, they’re your Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine and Vicious. Hell yes.
My only gripe is that the design work isn’t more Toriyama.
Otherwise? Hope it makes the states.
Hypebeast:
Very cool stuff! I especially dig the Aladdin Sane Lightning Bolt hat!
Variety:
Though a deal has not yet been completed, sources tell Variety that talks are headed in that direction, with strong interest from both sides of negotiations.
Just keep loading this movie with my favorite people, Marvel.
Bloomberg:
In one instance, Mexico City-based media company Cultura Colectiva openly stored 540 million records on Facebook users, including identification numbers, comments, reactions and account names. That database was closed on Wednesday after Bloomberg alerted Facebook to the problem and Facebook contacted Amazon. Facebook shares pared their gains after the Bloomberg News report.
Even if you say “I have nothing to hide, I have nothing to worry about.“…this is one of the biggest data repositories in the world where no one is bothering to properly secure or control it.
Facebook continues to be a beast we control, a beast we created, and a beast we never stop feeding. Ugh.
The Verge:
I love my AirPods, and I don’t typically like this “fit" of earbud, but I’d be willing to try em on and see what I think.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The movie is casting up as it heads towards a June start of production in London and recently added rising actress Florence Pugh to the call sheet.
…Interesting.
Chew Boom:
The latest saucy condiment mashup features a mix of ketchup, ranch and a special blend of spices.
Representing the fourth in a growing lineup of saucy condiment mashups, Kranch joins Mayocue and Mayomust, alongside the mashup that started it all, Mayochup.
Sweet god.
What’s next?
Gizmodo:
Wild stuff. Hope it’s not used for evil purposes!
Kevin Poulsen at The Daily Beast:
Facebook users are being interrupted by an interstitial demanding they provide the password for the email account they gave to Facebook when signing up. “To continue using Facebook, you’ll need to confirm your email,“ the message demands. “Since you signed up with email address, you can do that automatically …“
A form below the message asked for the users’ “email password.“
This is some Nigerian Prince email level bullshit.
Probably not the mainstream publicity which Vince McMahon was hoping for during WrestleMania week.
(Not that this excuses it — fans have been complaining about the “independent contractor" mess for years — but UFC is setup much the same.)
As every year, the fine nerdy good shopkeepers at ThinkGeek have produced a series of fake items for April Fool’s Day.
What’s on the docket for 2019?
I’d say the Barb book and the Thor mailbox are most likely to become real.
Deadline:
I’ve been watching Batman: The Animated Series this weekend and have been reminded how great Hamill was as the Joker. I bet he’s going to be right proper creepy as Chucky, too.
This is the perfect Venn diagram of my wife and I’s interests. Hits April 10th.
Game Informer:
Sega revealed the console today on stage in Tokyo at the Sega Fes conference, highlighting that the system will come with over 40 games, including titles like Shining Force and Castlevania Bloodlines, though the American branch of the company hasn’t said if a U.S. release will have a different game list or not. When the console was revealed last year, Sega announced that it would release in 2018 and be spearheaded by AtGames, infamous for the disappointing variations on the same shelf-size Genesis concept already. Sega eventually gave AtGames the boot and retooled the idea internally to come out with this.
If you’re interested, its up for pre-order on Amazon here.
Engadget:
This is what made me pull the trigger on a DC Universe subscription over the weekend.
Good news - they updated their comic reader to allow you to stream books versus downloading them.
Ars Technica:
That’s cool!
Still haven’t really found myself caring too much about VR.
Entertainment Weekly:
McKenna Grace, the 12-year-old actress who played a relentless kid version of Carol Danvers in the Marvel Studios hit has signed on to director Jason Reitman’s new Ghostbusters film, sources tell EW.
I guess this really is going to be Stranger Things x Ghostbusters.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Blunt and kid stars Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe are reprising their roles as the family fighting to survive a world crawling with noise-targeting creatures, with John Krasinski back in the director’s chair. Krasinski is also writing the script.
Murphy is one of those sneaky good actors who you forget how great he is until you see him in something — I’d love to see what he has to bring to the table here.
From last night’s Saturday Night Live, hosted by Sandra Oh.
Possibly the most gory sketch since this favorite of mine from a few years ago.
TechCrunch:
“After much effort, we’ve concluded AirPower will not achieve our high standards and we have cancelled the project. We apologize to those customers who were looking forward to this launch. We continue to believe that the future is wireless and are committed to push the wireless experience forward,“ said Dan Riccio, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering in an emailed statement today.
Bummer. In the meantime, I recommend one of these.
Looks fun, but this is not enough for me to sign up for…
uh…
Epix?
Whatever that is?
Scott Wampler at Birth.Movies.Death.:
HUGE if true.
Thrillist:
I’d try it. Taco Bell breakfast is sneaky good.
Hell to the naw naw. These books fucked me up as a kid, and this trailer looks to fuck me up now as a 34-year-old adult man.
No, I haven’t botched the headline.
defaultfile.name is a really clever website which randomly loads videos from YouTube where the user forgot to change the name from the default output from device.
Basically, these videos would be unseen and unwatched pretty much any other way, and the end result is one of the best examples of “Old Internet" I’ve seen on the web in some time. Enjoy!
After a lengthy live-streamed PAX East panel from Gearbox Software, which included announcements of Borderlands 1 re-releases, upgrades, re-releases of other Gearbox titles, and even card tricks, we finally have a look at Borderlands 3 proper.
Basically, if you didn’t watch the live-stream? You’re a genius. Enjoy.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The Oscar-winning actress is in talks to star in Marvel Studios' The Eternals, a superhero team adventure feature being directed by Chloe Zhao.
Would be another big name get for Marvel Studios, important, especially with the number of key names whose contracts are up after Avengers: Endgame.
How long until we see Tom Cruise in an MCU movie?
Susana Polo at Polygon:
Really enjoyed this interview.
A great look at the creative process, marriage, and working relationship, of two of the best writers in the comics game today.
Chew Boom:
Set to roll out nationwide in April 2019, M&M’S Hazelnut Spread Chocolate Candies feature a hazelnut spread center covered in milk chocolate and a coated is a classic M&M’S candy shell.
Hell yeah, dude! M&M’s x Nutella is a combo I am here for.
Brand Eating:
That’s certainly a choice, Domino’s FR.
Grey Matter Art:
Such a dope poster for such a dope film.
Deadline:
Inspired choice for director!
I know that for those who love The Craft, the original is a very specific, very important movie to them, so I hope all parties are treading carefully.
Eurogamer:
On the cheaper option, first, yesterday’s report suggested it would be aimed at casual gamers currently still using Nintendo’s 3DS. The company is keen to move these players over to Switch - many of them Nintendo’s youngest fans, who have been bought cheaper versions of the 3DS.
But rather than comparing it to a 3DS, Nintendo is, I’m told, keen to recapture the 2DS value proposition. Similar to 2DS, the unit’s design will be sturdier than the current Switch model in order to be “kid-proof”.
…damnit, am I going to buy another Switch?
The Toyark:
This is absolutely fantastic.
I was a huge fan of the Jim Lee-era Cyclops look as a kid, and this looks straight from the page.
Takashi Mochizuki for the Wall Street Journal:
Apparently, one is a cheaper, bargain focused model, and the other will be focused on improvements for hardcore gamers.
I look forward to seeing how both pan out!
…my kingdom for an option to upload your purchased, physical games directly to the device…
Marvel.com:
Ever since Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced the X-Men, fans everywhere have followed the extraordinary stories of the X-Men through seminal moments like GIANT-SIZE X-MEN, 1991’s X-MEN #1, AGE OF APOCALYPSE, and NEW X-MEN. Each of these moments introduced a new era for mutantkind—and starting this summer, the world will experience the next seminal moment in the history of the X-Men with HOUSE OF X and POWERS OF X.
His Fantastic Four and Avengers runs were incredible. Lets see what he can do with the mutants!
Justin Caffier for Vice:
As a kid, the idea of doing this at an arcade was a daydream scenario - just go full Ocean’s Eleven and get the great prizes. It was even the plot of a great Bob’s Burgers episode.
But to find out that it was real? That’s why this is a great read.
/Film:
I just read a bunch of these. If you read one, long-form spoiler filled analysis and discussion about Us, its ending, its symbolism, and its themes, make it this one.
Maybe I’ll write out my theory when the movie has been out longer.
Comedy — as an art form — can be undervalued. While its primary purpose is to make us laugh, great comedy speaks truth to power.
Horror, similarly, is considered a cheap thrill. But in its best forms, speaks to darker truths about society and humanity.
In that regard - it shouldn’t have been a surprise that with his directorial debut, Get Out, Jordan Peele, already a modern master of comedy with his great sketch series Key & Peele, proved that he could master horror.
The difference that time? The world took note.
Award nominations, Best Picture nominations, Get Out gained the respect of both general audiences and cinephiles alike, and made Jordan Peele a creator worth watching. Hollywood wanted a piece of him too, trying to place him on bigger blockbuster projects. Instead, he said “I got this", and decided to continue on his own path.
Peele’s second film - the all difficult sophomore release - Us has hit theaters this weekend, and I’m pleased to say that it underlines every bit of positivity he was met with his debut and cements him as a directorial, creative force.
For those who haven’t seen the trailers, I’ll give you the brief synopsis of what Us is about. It’s about a family - an average one not unlike yours and mine. A strong mother (Lupita Nyong’o), a kinda lame dad (Winston Duke), the awkward teenage daughter (Shahadi Wright), the sweet baby brother (Evan Alex). They’re off for a beach trip. Things are going well - they’re seeing their friends (Tim H Heidecker and Elisabeth Moss), they’re enjoying the sun - when, late at night, another family arrives at their beach house.
That family? Their twisted doppelgÁ¤ngers.
The film that follows is full of intense, creepy, disturbing action — peppered with Peele’s sense of humor (both light and dark) — almost in the shade of a less graphically violent Funny Games. But, as Get Out taught us - there’s something more here.
Peele continues to build movies in his unique creative vision. Beautifully shot, tension filled, but not afraid of human moments. It’s obsessed with vintage ephemera, yet incredibly of its time, all the while speaking to a greater truth of who we are.
The title Us, unsurprisingly, means more - us as a people, us as a family, us as a nation, us as a populace. But Us is also about “them". Them as a cumulative, them as a negative, them as the inverse of us.
And then there’s that ending. You’re going to be debating this one with friends for some time, and it seals that Us is a movie you need to see more than once. I already can’t wait to take my wife to see it and watch it again and again on iTunes.
Performances in the film are, unsurprisingly, great. Nyong’o’s been craving the big lead breakout role she gets here, and her acting - both as her self and her ersatz doppelgÁ¤nger are performances which will go down in the horror lexicon. I absolutely adored Winston Duke’s performance as the put-upon father, and without saying too much, Tim Heidecker has a moment in the movie which takes his history of surreal humor and spins it into a new light.
With Get Out, we got to see the birth of a new, strong voice in cinema. Us is its refinement. The sophomore curse? Dashed. I don’t know that Us is the straightforward crowd pleaser that Get Out was, but for sure, the film confirms that anything Jordan Peele makes from now on - I’m there opening weekend.
Us is in theaters now.
Harry Hill at Mashable:
Since both Dunkin' and Saucony are Boston-based, the collaboration is sure to hit a sweet spot amongst locals— as well as fans across the country.
America now will literally run on Dunkin’.
Pick em up — along with a classy “BOSTON RUNNAH" tee — here.
Here’s your synopsis:
That’s a hell of a cast, and yet another team-up of surprising real-life besties Larson and Samuel L. Jackson.
As is said many times here: It’s Netflix, So Why Not Watch It?â„¢
Criterion:
The new service will host the Criterion Collection and Janus Films’ ever-growing library of more than 1,000 feature films, 350 shorts, and 3,500 supplementary features, including trailers, introductions, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, video essays, commentary tracks, and rare archival footage. It will also feature a constantly refreshed selection of films from a wide array of studio and independent licensors including Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM), Lionsgate, IFC Films, Kino Lorber, Cohen Media, Milestone Film and Video, Oscilloscope, Cinema Guild, Strand Releasing, Shout Factory, Film Movement, and Grasshopper Films. Additional licensors will be added in the coming months.
This actually sounds really cool and fun, the idea of watching specific double features, or focused airings, etc. Sort of threading the needle of a Netflix and a TCM.
Will you be getting a subscription, dear reader?
PlayStation.Blog:
State of Play will give you updates and announcements from the world of PlayStation. Our first episode will showcase upcoming PS4 and PS VR software, including new trailers, new game announcements and new gameplay footage.
Could be cool! I’m a really big fan of the Nintendo Direct format, so I’m all for their competitors matching it.
Brian Krebs at KrebsOnSecurity:
Woof. This absolutely sucks.
Typically, a company stores “hashed" versions of passwords, or passwords which are obscured in a database that the average employee could not decode or use. Apparently not so much for Zuckerberg.
In short, change your WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram passwords, toot sweet.
If I may shill for a second - this is why I use 1Password.
It saves your passwords for you, helps you generate lengthy, more secure passwords, works with browser extensions across your desktop and mobile devices, and even monitors when there are breaches on websites!
LastPass, DashLane and similar do similar things, but 1Password is my favorite. Can’t recommend it more, and no, I’m not being paid for that link. I wholeheartedly believe in it.
I’m already sold on this one, so I’m not even clicking play - but please, feel free to do so, dear reader.
Colin Campbell at Polygon:
In the course of my allotted 30-minute interview with Harrison, I (along with compadre Chris Plante) learned a few things about Google Stadia, a new streaming platform for gaming, that we hadn’t learned at Tuesday’s press briefing.
Really enjoyed this. There are some elements of Stadia which you can tell Harrison isn’t ready to discuss yet, but this did give me more insight as to where things sit so far.
Nintendo.com:
The biggest, and coolest, of these announcements to me was the surprise Cuphead reveal.
Microsoft bringing its exclusive titles to the Switch. What a weird world this is.
You can watch the full presentation below.
Variety:
Nolan recently finished the script for the currently untitled film and Warner Bros. quickly dated it for July 17, 2020 — a slot the studio often reserves for the director, most recently with “Dunkirk.“ Not only was that film a success at the box office, bringing in $526 million worldwide, but it also earned Nolan an Oscar nomination for director, his first in the category.
Debicki is an actress who I’ve really grown to love. Pattinson’s become an incredibly interesting actor post-Twilight. Sounding better and better with each addition.
(I’d assume that Michael Caine gets added any day now.)
Gonna be a very exciting Independence Day.
Variety:
He was fantastic in BlacKkKlansman, so I’m excited to see what he and Nolan cook up.
The Verge:
To achieve that level of secrecy, Apple created special prototype development boards that contained nearly all of the iPhone’s parts, spread out across a large circuit board. The Verge has obtained exclusive access to the original iPhone M68 prototype board from 2006 / 2007, thanks to Red M Sixty, a source that asked to remain anonymous. It’s the first time this board has been pictured publicly, and it provides a rare historical look at an important part of computing history, showing how Apple developed the original iPhone.
This is a really cool, unique piece of tech history.
I am such a sucker for space movies - but when it’s Noah Hawley (Fargo/Legion) behind the camera with that freaking cast?
Hell yeah.
The first teaser hinted at it - we’re going deep into toy psychology here.
Bold move from Pixar. Let’s see if it works out this June.
EDIT: With that thumbnail image, you had to know there was a poster coming, right?
/Film:
I’m into it!
And I still think SDCC 2019 will be the coming out party for the Phase 4 stuff.
Kotaku:
Well, this all sounds really, really cool. Especially the idea of shared game files/multiplayer experiences with streamers.
Find out tomorrow at 10am Pacific if it’s all bullshit!
Boing Boing:
A reminder (say it loud for those in the back):
National Videogame Museum:
…But this wasn’t just any Alien vs Predator game, this game was an ALIEN VS PREDATOR FOOTBALL GAME!
The game appeared to be called “Cosmic Hard Bowl" and featured the Aliens and Predators settling their long conflict through…American Football. No, we can’t believe it either.
Absolute lunacy.
There are all sorts of details and scans over on the linked page (translated from Japanese), but to answer one key part - this wasn’t a football game with just two teams, Aliens and Predators basically split up into the AFC and the NFC, each with unique city-based teams.
Goddamn I hope there’s a ROM.
Apple Newsroom:
Apple today also introduced the new 7.9-inch iPad mini, a major upgrade for iPad mini fans who love a compact, ultra-portable design packed with the latest technology. With the A12 Bionic chip, the new iPad mini is a powerful multi-tasking machine, delivering three times the performance and nine times faster graphics. The advanced Retina display with True Tone technology and wide color support is 25 percent brighter and has the highest pixel density of any iPad, delivering an immersive visual experience in any setting. And with Apple Pencil support, the new iPad mini is the perfect take-anywhere notepad for sketching and jotting down thoughts on the go. The new iPads are available to order starting today and in stores next week.
You can get the new 10.5 Inch iPad Air here, and the new iPad Mini here.
And now you’re probably asking yourself: what do I need - an iPad Pro, or the 10.5 inch iPad Air?
The Hollywood Reporter:
Miller is taking a stab at writing the script for the Warner Bros. project, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. He has teamed up with Grant Morrison, the acclaimed comics author, to pen a draft that could determine if he stays on as star, playing crimefighter Barry Allen.
What a surreal mess this could be!
I love Morrison’s work, quite a bit…but it depends if we get “mainstream fun" Grant or “all superheroes are totems and MAGIC IS REAL" Grant.
Deadline:
Sometimes, just sometimes, the good guys win. Great news for a Friday!
Hello Games/NoMansSky.com:
We know that there is a lot of hunger out there for news and updates on No Man’s Sky. We wanted to share some information from behind the scenes.
Our next chapter will be called No Man’s Sky: Beyond, coming Summer 2019.
Each chapter for No Man’s Sky has been more successful than the last. Thanks to our community, NEXT our large release last year was especially so. It went on to bring enjoyment to millions of new players, and it helped to change the legacy of this game we care so much about.
Earlier this year, whilst working on our roadmap of three future updates, we decided we wanted to interweave their features, and had a vision for something much more impactful.
We are excited to announce that Beyond will contain those three major updates rolled into one larger free release.
The first component of Beyond we are announcing today is No Man’s Sky Online.
I have to give Hello Games credit — they continue to work hard to deliver on the original vision of No Man’s Sky.
Sports Illustrated:
If you’re tired of the traditional hot dog, fret not, as stadiums across the MLB are stepping up their game and bringing unique choices to fans. So whether you want the traditional hot dog and beer, or are craving something more daring, there will be options for everyone.
There are a lot of Hot Dog options listed here, but the real, uh, “winner"?
The Texas Rangers will be bringing us “The Fowl Pole", described as such:
Yep. Just one big-ass tender. What a world.
This one is a red-band trailer, so FYI for language - Long Shot looks like a gender-swapped Pretty Woman by way of The American President.
I think this could be a big hit for the Summer.
Apple Newsroom:
Here comes iOS 13, macOS 10.15, all the fun stuff.
Fingers crossed for new iPad-focused functionality updates and iOS Dark Mode!
This is mostly a look back at the past eleven years of the MCU here, with some bits of new footage and dialogue in the mix, so those who are worried about spoilers - rest easy, this trailer is more about the tease and excitement than anything else.
That said - damn thing still gave me goosebumps by the end.
43 days to go.
EDIT: Here’s a Poster, too. Errybody’s here.
Deadline:
This is in keeping with the studio’s goal to take Shang-Chi in a direction like Black Panther and populate it with Asian-American talent. When Deadline first revealed the project late last year, the studio had set Chinese-American scribe Dave Callaham to write the screenplay.
Man, Shang-Chi is going to be a hard needle to thread here. I do not envy their attempt to make the character something beyond a Bruce Lee-rip-off.
If they nail it though? That’s another hero for an under-served section of fandom.
Buried in this MarketWatch article about the US Stock Market:
So, that’d mean Sony would own:
This would be absolutely insane.
Edit: Probably not a real thing that’s happening.
Fandango:
That’s right – on March 23, you can be among the very first to see Shazam! when Fandango brings the latest DC Comics movie to theaters nationwide for one day only prior to its official April 5 release.
Grab yourself some tickets here.
Me? I’ve been burned by DCEU movies and I have AMC A-List. I’ll be going in April.
Vulture:
Guys, I love game shows. So long as they don’t get a randomly poorly cast celebrity as host (looking at you, Michael Strahan on Pyramid), this could be good.
Hyper Light Drifter ruled and this looks dope too. Hell yeah!
MacStories:
Today though, Rolando’s developer, HandCircus, announced that Rolando is coming back on April 4th as Rolando: Royal Edition.
Far too many games went away with the switch from 32-bit to 64-bit. Hopefully more can come back to life.
You can pre-order Rolando: Royal Edition, as I have, here.
Fangamer:
The Collector’s Edition includes:
I know a lot of people ADORE this game, so this is sure to make those folks very pleased.
You can buy the Standard edition here too.
/Film:
Holy shit, this is an incredible idea! Why did I never think of it?
Polygon:
Dark Horse’s release of The Art of Super Mario Odyssey will be a 368-page hardcover book full of “concept art, preliminary sketches, and notes from the development team, plus insight into some early ideas that didn’t make it into the game itself,“ according to a release from the publisher. The art book will also contain screenshots and marketing materials from Super Mario Odyssey.
You can pre-order shortly via Amazon.
I’m not feeling it, dog.
Update: We’ve got a new poster, too. Given that this is a big Photoshop collage, IÂ assume that this is the final poster.
The New Yorker:
Loved this profile of Bill Hader, just ahead of Barry’s second season.
Mondo:
Additionally, we also have two new pins designed by the most excellent Scott C. based on the traitorous computer programmer, Dennis Nedry, and the dilophosaurus he’s probably not too excited to meet. We’re huge fans of Scott and are thrilled with his work on these pins.
Finally, we’ll have a new T-Shirt 65 million years in the making. Inspired by InGen’s tourist-friendly explanation of how they recreated dinosaurs to exist our modern world. This T-Shirt features our favorite anthropomorphic DNA helix, “Mr. DNA” printed over the chest on the front while the back features the expanded blueprint of a brontosaurus.
Guys. That shirt rules so hard!
MacRumors:
The event features the tagline “It’s Show Time,” which is in line with rumors suggesting it will focus on services rather than hardware. Apple is expected to use the event to unveil its rumored Apple News service and a streaming TV service.
Bring it on, Tim.
Variety:
The deal encompasses all forms of television except for animation. Under the new deal, Judge has set up two new comedy series projects at HBO, both of which have received production commitments.
The first project is titled “QualityLand,“ based on the novel of the same name by Marc Uwe-King. The official description reads: “QualityLand is the very near future. It’s everything we have now, and more so. It’s the story of humanity’s struggle against the tyranny of convenience. But funny.“
Mike Judge and Josh Lieb serve as writers and executive producers, with Michael Rotenberg of 3 Arts Entertainment also executive producing. The series is a co-production between HBO, and Lionsgate/3 Arts.
The other project is a limited series titled “A5.“ It is centered on a bioengineer who discovers the gene that makes a person an a—hole and attempts to answer the questions nagging at all of us: Why do a—holes exist? Why have they come to dominate our culture? And can they be cured?
Judge and Etan Cohen will write and executive produce with Rotenberg also executive producing.
Sounds like two great shows which continue to mill the vein which Judge made work so great in Silicon Valley, Office Space, and Idiocracy.
Variety:
The “Thor: Ragnarok" director is set to helm Apple’s TV adaptation of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 fantasy flick “Time Bandits,“ which is currently in development.
This is insane news! SO cool.
Variety:
So, what’s Cherry?
It’s a novel by Nico Walker. Here’s the synopsis:
The outcome will not be good for either of them.
As a medic in Iraq, he is unprepared for the realties that await him. He and his fellow soldiers huff computer duster, abuse painkillers, and watch porn. Many of them die. When he comes home, his PTSD is profound. As the opioid crisis sweeps through the Midwest, it drags both him and Emily along with it. As their addictions worsen, and with their money drying up, he stumbles onto what seems like the only possible solution—robbing banks.
Sounds incredibly depressing and decidedly un-Marvel, doesn’t it? Time for Holland to stretch those acting muscles!
This movie set a Sundance record for a movie purchase, now to see if it delivers.
Personally, I really like Mindy Kaling, I like Emma Thompson, I think the Late Night talk show world is under-explored in movies, so let’s go for it!
Weird that both of these hit today, but here we are.
Booksmart is Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, and seems to posit “What if Superbad, but Teenage Girls?“
To the same regard, we have a red-band trailer for Good Boys today, and that’s a Seth Rogen/Evan Goldberg going which seems to ask “What if Superbad, but 6th Graders?“
Neither looks bad (I’m game to see either, but I think Booksmart looks better, but it’s just very weird that both hit on the same day.
Thankfully, their releases are spread out more - Booksmart hits on May 24th, with Good Boys arriving August 16th.
WizardsUnite.com:
So, much like PokÁ©mon GO, Wizards Unite is Ingress…but with wizards. I will give them props for going more stylized with the look and feel.
Eurogamer has a pretty in-depth hands on here.
They gonna make all the money.
The opening of the twenty-first installment of Marvel Studios ever growing universe is, in a series which constantly redefines “something I never thought I’d see rendered on film", something I never thought I’d saw on film.
After a brief credits sequence — including a very classy tribute to the late Stan Lee — directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, previously best known for the Ryan-Gossling-is-a-subsitute-teacher flick Full Nelson, toss us knee deep into the world of the Kree/Skrull War.
The Kree/Skrull War was always the deepest of deep nerd stuff. Set in the far off cosmic reaches of the Marvel Universe, it was the ongoing war between two races - the heroic Kree, and the shady, shapeshifting Skrulls. And yet here we are. It’s the focus of a $175 Million Dollar movie. And more than that, it’s the heroic on-screen debut of 1970’s also-ran turned modern day lead heroine, Captain Marvel.
Finally, Marvel has a strong lead female hero of their own, just twenty movies in, but as we know her at the start, she’s a spunky amnesic named Vers (Oscar winner Brie Larson), sparring with her fellow Kree, the wise and enigmatic Yon-Rogg, the leader of her troupe of soldiers.
Vers is looking to become a proper Kree warrior, and she’s about to embark on her first mission against the Skrulls. It’s a mission full of familiar faces from the Guardians of the Galaxy world (no, not those faces, think more obscure), but it’s also a mission which goes terribly wrong, and results in Vers…along with some pesky Skrulls, ending up on Earth, circa 1995.
How convenient it is then that Vers seems to have some connection to her planet — one which might help her restore her memory, and maybe even become a hero along the way.
Yes, we all know where this is going, it’s the Marvel Cinematic Universe for goodness sake! But what’s unique about Captain Marvel isn’t necessarily the destination, but the journey.
Captain Marvel is somehow equally a Hero’s Journey film, a smart-assed detective adventure (as Vers links up with a younger, two-eyed Nick Fury), and also an interstellar war film, all in one. And if that wasn’t enough, it also loves the 1990s.
It’s a delicate balancing act. One which is on less sturdy ground than past MCU films, but if you can get down to the idea of an action sequence set to No Doubt’s “Just a Girl", and love yourself some adorable cats, Captain Marvel is the flick for you.
Performances are, as usual for a Marvel Studios flick, pretty damn solid, a mixture of beloved character actors and relative unknowns. Ben Mendelsohn chews up scenery as the lead Skrull baddie, Talos - though he’s more than meets the eye. Samuel L. Jackson is as game as always as Nick Fury - though he seems to sink his teeth into this one particularly hard, playing opposite real-life pal Brie Larson. The CG work to de-age him is downright incredible, and is also used in a lesser degree to give us the return of Clark Gregg’s Agent Coulson, who basically is there to remind us how much Agents of SHIELD wastes him on a weekly basis.
The surprise standout of the movie is Lashana Lynch, playing Maria Rambeau, an ex-fighter pilot with a connection to Vers’ past, but it should come as no surprise that the movie lives and dies by the work of Brie Larson.
Larson has, for some reason — perhaps because of her wonderfully outspoken nature? — become a lightning rod for Internet turd criticism, but I think she’s absolutely wonderful in the lead here. She is a tour de force here, acting with humor and grace when the story allows, while also maintaining a quiet strength, important as she pieces herself together before her eyes.
Someone much smarter than I will get to write the essay of a lifetime about Vers in Captain Marvel, and how her role speaks to the struggles of many women. All I know is, she is every inch the hero the film needs, never saying die, and defying the odds before our eyes.
Yes, Marvel took forever to get a female hero out of the gate. But the fact is this - she’s here, she’s strong, she’s absolutely awesome. Captain Marvel will live alongside Wonder Woman in the lexicon of strong female role models, and now, she’s got a galaxy-spanning adventure worthy of her on the big screen.
Captain Marvel is in theaters now.
NIN Store:
Makes a lot of sense. It’s in white too, if you’d rather order that one.
Collider:
Ratcatcher, aka Otis Flannegan, is a man in the DC comics, though Collider has learned that the character will be gender-swapped and played by a woman in The Suicide Squad. Ratcatcher is is a super-criminal and one of Batman’s many enemies. She started out as an exterminator in Gotham City before turning to a life of crime, aided by an army of small rodents she can communicate with and control. She’s also a fan of poisonous gas.
Nanaue, aka King Shark, is a super-villain and humanoid shark whose father is believed to be the so-called Shark God, though others dismiss him as merely a savage mutation.
Polka-Dot Man, aka Mister Polka Dot, is a Gotham City super-villain and like Ratcatcher, a sworn enemy of Batman. He grows multi-colored polka dots on his body that he can turn into fireballs and other weapons, even though, for the most part, he’s embarrassed about his awkward abilities.
Peacemaker, aka Christopher Smith, is an agent of peace whose motives are driven by an extremist form of pacifism that makes him love peace so much he would kill for it.
Sounds like a crazy bunch to have in the flick!
Per Collider, Dave Bautista is in the running for Peacemaker.
I’m really wondering how they’ll pull off King Shark.
/Film:
Say Goodbye to the Vault, and Say Hello to a Subscription from Every Family in the World.
Disney Parks Blog:
Start your vacation planning, nerds.
Nintendo:
The Starter Set + Blaster kit provides an action-packed introduction to the experience. You can then add to the fun with the Expansion Sets. Or, if you want an even broader experience right away, you can purchase the full Nintendo Labo VR Kit, which features six VR Toy-Con projects in one package.
I guess Nintendo Labo must’ve done well enough to allow for this expansion.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The move follows last week’s exit of Smith, who along with Margot Robbie, led the ensemble of the 2016 movie, and played assassin anti-hero Deadshot.
I’m for it.
Variety:
The untitled series is based on the real life experiences of CIA undercover operative Amaryllis Fox and her upcoming memoir, “Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA,“ which will be published by Knopf on Oct. 15. The series is described as a look at a young woman’s (Larson) journey in the CIA, told through the prism of her closest relationships.
God bless every website which avoids an “Apple & Brie is a great pairing!“ joke.
TechCrunch:
I’ll believe it when I see it. Still looking for those data wiping tools, Zuck.
I know its unrelated, but the plot of Brightburn makes me think of my favorite description of Black Mirror: “What if phones, but too much?“
Vulture:
Between The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Parks and Recreation and The Office, Schur has conquered my TV viewing over the past decade or so.
Keep it coming, Mike. Keep it coming.
MacStories:
Since the original release of Workflow in 2014, we’ve created hundreds of automations to help readers use their iOS devices more efficiently. The goal of this archive is to offer a complete catalogue of our old workflows as well as new custom shortcuts for Apple’s Shortcuts app.
Each shortcut in this archive has been created, updated, and tested by Federico and the MacStories team. Shortcuts are organized in categories, and you can jump directly to a specific category by using one of the section links below.
This is a Shortcuts user’s dream.
(I actually have a custom Shortcut I use for blogging!)
OK, so this is much adieu about a tweet, but Production Weekly knows their stuff.
However, Production Weekly is also a subscription-only service for people in the industry. So I can’t share more with you beyond this, as I have no need for a $59 subscription in my life for one story.
But!
North by Northwest is one of the greatest movies ever made.
Inception is probably my second(?) favorite Christopher Nolan movie.
Hoyte van Hoytema is an incredible cinematographer, who also worked with Nolan on Interstellar and Dunkirk.
This has serious promise.
Pretty cool how Ari Aster is just jumping head first into making movies here. Normally directors take a year or two off. This guy, though? Just keeps working. I respect that.
And yeah, I still really need to watch Hereditary.
Still looks really fun to me, but I may be biased because I loved Chuck so much.
BuzzFeed News:
I couldn’t agree more.
This is how I felt about Stranger Things. I dug Season 2, and I’m looking forward to 3, but just one would’ve been fine.
TechCrunch:
Missed this in the deluge of articles about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge over the last few days. This is a really great look at the Herculean effort put forth to bring this all to life.
The Hollywood Reporter :
The actors have closed deals to voice star in the untitled Scooby-Doo animated movie being made by Warner Bros. and its Warner Animation Group division.
I love all three of those guys! But who are they playing?
…wait what…
OH HELLS YEAH
Variety:
Jason Reitman is directing the pic and has also co-written a screenplay with Gil Kenan. He plans to shoot the film this summer, with Sony planning to release the latest sequel in summer 2020.
The studio would not comment on plot details, but sources say the story will focus on a single mom and her family, with Coon playing the mom and Wolfhard playing her son. It’s currently unknown how that will connect to the new Ghostbusters team.
So, Stranger Things-vibes confirmed.
I didn’t know that Gil Kenan was involved. His film Monster House is terribly underrated.
Jalopnik:
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the bottom-dollar Model 3 today, along with the Model Y crossover.
About time!
I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy game shows.
Especially with the way the world is today, there’s something absolutely captivating about the stable-yet-sterile world of these shows.
Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, the list goes on - but the fact remains that if the episode isn’t that old, the show feels always of the moment yet completely timeless.
The outside world never seems to effect it - except perhaps for the questions asked and answers shared - the world of the game show is in a gloriously excited bubble. The only worry is if you can get the questions right and get to the final round.
With Jeopardy though, I’ve found particular solace as of late.
Alex Trebek - though kind of a dick - is always a steady hand, guiding the show and its categories like a well-oiled machine, versus the controlled chaos of Steve Harvey on Feud, the somehow-still-figuring-out-the-show-all-these-years-in nature of Drew Carey as a Price is Right host, and whatever weirdness Pat Sajak has evolved into over the years.
The questions - always broad enough to keep the average viewers interest, but detailed and obscure enough to make rubes like me watching at home convinced I’m smarter for doing so.
The format is always straight forward - three rounds: easier to start, harder in the middle, and one son-of-a-bitch at the end.
The contestants? Pretty boilerplate, mostly forgettable, until someone does something remarkable and gets on a history making run - one that makes cult heroes of people such as Ken Jennings, Austin Rogers, Buzzy Cohen, or Matt Jackson.
It’s an educational chicken soup, fed in a high-def, brilliantly lit game show candy coating. It soothes my nerves, sands off the rough edges of the day, and makes me feel comfortable.
Lately, I’ve been doubling down even more. My local affiliate (Baltimore’s WBFF Fox 45) airs it at 7:30pm, but now I can watch it any time, with seasons’ of past special events available to watch any time, any where, via Hulu and Netflix.
I recognize, I could be binge watching the shows everyone won’t stop talking about - Russian Doll, Maniac, Castle Rock - but instead, I find myself launching that unforgettable theme and getting caught up in the drama of man versus man versus giant question board.
That is Jeopardy. And I can’t get enough.
Over the past week or so, I’ve been making a pretty big reconsideration of what I do with my personal tech setup.
For the longest time, I’ve been a person who chases the coolest, newest, most unique, most feature driven, most “tweakable" version of my apps. I read websites on it. I read others user diaries about it.
But being a part of an ecosystem in Apple where, well, things “just work" — so long as you use their version of applications — using third-party versions of apps usually means you then need even more special apps which help you redirect things accordingly.
And then I had a moment. I asked myself - why am I doing this?
Inspired by a write up (from one of those very same sites) by Frederico Viticci, I realized, it’s just easier to commit to the default.
What is so important about having every single option, every single tweak available to me?
So I started making those changes this week.
Back from Bear to Notes. From Fantastical to Calendar. From Overcast to Podcasts. It goes on and on. Sure, I’m holding on to some. (You’ll never take Ulysses away from me!) But the rest of them? Farewell. Even my beloved TweetBot.
Everything feels a little…easier. A little lighter. A little less stressful.
I Marie Kondo’d the crap out of my technical life.
And it’s just better for it.
Overnight, Disney finally took the wraps off of their long-awaited Star Wars-themed expansion of their parks, titled Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
There are four articles over at StarWars.com breaking it all down. I’m adding them to my Instapaper queue to read over the course of the day, but I thought I’d share them here for like-minded folks.
Enjoy and embrace the hype.
I still can’t believe how much of X-Men 3: The Last Stand we’re running back here.
Sure, it’s like “It’s Mystique now, instead of Xavier!“ and “It’s a train now, not a van!“, but…geez.
Have a poster, while you’re at it.
As promised, today brought the latest Nintendo Direct, focusing on the new Switch exclusive traditional Pokemon game - coming to us as Pokemon Sword & Pokemon Shield.
Click play and get ready to see your new starters and get way hyped.
From the Oscars last night…
Looks amazing. I do hope they show us something with voice acting soon.
Oh, there’s a new poster, too!
Deadline:
We hear production will begin in July on the film produced by Brad Fuller and Andrew Form.
We also hear that Emily Blunt’s deal for the sequel is closed. Blunt recently won a Screen Actors Guild best supporting actress award for her turn in the film. Today on Instagram Krasinski announced the sequel’s release date: May 15, 2020.
I still don’t know what well there is to go back to in the Quiet-verse (and I loved the original!), but at least all the right pieces are set.
The New York Times:
IDW Publishing is also planning a series of full-colored collected editions of the complete Usagi saga, which began in 1984. The series had been at Dark Horse Comics since 1995 and was primarily printed in black-and-white.
I knew waiting on those digital omnibuses would pay off eventually! Hell yes. Sakai is a gem of a creator and human being.
Again: Looks dope. But I am not paying for CBS All-Access.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Surreal.
Sadly, this is apparently not supposed to touch on any of the interesting phases of Hogan’s life, such as his 90’s bad guy run, or the sex tape scandal/suing of Gawker.
Also weird? This is being produced by Eric Bischoff.
Bloomberg:
The ultimate goal of the multistep initiative, code-named “Marzipan,“ is by 2021 to help developers build an app once and have it work on the iPhone, iPad and Mac computers, said people familiar with the effort. That should spur the creation of new software, increasing the utility of the company’s gadgets.
Sounds dope to me!
Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.:
Oh, that I liked beer.
ComingSoon:
In the upcoming horror thriller, a boy named Harley and his family (brother Austin, mother Beth and father Mitch) attend a taping of The Banana Splits TV show, which is supposed to be a fun-filled birthday for young Harley and business as usual for Rebecca, the producer of the series. But things take an unexpected turn — and the body count quickly rises. Can Harley, his mom and their new pals safely escape?
I’m not wrong, that’s basically the plot of Five Nights at Freddie’s, right?
Get ready to cry happy tears at this one.
Love to see Pixar experimenting in 2D!
Enjoy!
My wife and I love both Costume Quest games, so to say we’re excited for this is an understatement.
I wonder why this is coming out in March instead of around Halloween, though?
Deadline:
As the only two series from the TV arm of the comic giant still left on the streamer, there will be no Season 3 of the Jon Bernthal led vigilante series, I’ve learned. The completed third season of the Krysten Ritter starring Jessica Jones will still appear on the streamer but will be put on ice for good after that.
I guess this really isn’t a surprise, given that Disney is launching Disney+, and making more shows on Hulu featuring Marvel characters….but it’s interesting that Jeph Loeb’s letter to fans basically blames Netflix?
CNET:
Samsung has elaborated on an earlier report that it was no longer making 4K players and has confirmed that it will also halt production on new 1080p models.
“Samsung will no longer introduce new Blu-ray or 4K Blu-ray player models in the US market,” a Samsung spokesperson told CNET.
I’ve gone digital with my media (books and comics included), but this feels like kind of a sad end of an era.
Smash cut to 10 years from now where “retro" blu-rays are the hottest thing going.
DC Comics:
Guess I need to clear off some shelf space.
I sure hope Ramon Villalobos is getting some cash off of these.
Engadget:
Instead of a regular pen or pencil, players use a jumbo-sized light up pen to doodle their word in thin air, and their drawing is simultaneously cast to a mobile or TV screen using Chromecast or AirPlay – it doesn’t require any data use once downloaded, either. All the other components of the game remain the same, although you can video the artist in action and share drawings with friends on social, too, making it a cool spin on a classic game that’ll keep it appealing for a long while yet. It’ll be on the shelves in Target from June 1st and other retailers globally by July 1st, on sale for $20/£15.
Me thinks I need to try this out with the Super Art Fight crew.
The Washington Post:
This is, and should just be, the beginning.
Variety:
Nickelodeon will revive the program — a “Saturday Night Live" for the tween set — with an all-new cast. But the show will have callbacks to its past as well. Kenan Thompson, the long-running “SNL" cast member who got his start on television when “All That" launched in 1994, will serve as an executive producer. Nickelodeon expects some former cast members to make appearances in the series.
Perfect! There are actually some All That sketches which hold up. Look forward to a new generation of kids getting their own sketch show.
Amazon Blog:
Wow. That’s crazy.
Will other cities jump in to be the replacement? Stay tuned.
Team Cherry:
Hollow Knight: Silksong is the second game by Team Cherry (that’s us!) and the full-scale sequel to Hollow Knight.
Looks good!
I really need to finish the first.
NASA:
Meant for 90 days, lasted 15 years.
Godspeed, Lil’ Rover.
Nintendo Pr:
Yeah, I’m gonna be real broke this year. Thank goodness Tetris 99 is free.
Check out the full Direct below.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the feature-length movie will be a sequel revolving around Aaron Paul, who will reprise his Emmy-winning role as Jesse Pinkman. Sources also confirm that Netflix will have first-run rights to the top-secret project, which will then air on AMC. (Representatives for AMC, Netflix and producers Sony Pictures TV all declined to comment.)
Wild - going from streaming to cable.
SyFy Wire:
This spring, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Entertainment are teaming up with DC Entertainment and Nickelodeon for Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, an all-new animated movie that unites everyone’s favorite turtles with the Caped Crusader for the first time outside of the comics page. Based on the Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics miniseries by James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II, the film will see the turtles meeting Batman via a transdimensional encounter, and feature our heroes teaming up to face Batman’s deadly rogues gallery.
Nice!
How have the most recent DC Animated movies been, anyway? I heard bad things about Batman/Harley Quinn, but I’ve wondered if they’ve improved since.
Variety:
The story, first published in 2015, centers on a betrayed murderess seeking revenge who partners up with a hard drinking former cop wants his job back. They have to fight their way through 15 floors of criminals, assassins, drug lords, murderers, and accountants in a Miami high rise. Elizabeth Raposo and Jon Gonda will oversee the project for Paramount.
Hey! I KickStarted that book!
Very excited for Mr. Starks. I recommend you check out both Kill Them All and Sexcastle.
IGN:
It will be available digitally on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via the Epic Games Store) for $30 USD/£25. A physical version, which bundles in Three Fields' Danger Zone 2, will be available for $40 USD/£30.
All in for this! Burnout 3: Takedown and Burnout Revenge are my favorite racing games ever. Burnout Paradise lost me with the whole open-world aspect, but I’m in for this.
Polygon:
The news comes from Activision Blizzard’s fourth-quarter earnings call with investors today. Those affect by the layoffs were described as being in “non-development roles" on the earnings call by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, who said the company will still continue to scale up development-focused positions.
Fuck right off, Activision.
This process makes me sick. I recognize that business isn’t something where people are being altruistic, but I don’t understand how higher than ever revenue results in massive layoffs. Especially when they give a dude a $15 Million sweetener to join the company.
Deadline:
Sources said the upfront commitment is eight-figures — I’m hearing as high as $15 million — and that between directing and producing, Lord and Miller will each get a double-digit back end. This auction got that hot. It’s easily going to be the biggest deal of the new year when it’s all papered. The film will be made through Sony’s TriStar label, with Hannah Minghella overseeing.
Pic is based on an upcoming children’s book of the same name by Lee Bacon. Shazam scribe Henry Gayden is writing a film that is set after a robot apocalypse and follows a 12-year-old robot who bonds with a 12-year-old human who has lived in an underground bunker. Pic is eyed as a “reverse ET, in which three robots discover and protect a human child". Pic will be Lord & Miller’s next film after they finish Artemis at Fox. The book will be published in October by Amulet Books.
As always: If It’s Lord & Miller — I’ll See It!â„¢
IGN:
McFarlane Toys has entered a three-year licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer products to produce collectibles based on the DC Multiverse.
Starting in 2020, McFarlane Toys will begin releasing 6"-12" ultra-posable action figures based on characters from DC’s stable of characters from comics, movies, and video games - along with corresponding vehicles and accessories.
As a survivor of the 90’s comic wars, this is incredibly surreal.
Outside The Lines/ESPN:
Fascinating read, both on the struggle of sports coverage in the face of modern knowledge, and how a decades long professional relationships can suffer because of it.
Never had much to say about Bob Costas prior to reading this - now he has my full respect.
Amazon PR:
So, uh, who actually wants all their web traffic to go through Amazon?
ComingSoon:
That’s a hell of a duo to bring about the long-awaited adaptation of that novel. Let’s see if they can pull it off.
I had to read this in High School! Looks like a good adaptation.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The streamer — soon to be majority controlled by Marvel parent Disney as part of the Fox asset sale — has greenlit four animated series (and a special) as part of a new partnership with the comic giant.
Adult animated series based on popular Marvel Television characters MODOK, Hit-Monkey, Tigra & Dazzler and Howard the Duck have been ordered to series. Similar to Netflix’s original four-series deal, all of the Hulu animated shows will culminate in a special — called The Offenders.
I thought for sure that this was an April Fool’s gag, months early.
That said, A Patton Oswalt MODOK show? Hell yeah.
Spotify PR:
Anchor is a surprise. I think this marks Spotify’s first move into the content-creation game.
Full disclosure: For my day job, I work on projects related to Spotify and their affiliate marketing. It has no bearing on my coverage or writing about Spotify, nor does it reflect upon the opinion of my employer.
Here we go again!
io9:
Spider-Gwen by Raid71 is an officially licensed, 18 x 24 inch, hand-numbered screen print in an edition of 125. It goes on sale Thursday, February 7 at 1:00 p.m. EST via Grey Matter Art for $40.
I love it.
Deadline:
If you haven’t seen Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles yet, you’re missing out.
It’s a really fun series with dope animation.
IndieWire:
Eichner’s been on the verge for a while. Glad to see him get the spotlight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r782SajIVU&feature=share
Looks like another charming winner for Laika.
Kotaku:
Harukiru, a student at Kobe Design University, makes these striking sculptures by cutting up the packing with scissors or a blade.
Really cool stuff!
SneakerNews.com:
These look GREAT! And, more importantly, they look comfy.
Variety:
Wright and “Penny Dreadful” writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns penned the script for the movie - a Focus and Working Title co-production.
Described as a psychological horror-thriller, exact plot details are unknown other than the story being set in London’s Soho district. Production is expected to start this summer in London.
Edgar Wright is all you had to say for me to say I’m in.
Marvel:
Landgraf explained that “Legion" Executive Producer/Showrunner Noah Hawley (“Fargo") had planned for the series to run for three season from the start, and that the decision to end the series now allowed Hawley to conflude the story as intended with this upcoming season.
Season 2 hits Hulu this month. I like when series are able to go out on their own terms.
This show will either be:
a. A massive hit.
b. Cancelled after 4 episodes and heralded as a lost classic for decades to come.
I feel like there is no middle ground here.
IGN:
Announced by presidents of original programing at FX, Nick Grad and Eric Schrier, the series follows Y, the last man alive, as he “traverses a post-apocalyptic world in which a cataclysmic event has decimated every male save for one lone human.“ The DC Comic series by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra focuses on a new world order of women and explores gender, race, class and survival.
Look for it in 2020.
Cool idea, Pixar extending their world of shorts to give more filmmakers a shot.
This short is all about a ball of yarn trying to make things work in a bro-culture heavy company.
We also have a Meet the Filmmakers’ Short…
…And a behind the scenes video!
For more on SparkShorts in general, here’s…you guessed it, another video:
If you’re a 90’s kid, you know how bad this book messed you up.
The teasers alone are doing the same for me.
DAMNED RED SPOT
How on Earth do they end up at a carnival?
SoraNews24:
That’s right, Sesame Street and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Japan have teamed up to turn some of TV’s most beloved characters into tasty treats, and the results look as sweet as can be.
It’s crazy how well their looks translate to donut form…and that mini cookie for the Cookie Monster donut? Superb touch.
Seen first on Reddit, then on the Super Bowl, this second trailer for Us continues to underline how masterful Jordan Peele has become as a horror director.
Recode:
Spotify, which has been trying to branch out of the streaming music business, is getting ready to make its first big move into podcasting: It plans to pay more than $200 million to buy Gimlet Media, the startup behind popular shows like Reply All.
That’s a big splash to make in the Podcast world.
That said, I find one of the biggest charms of the world of podcast is that it is still very DIY, and even the large competitors are working through the same processes and tech as the one-man operations. Could be interesting.
IGN:
But if they pull the “Switch" part out, what’s the point of the name?
(RIP 3DS, btw.)
Sure, still no reason why we’re OK with Jason Statham killing off part of the “family", but hey! Idris Elba! YEAH!
Deadline:
The streaming service said today that the voice cast will also include Sandra Oh, Seth Rogen, Gillian Jacobs, Andrew Rannells, Zazie Beetz, Mark Hamill, Walton Goggins, Jason Mantzoukas, Mae Whitman, Chris Diamantopoulos, Melise, Kevin Michael Richardson, Grey Griffin and Max Burkholder, among others. No details on characters yet.
The adult animated superhero series revolves around 17-year-old Mark Grayson (Yeun), who’s just like every other guy his age — except his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet, Omni-Man (Simmons). But as Mark develops powers of his own, he discovers his father’s legacy may not be as heroic as it seems.
I love this cast so goddamned much.
Variety:
DECE will start to inform its users of the wind-down this Thursday, and is advising users to not delete their Ultraviolet movie libraries. Users should instead make sure that their libraries are connected to the service of at least one retailer, which they can then use to access their movies and TV shows going forward, according to an FAQ document that is slated to be published on Ultraviolet’s website on Thursday morning.
So, uh….Paramount. Lionsgate. Buddies.
…you gonna get on MoviesAnywhere now?
I could watch countless videos like this.
EW.com:
The 1978 fan favorite has been greenlit as a 10-episode event series for the streaming service CBS All Access.
Hopefully this is better than the 90’s TV-Movie!
(Still not super interested in signing up for CBS All-Access.)
Bloomberg:
The rear-facing, longer-range 3-D camera is designed to scan the environment to create three-dimensional reconstructions of the real world. It will work up to about 15 feet from the device, the people said. That’s in contrast with the current iPhone 3-D camera system, which points toward users and operates at distances of 25 to 50 centimeters to power Apple’s Face ID facial-recognition feature.
3D Cameras, eh? Pretty cool! (This is my standard “new-every-two" renewal year.)
Check out the full article for details on new iPads coming, and some early details on iOS 13, including the long-anticipated Dark Mode!
Deadline:
I love Westworld, so I’m game for this.
Variety:
The studio has also dated a rebooted “The Suicide Squad" for Aug. 6, 2021, Robert Zemeckis’ “The Witches" for Oct. 16, 2020, and Stephen King’s “Doctor Sleep" for Nov. 8, 2019.
Ben Affleck will not be returning to play the Caped Crusader, which had been expected for some time, as Reeves will be handpicking the next Bruce Wayne.
Reeves is writing and directing the pic.
Not surprising given the “fresh start" vibe of the DC Comics movies as of late.
Also, is that confirmation that the James Gunn-directed Suicide Squad movie is a fresh start too?
From a subscriber-only email:
For those who missed it, this was what Criterion was setting up in the wake of the end of FilmStruck.
I’m definitely considering this.
You can sign-up yourself, here.
PSU:
This reminds me of the PlayStation 4 announcement, which was…holy shit, it was six years ago?
Based on the timelines, could we have the PlayStation 5 for the Holidays?!
EDIT: UPDATE. It’s fake.
Ars Technica:
Hard to believe it’s taken them 11 years to plot this out, but maybe it’s worth it in the end versus their competitors.
Variety:
This will mark the second partnership for the two companies following the news of the “Barbie" feature film starring Margot Robbie.
I mean, The LEGO Movie worked…
…but The Emoji Movie was bad…
…and The Playmobil Movie will probably be bad…
Any chance this can just become the Nickelodeon version of Fast & Furious? I figure that’d be the best way to go.
From this Hollywood Reporter Interview:
It’s very much a point of view-driven, noir Batman tale. It’s told very squarely on his shoulders, and I hope it’s going to be a story that will be thrilling but also emotional. It’s more Batman in his detective mode than we’ve seen in the films. The comics have a history of that. He’s supposed to be the world’s greatest detective, and that’s not necessarily been a part of what the movies have been. I’d love this to be one where when we go on that journey of tracking down the criminals and trying to solve a crime, it’s going to allow his character to have an arc so that he can go through a transformation.
Do you have a title yet?
(Laughs.) Right now it’s called The Batman. What it will be called ultimately, I don’t know.
Have you begun the casting process?
There will be a Rogues Gallery. The casting process will begin shortly. We’re starting to put together our battle plan. I’m doing another pass on the script and we’ll begin some long-lead stuff to start developing conceptual things.
What’s your goal as far as a release date?
We haven’t been dated. I wouldn’t commit to this, but we’re thinking the movie would probably be for 2021, late spring or summer. Warner Bros. has been incredibly supportive and given me a lot of time and shared the same passion that I do for this story.
Sounds interesting. Like the idea of a full Rogues Gallery on display.
With Birds of Prey filming now for a 2020 release, I suppose we should hear something more on The Batman soon.
The Verge:
The shutdown comes in response to news that Facebook has been using Apple’s program for internal app distribution to track teenage customers with a “research" app.
Get the popcorn ready.
Chew Boom:
The Mint Shake features mint syrup hand-blended with milk and the brand’s vanilla soft serve. The shake is finished with a swirl of whipped topping. A malt version is also available.
As a big fan of the Shamrock Shake — the Arby’s version isn’t half bad either — I look forward to trying this.
SoraNews24:
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Nintendo has released two silicone cooking trays inspired by its flagship franchise.
How delightful. Maybe ThinkGeek can get on importing them?
The Hollywood Reporter:
Apatow, who hasn’t directed a studio or narrative feature since 2015’s Amy Schumer hit Trainwreck, is teaming with Pete Davidson for an untitled comedy.
The project is set up at Universal.
Davidson, currently one of the high-profile players on Saturday Night Live who is coming off the Sundance debut of the comedy Big Time Adolescence, wrote the script with Apatow and Dave Sirus and will star in what is being described as a semi-autobiographical story of Davidson growing up in Staten Island, New York.
Hey, I liked Trainwreck! And I really enjoy Pete Davidson. So this could be fun!
The Verge:
I think this is kinda cool, and the use of accelerometers to change the level of brightness/start a new “session" is clever - but the price feels a smidge high.
Set it at $60? I’d consider it.
TechCrunch:
This is so fucking gross.
All that for $20/mo. Ugh.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Hey, I liked his Dawn of the Dead remake, so why not?
Rolling Stone:
I loved this feature on Jordan Peele, released ahead of the hype around his Get Out follow-up, Us.
I hope that Peele is making us scared, uncomfortable and entertained for years to come.
Greensboro.com:
KFC is testing a Cheetos Sandwich at select restaurants in the greater Triad.
The sandwich features a crispy chicken filet with Cheetos sauce on a toasted bun with mayonnaise and a layer of crunchy Cheetos.
Way to go, KFC. You’ve given up entirely. Towel is thrown in. Cheetos thrown on. And the Carolinas feel the wrath first.
Zombieland: Double Tap
I like the name!
The idea of running back Zombieland a decade later though?
Outlook is hazy on that one.
The Brothers Brick:
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, the company is launching five special sets featuring iconic ships with exclusive throwback minifigures in tribute of the storied history of the franchise. The sets will be available later this year (likely in April), and we will bring you exact release information when it becomes available.
Such a fun idea, and a great way for newer fans to pick up some classic vehicles and characters who are harder to find now.
Variety:
Whannell will also pen the script.
The move is part of a fresh strategy for Universal’s monsters properties, bringing creative directors with distinctive visions to the classic characters and moving on from the interconnected Dark Universe concept.
Hell yes. Upgrade ruled. THIS should then — hopefully — rule.
Someone is definitely not a damsel in distress anymore!
A character poster came out as well. I really like this redesign.
Cheddar:
The service would function like Netflix for games, allowing users who pay a subscription fee to access a bundled list of titles. Apple ($AAPL) began privately discussing a subscription service with game developers in the second half of 2018, said the people, all of whom requested anonymity to discuss unannounced plans.
So, let’s see what’s in the ether right now, Apple/Subscription-Wise:
They really are chasing that services money, aren’t they? Makes me think a book service might be next?
(and my kingdom — and my wallet — for an “iTunes Open Access" pass, where you get all the movies/TV for a flat rate.)
I assume that this is from a costume test, but hey - Birds of Prey is definitely, probably, a real movie.
If you slept on the first season of Barry, you need to fix that.
Who knew Bill Hader had a show so creative, so funny, so great as this in him?
Vox:
Starting in May, Unilever’s Axe and Dove deodorants will come in refillable steel containers that are expected to last eight years. PepsiCo will start selling Tropicana orange juice in glass bottles and certain flavors of Quaker cereal in steel containers. HÁ¤agen-Dazs, owned by NestlÁ©, will come in refillable stainless steel tins. Procter & Gamble’s Pantene shampoo will come in aluminum bottles, and its Tide brand detergent will come in stainless steel containers.
Not coming to my neck of the woods yet, but sign me the heck up.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Legendary has begun work on a sequel to its Pokemon-based movie, hiring Oren Uziel to pen the script. The move is a sign of confidence, as it comes close to three months before the company releases the Ryan Reynolds-starrer on May 10 via Warner Bros.
This movie really is going to make all the money, isn’t it?
The Hollywood Reporter:
Cena will star in the untitled project, which Bateman will direct. Sources say Bateman will also appear in the project.
The action comedy reteams Bateman with Mark Perez, the writer of his 2018 sleeper hit Game Night.
This new project definitely has a Game Night vibe to the plot. The story centers on a family that gets stuck in an old abandoned movie studio. The sets come to life and the family members find themselves stuck in various films.
I absolutely adored Game Night, so this sounds like a great time to me.
If you’re not yet on the John Cena-as-an-actor train, I cannot recommend Blockers more, a wonderfully filthy and sweet comedy of which Cena is a highlight.
I really am loving the post-release support from Insomniac for this game.
Related: Anyone I know pick up the DLC? Worth it?
The Hollywood Reporter:
Warner Bros. announced Friday that Nolan’s next film will open in Imax on July 17, 2020.
And that’s literally all we know.
I rewatched Interstellar last weekend, and Nolan - even in his films considered “less successful" - aims with a boldness not found from his peers. Plus, he usually gets to do something completely original.
In turn - I’ll be there for this. Whatever it is.
Deadline:
I’m guessing this will be closer to the movies, then?
Variety:
So…I ended up kinda liking(?) Venom, so maybe this won’t bad, says the Blogger with a serious case of Stockholm Syndrome.
I’m still a little bummed that Simon Pegg didn’t get to play Hughie, but having him as his dad will be a nice consolation prize.
I love this comic. I’m glad to see the Netflix show is looking so damn good.
Deadline:
The sci-fi fantasy comic series by Mark Millar and Greg Capullo tells the story of an eighty year-old woman, Bonnie Black, who dies in a Manhattan hospital only to find herself reborn in the prime of life in the afterlife world of Adystria, a magical land of monsters and dragons where good and evil are waging an eternal war. There, she finds old friends and loved ones waiting, except the husband who died before her. Armed with a sword and partnered with her late father, she sets off through the battle-torn landscape on a quest to find out where he is.
Oscar-winner Bullock will produce, as will Roy Lee and Miri Yoon for Vertigo Entertainment. I’m hearing from sources that Gravity star Bullock could potentially lead cast in the movie, which is currently in development. Mark Millar and Greg Capullo will be executive producers. Co-producer will be Samantha Nisenboim.
Anyone I know read Reborn? Was it any good? I love the idea of Capullo’s imagination just going buck wild.
The New York Times:
<darkseid> Facebook…is. </darkseid>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLIv_UXI_So
I appreciate that they’re so open and honest to fandom.
…but what state was the prior build in?
io9:
Artists Matt Ferguson and Florey have collaborated on two gorgeous new posters for the newly Oscar-nominated film, which we thought was the best film of 2018. The artwork captures all the different styles in the movie with colors that bring to mind the film’s impressive visual style. Plus, the posters have a surprising second dimension. The poster goes on sale at noon EST on Wednesday, January 23 through Bottleneck Gallery as well as Grey Matter Art, with two editions to choose from.
Love it!
Brand Eating:
That’s a bold topping choice.
The Beat:
Truly one of the greatest of all-time.
I recommend you track down his Kurt Busiek written run of Avengers, where basically the goal seemed to be to get Perez to draw as many characters per scene as possible. Awe-inspiring pure comics goodness.
Deadline:
The series, which was hosted by Robert Stack and ran for over 500 episodes between 1987 and 2010, is being refreshed by Stranger Things EP Shawn Levy and his company 21 Laps Entertainment and Netflix.
Two thoughts:
EW.com
It’s worth reading the full article just for the intro, where Rob is hyper-aware of the Rob Liefeld Name’ meme going across Twitter.
Also, this character kinda looks like a Liefeld self-aware parody…makes me think it’s a character we know under the mask/helmet.
This is something I never knew I wanted. (And this is made even more amazing by how much Sam Elliott looks like my stepfather.)
Found this really cool video tutorial to OP-1 sampler via BoingBoing, which then results in an awesome, chill track sampling Tropic Thunder.
If you just want to hear the final song, skip to 4 mins in, but watching the process is fascinating.
The graphics look gorgeous and gory, and apparently yep, that’s Ronda Rousey as Sonya Blade.
Did I see a human, unmasked Scorpion in there?
Update:Â Here’s some more videos from the reveal event!
Warning: GORY!
Looks great, but I wary that the customization system and such will be microtransaction heavy, a’la Injustice 2.
We’ll see this April!
Deadline:
Well, considering how great X-Men: Apocalypse was, and how stellar X-Men: Dark Phoenix looks, I’m sure this will be fi—
—What’s that? I’m sorry, I’m being told that movie sucked and the forthcoming one looks terrible.
This is an awful idea. Why do people fail up?
Time:
This problem is solvable—it isn’t too big, too challenging or too late. Innovation, breakthrough ideas and great features can go hand in hand with user privacy—and they must. Realizing technology’s potential depends on it.
That’s a big push from one of the biggest tech companies in the world. Will it be worth it? Stay tuned.
That’s a stellar goddamned cast! Is this why Netflix prices went up?
Variety:
The movie marks the second feature from Joe Penna and Ryan Morrison, the duo behind “Arctic,“ a survival film that premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. “Stowaway" will be directed by Penna, who will co-write the script with Morrison.
The story revolves around a mission headed to Mars, where an unintended stowaway accidentally causes severe damage to the spaceship’s life support systems. Facing dwindling resources and a potentially grim outcome, a medical researcher (Kendrick) emerges as the only dissenting voice against the clinical logic of both her commander (Collette) and the ship’s biologist.
That’s two of my favorite working actresses already. Sold!
Deadline:
The original animated movie was really dark - I wonder if this version will lighten it up, or lean harder into the sadness? With Gad in the mix, I assume light, but, we’ll see…
Variety:
His role is being kept under wraps, as is the storyline. Glover will star opposite Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan, all of whom are set to return.
New theory with DeVito and Glover in the cast: this time the game system ends up at a senior living facility.
WSJ:
This was my first cellphone! Interested to see what form it takes in 2019…that $1500 price though, woof.
Nike:
The effort to refine fit has yielded a number of innovative platforms through Nike’s history — Huarache, Flywire and Flyknit, to name a few. Perhaps none was more critical to advancing custom fit than the 2016 introduction of the Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, the first Nike multipurpose performance shoe to feature power lacing.
Now, Nike has found its most advanced fit solution to date: Nike Adapt, a platform that creates a truly custom fit by combining an advanced power-lacing system, an app and continually updated firmware, featured in the new Nike Adapt BB basketball shoe.
What a world. Just a few years after BttF II predicted it, too.
I’m guessing Reitman used this as part of his pitch process to Sony Pictures. Certainly enough to get people excited, even if it’s not at all a part of the final film.
(See also the TR2N tease from San Diego Comic Con a decade ago.)
Love to see Carrell embrace comedy again. I will gladly give this a spin.
The Wrap:
The two will work together again in “On the Rocks,“ which Coppola is writing and directing with Murray to star opposite Rashida Jones, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
I’m in!
Duck Duck Go:
That’s a massive move for Apple’s continued privacy push.
But you know what would be bolder? If Apple turned down the literal billions that Google pays them to stay the default search engine.
EW.com:
Wow. Jason Reitman is great, and this is a cool idea to continue the franchise without the weight of the prior films.
Just avoid shoehorning in cameos from the original gang, and we’re good.
Peter’s heading to Europe, SHIELD’s got plans for him, May and Happy are hooking up, and holy crap is that MYSTERIO?!
This looks great.
Oh, and we’ve got a poster!
UPDATE: Here’s the slightly different International cut.
Variety:
Sources tell Variety that McQuarrie has signed back on to return to write and direct the next two films in the popular franchise. Sources also add that both films would be shot back-to-back — not unlike the final two “Avengers" sequels — in order to take advantage of the popularity of the series, with the first bowing summer 2021 and the second coming out in summer 2022. The release comes in 2021 to avoid conflict with Paramount and Cruise’s next big venture, “Top Gun: Maverick.“
Wow! I absolutely loved Rogue Nation and Fallout, and a lot of that has to do with McQuarrie’s deft hand as writer and director.
Who would’ve thought that we’d see a seventh AND eight Mission: Impossible, with Tom Cruise doing his own stunts at ages 59 and 60, respectively.
The Takeout:
This is certainly a choice of promotional vehicle.
I bet it’s cheaper overall to put on than a Super Bowl ad is. How sad is that?
Variety:
Trachtenberg replaces Shawn Levy, who had to depart the project due to scheduling conflicts. Sony has been hoping to work with Trachtenberg since “10 Cloverfield Lane" opened in 2016.
“Uncharted" is based on the PlayStation video game series that follows the adventures of treasure hunter Nathan Drake. The film stars Tom Holland and chronicles Drake’s first encounter with the professional rogue Sullivan.
I don’t love the idea of an Uncharted movie.
I don’t like the idea of it focusing on the origins of Drake.
…but Dan Trachtenberg? That’s a Totally Rad choice I can get behind.
Deadline:
Comedy sequels don’t always go great, but I think we all want a new, good Eddie Murphy project. Fingers crossed.
TokusatsuRevoltech.com (via Google Translate):
The move expressing a supple human body who has repeatedly devised throughout the series is a composition that added a sense that it seemed to be a mechatz suit and seemed like it.
Metallic paint of bright red and gold complements the pose which is determined naturally and powerfully, including the three point landing which is the symbol of “Iron Man”.
In addition, Yamaguchi featuring “Iron Man Model 37” alias “Bleeding edge armor” from among the many armor that appeared in the comic.
I love how unbelievably, crazy, exaggeratedly ANIME this figure is.
I know there was a mid-2000’s attempt, but I’d really love a high budget Iron Man anime, with all the flying missiles and explosions that the finest animators can render.
Bungie.net:
Massive news.
This could be the best news for the future of Destiny.
Very excited to see what an independent Bungie can produce without Activision’s strong, typically money-focused hand.
They may even get me to play Destiny 3!
Sinclair Target for Motherboard:
The future once looked so bright for RSS. What happened? Was its downfall inevitable, or was it precipitated by the bitter infighting that thwarted the development of a single RSS standard?
I still wholeheartedly believe in RSS. It’s why I stubbornly pay for Feedbin every month. It’s how I prefer to ingest the web.
Maybe that makes me old, or opposed to change, but this article hits the nail on the head of why I find RSS so important, while providing key insight to the format’s inception.
My biggest counter to the article is the idea that Twitter and Facebook now serve as that syndication tool. While they certainly do, by no means should it remain. I think RSS - or it’s new cousin, JSON Feed - need a mainstream revival.
Google - if you’re listening, mind spinning back up Reader?
Variety:
The hire comes after Lasseter has been trying, and largely failing, to drum up interest from studios in recent months, having met with Warner Bros. and other players. Many major studios and technology companies were wary of partnering with Lasseter because he was ousted from Pixar in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal.
sigh.
It’s always a good sign when a CEO has to write an open letter to his employees about why they allowed someone to work for them.
Shame that there aren’t easy ways to avoid those situations. Shame that you can’t just, I dunno, literally hire anyone else.
Rolling Stone:
Just no Limp Bizkit this time, yeah?
Kinda love the shade thrown at the 1999 edition:
io9:
io9 can exclusively confirm that starting today, thousands of select comics—from single issues to graphic novels and complete collections—from both DC and its Vertigo imprint will be joining the roster of free-to-read comics included as part of the Comixology Unlimited subscription.
FINALLY.
Deep within this profile of Sony head Kenichiro Yoshida by Brooks Barnes at the New York Times:
Give me that Spider-Ham series, Sony!
You wanted quips? HERE ARE THE QUIPS!
(Tickets are on sale now, too. Got mine last night.)
The Verge:
These are going to be a license to print money.
The OtterBox/PopSocket combo is one I see all the time in the real world, and this one fix is just a perfect way to sell both back to those who already have them.
Variety:
Awesome!
I actually, sorta, kinda, liked Venom? It wasn’t as awful as I had heard, nor as “good bad" as I had heard. Tom Hardy was a blast to watch in the role though, even if I had issues with the now standard Superhero Third Act CGI Mess Battleâ„¢.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Timothee Chamalet and Rebecca Ferguson are already toplining the project, which tells the complex story of a fallen noble family’s attempt to control of a desert planet named Arrakis and its export, a rare spice drug, while being betrayed by a galactic emperor.
For those more familiar with the source material than I, Dave will be playing “Beast’ Rabban, the sadistic nephew of a baron who oversees Arrakis.“
I’ll be honest, I’m in for whatever Villeneuve makes, and I’m excited to see him continue to work with Bautista.
IGN:
Love, Death and Robots is comprised of 18 short stories that each last 5-15 minutes, totaling up to 185 minutes of content. Each short is created by a different team of filmmakers from around the world, spanning genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror and comedy, and the animation style for each short is distinct, ranging from traditional 2D animation to photorealistic 3D CGI. Furthermore, the anthology as a whole is aimed at an adult audience.
Sounds pretty freaking sweet to me!
Apple.com:
So far, Samsung, Vizio, and LG have announced plans to work with AirPlay 2.
…what does this mean for the Apple TV?
Business Insider:
In February the chain plans to launch “Donut Sticks” as a limited-time offering, according to internal documents viewed by Business Insider. The strips of deep-fried dough, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, will be available only during breakfast hours.
Sounds like they’re going for Dunkin’s throat!
From over the weekend on Twitter:
…Tony, bud, you sure that it wasn’t supposed to be called Taz Atti-Tour? Like, an animated film tied into the traveling event?
Because that’s what it says on the artwork…
Variety:
I see they’re not making the same mistake Detective Pikachu did.
Now, the next step: will they have a monster condom for his magnum dong?
Hanna, the movie version at least, absolutely ruled and if you haven’t seen it, you’re messing up.
Hopefully the show will be a fraction as good.
Variety:
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan are all expected to return, with Jake Kasdan coming back as director.
This girl is going to be a megastar.
Shop.LEGO.com:
I like how this can also work as the start of a Planet of the Apes set.
McElroy.Family:
Crazy stuff! Those good, good boys keep getting into cooler and cooler situations.
They really are the best family on the web.
Variety:
The Twitter account of Ian Bell, CEO of Slightly Mad Studios cryptically tweeted “The Mad Box is coming" on Wednesday.
When reached for more details, Bell told Variety that the console will ship in “around three years time" and that “it will be a console as is the Xbox or Playstation.“
Huh.
Certainly living up to their name. I wouldn’t believe this until it actually hits shelves though. Aren’t we still waiting on those Atari and Intellivision relaunches?
One of the coolest experiences of my holiday break was getting the chance to finally play Tetris Effect, which released this past November for the PlayStation 4.
I was hooked when I saw the original trailer, embedded below, but I didn’t realize how enthralling the game would be.
Sure, there have been some hyperbolic pull quotes from reviews —
Sam Machcovech for Ars Technica:
Michael McWhertor for Polygon:
Christian Donlan for Eurogamer:
— but if I’m honest, they’re, well, right.
Much like his prior games, Rez and Lumines, producer Tetsuya Mizuguchi has given us a game which is an incredible synthesis of gameplay, light, and sound - elements all fusing together to make a puzzle game which is both enthralling and transcendent. It’s really something special. And I’m not even playing in VR!
Tetris Effect is a great puzzle game, but more than that, a great experience - and I feel lucky to get to engage with it. Worth checking this one out, PS4 owners.
Now, if you excuse me, I have to get “Connected (Yours Forever)“ out of my head.
Tetris Effect is available digitally or physically from Sony. Get it here on Amazon.com.
Nerdist:
“no joy".
That makes me want to get off my ass and out to a theater!
The 1997 original film is a schlocky fav as a kid who grew up worshiping Spawn. This sounds like a fucking mess.
We’ll see how it turns out.
Going to be a great holiday! Fireworks and the Upside-Down, together at last.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNCmb-4oXJA&feature=share
DoppelgÁ¤ngers, y’all.
EW.com:
Trailer hits on Christmas. Really looking forward to this one.
Chew Boom:
The Big One features four fully-loaded quarters of Domino’s most popular pies — Pepperoni, Supreme, BBQ Meatlovers and Hawaiian — each equivalent in size to two large pizzas, with an overall diameter of 40-inches. According to my back-of-the-napkin math, that works out to a total of eight large pizzas in one. Domino’s says The Big One feeds 20 people.
I said goddamn.
When does this saunter over to the States?
Released a day early due to an accidental Twitter leak, the first trailer for Hellboy is here.
I really don’t care for the tone here.
A straight up wacky comedy feels like a miss?
EW.com:
New trailer hitting tomorrow. Exciting!
EW.com:
And the first Aladdin proved to be much more than a kids’ movie. Disney’s flight through a fictional Middle Eastern realm, woven with wanderlust and magic and loosely inspired by the Arabian folktales in One Thousand and One Nights, ascended to the top of the 1992 box office. On the heels of 1989’s The Little Mermaid and 1991’s Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin helped cement Disney’s animation reign. With a story that captivated audiences and soaring, showstopping songs such as “A Whole New World" and “Friend Like Me,“ it became one of the Mouse House’s most beloved films. When Disney began ramping up production of live-action remakes of its animated fairy tales — such as 2015’s Cinderella and 2017’s blockbuster Beauty and the Beast — Aladdin was greenlit with Ritchie at the helm.
But before he could tell the story, Ritchie had his own three wishes to fulfill.
Honestly, so far, I’m glad that Will Smith isn’t blue.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The comic book will offer an original story spinning out from the critically acclaimed series starring Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin and Marc Maron, as Ruth, Debbie and the other members of GLOW find themselves accidentally scheduled for a charity wrestling match with real lady wrestlers.
Written by WWE and Euthanauts author Tini Howard with art by Hannah Templer (Jem and the Holograms: Dimensions), the comic book GLOW will be overseen by the show’s co-creators, Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, in an official capacity as executive producers.
Well damn, this rules!
I’ve really got to get caught up on that second season.
Mondo:
“I Am a Jedi, Like My Father Before Me” timed-edition poster concludes Luke’s heroic journey from a hopeful adventurer to confident leader of the Rebellion and skillful Jedi. Set within the forest moon of Endor, Luke stands with his lightsaber at the ready as a Scout trooper races towards him on the iconic speeder bike. Like the other two in Jock’s series, this poster presents the viewer with an intimate and highly kinetic POV. Over the last two years Jock has done an absolutely stunning job showcasing Luke’s trials across the galaxy and we couldn’t be more proud of the series as a whole.
Tomorrow is today at Noon CST, and man, this looks great. Tempting.
Coming Soon:
Puppets look great, and the voice cast is stunning…but I hope this isn’t one of those scenarios where a beloved favorite is revisited, only for all of us wishing that they never looked back.
Vanity Fair:
…
The Gwen and Miles adventure will serve as a launching pad for another Gwen-centric tale: Pascal also confirmed that a previously announced Spider-Women spin-off, written by Bek Smith, will feature Spider-Gwen and Cindy Moon (a.k.a. Silk) as well as Jessica Drew (a.k.a. Spider-Woman).
I got to see Into the Spider-Verse this weekend and absolutely loved it, so to say that I’m excited for subsequent films is an understatement. This is one of those wells which deserves to be gone back to, regularly.
Speaking of Into the Spider-Verse, there’s also a SPOILER-FILLED article over at /Film which explains the movie’s post-credit scene.
Variety:
Unexpected, but another great win for Apple’s still mysterious streaming platform.
Wonder what happens with the legacy Peanuts content?
Wired:
Here’s the source link on all of that.
The real fun of it all? Here, I’ll let Wired break that down…
Good luck with that one, Zuckerberg! Someone’s got a fine coming.
Entertainment Weekly:
Great creative duo to continue the awesome work of G. Willow Wilson.
I have to assume Kevin Feige is working on bringing Kamala to the MCU sooner rather than later, right?
9to5Mac:
RIP function within Apple Music which could’ve been good but no one really used.
Maybe they should’ve made an extendable API so people could more easily cross-post to Facebook/Instagram/Twitter and Connect?
Deadline:
First Brian K. Vaughan, now Fraction and DeConnick.
Sex Criminals on Netflix anyone?
Deadline:
First Brian K. Vaughan, now Fraction and DeConnick.
Sex Criminals on Netflix anyone?
KFCFireLog.com:
Imbued with the unmistakable, mouth-watering aroma of Colonel Sanders’ secret recipe, the KFC 11 Herbs & Spices Firelog finally puts to rest the age-old dilemma, “How can I make this fire a hundred bajillion times better?“ This one-of-a-kind firelog from Enviro-Log, a leading manufacturer of firelogs made of 100 percent recycled materials, is the result of countless hours of research and development, all done over the last couple of months since we had this idea. Pick up a firelog today, and you’ll be wondering how you were ever able to enjoy a fire that didn’t smell like fried chicken.
We live in a truly blessed age.
Still enigmatic as before - though a bit more threatening with those scissors.
All I know is, just as before, with Get Out behind him, I am down for any movie Jordan Peele makes.
Looks very interesting. I mean, I was sold with “John Goodman" - that guy always does something great.
Mondo:
Two posters - one for Miles Morales, one for the Spidergeddon event, three really cool record slip mats, and perhaps most importantly: a Spider-Ham pin.
Of note, these are not related to the Into the Spider-Verse movie…but I think I’ve seen Bottleneck Gallery teasing something there…
StarWars.com:
Pedro Pascal (Narcos) has been cast in the title role as a lone Mandalorian gunfighter in the outer reaches of the galaxy. He is joined by Gina Carano (Deadpool), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Emily Swallow (Supernatural), Carl Weathers (Predator), Omid Abtahi (American Gods), Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man), and Nick Nolte (Affliction).
Absolutely rules. Werner Herzog is going to be a deliriously great addition to the Star Wars mythos.
AIPT:
Join acclaimed writer Chip Zdarsky (Peter Parker Spectacular Spider-Man, Marvel 2-In-One) and superstar Spider-Man artist Mark Bagley (Amazing Spider-Man, Ultimate Spider-Man) for SPIDER-MAN: LIFE STORY — a tale encompassing the entire history of Spider-Man from beginning to end, set against the key events of each decade! As the series kicks off in March, the year is 1966, and Peter Parker must determine where his power and responsibility truly lies as the nation becomes embroiled in the Vietnam War.
This sounds really cool.
Based on Zdarsky’s run on Peter Parker: Spectacular Spider-Man, Bagley being arguably the Spider-Man artist, and the prestige format of the series, I expect something truly special.
No idea on the plot or anything, but that’s a great cast!
EDIT:Â Hey! Thanks to ComingSoon, here’s a vague log line:
The Hollywood Reporter:
U.S. transmedia producer Starlight Runner Entertainment has been tapped by Tokyo-based Tsuburaya Productions to build out the Ultraman mythology for the digital age outside of Japan, to include a possible live action streaming TV series. The original live action Ultra Q and Ultraman series that launched in 1966 featured a high-tech police force and their silver superhero Ultraman battling to save the Earth from invading aliens and giant monsters.
Not sure if this will turn out OK…
Bloomberg:
Now, the problem is - according to the linked article - news outlets are feeling kinda sketch about joining the service.
I mean, I get it - selling online news subscriptions is hard enough, and that’s without Apple taking a cut. And Facebook promised to be the new haven for news, and that has been a complete garbage fire. So I understand the hesitance.
Personally, if they make this roll-up easily into my Apple Music Family Plan, I’d gladly pay for journalism!
TheWrap:
Wong is playing an associate of Renee Montoya in Gotham law enforcement. Additionally, actor Robert Catrini has joined the cast. His role is being kept under wraps.
Interesting! Wong’s a comedy powerhouse these days. Looking forward to what she can bring to the table!
So, it’s A Quiet Place, but with vision instead of sound. And it’s got Sandy Bullock.
I mean…I’ll watch it because I have a Netflix subscription.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Scott Derrickson, who directed and co-wrote the mystical Marvel hero’s initial 2016 outing, has quietly finalized a deal to direct the new installment.
A search for a writer to pen the script is about to get underway.
Benedict Cumberbatch will return as Stephen Strange, the good doctor-turned-master of the mystic arts, as will Benedict Wong, who plays his right-hand man, Wong. Rachael McAdams, who played Stephen Strange’s love interest, is likely to return as well.
Doctor Strange was an MCU movie which I didn’t fall deeply in love with until subsequent rewatches. I’m confident a sequel will knock it out of the park.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Legendary has acquired film rights to Toxic Avenger, the cult classic from indie schlock producing house Troma Entertainment, with the goal of relaunching the property as a full-throated franchise.
File this story under “Surreal". Sure hope Lloyd Kaufman is getting paid for this one!
Just the perfect teaser you need to get into the holiday spirit, while also getting excited for The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.
Glad to see Ben Affleck appearing to be engaged with his work again!
Gematsu:
W-wow. As one of the few US owners of a Sega Saturn, this is incredibly exciting and unexpected.
The Mall Rats
The Case of the Missing Lifeguard
The Sauna Test
The Source
The Birthday
The Bite
The Battle of Starcourt
I do like how they’re leaning into each new season being a sequel to the prior one.
Of the titles, “The Sauna Test" is the strangest one to me. Sounds like the final set piece takes place in that cool new mall, too.
Finally, Jake Peralta gets to live his Die Hard dreams.
If I’m honest, I recognize that BK99’s move to NBC is probably only good for a season or two, but I’m very glad that the show will get another lease on life.
If you dug the teaser, btw, enjoy this Holt-approved alternate version:
OK, so not all of the looks of the characters are “comic accurate" - but I am way hyped.
BRING IT ON!
I admit, it’s not the most original concept - but the idea of an Evil Superman movie with talent like James Gunn behind the camera and Elizabeth Banks in front of it, has me intrigued. What say you?
If this is a direct continuation of Stand Alone Complex - meaning complete with Yoko Kanno score - this could be fantastic.
Deadline:
Under the pact, Legendary will adapt several of Vaughan’s creator-owned comics, as well as produce exclusive, original projects developed by Vaughan for film and television across traditional and non-traditional platforms.
Here comes a Saga movie, or Paper Girls show, or so many other awesome things.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Up-and-coming screenwriter Amanda Idoko has been hired to pen the script for what will be a comedic action-adventure for Warner Bros. Bob Shaye, the former co-founder of New Line turned producer, will executive produce.
YES, DC - let’s keep getting weird!
Polygon:
You can see all the trailers at the link above, but I thought I’d share my favorites. (And don’t get me wrong, I’m excited about some that I’m not sharing here. These are just the one’s which got me really going.)
Incredibly stylish, incredibly cool.
Loved this franchise in the 00’s! Very cool to see it come back, very surprising to see it return as a Nintendo published game.
A new isometric action-RPG from Supergiant Games? Hell and yes.
Loved ABZU, and this just looks as beautiful and stylish. Maybe I should just immediately pre-order anything Annapurna Interactive is connected to?
Variety:
“47 Meters Down" director Johannes Roberts has been hired by Constantin Film to take the reins on the horror reboot, sources tell Variety.
Oh, cool. Wonder if this will be more based on the earlier games, or the star reboot of Resident Evil 7?
Mondo:
This is our first time working with Logan and he’s done excellent work unifying and capturing these incredible films in his style and aesthetic. We’re stoked and can’t wait to work with Logan again.
Posters go on sale later today. I LOVE Logan’s style!
Variety:
Series creator Eric Fogel will return to executive produce, with Ice Cube set to executive produce and star in the new take on the stop-motion animation series. Jeff Kwatinetz of Cube Vision will also executive produce with Ben Hurwitz co-executive producing. The new “Celebrity Deathmatch" will be available as a weekly series for an SVOD or other network partner in 2019.
I barely recall the 2006 return, but the original was a regular watch for me as a teenager.
My weird ask - are “celebrities" really “celebrities" as they once were? Or will we be seeing YouTuber fights, or Real Housewives throw down?
Variety:
“Vice,“ Adam McKay’s scathing Dick Cheney biopic, walked away with a leading six nominations. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the organization behind the Globes, also awarded “A Star Is Born,“ “The Favourite,“ and “Green Book" with three nods apiece. On the television front, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace" picked up four nominations. “Barry,“ “The Kominsky Method,“ and “Homecoming" scored three nominations, as did “Sharp Objects,“ “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,“ and “A Very English Scandal.“
Nice to see Black Panther get a Best Picture - Drama nod, and I can’t wait to see Vice!
McElroy.Family:
We forgot to put it on the internet.
OK, sure, you could access our work through all manner of back alleys of the web or shady side streets, but never had we opened a virtual storefront to say “Here. Here is content. From a family.“
Now, thanks to our old pals at Vox Media and the incredible, face-melting power of the Chorus platform, that’s all been rectified. We’re not pulling up stakes with our beloved Maximum Fun podcasting family, far from it. We’re just finally making a website where with just one bookmark you can access everything we make all in one place. (We’ll be making some new stuff here too.)
Cool to see the McElroy’s, the best family on the Internet, get a proper home thanks to the Vox team.
To celebrate, we got a new Monster Factory!
The Hollywood Reporter:
Oh. OK. Cool!
Nice. I like Emma Stone!
Wait. What?
The Hollywood Reporter:
Evan Spiliotopoulos, the writer of 2017’s Beauty and the Beast and 2016’s The Huntsman: Winter’s War, penned the script, and Brian Goldner is among those producing the feature based on the Hasbro toy line.
Hey, if this does for G.I. Joe what it looks like Bumblebee is doing for Transformers, this could be pretty cool.
Collider:
That is certainly a choice.
And I’m not even someone who dislikes Hathaway.
I’m just still confused as to how a Sesame Street movie is supposed to work, Follow That Bird aside.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Production is already (and secretly) underway on a feature version of the popular and barb-filled show that hails from Funny or Die.
…huh.
I wonder how on Earth that’s going to work.
If you know the plot of Watership Down, this is a hard watch. Oh man.
Variety:
The new agreement comes after Funimation, owned by Sony Pictures Television, ended its cross-licensing deal with rival Crunchyroll earlier this fall.
Under the new multiyear pact between Hulu and Funimation, Hulu gets first dibs on U.S. streaming video-on-demand rights to anime series from Funimation. The deal will make Hulu and Funimation the co-exclusive destinations to certain new subtitled anime series day-and-date with their Japanese broadcast premieres (and eventually dubbed versions as well).
Certainly increases the value of a Hulu subscription, doesn’t it?
Eurogamer:
Following the enormous success of the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy remaster, it looks like publisher Activision will revisit kart racing spin-off CTR next.
Awesome! I loved this game!
Unreal Engine/Epic:
As developers ourselves, we wanted two things: a store with fair economics, and a direct relationship with players. And we’ve heard that many of you want this too!
Soon we’ll launch the Epic Games store, and begin a long journey to advance the cause of all developers. The store will launch with a hand-curated set of games on PC and Mac, then it will open up more broadly to other games and to Android and other open platforms throughout 2019.
This could be huge.
Interesting terms for devs, and coming at a time where gamers are taking issue with Steam/Valve? There’s a chance this could shake things up.
PokÁ©mon GO Blog:
I know a lot of people who are going to be very, very excited about this.
BusinessWire:
I really love both Anchorman movies, so at the very least, this has me for an episode.
I do wonder what an hour of Will Ferrell being allowed to improvise will result in.
Deadline:
Based on Iain Reid’s 2016 novel, the plot centers on Jake, who is on a road trip to meet his parents on their secluded farm with his girlfriend (Larson), who is thinking of ending things. When Jake makes an unexpected detour leaving her stranded, a twisted mix of palpable tension, psychological frailty and sheer terror ensues.
I haven’t read the book myself, but Kaufman always makes amazing movies, and Brie is always great.
Deadline:
Written by Rae, Kittrell and Aniobi, The Dolls, inspired by true events, recounts the aftermath of Christmas Eve riots within two small Arkansas towns in 1983…riots which erupted over, yes,…Cabbage Patch Dolls. The limited series explores class, race, privilege and what it takes to be a “good mother.“
That is certainly a subject to tackle.
Variety:
Insiders stress is that the film is not a biopic but an original story with Prince’s classic songs driving the plotline. The Prince estate has been inquiring with studios about such a film, and Universal Chairman Donna Langley worked aggressively to acquire the rights.
Sources close to the situation say the estate and Universal already felt that the biopic angle had largely been covered by Prince’s 1984 star-making film “Purple Rain" and wanted to do something original and outside the box. Meetings have begun with potential writers and producers and execs are hoping the film can be something like Universal’s “Mamma Mia,“ with a completely original story where Prince’s music helps drive that narrative.
I mean, I love Prince.
…but this is a bad idea.
Well, those sure are some impressive space battles hinted at there!
And if you missed it, here’s the poster.
HolidayGiftGuide.Net:
Usually, this comes out on/by Black Friday, but this is always an amazing guide which I add countless items to my personal wish-list from.
Maybe you’ll find something you like as well?
The Hollywood Reporter:
The network has ordered to series an adaptation of the 2018 bestseller starring Rogue One’s Ben Mendelsohn. Jason Bateman will direct the first two episodes of the drama, which hails from studio MRC (also the studio on Bateman’s Netflix drama Ozark). He’ll also serve as an executive producer through his company Aggregate Films, which will produce the project alongside Temple Hill Entertainment.
The Outsider centers on a seemingly straightforward investigation into the gruesome murder of a local boy that leads a seasoned cop and an unorthodox investigator to question everything they believe to be real, as an insidious supernatural force edges its way into the case.
I read the book version of The Outsider over the Summer, during my beach vacation.
It was really great, and the team assembled so far is super promising.
Please don’t screw this up, HBO.
The Verge:
I’m of a real mixed mind here, gang.
I haven’t really been a regular Tumblr user for years, but even then, I wasn’t the biggest user of the site.
(I did briefly consider bringing this site over there, but I’m glad I continue to own my own chunk of the web.)
On one hand:
On the other:
At the end of the day, like most website changes - time will tell. Will the audience go down? Will advertisers leave or flock? Will there be a Tumblr in 2019, 2020, and so on? You can consider the what ifs for ages - but the team at Tumblr has decided that this is the best step forward. And now the world will show them, positive or negative, if it were the best step to take.
Deadline:
You thought Guardians of the Galaxy was obscure!
Seriously though, I hope this comes out and rules.
Shame they couldn’t put Iron Fist on the big screen, made into an Asian American character, but this could be cool.
StarWars.com:
But one item in particular stands out: that jacket.
It’s a bold blue parka with popping stripes on the upper sleeves, a custom nameplate above the left pocket, and other Star Wars-themed details, including a patch on the left arm and, finally, the coup de grÁ¢ce: a hauntingly cool “Vader in flames" on the front chest. The Empire parka was crew gear (custom-made, branded apparel for those working on a film) before there was crew gear, and Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and director Irvin Kershner all wore it. As such, it’s become a holy grail among collectors. They’re incredibly hard to find, as only a few dozen were made and even fewer are known to exist today.
If you ever liked the jacket’s style or wished you could have something like it, you’re in luck.
Available for $500 here starting on December 7th.
The Toyark:
Looks great, but too expensive for my blood.
(Keep in mind, I have a hard time paying $20 for a Marvel Legends figure.)
Smithsonian Magazine:
Designed by artist Jeffrey Veregge, the work features all the elements of a great comic book battle—splashy text, panel-breaking brawls, giant villains and daring heroes. But the exhibition, titled “Jeffrey Veregge: Of Gods and Heroes,“ also tells a deeper story about cross-pollinating influences between Indigenous traditions and modern pop culture. Veregge is Salish, part of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe in Washington State, and the mural uses phrases from his tribal language, S’Klallam, as well as motifs from his tribe to offer his own distinct take on these familiar characters.
So incredibly cool.
Amazon:
So, uh…does this mean the end of the HomePod?
…does this mean I have to buy an Echo?!…
oh god.
Variety:
“Paddington’s" Paul King is directing. Andrew Miano and Chris Weitz are producing. King, Weitz, and Simon Farnaby wrote the most recent draft.
Yeah, that’s pretty much perfect casting.
Variety:
Look, just tell me if it will be cheaper to go all-in with this than say, separate products for The Criterion Channel and HBO Now.
ThinkGeek:
Which is good because this embiggened puppet could probably swallow our former office corgi Rolo whole. (Imagine the little guy with a puppet twice that size.) Give this fearsome Super Mario baddie a spot in your personal greenhouse. This puppet version needs only your hand to thrive - no water or food. But maybe don’t wear overalls around it, just to be on the safe side.
If you’re not so much into a Piranha Plant, maybe a Donkey Kong will do for you?
Deadline:
Shockingly, this is going to happen well before the phenomenon of Hamilton.
Kotaku:
Click through for photos, including a hell of a last photo.
The Wrap:
Mexican-born writer Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, who wrote Universal’s “Scarface,“ has been tapped to write the screenplay. Dunnet-Alocer also wrote the upcoming “Miss Bala" remake for Sony.
Smart move by WB/DC here. Focus on characters and experiences which make your universe stand out, versus playing “Follow the Leader".
The Hollywood Reporter:
The cable channel has partnered with Alcon Television Group and anime streaming outlet Crunchyroll to produce Blade Runner — Black Lotus, a 13-episode series inspired by Blade Runner 2049, the sequel to Ridley Scott’s 1982 classic.
This could be really awesome.
Does this mean it would air on Adult Swim, then stream on Crunchyroll? Or some sort of simulcast?
The awesome news is, with Shinichiro Watanabe producing, there’s a chance that this will be similar to the great prequel short for 2049 he did.
Deadline:
Console Wars is a really great read, perfectly encapsulating the video game war which enraptured the playgrounds of my generation. It should make for a great television series.
(I was a Sega fan, myself. Ironic, given how much of a Nintendo fan I’ve grown into being.)
I am hoping that this is sort of a kinder, gentler, funnier Halt and Catch Fire.
StarWars.com:
Debuting on the all-new StarWarsKids.com and the Star Wars Kids YouTube channel on November 30, the first six shorts combine original dialogue, music, and sound effects with bold new animations, and fun and educational add-ons designed to help older fans, parents, and other mentors to welcome the kids in their lives to explore the galaxy far, far away. Additional shorts featuring fan-favorite characters will debut in December, with regular releases following in 2019.
I can’t wait to show these to my niece!
So, we got Watanabe, which is cool.
Chris Yost writing is a nice get.
But unless they’re bringing on Yoko Kanno, I have some serious reservations.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The Google-owned platform is expected to scale back its scripted output beginning in 2020, a source with direct knowledge of the company’s plans tells The Hollywood Reporter. The move comes as executives plan to double down on YouTube’s ad-supported business by making all future originals free to its 2 billion users, regardless of whether they pay $12 each month for subscription service YouTube Premium.
On one hand, I will now get to watch Cobra Kai, Bodied and Kedi for free.
On the other, this feels like the first major casualty of the content wars. Shame.
Mondo:
This poster will be available alongside the record on Wednesday (11/28) at NOON (CT) via mondotees.com.
If I didn’t just buy that Spider-Man: Homecoming poster…wow.
Craig Drake outdid himself.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Joaquim Dos Santos, known for his work on cartoon series Avatar: The Last Airbender and more recently, Netflix’s Voltron series, has been tapped to direct the sequel.
At the same time Lauren Montgomery, who also worked on Voltron and co-directed animated movies Batman: Year One and Superman/Batman: Apocalypse for DC, is in negotiations to helm an untitled Spider-centric project that will gather the female heroes in the Spider-Man universe of characters in one adventure. Bek Smith, who wrote episodes of CBS show Zoo, will pen the script.
Wow, that is incredibly confident!
I’ve had high hopes for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse since its first trailer, and this tells me that those hopes may be well served. Can’t wait for December 14th!
I have to be honest - I haven’t been as regular a watcher of The Grand Tour as I’d like, especially given that I was/am a big Top Gear fan.
Sure, part of my excuse is that it took until last year for Apple TV to get an Amazon Prime Video app, but really, I should catch up, especially for as beautiful as this show is in glorious 4K.
Now, with the first trailer for Season 3, I know when I need to catch up by. January 18, 2019.
Deadline:
Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment has inked an agreement with Entertainment One for the series based on an idea by the TWD EP of the final five years before a fatal meteor hits the Earth, I’ve learned. The two companies will co-produce and eOne will handle the financing and distribution for 5 Year.
Here’s what’s interesting about it:
So, if I’m getting this right - 5 Year will have unique versions for different countries - the version of 5 Year you watch in the US will be different than the one in Japan, then the one in India, etc. But, all of them will sync up to a specific timeline of what’s going on in the world in that time.
It’s a bold move. I wonder how it will work out?
Coming Soon:
Pretty cool! Gonna be weird to see how Charlie and the Chocolate Factory animated series lines up with the rumored Wonka reboot over at Warner Bros, but overall, I’d love to see how these turn out.
The Nation:
The best people, folks. The best people.
Remember this when they give tax breaks. Remember this when they defund the arts. Remember this when they look to defund Medicare and Social Security.
Super Art Fight:
Since this is Giving Tuesday, we wanted to officially announce our participation in the 2019 Plunge, and issue the challenge to the SAF Army - JOIN US OR DONATE!
You can donate to my page directly here, or you can join the Super Art Fight team (or donate to us a whole) here!
Engadget:
It’s not the only anime classic coming to Netflix either, as there’s a brand new Ultraman movie and a series based on the manga 7 Seeds on deck in April. Rilakkuma and Kaoru is a stop-motion animated show about a woman with a stuffed bear as a roommate, while Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac takes place in modern day as warriors fight to protect the Greek goddess Athena.
Well, well, well…looks like a new generation gets to become aware of Shiji’s Fucked Up Mecha Adventure.
I dunno if it will hold up for me now as a 34-year-old man as it did as a 14-year-old teenager, but I’ll give it a spin for nostalgia’s sake, at least.
I know nothing of the franchise. Not read a page. But I know that the Radiohead remix used here is pretty dope.
The Washington Post:
A DJ cranked up electronic music, and stage lights burned to life. Where the gear for a band would normally sit, a large wall of white paper dominated. Metal buckets filled with fat markers hung from either end. Fans corralled into what would have been the mosh pit for a better view of the night’s event: the live drawing competition known as Super Art Fight.
Self promotion and all, but I think this is an instance where blowing one’s own horn is well deserved.
Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson has put together a piece which really gets to the core of why, ten years later, we’re still putting on Super Art Fight shows, why it connects to people, and what makes it really special. It also puts a much needed spotlight on my dear friend and business partner Jamie Noguchi, someone who I feel incredibly lucky to work with and learn from as we go up and down the roads together. Doesn’t hurt that I’m quoted a few times in here too.
And those photos from AndrÁ© Chung are way dope too.
Beaming over here. Beaming.
SoraNews 24:
To commemorate the occasion, the world’s first two Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts themed cafes have been unveiled, and the only place you’ll find them is in Japan.
Very cool! Just a shame about the movie they’re connected to.
I wonder why we don’t do anything like this really in the States? I’d definitely go to an Avengers cafe in a heartbeat.
I wondered if we’d see a first look at Avengers 4 or Star Wars: Episode IX over the holiday, but instead, we got a peak at what could reasonably be the biggest movie of the Summer - even with strong competition - Jon Favreau’s photo-realistic remake of The Lion King.
Though short, we get a glimpse of the iconic “Circle of Life" sequence from the film, and honestly, I got goosebumps. This is going to make all the money.
And if you didn’t feel old enough, good news: The Lion King will hit theaters just in time to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the original.
Hey, there’s a poster too. Enjoy.
Coming Soon:
Fans who participate in this one-day-only event will get to see the film on the big screen nearly two weeks before it opens nationwide on December 21st. Tickets will be on sale for the prevailing price at participating locations, and each admission includes a ticket to the movie, bonus content and a Transformers: Tiny Turbo Changers Movie Toy from Hasbro, while supplies last. Showtime will be at 7:00 p.m. at all participating locations.
Much like with Aquaman, I assume Paramount must be happy with how the final filmed turned out to be willing to do these early screenings.
Is that an intentional Birdman riff, or just where we’ve landed?
The Brothers Brick:
These look great. I’m really into the Mad Max aesthetic for the new movie.
What’s better than One Chris Pratt? Two Chrises Pratt.
Update: A very Star Trek: The Motion Picture poster has arrived too!
Variety:
For the past decade, no issue has incited bigger battles than that of theatrical windowing, the industry term for the length of time a movie appears exclusively in cinemas. Studios argue that they need to be able to release films on home entertainment platforms earlier as a way to combat piracy and capitalize on expensive advertising campaigns publicizing a picture’s debut in theaters. Exhibitors counter that a shorter window could cannibalize ticket sales and encourage consumers to skip the multiplexes, and wait to see a movie when they can rent or buy it. As it currently stands, most theatrical releases are not available in the home until roughly 90 days after they premiere in multiplexes.
I hate to say it, but as an avid viewer of films on my Apple TV, for as much as I love the theatrical experience…uh, bring it on?
Polygon:
Good luck if you want to get one.
Kotaku:
The special Whopper goes on sale November 29 in Japan, which is “good meat day.“ It’s not a national holiday, but a pun. November 29 is 11-29. The eleven looks like the Japanese “ii" (ã„ã„), meaning “good.“ The numbers “2” and “9” are “ni" and “kyuu,“ which sounds like “niku" (肉), the Japanese word for “meat.“
I’m shocked that we in the States didn’t come up with “Good Meat Day" first.
Is this enough to get you in theaters this Christmas for this new, rock-star version of Arthur Curry?
Now, imagine going through this with two cats. This is my life.
Chew Boom:
Lay’s Bar-B-Q Tenders feature the brand’s crispy chicken tenders coated in a batter made with a blend of the Colonel’s recipe and Lay’s Bar-B-Q potato chips. Bar-B-Q? That’s what Lay’s calls their Barbecue flavor in Canada.
Well, it’s an idea.
Gizmodo:
Wombats are kind of obsessed with their own poop.
Now I am too. Wow.
The Sweet Setup:
Want to see how my computer is setup? Check out this interview on one of my favorite websites, The Sweet Setup. Between this and their sister-site, Tools and Toys, these pages are must reads, so being featured is quite nice.
I get that this is for a good cause and all, but this should really just be a DVD extra.
Business Wire:
This worked really well for Jumanji last year, but I’m not sure if this is for the same type of audience. Jumanji skewed for families, while Aquaman seems to aim older.
Warning: The following article contains considerable spoilers from Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them and its sequel Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Read on accordingly.
Folks, I’m not what you’d call a hardcore Harry Potter fan.
I don’t know what house I’d be filed into, as I didn’t see the point in signing up for Pottermore to do so.
I’ve read all seven books, enjoyed them greatly - even had a regular thing of reading each new book within about a day of release, for books 4-7.
Really dig the movies! Revisit all eight pretty regularly, even with their common reappearance on cable as of late.
But I don’t have the depth of knowledge of many of my friends. I don’t remember every name of every obscure headmaster at Hogwarts, or legendary wizards dark and light. But I think I do OK.
That said, when JK Rowling and the team at Warner Bros announced they were revisiting the Wizarding World, I was excited.
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, sure it was a text book in Potter-proper, but my mind raced with the potential. And when it was said that the film was going to take place in the Roaring Twenties? Even cooler. That’s an era, a moment which is so rarely encapsulated in film, let alone in a big time blockbuster film franchise.
The trailers hit, photos arrived from Entertainment Weekly, and I was enamored with the visual style - incredibly arresting. I was in.
And then the first movie hit…and it was kind of a mess.
We had the story of a lovable, strange wizard in Newt Scamander - one who had the love of incredible, magical creatures, many in his briefcase - and during a trip to New York City, they all got out.
Sounds like a possible Indiana Jones romp, or maybe even a Doctor Who episode. Appropriate, given that Eddie Redmayne seemed to be channeling - intentionally or not - Matt Smith’s Doctor.
What made the movie so strange, however, was that this family friendly romp was juxtaposed with a very grim story of evil wizards on the rise, a caustic wizard government in the United States, and the lengthy abuse of a powerful wizard (Ezra Miller’s Credence) - one which caused him to lash out with immense destruction.
The two seemed incongruent, as if JK Rowling - writing a screenplay for the first time - had two stories in her heart, and didn’t know which to pursue. One for the families which loved Harry Potter, one for the teens who grew up and wanted something more mature. But these were not chocolate and peanut butter - the opposites did not attract.
Sure, we had unexpected highlights, such as the romance between the muggle (or “no-maj", as we in the states cringingly call them) Jacob and mind-reader Queenie, but it just was a movie that didn’t work in the end….something no greater personified than a brilliant villainous performance from Colin Farrell, turning out to be Johnny Depp in disguise, in a moment that could not have occurred at a worse time.
One would have hoped that this would lead to a lengthier time of consideration and thought, trying to build out a greater story…but alas, a five film franchise, greenlit before the first even hit theaters, is a beast which must be fed.
The end result of the race to film number two - Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald hit theaters this weekend, and sadly, it seems not a single lesson was learned here.
The plot, what best I can summarize of it, is as follows:
The story which follows is as stilted and convoluted as the breakdown above. Sure, it’s a gorgeous movie - Philippe Rousselot’s cinematography is out of this world, David Yates (who apparently has decided his career IS wizard films from now on) directs the shit out of it, and the costumes are beautiful - but it’s ultimately hollow, because JK Rowling does the greatest sin any writer can do: she becomes convinced her ideas are great just because they’re related to her ideas.
The end result of the above is as follows - after 2 hours and 15 minutes of gorgeous magic, brilliant CG, and little plot movement (the Hogwarts flashback is cool though), this entire movie is revealed to hold two plot points of weight: Credence - believing that he’s Leta Lestrange’s long-lost/presumed-dead brother, is, as it turns out, Dumbledore’s long-lost/presumed-dead brother. And now I guess Dumbledore and Grindelwald (who are hinted as being lovers in the past in a way so subtle that I’m thinking people uncomfortable with their sexuality just consider them as “Super Good Bros!“) are going to fight in Fantastic Beasts 3: Still Beastin’.
All of the above is only “interesting" because each element somehow ties into Harry Potter ephemera. Everyone is only important because their last names are those which are important. And it all sort of ties back into Harry’s journey. Yeah, I guess it’s about Newt, but he does a lot of standing around…and the onus in the next film doesn’t even involve him being active.
In his 2007 album Werewolves and Lollipops, comedian Patton Oswalt has a track - the brashly titled “At Midnight I Will Kill George Lucas with a Shovel" - where he discusses the greatest sin of the Star Wars prequels. I’ve embedded it below:
As he says here - I don’t need to know why I like the things I like. I don’t need these tales to tell me why I liked Harry Potter. I don’t need them to tie so directly to the world I know. I need them to expand on that world. And two films out of (good lord) five have done nothing but make the world infinitely smaller.
The primary poster for the film (below) has a bizarre tagline: “Who Will Change the Future?“
We already know what the future holds. Dumbledore wins. Voldemort rises. Harry leads the change that ends the dark/light battle for good (for now). There is no change in that future…and unfortunately, after walking out of The Crimes of Grindelwald, there’s no change in the future of moviegoers either.
The Wizarding World has infinite possibilities. This film shows that in the hands of JK Rowling, unfortunately, those possibilities have already been accounted for.
Thrillist:
Five months later, in a story in The Oregonian, restaurant critic Michael Russell detailed how Stanich’s had been forced to shut down. In the article, Steve Stanich called my burger award a curse, “the worst thing that’s ever happened to us.“ He told a story about the country music singer Tim McGraw showing up one day, and not being able to serve him because there was a five hour wait for a burger. On January 2, 2018, Stanich shut down the restaurant for what he called a “two week deep cleaning.“ Ten months later, Stanich’s is still closed. Now when I look at the Stanich’s mug in my office, I no longer feel light and happy. I feel like I’ve done a bad thing.
An incredible read about burgers, articles, and the unfortunate affect that publicity can have in this world.
Engadget:
Very cool. That 29,000¥ price tag though, that’s a bit much for my tastes.
Deadline:
Does anyone have a strong fondness for The Saint? My vague memory of it is “Val Kilmer wears a wig.“ Incorrect?
Deadline:
I love this comic. I would’ve never in a million years expected this. I am excited.
IGN:
I know a lot of people were hoping for The Legend of Zelda here, but the idea of a Devil May Cry series - and somehow, it crossing over with Castlevania - is pretty cool.
Criterion:
Well, if you loved the curated programming we’ve been doing with our friends at FilmStruck, we have good news for you. The Criterion Collection team is going to be carrying on with that mission, launching the Criterion Channel as a freestanding service in spring 2019.
Tremendous news.
You can sign up to be a charter member - one of the first to get the service - here.
January 4, 2019. And we’re going to Apokolips.
Enough for you to sign up to DC Universe?
Buzzfeed News:
Burn it the fuck down.
And yes, this would include Instagram photos.
Work With the Monsters:
We’re calling all filmmakers, actors, agents, writers, producers, animators, tastemakers, dealmakers, movers and shakers.
We want to work with you to bring great stories to life. From mythical fables to magical journeys. Fairy tales to folk tales. Cliffhangers to nail-biters. Heroic sagas to cosmic battles. Binge-worthy dramas to historical epics. Blockbusters to indies. Serials to sequels.
Together, let’s captivate the hearts and minds of teens and adults.
This isn’t a contest. This isn’t a pitch for free ideas.
We humbly submit this brief to you, Hollywood.
General Mills is thirsty for the Fruit Brute cinematic universe and don’t care who knows it.
Deadline:
“Our priority is to expand our role as a major global content supplier,“ Gianopulos said. “As such, we’re exploring various new revenue streams in addition to our traditional theatrical releases as a producer of first-run films and television for other media platforms.“
The wind of change has arrived.
Thurrott:
The Scarlett devices are Microsoft’s next-gen consoles and are not expected until 2020 but in 2019, the company is planning to release a disc-less console. And if this is making you nervous because you have a large collection of physical discs for your current Xbox, Microsoft has you covered.
In addition to the new console, there will be a disc-to-digital’ program that, as the name states, turns your physical games into digital downloads. The idea is that you can take your disc to a participating retailer (like the Microsoft store) and trade in your disc for a digital download.
As someone constantly looking to reduce the amount of clutter in his life, I hope this is successful so that Sony and Nintendo have to match it.
I’m kinda wishing I went digital-only this gen. Especially on the Switch.
Kotaku:
“That was not official info,“ Nomura told Famitsu. “As I said at E3, development is progressing favorably.“ However, he went on to say that Square Enix’s PR is currently focused on KHIII, but after that, it will focus on Final Fantasy VII Remake so he asked folks not to worry and to wait a bit more.
Sure it is, Nomura. Sure it is.
I’m going to chalk “Final Fantasy VII Remake is going well.“ alongside “Kingdom Hearts III is a game that is coming out", “Imagine Dragons is a band people enjoy" and “NBC’s Chicago Shows are real, and have viewers" as entertainment stories which just aren’t true.
Deadline:
I find Will Forte and Heidi Gardner incredibly funny.
This seems…odd.
Marvel:
Awesome. Of course, now all I can think of is Zdarsky’s hilarious “How to Draw…“ cover variant for Daredevil.
The Guardian:
Peter Lord and David Sproxton, who founded the UK’s biggest animation production company while still at school, are set for a multimillion-pound payout as part of the deal, under which they will together continue to own a quarter of Aardman Holdings, the company’s parent group.
Brilliant idea. Wish more companies did things like this.
Variety:
The news was buried inside the Entertainment Software Association’s announcement of the 2019 show that quoted competitors Nintendo and Microsoft.
Between this and Sony dropping their PlayStation Experience event, I wonder - are Sony resting on their laurels and aiming with the idea that good games will win out over hyped press conferences, or is there something going on behind the scenes where they can’t support these sorts of events?
IndieWire:
This is fantastic.
A24 is a studio whom, no matter what, I pay attention to what they release.
I’m on record as an Apple nerd.
This makes me extremely pleased.
Chew Boom:
The Arbynator features the brand’s signature thinly sliced roast beef topped with Curly Fries, cheddar sauce, Arby’s sauce and Horsey sauce on a sesame seed bun.
The sandwich, dubbed as the “Most Arby’s Sandwich Ever Made,“ will be available in classic, double and half-pound varieties. The double Arbynator features twice the amount of roast beef than the classic, while the half-pound version boasts the most roast beef of the trio.
Goddamn. That’s kind of everything one would actually enjoy about Arby’s in between a bun.
And thankfully, not one of those awful onion buns. Don’t @ me.
The Hollywood Reporter:
But on Wednesday, the banner, which is in production on Star Wars IX, announced six big-screen projects from up-and-coming filmmakers that are in development. The projects are not yet set up at a studio.
Cool to see projects both from Megan Amram and Blair Butler in the mix!
TV Line:
An HBO spokesperson confirmed the postponement, citing executive producer Alec Berg’s busy schedule as the reason. “As Alec is a showrunner on both Barry and Silicon Valley,“ the rep explained to TVLine, “the schedule was structured to allow Alec to wrap on Barry before starting work on Silicon Valley.“
Stands to reason!
By the by, I do think wrapping up Silicon Valley this season would be a good move - Pied Piper got to where we needed it to go, and unfortunately, truth is becoming stranger than fiction.
Get that paycheck, Nick Frost!
Seriously though, Paige is an odd bird to do a bio-pic on.
She’s not even thirty, and her time as a major star was unfortunately cut short this year due to a neck injury, but with one of the more unique backgrounds in professional wrestling, I could see people being surprised by how much of her story is actually real.
If Pokemon Go taught us anything…this game is going to make a boatload of money next year.
Look for people acting like wizards en masse next Summer.
Deadline:
The plot centers on a mischievous 11-year-old YouTube star who unboxes her father’s secret safe as a stunt for her channel and unleashes the treacherous Puck and his band of evil tricksters on a small town.
Stop, the Planet of the Apes! I want to get off!
The Hollywood Reporter:
The streamer, sources say, is near a deal to secure rights to Wild Cards, the multiple-book series edited by Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin. Hulu and Universal Cable Productions reportedly have been looking to bring an adaptation to television in what would be a multiple-series pact.
Sources say Hulu and UCP are on the cusp of opening a writers room that would create a Wild Cards universe for the streamer. The two series will be written by Andrew Miller (The Secret Circle), who has an overall deal with UCP. Melinda Snodgrass, Vince Gerardis and Martin are all on board to executive produce what could be multiple Wild Cards series.
I have no attachment to the property, but I’m just going to make the obvious joke and ask if we should expect both series to air before The Winds of Winter finally hits shelves?
www.kickstarter.com/projects/…
Seriously though, if this ends up on Amazon Prime or Hulu instead, it’s going to be very funny.
All I’ve heard about this movie is how damn great it is.
Definitely going to see if it’s playing in a theater near me, but if not, I’ll see it in December on Netflix!
I have to say, the more they delay this movie, the more accustomed to those weird eyes I become…
…enough where I wonder if this was the plan all along.
Damn, you pulled a fast one on us all, Fox!
It’s hard to properly put into words how much I admire, enjoy, relate and commiserate with internet person Demi Adejuyibe’s tremendous speech from the XOXO Festival earlier this year.
It’s truly a brilliant encapsulation of the modern creative mind, and I’m not sure that someone has ever more elegantly put my own anxieties and struggles into words. And the son of a bitch is 7 years younger than me.
Can’t recommend this more. Click play, friends.
TMZ:
We’re told an ambulance rushed to Lee’s Hollywood Hills home early Monday morning and he was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. We’re told that’s where he died.
Sadly, much of the focus on Stan in recent years has been on the weirdness surrounding him, his family, and his estate.
But even with that, you can’t take away that his efforts - supported by countless incredible artists and creatives (even those who he didn’t necessarily give the proper credit to), were the foundation for what we know as modern comic storytelling.
A quick bit here, a personal Stan Lee story.
A few years back, we at Super Art Fight were guests at Awesome Con, a convention in Washington DC. In turn, we were staying at the same hotel as the other, more notable guests - including Stan Lee.
On the Saturday night, a group of us were gathering together in the lobby, going to head out for dinner. As we waited for the rest of our crew, Stan arrived at the hotel, along with his handlers.
It was in that moment that Stan Lee became real to me.
Stan Lee has, for his entire career, had an incredible image of that as a big comic book carnival huckster - always peppy, always exited, always with the right turn of phrase.
In this moment, he was an old man, getting help to his hotel room so that he could rest.
The iconography melted away. He was a real live human being.
We forget about that sometimes.
Stan - thank you for your efforts in creating the content of my childhood. But thank you also for that reminder that, at the end of the day, we’re all just human.
Hopefully you’ve reunited with your beloved Joanie. Excelsior.
I love the homage to the yearly Turkey Day marathons. Heck yes.
SoraNews24:
I really love the throw pillows with blankets inside, and the incredibly clever Piranha Plant slippers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1roy4o4tqQM&feature=share
Some of these designs are nightmare fuel. But damned if I don’t wanna hug Pikachu.
/Film:
Austin’s Mondo Gallery is playing host to Durieux’s latest gallery show, titled “The Art of Laurent Durieux Part Two", which opens today and runs through November 17. We got in touch with Durieux and he supplied us with the inspirations behind and origins of every print on display and for sale at the show, including posters for Planet of the Apes, Ghostbusters, Apocalypse Now, The Shining, and more.
Worth checking out not just to see every poster in the show — which are universally great — but to hear insight from Durieux on each piece.
Deadline:
The project is based on Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Chabon’s GQ article, “My Son, The Prince of Fashion,“ which follows the reporter’s visit to Paris Men’s Fashion Week with his 13-year-old son. In the article, Chabon tells a heartwarming story of his son’s passion for a world beyond his years, from meeting his fashion idol to experiencing a week of high-fashion runways, at the end of which he finally feels like he’s found “his people.“ When the article was originally published in GQ, it became an internet sensation and was nominated for a “National Magazine Award.“
Here’s a link to the original article.
Good to see Farrell stretching the more “serious" muscles again.
AV Club:
…
Designed like a Chinese temple, The Flying Guillotine will have everything you’d expect, like themed cocktails, kung fu movie trivia nights, a ton of posters and memorabilia you can buy, and—get this—a free video store.
Sometimes, I can’t touch the original headline, so I just bring it over in quotes.
This is one of those occasions.
I never thought I’d say this, but I need to go to Staten Island. Definitely recommend that you click through to the AV Club link to see the virtual tour of the bar’s design.
Chew Boom:
Look for them to be available in sandwich and platter forms.
Sounds tasty to me! KFC really is doing great things with their limited-time-offers.
Deadline:
Published last year by Simon & Schuster, the book revolves around a man and a woman who revisit memories of their love affair on a utopian Earth while they are trapped in the vast void of space with only 90 minutes of oxygen left.
The Internet is hyped.
I’ve been intrigued by this movie since the first teaser last year, but it’s clear that audiences need to see a little bit more before they sign on for the new Peter Jackson-produced flick.
So, if you want to know more about Mortal Engines than you’ve seen in the prior trailers, click play above.
Chew Boom:
Hmm. Sounds good! Break em down for me.
Mmm.
…all I can imagine is some bored employee slapping a full slice of pie into a blender and hatefully pureeing it up.
Looks like we’re going existential for this one!
Your official synopsis:
Hits theaters June 21, 2019.
Josh Holtsclaw:
A very in-depth, very cool look at much of the visual design and aesthetic appeal of Incredibles 2.
I rewatched the film over the weekend, and while the movie does not reach the highs of the first, the level of detail - as demonstrated in the work catalogued in this post - leads to a world that feels lived in and lively.
Tremendous work by Josh and the rest of the Pixar team.
Pitchfork:
Goddamn, I used to listen to this score all the time as a kid.
The Killian Eng artwork is a dream.
/Film:
This is a great info dump of everything happening with Disney+.
Among the highlights:
Sounds pretty promising!
Engadget:
I sure hope that Byte brings some of Vine’s silliness and whimsy back to the web, versus being, say, I dunno, 6 second shots of white supremacy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62er1sB2Ttg&feature=share
This movie cannot come soon enough.
PlayStation.Blog:
Beat Saber is coming to PS4 on November 20, bringing the thrilling rhythm experience right into your living room. You won’t want to put it down.
This is the closest I’ve come to considering buying PSVR.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM5VC7nCv_Y&feature=share
Laika has never missed. Always deliver.
I’ll be there for this one.
US Gamer:
This has got to be a bummer for the Final Fantasy fans.
With the lengthy development tracks of this and Kingdom Hearts 3, aligned with the director’s seemingly sudden departure, I have to ask: what the hell is happening at Square?
IGN:
SHIT YEAH!
…huh.
It has to at least be better than Uprising, right? RIGHT!?!
Variety:
Morrison’s newest project with UCP will be developing and writing his long-running comic series “The Invisibles" for television. Set in 2020, the series follows an elite international cell of occult freedom fighters dedicated to the creation of a better world for everyone by any means necessary.
It’s about damn time.
Mondo:
Holy shit, these are amazing.
Here’s the variant:
If I didn’t just grab the Spider-Man: Homecoming poster, I’d consider this drop, as Annihilation is one of my top movies of this year.
Greg Ruth is on my radar now, to boot.
/Film:
And his suffering isn’t over yet. /Film has learned that the newly announced Breaking Bad movie will be a sequel set after the events of the series finale, following Jesse as he blazes a trail away from that horrifying finale.
Oh man, my joking suggestion is coming true!
I was just having a conversation with my dude Ross about the filmography of Illumination Animation, and how their movies are neither great nor terrible - they deliver an expected quantity of decent. Just clever enough by half, just well animated enough, that you can neither fault them nor absolutely fall in love with their work.
The Secret Life of Pets 2 looks to be more of the same, even if I chuckled at the cat gag.
Props for replacing Louis CK with Patton Oswalt, too.
Twelve South:
$80 might be a little much when you can get a comparable stand from Anker for $20 (we have three in our home, one each on my wife and I’s nightstands, one in my office), but props to Twelve South for thinking outside of the box and delivering a clever way to introduce technology to a piece of household decoration.
This release date announcement trailer is the first glimpse I’ve had of Gris.
Game looks gorgeous. Goddamn.
Here’s a longer reveal trailer:
The Hollywood Reporter:
Jesse Pinkman: Super Spy
I’d be there day one.
Coming Soon:
The six all-new animated projects include CG (Kris Pearn’s The Willoughbys), 2D (Nora Twomey’s My Father’s Dragon), and stop-motion (Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio). The programming is designed to meet the tastes of every member of the family, from preschoolers (Rajiv Chilaka’s Mighty Little Bheem) to kids (Craig McCracken’s Kid Cosmic) to parents and their children together (Jorge Gutierrez’ Maya and the Three), for families everywhere.
Really a stunning mix, especially given the talent involved. (Glen Keene! Craig McCracken!)
The question is: how will it stand up to the work being produced by Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, Illumination, and so on?
Gematsu:
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s DLC line-up is now complete,“ Sakurai said in a tweet. “This time the selection was made entirely by Nintendo. I decide if we can create a fighter based on their selection, then come up with the plan.“
So, who do you think it is?
IDW Games:
Currently under development, Men In Black/Ghostbusters: Ecto-terrestrial Invasion will be a miniatures loaded board game featuring the world’s foremost protectors teaming up to take down a threat unlike any they have faced before. Making up the Ghostbusters team will be Peter Venkman, Egon Spangler, Ray Stanz, and Winston Zeddmore, and the MIB team will consist of Agent J, Agent K, Agent L and Zed. While these two teams have faced unearthly threats before, the strength of the Ecto-terrestrials is nearly overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be a little friendly competition.
Looks fun! Great art too. Derek Laufman is a great pick.
Kicks On Fire:
Pretty rad sneakers! Look forward to seeing the full collection.
Variety:
Universal Pictures has tasked Meledandri with finding some fresh story lines to reintroduce the lovable ogre and the sword-wielding feline to new generations of moviegoers. One thing the animation guru doesn’t want to mess with is with the vocal performances. Part of the popularity of “Shrek" is attributable to a voice cast that included Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas, and in a lengthy profile in Variety, Meledandri says he would like to get the band back together.
If it is going to be with the original voice casts - or at least try to be - does this make them reboot-quels? Legacyquels?
All I know is, that like an ogre, this story has layers.
Deadline:
The highlights of the plan:
Apparently all the new footage was shot in one day.
Will you be going?
Chew Boom:
For the first time, Pringles is offering fans a chance to snag three of the brand’s limited-time favorites from last year’s Thanksgiving flavors: Turkey, Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie.
You can pick them up for $15 tomorrow at 11:59PM EST here.
They’ll sell them until they sell out. Good luck!
Kotaku:
Huh.
Hindsight being 20/20 and all, bet they wish they did that.
Just received an email as an AMC A-List Subscriber which pretty much shows that AMC is willing to take the risks and make things work which MoviePass, sadly, did not.
Here goes the highlights:
Awesome. Glad to hear that. Not that I thought it was going away, but still cool.
The ability to share a credit card over A-List accounts is awesome, but if, say, my wife wanted to get an A-List account and buy tickets on the app at the same time, that’s not doable.
Not an issue in my household, as I’m the big moviegoer, so only I am signed up, but, yeah.
OK, so, come July 2019, when my subscription hits the one year mark, I have to pay $2 more a month to keep it.
That’s…not crazy at all. Especially considering seeing a Dolby Cinema screening is about $18.
And there’s the transparency bit which MoviePass so desperately needed.
I know, AMC is a massive company owned by a massive conglomerate - but this type of upfront discussion, openness and friendliness is incredibly appreciated and sadly rare.
The above may kinda sound like an ad for AMC or A-List, but frankly, as someone who loves going to the movies, I proudly endorse their product - but if things change, I’ll let you know. Just as I did with MoviePass.
Engadget:
I’m not a Fortnite player. I’m not a football guy.
…but, there’s little greater example of the level of cultural ubiquity of Fortnite than this.
This is really going to continue to drum up the cash for Epic, isn’t it?
The Nib:
Just wanted to take a moment to link out and share this comic published on The Nib today by my friend and Super Art Fight cohort Jamie Noguchi. Not just because I’m proud of him, but because of what it has to say.
Go read. Now.
Deadline:
Considering the word the other month about The Walking Dead becoming an evergreen franchise, this is actually a really logical, smart move from AMC.
…wonder if they’d put these in theaters or just air on the network?
If you haven’t already seen this…I bet you won’t guess what the gimmick is.
Enjoy.
SoraNews 24:
No matter how much you love Kirby, you have to admit that he sure does suck. I’m not trying to put the guy down or anything, it’s just that that’s his form of attack: sucking up enemies and taking them into his adorably chubby body in order to absorb their powers.
While that might sound like a terrifying fate for his foes, the atmosphere of Kirby’s various video games are invariably as cuddly and cute as the Nintendo star himself. So maybe being sucked up and swallowed by Kirby actually isn’t such an unpleasant experience? I mean, it looks pretty comfortable here.
Yep, this is the perfect pillow for the modern age.
Consume me alive, beloved childhood character.
Variety:
People familiar with the matter say Abrams’ ambitions are vast and that the prolific producer, writer, and director behind “Alias" and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is on the hunt for the kind of super nova-sized deal that would encompass films, television series, digital content, music, games, consumer products, and theme park opportunities.
Game respect game here.
Abrams is one of the few truly bankable names in Hollywood in this day and age. He’s proven his ideas have the worth.
Vans:
Tempting across the board.
My only gripe?
Why are those slip-ons only in kids sizes?
Polygon:
So long that this isn’t an IAP-filled mess, I’m tentatively excited about being able to play Diablo on my iPhone and iPad.
Deadline:
Not a movie I expected to ever get a sequel.
I really enjoyed Gladiator, but I don’t know the value of this project besides, well, people know the name of Gladiator.
The Wrap:
Another bit of awesome casting. DCEU Phase 2 > Phase 1, by far.
Also interesting as it would put him opposite his current partner, Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Deadline:
…
The Fifth Risk, which hit shelves on Oct. 2 from W.W. Norton, follows the chaos and mismanagement that ensued in the departments of Energy, Agriculture and Commerce in the handoff from President Barack Obama to President Donald Trump. Lewis spoke with a number of federal workers from the Obama administration who worked in the Departments of Energy, Agriculture and Commerce. The previous administration created briefing books for the next staff, but those who showed up on behalf of the new administration were greatly unqualified and far and few between.
Oh man. The tea, it is strong.
BusinessWire/Nintendo PR:
Really an incredible showcase of all the work Sakurai and company have put into the game.
You can watch the full Direct above, but in addition to what is mentioned in the pull-quote, Nintendo also announced that purchasers of the game will get a free playable fighter, that of the Piranha Plant from Super Mario Bros..
In short, it ruled, game rules, everything’s awesome.
Variety:
Variety has learned exclusively that Malcolm Spellman has been tapped to write a series featuring the two superheroes, which is currently in development at the streamer. It is the first of the proposed Marvel limited series to find a writer.
Sounds great to me!
I loved Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie’s interactions in Captain America: Civil War, so I could be into a whole series themed in that regard.
Deadline:
That’s a big name to put on the show. Makes me wonder if she’ll get Sean Bean’d…
Deadline:
If you’ve never read the original Wired article inspiring this film, it’s an absolutely worthwhile read - incredibly enthralling.
If the movie is a tenth as entertaining, this will be an awesome movie. Keaton and Rogen on board is a great start.
The Wrap:
If true: amazing news.
Variety:
Muschietti will direct a feature film adaptation of “Attack on Titans" for Warner Bros. The studio finalized a deal with Japan-based publishing company Kodansha on Monday.
This could be huge worldwide.
Titan is beloved, and if Muschietti has the same level and respect for this franchise as he did for It, we could be in for a treat.
PlayStation.Blog:
I think it’s a decent lineup, though I would’ve picked Resident Evil 2 over Resident Evil: Director’s Cut.
That said, I have no interest in buying one.
Kotaku:
Do I know anyone who has picked up the new Soulcalibur? If so, how is it?
The first two are two of my favorite video games ever.
SoraNews 24:
This summer, though, for the first time ever the King of the Monsters will do battle with the lord of the angsty anime robots, in Evangelion vs. Godzilla.
Sadly, this is just an amusement park attraction.
Bet it’s going to have some awesome Japan-only merch though!
The Parkway Theatre:
If you’re a Mystery Science Theater 3000 fan, this is a can’t miss show. The shows are tonight and tomorrow night, with tickets starting at $23.
I’ve always wanted to see a live-riff event like this. May need to sneak out this weekend!
Variety:
The FilmStruck business will cease U.S. and international operations on Nov. 29, 2018. A Turner rep declined to comment on how many employees will be affected by the closure, or provide info on how many employees work on FilmStruck.
This sucks.
Deadline:
The movie is quite early in development, so details are minimal in regards to whether it’s a fresh new take for the millennium and if older characters will be reprising their roles.
Getting a writer of GLOW is a good move. But remaking the movie…not really feeling it.
Reminds me of what Elisabeth Moss is doing in Your Smell, but this looks really good never the less.
Oscar-bait, sure, but still looks good.
IGN:
Interesting choice. I’m guessing it will be both: a. weird and b. outrageous.
From the extras of the Teen Titans Go! To The Movies DVD comes this video:
Yep, that’s all we’ve got.
Not sure if it’s a movie, a mini-series, an episode or what, but I do know that people are passionate about Teen Titans.
Personally, I missed the show when it aired, but have found myself an avid fan of Teen Titans Go! (it’s the perfect hotel room show).
What say you, nerds?
PR Times:
ヴェノムをモãƒãƒ¼ãƒ•ã¨ã—ãŸã‚³ãƒ©ãƒœãƒ¡ãƒ‹ãƒ¥ãƒ¼ï¼ˆãƒ•ãƒ¼ãƒ‰ãƒ»ãƒ‰ãƒªãƒ³ã‚¯ï¼‰ã®æä¾›ã€å°é“å…·ã‚„å ´é¢å†™çœŸã®å±•示ã€ãƒ•ォトスãƒãƒƒãƒˆãƒ‘ãƒãƒ«ã®è¨ç½®ãªã©ã€ãƒ•ァン垂涎ã®ã‚¤ãƒ™ãƒ³ãƒˆã¨ãªã£ã¦ãŠã‚Šã¾ã™ã€‚"»åº—舗ã«ã‚ˆã‚Šå†…容ãŒç•°ãªã‚Šã¾ã™
Or, Google Translated:
Providing a collaborative menu (food / drink) with motifs of Venom, display of props and scene photos, installation of photo spot panels, etc. It is an event of fan sprinkling. The content varies depending on the store.
What is on the menu to celebrate the modern-day Tom Hardy classic?
Hey, Nordstrom, your cafe needs to step it’s goddamned game up.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpW9EqpAUvA/?utm_source=ig_embed
One had to figure that after making Overwatch guns, this was next.
Still looks like beautiful animation, but I feel like this one won’t be taking the narrative risks that the second installment did.
The Toyark:
I can hear my friends getting their credit cards ready.
That likeness is uncanny.
Deadline:
My friends who know manga/anime better than I do say that this is kind of an obvious layup for a successful adaptation.
Based on what I see at conventions, there’s certainly a fervent fanbase. They just gotta stick the landing.
Variety:
Imperative Entertainment has attached Scorsese to direct and DiCaprio to star in the feature adaptation of “Killers of the Flower Moon,“ the New York Times best-selling book by David Grann.
…
The story is set in 1920s Oklahoma and revolves around the Osage Nation, who were the richest people per capita in the world, after oil was discovered under their land and then they were murdered, one by one. As the death toll rose, the newly created FBI took up the case and unraveled a chilling conspiracy and one of the most monstrous crimes in American history.
While I thought Shutter Island was a miss, every other Scorsese/DiCaprio team-up has been aces, and I don’t see any reason why this won’t continue the trend.
Collider:
This has the potential of being incredible. I wonder who gets the nod to play Hicks?
It’s crazy how many Emmys the first season won, but this season looks as thrilling and beautifully produced as the first.
Tejal Rao for the New York Times:
This article is filed under “Extremely My Shit".
Deadline:
Those first two did rule pretty hard.
Maybe we can finally drop Johnny Depp this time?
WDW News Today:
A nice breakdown of what’s coming.
I, of course, am most excited about the Spider-Man attraction, but I bet that Avengers-coaster is going to blow minds.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The Office alum has booked the male lead in Apple’s untitled morning show drama starring Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. The casting, which marks Carell’s first series regular role since he wrapped the NBC comedy in 2011, marks the latest high-profile star to join an Apple series.
Sweet deal. Look forward to watching it for free on all my iStuff.
Variety:
I mock, but this idea of their plan to continue to exist as a platform is clever:
Accessibility, and the lack of wallet-preying DLC is a clever approach.
But I don’t know if it will be enough to stand against the big three, or mobile gaming.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Wonder Woman 1984 will now open June 5, 2020, the same corridor in which the first movie debuted in 2016. The sequel previously was set to open Nov. 1, 2019. Star Gal Gadot tweeted the news Monday.
Smart move pushing it back to Summer, plus, y’know, gives Warner Bros more time to plot out the DC Comics Cinematic Universe.
Collider:
I know that del Toro has been wanting to make Pinocchio for years. Very cool to see the project land at Netflix.
Makes me wonder about that Fox Searchlight deal, though.
The Verge:
I know, they’re not the first here, but goddamn this sounds dystopian.
Say what you will about the song, the video gives us another look at the gorgeous animation in-store for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
I was just lamenting over the Summer how much of a shame it is that with the drop of the cultural cache of MTV, we no longer have the big music videos for Summer Blockbusters (I hold a proper video for Metric’s “Black Sheep” / Scott Pilgrim vs. the World would’ve been huge), but we get sort of a throwback here.
Can’t wait for Christmas!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jezburrows/and-introducing-a-journey-to-the-end-of-the-cast-l
Kickstarter:
From ‘Exuberant Mourner’ (Analyze This) to ‘Arthritic Cowboy’ (Who Framed Roger Rabbit), ‘Sad Woman with Horns’ (Guardians of the Galaxy) to ‘Man Shot in Head 3’ (The ABCs of Death), movie history is replete with curiously named characters bringing up the rear of the cast list. And Introducing is a survey of those bit-part and background character credits, organising them into almost 100 categories—some predictable (men, women, bystanders, henchmen) and some more surprising (screaming characters, toothless characters, characters whose names are simply their one line of dialogue).
An accompanying essay will explore the people and circumstances responsible for these credits, featuring input from screenwriters, casting directors, and actors.
This looks like an absolutely silly and crazy gift for the movie lover in your life, which may also just be yourself.
Yep, that looks like another winner for CD Projekt Red.
It’s no Cyberpunk 2077, though, but what is, really?
The Verge:
I’ll be watching the details on those new iPad Pros closely.
The Brothers Brick:
This is an incredibly imaginative set. I adore it.
The Mercury News:
A group of small advertisers suing the Menlo Park social media titan alleged in the filing that Facebook “induced" advertisers to buy video ads on its platform because advertisers believed Facebook users were watching video ads for longer than they actually were.
That “unethical, unscrupulous" behavior by Facebook constituted fraud because it was “likely to deceive" advertisers, the filing alleged.
And because of this, numerous, well-staffed, brilliant websites started “pivoting to video" because of this, and took away the livelihood of many hardworking people.
Can we start, collectively, as “the cool kids" stop cross-promoting our shit to Facebook? And just make everything cool, awesome, and worthwhile not live there?
Joe Cornish is, again, the director of Attack the Block. Yeah. I know, right!
Give this trailer a chance - it starts cheesy, but shows some serious promise.
I could see this delighting the whole family.
Reminds me of a whole slue of 80’s family-friendly action movies I watched as a kid.
Burger King PR:
Buck. Freaking. Wild.
Doubt it’d give me nightmares any more than The King normally does, though.
This is equal parts wild, impressive, and absolutely horrifying.
Imagine someone with a budget being able to pull this off?
Holy shit - looks like another great film from Annapurna Pictures at a time where they need one.
Extra props for the use of Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
Amazon.com:
Now waterproof, so you’re free to read and relax at the beach, by the pool, or in the bath.
I have the first-gen Paperwhite, and honestly, it’s one of the most perfect pieces of tech I’ve ever owned.
Incredible battery life, focuses on doing one thing perfectly (and does it), and in turn…I’ve never really needed to update it.
…that waterproof option though… that’s enticing.
/Film:
The folks at the sportswear company Adidas think the movie deserves a special celebration by debuting limited edition gear inspired by the South Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs, the losing team who becomes champions thanks to the fierce tackling of Bobby Boucher. It’s the 20th anniversary, so we can’t hold anything back now.
Surreal.
CNBC:
Allen passed away Monday afternoon in Seattle at 65 years old, Vulcan said. His sister, Jody, said he was “a remarkable individual on every level.“
A true trailblazer and titan. Rest in Power.
Variety:
Sources tell Variety that Warners and Warner Animation Group (WAG) are in negotiations with “Shaft" helmer Tim Story to direct the new “Tom and Jerry" live-action/animated hybrid. The studio has also brought on Chris Columbus as creative producer on the new “Scooby-Doo" animated movie.
I’m surprised it’s taken this long for Tom and Jerry to get a proper film version.
TechCrunch:
Proof positive that you cannot kill the greats.
I dunno who that is, so this is already a curveball. Fun!
Variety:
Variety was the first to report that Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat were working on a new take on the Bram Stoker story last year, and that Sue Vertue’s Hartswood Films was set to produce. U.K. pubcaster the BBC has now commissioned three 90-minute installments. Netflix will carry the show in most markets outside the U.K.
Well, so long as this is closer to the first season-or-two of Sherlock and not the less-great recent seasons, I’m excited to see what they have planned.
The Verge:
So to review: it’s a tiny phone to keep you from using your big phone, but it could do all the things your big one can do if you wanted (but you shouldn’t because the whole idea is to get you to be a little less obsessed with your phone). It’s like a phone for your phone. And Steph Curry helped design cases for it so you can strap it to your forearm during workouts. There are Kate Spade clutches for it, too.
…who the hell is this for?
I get the idea of things such as The Light Phone, but considering that they both share the same flaw (you need another phone to use the phone which you’ll use less), what’s even the point?
io9:
The show consists of 11 new posters, along with six variants, for Iron Man, Thor, all three Captain America films, both Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, The Avengers, and Spider-Man Homecoming. If you’re a fan of the MCU, even if you don’t love these posters, you’ll be amazed at what that team has accomplished in the last decade.
My personal favorite is the Spider-Man: Homecoming poster by Sara Deck (below).
Of note, there was an unapproved Black Panther poster shown at the gallery event itself (you can see it in the photos from Birth.Movies.Death’s wrap-up).
Now, am I going to try to fight the bots for that Spidey poster?
Yep, those are visions and sounds from what a live-action Aladdin could be.
I’m not really feeling any of the Guy Ritchie appeal here, but maybe his touch will come alive in later, fuller trailers?
The Hollywood Reporter:
Anything else would be a joke.
When you’ve got the right team behind the scenes, make it happen - no matter how long it takes.
Kotaku:
I mean, I’ve felt like this is what the Switch brings to gaming, and the paint job is absolutely gorgeous. I can’t imagine the cost for it, though.
Pitchfork:
FUCK YES.
I hope the show goes way off-the-rails and mixes absolutely absurd fiction with the true story of their formation and rise.
Give me Shaolin temple training mixed with demoing their first album.
This is who will replace us when climate change gets us in about 10 years.
Yeah, this looks like it will demolish the January box-office.
I love hearing the old Unbreakable themes again.
Another movie getting loads of Festival Buzzâ„¢ which I cannot wait to see!
CNBC:
The product will include Apple-owned content, which will be free to Apple device owners, and subscription “channels,” which will allow customers to sign up for online-only services, such as those from HBO and Starz.
That’s certainly a way to keep people locked into the ecosystem.
I already am, but this adds.
That trailer looks good and all, but I’ve heard word out of Fantastic Fest that this movie is basically The Raid x Dead Alive.
Your $10.99 is completely worth it this month, especially with Apostile, Maniac and Hold the Dark in the mix.
Blizzard Shop:
About as perfect as you can get in LEGO form for the tranquil murder-bot.
The Toy Book:
Barry told The Toy Book exclusively that the company will launch a “shop-within-a-shop" concept, called Geoffrey’s Toy Box, with a prominent regional midwest retailer this November. The concept will feature a train of branded Geoffrey’s Toy Box displays.
I sure hope they have a plan to re-employ former Toys R Us employees at the new locations…
Stardew Valley Developer Blog:
For a flat $8, this is a no-brainer.
An Android version is coming later this Fall.
io9:
Shots fired.
UPDATE: Updated headline to reflect the tentative nature of the deal.
Remember when DC/WB was going to have Joss Whedon do Batgirl? Not saying there’s nothing to this, but…let’s see how this plays out.
A lot of Suicide Squad seemed like it was trying to ape the Guardians vibe, with the needle drops and ersatz family. Gunn could make this work.
UPDATE 2: Sounds like this is a full on reboot.
Yep! That’s a pretty much perfect Batwoman costume, alright!
We’ll see her pop up in the CW Universe later this year.
You excited?
9to5Mac has an exclusive write-up on the details for the New iPad Pros.
I can’t really cut a clean section out like I do with most articles, but high-level, here’s what they are:
We’ll see how true these details are soon, but all and all, they underline that my next Laptop probably won’t be a “proper" laptop after all.
US Gamer:
Polygon, The Verge, and Kotaku all posted their thoughts on Project Stream today, which is being made accessible to a select few invitees. Google’s new initiative allows you to stream through a Chrome extension, and is currently only compatible Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
I know, a link to a bunch of links, but seeing these details in the aggregate really underlines how cool what Google pulled off here.
Between this, the Microsoft news this morning, and those PS5 rumors - I guess in the future, games come to you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apxOPzcyBts&feature=share
I’ve heard great things about this one. Please tell me there will be a non-YouTube Premium way to watch it…
The Junk Food Aisle:
Sonic Vanilla, eh?
The Guardian:
But there is one thing about which James Bond can rest easy: his manhood. Speaking to the Guardian, 007’s executive producer Barbara Broccoli ruled out any Doctor Who-style gender reinvention for Ian Fleming’s super-spy.
“Bond is male,“ she said. “He’s a male character. He was written as a male and I think he’ll probably stay as a male.“
They say that now.
Seeing how the female reboot of Doctor Who brought in the biggest ratings in 10 years, I think it’s worth seeing how these British entertainment icons take to the change…
Not sure about you, but I can’t wait to see what things Claire Underwood gets into without Frank in the way.
The Wall Street Journal:
For those who don’t want to deal with paywalls, TechCrunch has a good breakdown.
So…this is where the rubber meets the road regarding privacy, eh?
Sure, “only" 500k users were affected, but the fact that this was known, and not shared, since MARCH is a real bad look.
I do appreciate that their overall response is to just kill off Google+.
Wired:
Now, on an ironically cloudless early October day, I’m visiting those same Microsoft execs at their headquarters in Redmond, Washington, to see the progress they’ve made. That progress includes a lot of caveats, and more than a little secrecy—but it also makes clear that Microsoft is aiming higher, and achieving more, than what some have thought.
Project xCloud, as the effort is known internally, is a company-wide push that leverages the expertise of a multitude of different teams. It tapped the secretive Microsoft Research division, which works on everything from quantum computing to AR/VR to genomics, to crack thresholds that probably wouldn’t have been cracked otherwise. It harnesses the power and ubiquity of Microsoft’s globe-spanning network of Azure data centers. And perhaps more importantly, it turns the living-room console—an immovable fixture of game culture since 1972—from an anchor into a hub.
I had heard rumors that this was Sony’s big plan for PlayStation 5, so I guess that the Cloud Arms Race is on.
Venture Beat:
Portal can do group video chat with up to seven people using the Messenger app on smartphones and tablets, as well as other Portal devices. Calls will also include ways to read stories using augmented reality and a platform for third-party developers and partners to deploy AR experiences for kids and adults.
No better time to entrust a company who had a security breach of 50 Million users with video and audio access to your home, right?
Bustle:
So, um…why not the movie, Marvel?
Dope, right?
But then the first image came out…as did the list of directors.
Via Coming Soon:
Fuck. Yes.
The Beat:
Considering how well Bendis handled both eras of Ultimate Spider-Man, I’m really excited to see what he can do with Young Justice, one of my favorite comics of the nineties.
I don’t say this often with DC Comics, but I’m beaming with excitement.
Look at how good Patrick Gleason’s art for Young Justice is!
The Wall Street Journal:
No clear details, but given the way that Nintendo has refreshed the 3DS line over the years, this isn’t a huge shocks.
The three things which would make me pick up a new Switch:
That’s it.
Variety:
I’m there. Rosewater was terribly overlooked, but a great debut from Stewart behind the camera.
Capcom PR:
Joost and Schulman are better known for their work on Catfish.
Certainly a choice for creators, but we’ll see.
The Wrap:
Montoya is a detective working for the Gotham City Police Department. Montoya is openly gay, and during The New 52 comics she took on a costumed identity, becoming the Question. The female superhero team-up film will be released on Feb. 7, 2020. Perez joins Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Mary Elizabeth Winstead who have been cast as Black Canary and Huntress.
Awesome get.
Phase 2 of the DCEU continues to sound interesting, if nothing else.
Enough to make you drop $8 a month?
So, 20th Century Fox released a poster last week for a new movie coming out on March 1st, 2019 titled The Kid Who Would Be King.
This is it:
Looks like a teen in a fantasy world movie, right? Who gives a shit?
Here’s why you should care: This is the second directorial effort from Joe Cornish, who you may remember as the writer of Ant-Man, The Adventures of Tintin…..annnnnnnnd…the director of Attack the Block.
Like so, the list of dozens of Letterboxd users just got one movie longer.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The studio has hired up-and-comer Mike Van Waes to pen the script for the remake that will be produced by Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback, formerly known as Lin Pictures. The two are already known in the Disney halls as they working on the high-profile live-action remake of Aladdin.
“Hey, Dan. Did we re-make this one yet?“
“No, not yet.“
“Cool, that’s next.“
I still think, like with all remakes, they should focus on the movies that didn’t work and use these remakes as a bogey.
Treasure Planet, anyone? Maybe a cool, Guillermo del Toro-esq Atlantis?
The Verge:
“We recently increased the grace period when you choose to delete your Facebook account from 14 days to 30 days,“ says a Facebook spokesperson. “We’ve seen people try to log in to accounts they’ve opted to delete after the 14-day period. The increase gives people more time to make a fully informed choice.“
Here, I’ll translate:
“After our hack, many of you have started to delete your accounts. Because we don’t want to worry our stockholders, we want to limit how many count as officially deactivated in our Q4 reports.“
Don’t be surprised when this gets extended to 45 days.
Variety:
The project will explore a world on the brink of destruction where the only hope is to unite through the universal language of dance. Stampede will partner on the movie with producers J. Todd Harris and Marc Marcum of Branded Entertainment, and the intellectual property owner Konami, which first introduced “Dance Dance Revolution" in Japan in 1998. The video game, which has released several editions over the past 20 years, utilizes a dance platform or mat so players can use their feet to hit colored arrow notes as instructed on-screen.
We already had this.
It was called The FP and it was wonderfully dumb.
Yeah, the Riverdale kids are gonna LOVE this.
Bale really does go all out on physical transformations, doesn’t he?
Also, very interesting to me how Adam McKay has gone from the Will Farrell/SNL guy to being a really acute observer of modern day politics.
Granted, as the end-credits of The Other Guys showed, he was always interested in that.
Eurogamer:
The footage first appeared on reddit courtesy of poster VapeThisBro, who claimed he was shown the video as part of some market research. In his words, “do you think a random internet stoner would have the skills and patience to create this video?” I wouldn’t know, but anything is possible.
There are a few mirrors of the leaked video in the Eurogamer post.
This looks like a really cool game. Kinda reminds me of if Bully met Skyrim.
The Wall Street Journal:
Instead, Toys “R" Us’s controlling lenders—the hedge funds that pulled the plug on the retailer’s reorganization earlier this year—intend to revive business behind the Toys “R" Us and Babies “R" Us brand names.
Let it be known: sometimes your name is enough.
Given how much the last Rambo ruled, as did Creed, I’ll give Sly the benefit of the doubt, but…
Cowboy John Rambo? Really?
Motherboard:
Not a shock.
Basically, once CBS decided they needed to have their own streaming service, and other networks like AMC and ESPN have followed (and others announced plans to follow similarly), I had a hunch this would happen.
I currently am subscribed to Apple Music, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Now, WWE Network and NJPW World. I may subscribe to the Apple Video or Disney Play services. But I also am in a two-income household.
Gotta go to where the puck is going, guys, not where the puck is.
First one to be the Spotify/Apple Music of Television or Movies gets the money.
Hell, I’d be willing to pay for a Spotify of Television and Apple Music of Movies, separately.
I can’t wait for Christmas!
John Mulaney as Spider-Ham is my everything.
UPDATE: There’s a new poster, too! The lack of Spider-Ham is a bummer…
Variety:
Pulitzer prize winner and Oscar nominee Tony Kushner penned the revival of the 1957 musical, which was originally written by Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim with music by Leonard Bernstein. Spielberg, Kevin McCollum and Kristie Macosko Krieger will produce the movie for Fox. Filming for “West Side Story" is set to begin in the summer of 2019.
I’m not entirely sure why the world needs a West Side Story remake — although Spielberg is an inspired choice to direct — but given than Baby Driver was basically an action-musical to begin with, Elgort is a perfect choice.
Variety:
Reuniting Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as two of Miami PD’s most infamous officers has taken years to pull off, but a new draft of a script appears to have met with the producers’ approval and it looks as though production on the sequel could begin in early 2019. The plan is for the third “Bad Boys" to be in theaters by Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in 2020. Smith is on board to reprise his role as Detective Mike Lowrey. Lawrence has yet to come to terms, but the comic continues to circle the project.
This is a great time to mention that both Bad Boys films are among my cinematic blind-spots.
I should fix that.
David Harbour is basically unrecognizable here. Really rad!
(That “Legendary AF” tag line is going to age poorly.)
I’m guessing we’re going to see a lot more at New York Comic Con this week.
It’s crazy how much he looks like Young Elton.
And is that Egerton singing at the end? Doesn’t sound quite like Elton John, which is why I’m asking.
Could be good!
The Verge:
In an email sent to select MoviePass customers who decided not to opt into the company’s revised three-movie monthly plan, first unveiled last month, the company says it’s decided to enroll those people into a new subscription because “we really hope you begin enjoying your MoviePass subscription.“ If they don’t want to be charged for the service, MoviePass is demanding they proactively opt-out of the plan they were enrolled in without their consent by Thursday, October 4th.
Emphasis on the bold.
Ugh.
Medium:
Today, I believe we’ve reached a critical tipping point, and that powerful change for the better is possible"Š—“Šand necessary.
This is why I have, over recent years, been working with a few people at MIT and elsewhere to develop Solid, an open-source project to restore the power and agency of individuals on the web.
I will be watching the development of Solid like a hawk.
This could be absolutely tremendous, or another misguided attempt to build a standard…but I’m hoping for the former more than the latter.
Doesn’t seem to hit the same manic energy which Step Brothers and Talladega Nights tapped into, but these two have a shared track record which is more hit than miss with me.
We’ll see how this pans out over Christmas.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Reynolds is attached to star in the project which Levy, the director known for Fox’s Night at the Museum movies (among other titles) and exec producer of Stranger Things, will helm.
Written by Matt Lieberman, the story centers on a background character who realizes he’s living in a video game. With the help of an avatar, he tries to prevent the makers of the game from shutting down his world.
Fun concept! Wonder if it will survive the trip to the big screen?
Deadline:
OK, that’s pretty weird. I guess that means Alita: Battle Angel needed some additional work.
And I have no idea who the audience is for a 6 month+ old movie which is already on DVD/Digital, let alone a cut-down version.
But not as weird as this…
Just a day and change after releasing the poster and first trailer. Good lord.
What a surreal mess.
The Hollywood Reporter:
I’m sure that the Internet is taking this news with the standard reserve and relative calm which we’ve so become accustomed to in this day and age.
btw, every Disney/Lucasfilm Star Wars movie has been good-to-great don’t @ me
Fast Company:
“We allege that Musk had arrived at the price of $420 by assuming a 20 percent premium of what Tesla’s then existing share price (was), and then rounding up to $420 because of the significance of that number in marijuana culture, and his belief that his girlfriend would be amused by it.“
At this rate, he can instead just enjoy a $69 stock rate.
(Nice.)
Archie McPhee:
Oh, fuck that.
Wait a second.
…what is this?
Yeah, fuck them too!
SoraNews24:
How much is it to fly to Japan again?
So cool seeing a legend take on a new format like this.
Indiegogo:
These look remarkably stupid and incredibly fun.
$369 is too rich for my blood, though.
The Brothers Brick:
You can back the first set, 81000 Koi Model, now on Indiegogo.
I’m surprised that LEGO isn’t using a platform of their own, but perhaps that will come with time.
That’s right. Dark Phoenix is the title. No “X-Men" in there, just a subtle circle around that X.
I guess X-Men: Apocalypse left that bad a taste in the mouth that Fox doesn’t want people to think of it.
I recognize that this movie is kind of a weird appetizer before the series comes home to Marvel Studios, but after this first look, I have to say - I didn’t expect this to feel so much like X-Men: The Last Stand. Those delays and reshoots don’t seem to have fixed much.
On the positive side, a pretty rad teaser poster came out. Dig the Phoenix Force doubling as the X.
Maybe we’ll see more at New York Comic Con next week?
Gizmodo:
Jesus Christ. I need to delete my profile ASAP.
Comic Book Resources:
When I think of Batman comics from my formative years, I think of the visuals of Norm Breyfogle.
Rest in Power.
Variety:
Sources tell Variety that Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jurnee Smollett-Bell have been tapped to join Robbie in the comic-book spinoff, with Winstead playing Huntress and Smollett-Bell portraying Black Canary.
Winstead as Huntress has me excited.
Hollywood Reporter:
The film’s release date has been pushed back to April 12, 2019, Summit Entertainment announced Wednesday. It previously had been set to open Jan. 11, 2019. The new date means Hellboy will open just one week after fellow superhero movie Shazam! from Warner Bros. and DC. That film opens April 5, 2019.
Hard to say if this is good news or bad news - could mean that they need more production time to fix issues with the film, or could prove that Summit feels as if it could compete in a more cramped release-period.
Love this.
And in a related bit, it’s National Voter Registration Day.
I try to avoid getting political on here, but…um, you should probably register to vote.
Cards Against Humanity:
We identified six districts that we think we can flip from red to blue, and we need your help reaching voters who live there. Give us the address of a voter you know in one of the districts, and we’ll send both of you the all-new Midterm Pack for free. We’ll also throw in a pamphlet that uses logic and facts to manipulate your friend into voting for the Democrat.
If you don’t know anyone who lives in one of the districts, or if you don’t have any friends, you can still buy the all-new Midterm Pack for $5, including shipping.
Seems worth it, IMO.
This looks really good, and I was pretty skeptical about a follow-up without Ryan Coogler directing.
And there’s a poster, too!
And if that wasn’t enough, the original Creed is on sale on iTunes today, too! I can’t recommend the original enough.
Collider:
I really was surprised by how fun the first Happy Death Day was.
I can’t say that I expect that the sequel will be good - you can only catch lightning in a bottle once - but the name is clever enough that I’ll keep it on my radar.
Playstation.Blog:
Symphony of the Night is one of the greatest games of all time. I recommend this bundle on that half alone.
Radio Times:
This sounds fantastic. How soon can I watch it in the States?
Bloomberg:
I’ll take “Things Which Suck, But Aren’t At All Surprising" for $500, Alex.
/Film:
Definitely a bummer, but I understand.
Both Raid movies are modern day action classics, but the second did seem to wrap up with everything we needed to see Rama do.
That said, sounds like the Netflix-exclusive The Night Comes For Us, which features much of the same cast, scratches the itch. Will be looking forward to that one.
The AV Club:
How awesome and appropriate!
Beats falling asleep to a football game.
Vulture:
Almost Famous is one of my favorite movies of all time. (I also really need to give it a rewatch.)
I think this could actually work out OK? For the run of “jukebox musicals" as of late, this one is at least justified.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU5gJGSuelM&feature=share
Like they say: It’s A24, So I’m There!â„¢
Looks really good, but Johnny Depp sure does sour my excitement.
Kotaku UK:
One of the more high profile licensed projects the studio had in the works was a collaboration with Netflix to develop a narrative adventure game based on Stranger Things. As of today we’ve been able to see some footage of the cancelled project thanks to a post on reddit.
Man, I would’ve loved this. Maybe someone can pick up where this left off?
The New York Times:
Nah, probably has nothing to do with their parent company…
Hollywood Reporter:
Zoe Kravitz has been tapped to star in the reboot of the 2000 feature film take on Nick Hornsby’s novel. The 10-episode series is described as a reimagining of the film and book and told from the female point of view. She will take on the role portrayed by John Cusack in the film. Kravitz will exec produce and star as the ultimate music fan and record store owner who is obsessed with pop culture and top five lists.
I like this casting a lot.
Even if it’s a little weird because her mom was a love interest in the original.
Philadelphia Business Journal:
The Philadelphia Flyers on Monday unveiled Gritty — a 7-foot tall, fuzzy, orange creature — at event held at the city’s Please Touch Museum. Other features of the new mascot include googly eyes and a squeaky belly button and hands, along with ability to blow smoke out of his ears.
This is certainly a choice of mascot. Goodness.
The Toyark:
Oh man. I’d definitely pick this up (and the Spidey to go with it) in a heartbeat. This is the Venom of my mind’s-eye, perfectly rendered in 3D.
Not sure if it’s the Iron Giant-vibes or the flashes of Cybertron which grabbed me, but congrats, Paramount, you’ve gotten me truly excited for a new Transformers movie for the first time in ten years.
Shit is weird and wild, that’s for sure.
The Wall Street Journal:
I know that Apple has always been somewhat puritan in terms of what it allowed in its stores regarding app content, but considering they sell books, movies, and stream albums with explicit content, I can’t say I understand why they’re applying this to their video service…especially when they’re looking to compete against Netflix, a service which practically flaunts its lack of editorial controls.
The Verge:
Brutal. I’ve heard some not-so-great things about the behind-the-scenes of the company, but I’ve greatly enjoyed their point-and-click, narrative adventures.
Hope everyone of the 225 let go land on their feet.
Hollywood Reporter:
Matthew and Ryan Firpo, whose spec script Ruin topped the 2017 Black List, penned the script for the superhero team adventure.
The project features the super-powered and near-immortal beings known as Eternals and a more monstrous off-shoot known as the Deviants that were created by cosmic beings known as Celestials.
Very cool to see a woman of color getting the nod as director.
Also crazy that we may have dueling celestial themed Jack Kirby movies, between this and WB/DC’s THE NEW GODS.
Not feeling it, though it’s better than the Leto look.
H/t to my dude Alex Kazanas - is that John Wayne Gacy’s makeup?
Boom! Studios founder Andrew “Andy" Cosby tweeted on Wednesday that he’s in “final talks" to write and show-run the upcoming series from Activision and Netflix. “It’s very exciting and I hope to the High Heavens it all works out,“ he said.
Sounds awesome to me!
Deadline:
Being considered for the role of Huntress is The Mummy actress Sofia Boutella, Fargo and Cloverfield Lane actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Wolf of Wall Street and How I Met Your Mothers Cristin Milioti, and Margaret Qualley, the latter starring in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and starred in HBO’s The Leftovers.
For Rene Montoya, One Day at a Times Justina Machado is in the mix, along with Vidas Roberta Colindrez. Montoya is a lesbian detective on the Gotham City police force.
In consideration for Black Canary, known for her shrieking cry, are Belles Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Underground actress Jurnee Smollett-Bell.
Very cool choices across the board. Maybe Margot Robbie can steer this ship correctly!
I really want a full interpretation in this style now. ASAP.
Hollywood Reporter:
Awesome!
(still not going to get CBS All Access.)
Hollywood Reporter:
I think it only makes sense. I want to be careful here because of what’s been communicated to the Fox folks, but I think they know. It only makes sense for Marvel to be supervised by one entity. There shouldn’t be two Marvels.
I made the timing decision, and as I look back, I think the mistake that I made — I take the blame — was a little too much, too fast. You can expect some slowdown, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to make films. J.J. Abrams is busy making Episode IX. We have creative entities, including Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who are developing sagas of their own, which we haven’t been specific about. And we are just at the point where we’re going to start making decisions about what comes next after J.J.’s. But I think we’re going to be a little bit more careful about volume and timing. And the buck stops here on that.
All that and more in a very worthwhile read.
No more subtitle for this one - but the flick still looks like a blast to me!
And yes, there’s a poster.
Jodie Whittaker is growing on me quite a bit as the new Doctor.
From the Twitters…
He’s an incredible director, so I feel like the film will rest in good hands.
(Even if I think we totally ended the Craig-era with the last film.)
Betabrand:
Hailing from Parts Unknown, these bloodthirsty kaiju are settling ancient beefs once and for all in a wrestling match for the ages. Tokyo, beware!
Oh gosh I need it.
Wired:
To test the new hardware, we gave an iPhone XS Max to the film director Jon M. Chu. The Crazy Rich Asians director shot a short film for WIRED, and the results are truly special.
I admire when creatives make themselves work within limits.
This really is awesome.
Deadline:
ABC has given a production commitment to an untitled hourlong drama from Heinberg, Marvel Television and ABC Studios. Written by Heinberg, it is about female characters with superpowers.
They can consider abandoning Netflix for their shows, but they aren’t going to leave the parent company out of it!
Seriously though, this has potential - I just wonder which heroes are being considered for this series.
She-Hulk as Superhero Action-meets-The Practice could do real well.
Bloomberg:
The company, which owns the popular zombie-apocalypse series, plans to produce multiple movies and new TV shows based on the graphic novels that spawned the series, according to people familiar with the plans. AMC has talked to several large media companies about partnering on the projects, which collectively could cost several hundred million dollars, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans are still being worked out.
…
Keep going to that well, guys.
Hollywood Reporter:
Coogler will produce the Space Jam movie and Terence Nance — who created HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness and directed the experimental film The Oversimplification of Her Beauty — will direct. Production on the Warner Bros. film is tentatively slated for 2019, during the NBA offseason. It will be James’ first starring role after a successful turn as a supporting character in the 2015 Amy Schumer comedy Trainwreck.
Maybe this generation will love this sequel the way mine loves the original.
PlayStation.Blog:
I’ll be honest, these games haven’t “grown old" for me the same way that NES or SNES titles have, so this does not appeal to me as much.
That said - depending on what the other titles are in the list of classic 20, I may be convinced to pick one up. But right now, it’s a pass…especially with the lack of analog controllers!
Variety:
Loki makes sense. Scarlet Witch is an interesting choice.
Maybe we can get a Moon Knight series, a’la the Ellis and Lemire runs?
Gizmodo:
Come on, Zuck. Do it. I dare you.
Colossal:
Highly recommended to click through to brighten your day.
IndieWire:
Key quote from the PR which people should be excited about:
I guess this really is coming out.
If you needed more proof, here’s the cover art.
CD Projekt Red:
Thronebreaker is a single player role-playing game set in the world of The Witcher that combines narrative-driven exploration with unique puzzles and card battle mechanics. The game spins a truly regal tale of Meve, a war-veteran queen of two Northern Realms — Lyria and Rivia. Facing an imminent Nilfgaardian invasion, Meve is forced to once again enter the warpath, and set out on a dark journey of destruction and revenge.
Sounds fun! Although, like most, I’m just waiting for Cyberpunk 2077.
Showbiz411:
And so I’ve been told that the series is being developed right now, although no details are set. It does seem like Rick, his daughter, and maybe K sans snowflakes would form the central family, with lots of possibilities for new characters and old ones. Producers of the film are on the fast track.
Did not expect this.
Loved Blade Runner 2049, and if the success of Altered Carbon on Netflix is any indication, I could see the show taking off.
Hey, Apple…I’ve got a big time sci-fi show for your video service…
Preternia:
Pretty much what you’d expect. That Young Nick Fury figure sure is cool though!
Wired:
And that’s ballgame on MoviePass.
Lock yourself in to one chain for $20/month on AMC, or drop $30/month to see unlimited movies on Sinemia. Makes sense to me.
Hollywood Reporter:
The X-Men: Apocalypse helmer, who has battled bad PR, lawsuits and continued scrutiny in the post-#MeToo era — none of which seems to have stuck — would take the reins on a big-screen adaptation of the 1970s sword and sorcery Conan the Barbarian comic book spinoff. Ashley Miller, who wrote X-Men: First Class (which Singer produced), is writing the screenplay.
How does this dude keep getting work?
His hot tub parties have been an open secret for ages now.
Take away the good movies he’s made - this is just sad.
Chew Boom:
Mayochup sauce is basically a mashup of the brand’s mayonnaise and ketchup in a squeezable condiment bottle.
Oh fuck off, then.
MacStories:
If you read any review of iOS 12, this is the one to read.
Hits Netflix on October 12th. Looks really creepy and uncomfortable, in a good way.
Between this and First Man, this will be the Fall of Clare Foy, eh?
Here’s hoping that US audiences take to this Lisbeth Salander tale better than the first. Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead remake, Don’t Breathe) certainly is an inspired choice as director.
Sonny Dickson:
The TL;DR version:
This certainly explains why AirPower was nowhere to be seen last week.
Business Wire:
There’s a lot to take in from tonight’s Nintendo Direct. New Animal Crossing, new Luigi’s Mansion, New Super Mario Bros getting a Switch re-release, Katamari Damacy getting a much needed HD remake, Yoshi looking gorgeous…it was more proof that I should just start directly sending my paycheck to the geniuses at Nintendo.
You can watch the reveals in full here:
Fast Company:
Yet I no longer think this is a true statement. I now believe the best product Apple offers is intangible, yet far more valuable than a flagship smartphone. The best product Apple has—and the single biggest reason that consumers should choose an Apple device over competing devices—is privacy.
Thanks to my pal Justo for the heads up on this one. I couldn’t agree more.
Here’s my problem - where the hell is Nick Bakay as Salem?
(seriously though, looks like the Riverdale heads are gonna go apeshit over this one.)
Links from Apple Newsroom:
As the leaks foretold, we have…
Personally, were I up right now, I’d probably move from an iPhone 8 Plus to an XS, but I think that the XR might end up being the smartest choice for most.
Kickstarter:
Each game has one Investigator and one Suspect. Armed only with two stamps and a topic of conversation, the Investigator must figure out whether the Suspect is a Human or a Robot.
Yeahhhhh, I’ll probably be backing this. Sounds fun!
Deadline:
Blink-and-you-miss-it in their coverage of the Cavill story, but this would be buck wild and awesome.
Lots of Nintendo news dropping today! And even more tomorrow.
Wonder what we’ll see?
Hollywood Reporter:
Wow. Granted, he’s been infinitely more entertaining in his outside Superman roles (Mission: Impossible - Fallout, The Man from UNCLE), but this is a shock.
No Superman, rumored that Affleck is out as Batman, everything’s chaos.
Vanity Fair:
It’s more than just a clever name of a podcast.
Well done, brothers. Well done.
Hollywood Reporter:
The first poster image revealed is that of Cesar Moreno taking on Iron Man (below).
I get the feeling that these will be some much wanted prints for the Mondo fans. I look forward to seeing more of the prints between now and the October 12th show date!
Pretty much every free moment this weekend, I was glued to my television, butt firmly planted in my couch as I swung my way through New York City, playing what might be my video game of the year - Spider-Man, just released this past Friday for the PlayStation 4.
In turn, I wanted to share some pretty much universally glowing thoughts on the game.
I could gush on and on and on about this game, but in short, it’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had in a video game, and as a lifelong Spidey devotee, it’s exactly what I wanted an adaptation of the character to be.
I’ll be 100% this. I’ll be picking up the DLC. And I can’t wait for Spider-Man 2, whenever they can make one happen.
The world is weird, gang.
Sometimes, you can tweet an idea like this…
…and then…
Deadline:
Eight studios. What a world.
I really do hope that the title is Fake America Great Again.
(Also, how kind of sad is it that one of the few joys we could get out of this Presidency is a movie where the best-case scenario is that Trump is fooled into a fake reality?)
Yep. I’m into it. Checks the boxes.
Comic Book:
The new series sees Octavius leaving behind the Doctor Octopus name once more to prove that he is the greatest superhero in the Marvel Universe. Of course, Octavius’ definition of what a good superhero should be is a bit different than most others.
Between Peter, Miles, Gwen and now Otto, there sure are a lot of Spider-People hanging around these days, eh?
Vox:
“The Academy recognized that implementing any new award nine months into the year creates challenges for films that have already been released,“ reads the press release, entitled “Academy determines new Oscars category merits further study.“ It continues: “The Board of Governors continues to be actively engaged in discussions, and will examine and seek additional input regarding this category.“
So…we’ll see it in 2020 instead?
I was going to get Incredibles 2 on iTunes either way. This just seals it.
I love that Pixar still goes all out for bonus materials on home releases.
Kotaku:
Metal Gear Solid is my favorite video game of all time. I can’t believe it’s 20 years old already. This absolutely rules, though.
EW.com going all out for the next Marvel Studios adventure!
We’ve got a Cover!
Some great looking stills! (SKRULLS! PHOTON!)
An Interview with Brie Larson!
An Interview with Jude Law!
And of course, Kevin Feige has stuff to say.
Is it March yet?
Sure, this season won’t probably hit the highs of Season 1, but the focus already seems like it will be closer to what made Season 1 swing, and avoid what made Season 2 such a drag.
Rolling Stone:
I was just wondering when JB and the Rage Cage were going to throw something out for our unsuspecting asses.
I feel like Rise of the Phoenix was terribly overlooked and underrated - hopefully this album (and web show?) is pretty good as well.
Deadline:
Fuck and yes.
I’ve loved every movie Rian Johnson has made, and I was worried we wouldn’t get one before he does his original Star Wars trilogy. High hopes for this one.
This one is a bit more spoilery, but definitely makes the movie look like a hell of a good time. Just two weeks away!
This is a real thing that Popular Mechanics posted. Really.
What a world.
You crazy bastards, you did it.
Over 1,000,000 LEGO pieces and 2,304 LEGO engines are holding this sucker together. Unreal.
Hollywood Reporter:
Now two of its stars, Michelle Yeoh and Awkwafina, are in talks to reunite. This time for an interdimensional action film.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is the next feature for directing duo Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Better known as The Daniels, the filmmakers were behind the Sundance stand-out Swiss Army Man, the surrealist dramedy that saw Daniel Radcliffe play a flatulent corpse.
Swiss Army Man is one of my favorite movies of recent memory. In turn, I’ll go see whatever Daniels pulls together.
Helps that Michelle Yeoh absolutely rules.
Deadline:
As seems to be the standard with Netflix movies, my response is: “Hey, I’d give it a shot.“
Per 9to5Mac.com…
Here’s the iPhone XS:
And the new Apple Watch:
Ooh. Look at all those Watch Complications!
Bonus points if you, like me, read this in his voice.
Collider:
I can’t think of a movie in recent memory I loved more which I want a sequel to less.
Deadline:
Netflix: It’s Not The Only Dumping Place Anymore! â„¢
Vice:
There are a lot of conversations going around right now and we’re very blessed to have the enthusiasm and interest in something coming from that world again. We’ve created two projects that fit perfectly into this world and, when people see them, I think they’re only going to have a problem with deciding which one they love the most.
All the main execs [at Marvel] and my team, we’ve been discussing for the past two years. Everyone’s enthusiastic about it, everybody gets it. But they got a business to run and they gotta square the things that they gotta figure out before they can get to it, I guess. In the meantime, we got a business to run and our own slate of things to do so…
But the next time you see something in [the Blade universe], mark my words: what we did before is child’s play compared to what we can do now.
Considering last time dude made a Blade movie, he was such an asshole that he refused to open his eyes for a scene, so they had to poorly CG them in, I don’t think they give two fucks about the career of Wesley Snipes.
See? That actually happened.
You think the House of Mouse and it’s money-making wing want to deal with this again? The fuck outta here.
This looks like a good one!
Hollywood Reporter:
I’m all for more shows having set, planned endings.
And with as much as I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen with Mr. Robot, it was definitely not a series meant to run indefinitely.
Variety:
The sibling team of Jon and Josh Silberman, whose writing and producing credits include “Living Biblically,“ “Bordertown,“ “Deadbeat,“ and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,“ have been hired by the studio to write the “Coyote Vs. Acme" script.
Is this going to be about Wile E. Coyote suing Acme for all of the terrible goods they’ve sold him over the years?
I’d be 100% more into this show if Sean Penn weren’t in it.
Deadline:
I do enjoy Rick and Morty, so I’d be willing to give this a spin.
I just hope the fans of it aren’t as goddamned awful.
Chew Boom:
Available in five “frooty" vibrant colors, Froot Loops Mini Donuts feature an authentic Froot Loops-flavored mini ring cake donut coated in a sweet, Froot Loop-flavored frosting.
A for Effort.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0u_4rA8_9A
Coming to PC, Mac and Switch next year, Untitled Goose Game looks like the most surreal video game of all time.
Developed by House House, Panic - who published Firewatch - have signed on to publish this.
“It’s a lovely morning in the village, and you are a horrible goose.“ What a concept.
I kinda hope they keep the Untitled Goose Game name.
Variety:
I do believe he’s the first Doctor to jump to Star Wars.
Ars Technica:
The robocalls cite no evidence supporting the claim that net neutrality rules will raise cell phone bills and slow down Internet service. The bill in question would impose net neutrality rules in California that are nearly identical to the ones the Federal Communications Commission had on the books between 2015 and 2018. Since the federal version of the rules did not raise cell phone bills by $30 or slow down Internet speeds, there’s no reason to believe that imposing similar rules in California would have that effect.
Welp, time to start looking into a new cell-service provider.
Any recommendations, my dear friends?
This looks absolutely wild. Will be checking out for sure.
Playstation Blog:
I did not expect to see Onimusha to make a comeback - I have to assume that this remake is to test the waters for a full-on relaunch of the franchise.
Netflix PR:
Well, that’s a coup for future animated content on Netflix!
Deadline:
While Warner Bros. has not confirmed what role, buzz is that Baldwin is poised play the role of Thomas Wayne, who in DC canon is Bruce Wayne/Batman’s father. Thomas Wayne was first introduced in Detective Comics #33 (Nov. 1939) and he is respected physician and philanthropist in Gotham City. Wayne and his wife are murdered exiting the theater, an incident which young Bruce witnesses. That becomes his m.o. for ultimately becoming a vigilante. In the early comics, Wayne’s murderer is mugger/hitman Joe Chill, but starting with the first Tim Burton 1989 Batman movie, it’s the Joker who is the culprit.
This movie gets more and more surreal.
Funny thing is, I always thought that Baldwin would make a great Batman.
I was trying to stay optimistic, but realistic, about Cyberpunk 2077 after the E3 2018 trailers…but seeing how the game “works"…holy shit, if this is really how the game will look, feel and play…this could be an all-timer. Wow.
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
One question: What do we need to do to get Yuzo Koshiro in the mix?
Marvel.com
Legendary writer Jason Aaron will helm the new tales of the sword-slashing hero, bringing him to life alongside star artist Mahmud Asrar. Aaron and Asrar will be joined by cover artist Esad Ribic and colorist Matt Wilson.
You couldn’t ask for a better team, especially based on their collective Thor run.
Seriously, go read that - amazing comics, which bode well for this Conan run.
US Gamer:
Normally, I don’t really care about NPD numbers and such, but it’s absolutely buck wild to me that the best selling game of July 2018 was a 16-bit RPG throwback. So crazy.
Bloomberg:
However, none of the three iPhones will be wholly new designs like the iPhone X was last year or the iPhone 6 in 2014, with some inside Apple labeling the launch as an “S year,” a designation the company has given to new handsets that retain the previous design but add new internal features. The company is planning more significant changes for next year, they added.
In short, apparently, the rumors are true.
The three phones this year are basically an iPhone X S (a faster model of the iPhone X), an iPhone X Plus (bigger screen, size, battery), and, the third one, the low cost one, which…uh, is a weird choice for the “lower model" - one that is larger in size than the iPhone X, but has a lesser screen and components.
Even this Bloomberg article seems to indicate Apple is baffled by their own decisions:
The article also indicates we’re getting new Apple Watches (larger screens!) and new iPad Pros (they’re basically giant iPhone X’s now!).
I think this year my wallet will remain closed, whereas next year will be my phone upgrade + watch upgrade year.
Hollywood Reporter:
No real surprise, but a tremendous bummer never the less.
(I’m holding out that we can get Taika Waititi, if a Gunn return is truly out of play.)
Motherboard:
In a brief intrusion, hackers stole “some” customer data including names, email addresses, account numbers, and other billing information. The good news is that they did not get credit card numbers, social security numbers, or passwords, according to the company.
A reminder again:
Well, that’s a bummer and a half.
It may be time to toss out the Daniel Craig-era (Spectre felt like an ending anyway, even if it wasn’t very good), and restart with a director and a Bond with a strong vision.
Unless, of course, this is a Lord & Miller / Lucasfilm split where risks were exactly the issue.
Green Room was one of my favorite movies of 2016, so I was going to be there for Hold the Dark no matter what, especially with it being on Netflix.
But it’s good to know how damn good this looks.
The Verge:
Very pleased to see Maryland among the list.
Another instance of “It’s A24, so I’ll watch it.“
If you didn’t watch the first season of American Vandal, fix that - it’s one of the best skewering of the true-crime genre I’ve ever seen. Thankfully, this second season looks like it could be as good.
Brickset:
75222 Betrayal at Cloud City, 2,812 pieces
US $349.99 — CA $399.99 — DE 349.99€ — UK £299.99 — FR 349.99€ — DK 2999DK
Available from 13th September for VIPs, 1st October everyone else.
Visit Bespin’s amazing metropolis in the sky—Cloud City!
Relive a world of unforgettable moments from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back or add your own fun twists to the story with this LEGO Star Wars 75222 Betrayal at Cloud City set. The amazingly detailed set is divided into 4 sections, each depicting scenes from the classic movie.
This looks insane.
Comic Book:
Who signed off on Wolverine getting the Emo Bucky gear?
PepsiCo:
I figured it’d either be Pepsi or Coke one day.
Out of nowhere, Nintendo dropped a video detailing a bunch of new indies hitting the Switch.
I haven’t even hit play yet, but I figured you — loyal reader - would want to know ASAP.
Brand Eating:
Sounds goddamned delicious. Why can’t there be limited time runs of these items in the states?
It’s no Rebels or Clone Wars, but it could be fun.
Debuts October 7th on Disney Channel.
SoraNews24:
Sadly, no Goldilocks and The Three Bears-themed Porridge flavor.
Collider:
Could be cool, but as The Bourne Legacy taught us, a Jason Bourne project without Jason Bourne is a fragile platform to build upon.
The Verge:
Honestly, this one isn’t terrible - if the service were “Hey, take your pick of seeing these movies" from Day One, I’d be less bothered by all of the poorly executed changes to the program over the past year.
Alas, that genie is out of the bottle.
I wonder if I’ll be able to just jump into Season 2, and we can call a bogey on Season 1, a’la Parks & Recreation?
TechCrunch:
This whole write-up says it better than I can.
This section in particular:
Its own apps?
Oh, you mean like TweetDeck, the app Twitter acquired then shut down on Android, iPhone and Windows? The one it generally acted like it forgot it owned? Or maybe you mean Twitter for Mac (previously Tweetie, before its acquisition), the app it shut down this year, telling Mac users to just use the web instead? Or maybe you mean the nearly full slate of TV apps that Twitter decided no longer needed to exist?
And Twitter wonders why users don’t want to use its own clients?
Perhaps, users want a consistent experience — one that doesn’t involve a million inconsequential product changes like turning stars to hearts or changing the character counter to a circle. Maybe they appreciate the fact that the third parties seem to understand what Twitter is better than Twitter itself does: Twitter has always been about a real-time stream of information. It’s not meant to be another Facebook-style algorithmic News Feed. The third-party clients respect that. Twitter does not.
I will continue — even in its restricted form — to use Tweetbot over anything officially Twitter.
Yet, at the same time, I recognize a countdown clock is on for my use of Twitter as a platform.
It’s not the site I loved. It’s not the service I was obsessed with. It’s not where I made friends, it’s not where I met my wife. Not anymore.
Keep chasing being Facebook, Jack. I’ll leave you too.
Variety:
Score one for the bad guys.
Vulture:
While I am not a Murderino myself, I am one by proxy, as my wife is a huge fan of the show.
I have no doubt that Georgia and Karen will bring together an awesome mix of creators to their network, and seeing how they cherish and promote the work of their listeners, it will become an incubator for strong talent.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead + Standup Comedy?
THAT’S MY FETISH
In all seriousness, this movie looks good, and I always enjoy Common as an actor.
The Playlist:
According to a report by French outlet Charente Libre, Anderson’s upcoming film is said to be a musical. That’s right, Wes Anderson faithful, the director is prepping a post-WWII French musical.
Well, that’s the most Wes Anderson possibility. Perfect.
Kotaku:
The news was meant to be announced tomorrow, but appeared today on Forbes in a post that’s since been deleted. Diablo III Eternal Collection on Switch will include the original game, the Reaper of Souls expansion, the Rise of the Necromancer pack, and all updates the game has received thus far. You’ll also be able to get an armor set that makes you look like Ganondorf from The Legend of Zelda, because I guess Ganondorf would be mad about the devil muscling in on his “crown prince of evil" turf.
Apparently we’re getting four player online, and four player offline play too! Even on one system.
Sounds pretty dope to me! ONCE MORE INTO THE BREACH!
Business Insider:
The developers at Apple’s loft soon realized the hardware giant needed something from them: Apple was a few months into a major shift in the App Store’s core business model, and it needed buy-in from developers.
Developers, Apple said, needed to realize the business model of apps was changing. Successful apps tended to focus on long-term engagement instead of upfront cost. Indie developers who wanted to capitalize on this needed to move to a subscription model, as Apple had made possible in the past year in a splashy announcement.
That’s certainly one way to raise the “Services" side of the Apple business.
I know that subscriptions for apps are controversial, but it’s a great way for devs to build a regular income - and for apps you use the most, I 100% feel that’s worth it.
Collider:
Couldn’t be happier to see an actress get high profile work. Tessa rules.
I mean, how can I not at least give this show a shot, given that its on Amazon Prime?
The Romanoffs kicks off on October 12th.
IndieWire:
Were this not so absolutely sad, this would be absolutely hilarious.
You were supposed to be the chosen one, MoviePass. THE CHOSEN ONE.
Hey Nerds,
Your dear Internet pal Marty Day is going to be away at Otakon in Washington DC all weekend long.
Super Art Fight has not one, but two shows, on Saturday, August 11th — Super Art Fight proper at 2:30pm in Panel 2, and the 18+ Super Art Fight Unleashed in Main Events at 11pm — so be sure to come out and say Hi!
As for blast-o-rama., we’ll be off from posting until Monday morning, but keep an eye on my Twitter account, as I’m sure I’ll be sharing interesting links and such over there.
See you guys on Monday!
Nintendo:
Well, there you go. September 16, 2018 or later.
Variety:
The series is set in a video game development studio, with McElhenney also attached to star in addition to writing and executive producing alongside Day. The series marks the duo’s first collaboration as writers since “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.“ McElhenney co-created “It’s Always Sunny" with both he and Day starring and serving as executive producers on that show.
Apple and Ubisoft working together on a show from the It’s Always Sunny crew. What a weird world we live in.
If I said that sentence five years ago, you’d think that I were playing pop-culture bingo.
Spotify:
That’s why we’re excited to share that Spotify has been named Samsung’s new go-to music service provider, which gives Samsung users a seamless listening experience between devices. You can look forward to a more meaningful music experience, thanks to integrations across a variety of Samsung products.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCd29Yq4HXU&feature=share
Loved the first season of this. And I’ve got a little Rachel Brosnahan crush.
So bring on more madcap 50’s standup comedy fun!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRQv9xMQ3E0&feature=share
This will definitely rub some folks the wrong way, yet like with all of Moore’s docs, I’d love to see this.
Deadline:
Interesting stuff. I would think this is an instance where Kevin Feige is cashing in the chips of spearheading twenty successful Marvel films to get some sway over the House of Mouse.
Wonder if he can pull it off?
Variety:
The full piece mentions the plans we knew - Venom, Morbius, and whatever else they can slam together - but the original Silver & Black movie is dead, instead giving us two separate films.
Are you excited, True Believer?
Variety:
I was wondering if anyone would be able to go after Valve’s moneymaker and succeed. Discord has the numbers to do it.
Not sure when this will hit state-side, but I’m excited to see this first project from Frost/Pegg’s production wing.
Weird 90’s music note - the movie is directed by the front man of KULA SHAKER!
Business Wire:
That’s going to be a hell of an exclusive for them.
Variety:
You are facing irrelevance.
I KNEW IT!
Bastards.
Hollywood Reporter:
Unsurprisingly, those suitors include Warner Bros., to work on a DC Comics film, and yep, even Marvel Studios themselves.
I sure hope they can still figure out how to work things out for Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3, but perhaps I’m being optimistic.
The Beat:
Tom Scioli (Godland, Transformers vs. GI Joe) tweeted the following with some pitch images presenting the origin of Galactus from a proposed Fantastic Four project.
Yeah, I can’t think of a project I’d want to see more.
For those unfamiliar with Scioli’s work, it’s as if a teen’s notebook went crazy. I highly recommend his original work American Barbarian, but also his incredible Transformers vs. GI-Joe series.
Hollywood Reporter:
Among those changes:
All of these changes are happening to help curb the drop in ratings for the awards show over the past few years.
I think that it’d just be smarter to find a way to stream it online and grab viewers that way. It’s bizarre to me that in this day and age, it’s practically impossible to (legally) stream the Oscars.
Business Wire:
Here’s the full YouTube presentation, though the linked press release does a great job of breaking down the reveals in text form.
I can’t wait. They’ve gone all out for this one.
Pre-Order Super Smash Bros. Ultimate here.
Variety:
Bite-size TV shows? Who the heck would actually get behind this idea?
…oh. oh. I guess this is going to be a thing then.
I don’t know if there’s really a market for this, but it certainly sounds like there are more than enough studios behind it to make a go for it.
Collider:
I love heist movies and I’m a comics nerd. This sounds fun to me.
Indiewire:
All good news here.
Fox Searchlight has been home to some of the most original, enjoyable movies of the past decade. Makes me happy they’ll keep doing what they do best.
Hollywood Reporter:
Universal has indefinitely delayed the film and pulled it from its planned release date, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The pic was in preproduction and last week cast Priyanka Chopra as its female lead as it was heading for a shoot in London next month. It had been slated to open June 28, 2019.
I have to admit, with every update, I was amazed this movie was going forward.
How bad must this script be for it to be pulled so close to filming?
Hollywood Reporter:
The Grammy- and Tony-nominated band is teaming with Lively McCabe Entertainment and Primary Wave to develop a scripted romantic dramedy based on its chart-topping single about a long-distance relationship. Producers, including the band’s frontman and songwriter Tom Higgenson as well as writer Jeremy Desmon, will be in L.A. pitching the potential series — described as a contemporary fairy tale that expands the story within the song — to multiple networks and studios this month.
I’ve made the joke lately that pitch meetings in Hollywood go like this…
Hollywood Executive: Yeah, yeah I have.
Guy Pitching: THAT. The Movie!
Hollywood Executive: SOLD!
…but this is just getting really, deeply sad.
Deadline:
Makes sense, I bet that show rules when you’re stoned!
Variety:
Yeah, that’s perfect casting. Throw a red wig on her and go.
This looks like a can’t-miss. Gondry and Carrey making magic again.
Now, do I really consider adding Showtime to my list of streaming services?
Deadline:
Sadly, not connected to the current show (which is a shame, as Melissa Benoist is doing a great job.)
At the same time, let’s see if any of the DCEU beyond Wonder Woman sticks. Sure hope this does.
The Wrap:
I just hope this is the beginning of a Space Jam universe.
BRING ON THE MONSTARS MOVIE
Wall Street Journal:
The social-media giant has asked large U.S. banks to share detailed financial information about their customers, including card transactions and checking-account balances, as part of an effort to offer new services to users.
I feel sick.
The answer should be, unequivocally, no. I need to get off that damn thing.
(Alt link for those who don’t want to deal with the WSJ paywall — here’s The Verge’s write up.)
Wall Street Journal:
This deal’s getting worse all the time!
OK, so - a Presidential fighter, in G, is an interesting choice…but how the hell did it take this long for Sagat to join the Street Fighter V roster?
Did anyone watch Season 1? Worth checking out?
…that’s certainly a direction to take, Bandai Namco.
Fast Company:
In the six months between filing for bankruptcy and announcing its liquidation, Toys “R" Us CMO Carla Hassan and Creative Director Lee Walker enlisted the branding and design firm Lippincott to address the problem with a new identity for the store. Lippincott, whose work you’re familiar with through brands like Starbucks, Carnival, and Samsung, created a great refresh for a company that is now defunct. The work, which never saw the light of day, is a peek into an alternate future that could have been.
Shame, this could’ve been the shot in the arm they needed.
Now I’m sad again.
TheWrap:
Welcome to Development Hell, Minecraft.
Then again, I had no idea what story could really be told theatrically for this franchise…
Pretty much all we’ve got is the announcement video above.
No show title, no real details, just Patrick Stewart back as Picard.
Between this and Star Trek: Discovery, is this worth the $5.99 to you, friends?
Vulture:
Kenda’s perch atop the roster of programming on the decade-old true crime powerhouse ID is secure (if not completely natural) in a lineup that includes Wives with Knives, Deadly Women and Stepford Lives of Stepford Wives. Homicide Hunter, true stories from his 23-and-a-half years on the job in Colorado Springs, attracted nearly two million viewers per week last season, its seventh, and shows no signs of slowing.
Really enjoyed this interview by Sarah Turcotte with Joe Kenda, the star of one of my favorite guilty pleasure shows, the hypnotic Homicide Hunter.
And yes, the Kenda Cruise is real. Top Stars being Lt. Joe Kenda and The Guy Who Plays Young Lt. Joe Kenda In The Reenactments.
I wonder if we’re going to get the full roster’s weapons in Nerf form?
All we really know about the new show Devs is the cast - list and descriptions below - and that it’s created by Alex Garland, of Annhiliation and Ex-Machina fame.
Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) is Forest, the CEO of Amaya, whose obsession is the covert work of the company’s development division.
Jin Ha (Broadway’s M. Butterfly) is Jamie, a gifted cyber security specialist, who is Lily’s former boyfriend.
Zach Grenier (The Good Wife) is Kenton, the terse, dry and dangerous head of security at Amaya.
Stephen McKinley Henderson (Lady Bird) is Stewart, a cultured intellectual from another era and one of the top technical minds working in Amaya’s secret development division.
Cailee Spaeny (Pacific Rim: Uprising) is Lyndon, a young, brilliant, and stubborn employee who works in Amaya’s secret development division.
Alison Pill (The Newsroom) is Katie, a gifted quantum physicist tapped by Forest to be his second in command at Amaya.
I was sold at Garland, but what a cast!
FX Press Release:
Chris Rock plays the head of one family, a man who — in order to prosper — has surrendered his oldest boy to his enemy, and who must in turn raise his son’s enemy as his own. It’s an uneasy peace, but profitable. And then the head of the Kansas City mafia goes into the hospital for routine surgery and dies. And everything changes. It’s a story of immigration and assimilation, and the things we do for money. And as always, a story of basically decent people who are probably in over their heads. You know, Fargo.
Fargo is one of the greatest shows on television, full-stop.
This should be awesome.
Deadline:
Read this story the other day? You really should, shit is wild.
And now we’ve already got a movie coming from Damon and Affleck. Wow.
AdWeek:
Tiny chairs!
Boston Pizza (a Canadian chain, actually) and John St. oblige with the Pizza Patio Set, which features miniature chairs in addition to the saver, aka the “pizza table" or “ottoman,“ which is designed to keep that greasy cardboard lid from mashing your sweet, sweet pie.
About goddamned time.
Deadline:
What an incredible cast they’re forming for this Men in Black remake.
I legit love the first movie - hopefully the new version, with Ferguson, Tessa Thompson, Chris Hemsworth and Kumail Nanjiani lives up to the legacy.
Mondo:
There are a few sample prints on the announcement post.
My favorite was the variant Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie print by Matt Ryan Tobin, included above.
Recode:
A $1 Trillion company exists.
And don’t we all feel better and richer for it?
Nope? Bummer.
Collider:
Back in June 2017, THR reported that Sony was planning to expand the Spider-Man universe with films like Silver & Black, while “other projects will focus on Kraven the Hunter and Mysterio,“ so news of the solo Kraven project itself is more than a year old. However, now that Sony is in the process of hiring a writer, it’s a strong sign that the studio is getting serious about expanding the non-Spider-Man Spidey universe and that the Kraven movie is heating up.
Ah yes, Kraven the Hunter, the villain with such interesting stories not involving Spider-Man such as…
…
…
Good luck, Richard!
Interesting series - it’s coming from the producer of Master of None, so I’m sure it will have a unique skew.
Collider:
Matthew Newton will direct from his own screenplay, and while Voltage is keeping official plot details under wraps, sources say the script follows a ruthless female assassin named Eve (Chastain) who is hunted by her former employers while trying to tell her family the truth about what she does for a living.
I’m a big fan of Chastain, so to see her get to run solo as a lead is pretty cool.
Thrillist:
Good lord. So many carbs.
Pixel Envy:
At the time, a few of my friends were getting cable internet. It was remarkable seeing the same pages load in just a few seconds, and I remember thinking about the kinds of the possibilities that would open up as the web kept getting faster.
And faster it got, of course. When I moved into my own apartment several years ago, I got to pick my plan and chose a massive fifty megabit per second broadband connection, which I have since upgraded.
So, with an internet connection faster than I could have thought possible in the late 1990s, what’s the score now? A story at the Hill took over nine seconds to load; at Politico, seventeen seconds; at CNN, over thirty seconds. This is the bullshit web.
Lovely read, if you, like me, miss what the web was.
I try to keep it nice and smooth here at blast-o-rama.
Let me know if you ever see slowdown.
Variety:
Were this not a source as respected as Variety, I’d assume this was click-bait.
Sigh
Deadline:
I recall a really great adaptation of Animal Farm on TNT, I think it was?
I’m sure Serkis will produce something amazing, given his work on the Apes films.
Hollywood Reporter:
Hulu has handed out a six-episode series order for Shrill, a comedy starring the Saturday Night Live favorite.
Good for Aidy. She’s a whirlwind talent who deserves a showcase like this.
Not much to it, but Began, the Hype Train has.
Mondo:
I think it’s really cool that Mondo keeps branching into cool, new unique ways of celebrating the films we love.
Due to hit in September. Sub-site here.
I have to admit, some of these attempts to bore us less with Airline Safety videos are charming.
Personally, I’d put this above Virgin America’s song-and-dance number, but below the gold standard, Virgin America’s admission that these videos are generally boring and dull.
I’m here for Mackenzie Davis, but I’m staying hyped for Linda Hamilton looking way badass.
The Verge:
Maybe I’m being radically cynical here, but isn’t this sort of a complicit statement from Facebook/Instagram that their apps are wasting your time, and you should be doing other, better, more important things?
I look forward to finding out that some way, some how, this leads to people using those apps more, as opposed to less.
Deadline:
I’ve joked for years, “They keep remaking the good movies, why don’t they try redoing the less-than-great ones?“
I guess someone is finally listening…
Collider:
Please don’t be a grim-and-gritty reboot of Ace the Bat Hound, Krypto the Super Dog and others.
Jared Stern being the writer assigned has me hoping this will be a fun romp through the Silver-Age-era DC Comics Universe, but…
Nerdist:
I’m going to be very interested to see how these do on the service.
Could be the beginning of something big for the comics game.
Hollywood Reporter:
The drama, which landed at the premium cabler after a multiple-outlet bidding war, will be adapted by Steven Moffat (Sherlock, Doctor Who). An episode count and premiere date have yet to be determined. Casting has not yet begun.
I can’t say he’s not the right guy for the job, but I figure he’d be tired of the time-travel game at this point.
Deadline:
With Blumhouse and the Truth or Dare director involved, should I assume this will be a creepier take?
Playstation.Blog:
Very excited for this one. My only question for myself is…it hits PS4 and iOS the same day. Which one do I get?
Business Wire:
Approaching the one-year anniversary of introducing its standard $9.95 price point, the MoviePass community has grown to more than 3 million members and in turn has contributed to record box office growth, responsible for approximately 6 percent of the nation’s total box office sales in the first half of 2018. In addition, MoviePass Ventures and MoviePass Films are contributing to the company’s ancillary revenue.
Today, the company has implemented several elements of a long-term growth plan to protect the existing community and set it up for future sustainable growth.
Hoo-boy, here we go…these are the new changes:
So, for those keeping track - the MoviePass plan started as:
And now it will be:
I get it. Things have been hard for MoviePass. They’re bleeding money. They’re not sustainable. They’re treading water and just trying to make things work.
It’s just sad.
Slightly Wrong Store:
pro-tip - insist the quote is 100% accurate.
There’s a Tumblr, too.
I love these. I think this is my favorite:
Blue:
We have a lot in common with Logitech. Our products are all about the marriage of great design and stellar performance, and so are theirs. We both have strong brands in the gaming market. We make the most popular streaming mic, they make the most popular streaming cam. And we both want to put excellent, high-performance gear on every desktop.
Logitech sure has been acquiring a lot of companies lately - Jaybird, Ultimate Ears, Astro - seems like they’re making a play to completely cover the computer accessories world.
For what it’s worth, Blue rules - I use their Yeti mic every week for podcasting.
Hollywood Reporter:
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the next installment in the 24 franchise will be an ongoing prequel series that tells the origin story of how Jack Bauer became Jack Bauer. Original series creators Joel Surnow and Bob Cochran are said to be teaming on an idea for the character originally played by Kiefer Sutherland. Executive producer Howard Gordon is attached to the project and is working with Surnow and Cochran on the idea.
Well, if a sequel with a new character didn’t work, why not go backwards?
It’s still so weird to me that we’re getting a stand-alone Venom movie with zero connection to Spider-Man.
Feels like such a 90’s superhero movie throwback in that regard.
From Chris Pratt’s Instagram:
Just in case this gets deleted for whatever reason, here’s the full text of the statement:
We fully support James Gunn. We were all shocked by his abrupt firing last week and have intentionally waited these ten days to respond in order to think, pray, listen, and discuss. In that time, we’ve been encouraged by the outpouring of support from fans and members of the media who wish too see James reinstated as director of Volume 3 as well as discouraged by those so easily duped into believing the many outlandish conspiracy theories surrounding him.
Being in the “Guardians of the Galaxy" movies has been a great honor in each of our lives. We cannot let this moment pass without expressing our love, support, and gratitude for James. We are not here to defend his jokes of many years ago but rather to share our experience having spent many years together on set making Guardians of the Galaxy 1 and 2. The character he has shown in the wake of his firing is consistent with the man he was every day on set, and his apology, now and from years ago when first addressing these remarks, we believe is from the heart, a heart we all know, trust, and love. In casting each of us to help him tell the story of misfits who find redemption, he changed our lives forever. We believe the theme of redemption has never been more relevant than now.
Each of us looks forward to working with our friend James again in the future. His story isn’t over — not by a long shot.
There is little due process in the court of public opinion. James is likely not the last good person to be put on trial. Given the growing political divide in this country, it’s safe to say instances like this will continue, although we hope Americans from across the political spectrum can ease up on the character assassinations and stop weaponizing mob mentality.
It is our hope that what has transpired can serve as an example for all of us to realize the enormous responsibility we have to ourselves and to each other regarding the use of our written words when we etch them in digital stone; that we as a society may learn from this experience and in the future will think twice before we decide what we want to express; and in so learning perhaps can harness this capability to help and heal instead of hurting each other. Thank you for taking the time to read our words.
The Guardians of the Galaxy,
Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Sean Gunn, Pom Klementieff, Michael Rooker
Hopefully, a sign of solidarity by the entire cast is enough to make Marvel Studios/Disney reconsider their decision.
Mental Floss:
But controversy soon erupted in this faux-Springfield mock-up. The homeowner’s association wasn’t keen on having a cartoon house that broke conformity requirements by being painted solar yellow. The sweepstakes winner rejected it outright. And the current owner had to learn to live with the property being a source of perpetual curiosity for fans of the show who brazenly turn her doorknobs and peer through her windows at all hours of the day and night. As it turns out, the reality of living in a fantasy can get a little complicated.
I remember this sweepstakes vividly as a kid. As an avid watcher of the first…oh, ten? seasons of The Simpsons, there wasn’t anything I wanted to win more.
But now, 21 years later, the reality is so much stranger than the promised fantasy. Check it out.
Chew Boom:
I first thought this had to be some sort of crypto-currency bullshit play. But good news! It’s an actual coin. Check it out.
Beginning at lunch time on Thursday, August 2, 2018 fans will be offered one free MacCoin with the purchase of a Big Mac at 14,000 participating restaurants across the U.S., while supplies last. Starting Friday, August 3, you can redeem your MacCoin for a free Big Mac at participating locations in the U.S. and in more than 50 participating countries worldwide.
I do wonder if, given the collectible nature of the coin, how many people will actually redeem them for the free Big Macs.
I’d love to see the distribution vs. redemption counts here.
I was pretty much sold with Jonah Hill and Emma Stone starring (Superbad follow-up!), and Cary Fukunaga directing (he gave us the first season of True Detective), but, from this teaser…that’s about all we have.
Good news, I found Netflix’s synopsis. Sounds like it could rule.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbb8zPQBmOw&feature=share
I know, second season, but I’m still amazed we have a Castlevania cartoon written by Warren Ellis.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu5FAWnFRI0&feature=share
I still haven’t watched the first. Worth it?
StarWars.com:
No major surprises in the list.
Billy Dee Williams confirmed, Mark Hamill confirmed, and unreleased footage from The Force Awakens will be used so Carrie Fischer can appear in the film posthumously.
Excited?
Deadline:
Interesting choice.
Where’s my damn Buckaroo Banzai reboot/sequel?
Originally titled Evangelion 4.0, Evangelion 3.0 + 1.0 is set as the final film in the Rebuild of Evangelion series, retelling/rebooting the classic anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion series.
Originally set for a 2015 release, this film is now set for a 2020 release, a crisp thirteen years after the Japanese release of Evangelion 1.0, and twenty-five years after the launch of Neon Genesis Evangelion proper.
What I’m saying is: I’m an old.
Deadline:
Holy shit. No theatrical release at all now.
With The Cloverfield Paradox, Annihilation (internationally, at least),Extinction and now Mowgli, Netflix is becoming the dumping ground for movies that the big studios are wary to release properly.
I don’t know if it’s a good thing…it’s just damned interesting.
Business Insider:
In other words: On Thursday it ran out of cash, at least temporarily.
Yikes.
Wired:
In fact, over the past few months, many of the journalists I follow have casually mentioned that they have timers on their accounts set to delete their old tweets. “Why wouldn’t you delete them?“ tweeted one, in a tweet I can no longer find because it has since been deleted.
At first, I was aghast. If something happens on Twitter but then gets deleted, did it even happen? Deleting it is an affront to history! Isn’t Twitter a sacred record of our (checks notes) … inane thoughts and bad jokes? Oh wait, maybe I do get it.
For what it’s worth, I’ve set my Tweets to self-destruct after 31 days.
I used TweetDelete for this function. There’s no need for these things to live on.
Facebook, Instagram, I’m wiping you out next.
Ars Technica:
Nintendo took a late-Thursday opportunity to unveil the Labo Vehicle Kit, coming this September to Nintendo Switch. The $69.99 product will include three separate build-your-own steering chassis: the Toy-Con Car, Toy-Con Plane, and Toy-Con Submarine. (Toy-Con is Nintendo’s term for toys that combine folded cardboard pieces and Switch Joy-Con controllers.)
Looks like fun for the whole family once again.
ThinkGeek:
These are going to be big among the cosplayers, that’s for sure.
That said, for $40, I don’t expect them to be that great.
Bungie Store:
I have no idea why this is coming out nearly four years after the launch of Destiny, but better late than never.
The interiors look beautiful.
Maryland Film Festival / The Parkway:
Very cool series, titled “Kubrick 90”, for the Baltimore locals, at the just as awesome Parkway Theatre (which if you haven’t been, is a beautiful theatre space!)
A little birdie reached out to me with the full list of upcoming dates through the end of the year.
Check ‘em out:
The Killing - format TBD Thursday, August 9 at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 11 at 5 p.m. With fascinating detail, Kubrick lays bare the intricate inner-planning of a racetrack heist by a deadly mastermind and his crew.
2001: A Space Odyssey - 2018 Re-Release in 4K DCP (“Digital Cinema Package") Friday, August 31 (Time TBD) Humanity finds a mysterious, obviously artificial object buried beneath the Lunar surface and, with the intelligent computer HAL 9000, sets off on a quest.
Paths of Glory - DCP restoration Thursday, September 6 at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 8 at 5 p.m. Adapting Humphrey Cobb’s novel to the screen, Kubrick sets out to make a devastating anti-war statement and succeeds above and beyond the call of duty. Paths of Glory is among the most powerful anti-war films ever made.
Spartacus - 2017 4K DCP Restoration Thursday, September 20 at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 22 at 5 p.m. Kubrick’s controversial classic, the first film to openly defy Hollywood’s blacklist, remains a landmark of cinematic artistry and history.
Lolita - 35mm Thursday, October 4 at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 6 at 5 p.m. An all-star cast in Vladimir Nabakov’s screenplay of his own once-shocking, now-classic novel.
A Clockwork Orange - 35mm Thursday, October 18 at 7 p.m. Saturday, October 20 at 5 p.m. Hooligan Alex’s journey from amoral punk to brainwashed proper citizen and back again forms the dynamic arc of Kubrick’s future-shock vision of Anthony Burgess’ novel.
The Shining - DCP Wednesday, October 31 at 9:30 p.m. - HALLOWEEN! Friday, November 2nd at 9:30 p.m. Kubrick’s visually haunting chiller, based on the bestseller by master-of-suspense Stephen King, is an undeniable contemporary classic.
Full Metal Jacket - 35mm Sunday, November 11 at 4 p.m. Thursday, November 15 at 7 p.m. A superb ensemble falls in for Kubrick’s brilliant saga about the Vietnam War and the dehumanizing process that turns people into trained killers.
Dr. Strangelove - Format TBD Thursday, November 29 at 7 p.m. Saturday, December 1 at 5 p.m. This landmark satire takes the entire concept of global nuclear annihilation and turns it into black comedy
Barry Lyndon - 35mm Thursday, December 13 at 7 p.m. Saturday, December 15 at 4 p.m. Kubrick bent the conventions of the historical drama to his own will in this dazzling vision of a pitiless aristocracy, adapted from a novel by William Makepeace Thackeray
Eyes Wide Shut - 35mm Thursday, December 20 at 7 p.m. Saturday, December 22 at 5 p.m. Inspired by the 1926 novella “Traumnovelle" by Arthur Schnitzler, Kubrick’s daring and controversial last film is a bracing psychosexual journey through a haunting dreamscape.
If nothing else, I’m going to try to see The Shining and 2001 on the big screen. Click the source link to pick up tickets.
Variety:
Directed by Elizabeth Banks.
Wonder how it will do compared to the 2000’s edition - at the least, it’s going to be lost without a kick-ass Destiny’s Child theme.
Food & Wine:
WHAT THE FUCK SCOTLAND YOU WERE COOL
Deadline:
….
Stoned Alone is reminiscent of that hallowed comedy classic. It centers around a twenty-something weed growing loser who misses the plane for his holiday ski trip. He makes the best of things by getting high. Paranoia sets in and he believes he hears someone break into his house. Turns out thieves have broken in. Fully stoned and fueled by paranoia, he tries to thwart the thieves and defend his castle.
Well, that’s certainly an idea.
Collider:
Hey! I read that! It was good! And I don’t even really follow sports all that closely!
Rut-roh.
…damnit.
Deadline:
Unlike the slew of recent revivals of comedy series with the original cast and original creative auspices, including Will & Grace, Roseanne and Murphy Brown, I hear that Frasier is envisioned as a reboot, likely set in a new city, with the title character, played by Grammer, as a possible link to the Emmy-winning 1993 series.
Cheers was good. The original run of Fraiser was good. But we already have twenty-two seasons of programing with Dr. Fraiser Crane.
Do we need more?
I recognize, we’re about to have the…38th(?) season of Doctor Who, but this feels like a little too much.
Speaking of HBO…
Yeah, I am in.
I always get excited when I see Jemaine and Bret in other things, so it’ll be nice to see them together like the old days.
Variety:
“All of these people worked hard to get this together,“ Bloys said. “It’s been a logistics nightmare getting all the cast members’ schedules together, but we are there. It is greenlit.“
Bloys also said the movie is currently scheduled to begin shooting in October for a spring 2019 air date, but added that the date is not “set in stone.“
It’s a bummer that this will be an HBO movie, not a proper theatrical release, but I for one cannot wait to return to the world of Deadwood!
The Brothers Brick:
I said goddamn.
I understand the need to go “micro-scale", but this is the most massive micro-scale set I’ve ever seen. Unreal!
Newsarama:
Quality over quantity, every time.
If this is what is needed for Vaughan and Staples to recharge and come back and do awesome, I’d take this over filler issues any day.
The Wall Street Journal:
Hollywood studios are currently bidding for the big-screen rights to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton, according to people involved in sales talks. But in an unusual twist, the “Hamilton" movie won’t be a filmed adaptation. Instead, it is a recording of the show made in 2016 with its original cast, including Mr. Miranda in the lead role.
Apparently the asking price is a cool $50 Million.
I’d go see it in a movie theater immediately, but at the same time, this feels like such a layup for Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple’s soon-to-exist video service: the modern Broadway classic, in the comfort of your home.
I give it 5 more years after this until it gets a proper, superstar-filled movie adaptation.
The Verge:
Too damn creepy for my tastes.
Hollywood Reporter:
The veteran actor is in negotiations to join Joaquin Phoenix in Warner Bros.’ upcoming Joker stand-alone movie from The Hangover helmer Todd Phillips.
Surreal. Absolutely surreal.
Over my vacation, I read a few books and watched a few movies, so here’s some quick thoughts on what I checked out.
Book links go to Amazon, movies go to iTunes (where applicable).
Enjoy!
Rolling Stone:
“Now the truth in this message is I’m a broke-ass legend / The only reason I stay on tour is ’cause I gotta pay my rent,“ Kelly sings. “I never thought it would come to this, to be the most disrespected artist / So I had to write a song about it / Because they always take my words and twist it / Believe me, it’s hard to admit all this.“
Over the course of the nearly 20-minute track, Kelly openly discusses many of the accusations he’s faced in the past few years, including the allegations made by several women that the singer is operating what’s been described as a “sex cult.“
Jimminy Christmas, this is certainly not the way to tell the world you’re sane, to release a nearly 20 minute long track rambling on about all of the allegations placed against you recently.
If you don’t have the stomach for 20 minutes of R. Kelly, Vulture has a look at the worst lines from the song.
Oof.
Hello blast-o-rama readers!
I will be on vacation from July 13th-21st, heading to beautiful Bethany Beach, Delaware.
In turn, your normal updates of this site probably won’t happen. But I know me, and at the very least, I’ll probably be sharing links (and brief thoughts) over on Twitter.
At the least, I will be back on Monday, July 23rd. Be good, nerds.
Hollywood Reporter:
Cate Shortland, the Australian director perhaps best known for the Nazi drama Lore, has signed on to direct Black Widow, Marvel’s action-adventure project that will star Scarlett Johansson.
I wonder how well this would’ve fared prior to the Ghost in the Shell/Rub ’n Tug backlash on ScarJo?
Either way - please be based on the Mark Waid/Chris Samnee run. K thx bye.
Marvel:
I can’t front - were I attending San Diego, between shirts, pins, cool caps, etc. - I’d be dropping a lot of cash at the Marvel booth.
EW.com:
Very cool. Surprised this hasn’t happened sooner!
CBR:
I love when projects like these pop up. Even for as oblique to read as it was, this is why I enjoyed the The Star Wars comic book project.
Nerdist:
I really like the idea of the four factions. Wonder how it plays?
Mashable:
Holy shit, Becky Cloonan killed that Symphony of the Night poster!
…I don’t need to start collecting Amiibo…
…I don’t need to start collecting Amiibo…
…I don’t need to start collecting Amiibo…
…I don’t need to start collecting Amiibo…
…I don’t need to start collecting Amiibo…
Apple Newsroom:
Surprise!
Hmm. My work laptop is starting to show its age…
TechCrunch:
In The Dreamery, you can reserve nooks for 45 minutes at a time, at a cost of $25 per session. These nooks are basically giant wooden “O"s with curtains and soundproofed backing, and of course they’re stocked with Casper beds.
Do I just start yelling podcast names at the staff to get money off?
Variety:
He joins Lupita Nyong’o, Elisabeth Moss, and Winston Duke in the Universal pic. Heidecker’s role is being kept under wraps.
After Get Out, I was in for this movie.
These cast selections are just sealing the deal even further.
Hollywood Reporter:
Diane Lane (Under the Tuscan Sun), Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk), Imogen Poots (Green Room), Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel), Juliana Canfield (Succession) and Marin Ireland (Sneaky Pete) will star in Michael Green’s adaptation of Brian K. Vaughan’s comic series.
What a cast! Can’t wait!
Variety:
I sure hope this kills off all of those awful “SUPER COOL MOVIE TRAILERS HD" pages.
(I know, I know, it’ll help YouTubers who are making their bread and butter off the service.)
Deadline:
Sadly, I’m pretty sure this will be more like the 90’s Rob Liefeld run, not the dope, surreal, french sci-fi take of the most recent run.
Deadline:
HOLY SHIT THIS RULES.
Let Blomkamp bring his amazing eye to the picture, let someone else handle the writing. This should be awesome.
DC Comics:
Wilson has won several prestigious literary awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story in 2015 and the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in 2016 for the Muslim-American character Kamala Khan, a.k.a. Ms. Marvel. Wilson is also no stranger to DC, having previously written SUPERMAN, VIXEN and THE OUTSIDERS, as well as DC Vertigo titles CAIRO and AIR. She takes over the ongoing adventures of the Amazon Warrior this November with her debut story arc, “The Just War.“
Well deserved. Wilson is a hell of a writer.
Sega:
The 1000 toaster count was met quickly and you can get one of your own for $35.
ESPN:
The multi-year broadcast deal includes the Overwatch League playoffs – which begin Wednesday night – the Season 1 grand finals from the Barclays Center in New York next month and Overwatch League Season 2 next year. In all, professional Overwatch will be broadcast in some fashion on the flagship ESPN network, ESPN2, Disney XD, ABC and streaming services for the term of the agreement.
Need some proof that the world has changed?
Disney just outbid others for the rights to broadcast a video game tournament.
SYFY Wire:
I’ve highlighted the beautiful print for The Shape of Water coming by Daniel Danger above, but there’s also a variant, a print for Beneath the Planet of the Apes by Eric Powell, and a toy of Half-Life lead Gordon Freeman coming.
Check em all out at the source link.
Vanity Fair:
“Unfortunately I don’t see it happening in 2020. It’s a position that requires years of hard work and experience to learn the skills. There’s a lot of ground to cover, and due to my schedule, it’s not possible in 2020,“ Johnson said at the New York premiere of his latest movie, Skyscraper, on Tuesday. “I have so much respect for the position. It’s something that I seriously considered. What I need is time to go out and learn.“
So you tell me that I’m going to have to vote for someone with a history of being a part of the political system? And NOT one of my favorite action stars/wrassle men?
Goddamnit.
EW.com:
Here we see orphaned 14-year-old Billy Batson, who can transform into a grown-up superhero (Levi, who starred on NBC’s Chuck) with an array of powers by saying the magic word. Billy is shown on a soda run with fellow orphan Freddy Feeman (Jack Dylan Grazer, who played the hypochondriac Eddie in It).
Oh my, that looks fun.
The Guardian:
“You have caught me at the best possible moment,“ he says, shaking my hand and downing a coffee. “This will be the most enthusiastic, positive and interesting I will ever be. You have got the mother lode!“
And then he sits down to talk about depression. And alcoholism. And how he spent years trying to hide it, and how he nearly lost everything, and how he is lucky to even be alive. “It was awful, terrible,“ he says. “It owned me.“ Suddenly, this roof terrace in east London doesn’t seem so sunny.
Wow. I had no idea. Love Simon Pegg’s work dearly, and I cannot underline enough how strong he is to go on the record about his struggles publicly.
I had heard the first Goosebumps was actually really, super fun. Confirm/deny, dear Internet?
Chew Boom:
Unicorn Freak Shake: A Cotton Candy milkshake with a scoop of Cotton Candy ice cream topped with Charms Fluffy Stuff Cotton Candy, Airheads Xtreme Rainbow Berry Sweetly Sour Candy strips, a sugar cone and finished with a cherry, rainbow sprinkles, marshmallow garnish and whipped topping.
Oreo n Cookies Freak Shake: An Oreo Cookies n Cream milkshake topped with a scoop of Oreo Cookies n Cream ice cream and garnished with a hot fudge drizzle, whipped topping, a slice of Oreo Cookies n Cream Polar Pizza and finished with a sugar cone, cherry and Oreo cookie pieces.
?Donut Shop Freak Shake: A Jamoca Almond Fudge milkshake with a scoop of Jamoca Almond Fudge ice cream topped with hot >udge, whipped topping, Dunkin’ Donuts Powdered and Chocolate Munchkins donut hole treats, a Dunkin’ Donuts Chocolate Frosted with Sprinkles Donut and finished with a sugar cone, cherry and rainbow sprinkles.
These will kill you. You will die.
Available July 15th-31st.
Brick Fanatics:
Wow, I honestly can’t see the difference between the “unsustainable" piece and the “sustainable" one.
Props to LEGO for taking such an important task head-on, and seeming to knock it out of the park.
Gizmodo:
…
Some computer science academics at Northeastern University had heard enough people talking about this technological myth that they decided to do a rigorous study to tackle it. For the last year, Elleen Pan, Jingjing Ren, Martina Lindorfer, Christo Wilson, and David Choffnes ran an experiment involving more than 17,000 of the most popular apps on Android to find out whether any of them were secretly using the phone’s mic to capture audio. The apps included those belonging to Facebook, as well as over 8,000 apps that send information to Facebook.
Sorry, conspiracy theorists: They found no evidence of an app unexpectedly activating the microphone or sending audio out when not prompted to do so. Like good scientists, they refuse to say that their study definitively proves that your phone isn’t secretly listening to you, but they didn’t find a single instance of it happening. Instead, they discovered a different disturbing practice: apps recording a phone’s screen and sending that information out to third parties.
Crazy, right?
But at the same time, let’s add “My phone is listening to me, right?“ in the pile of bullshit alongside “You should manually close apps on your iPhone.“
(Real talk, the other day, I was at the airport and witnessed someone opening apps and closing them immediately after use, constantly going back and forth. WHY DO THAT TO YOURSELF)
Hollywood Reporter :
Joaquin Phoenix recently finalized his deal to star as the arch-nemesis of Batman and shooting is set to begin in September in New York.
Todd Phillips is directing the film and co-wrote the script, which the studio describes as being an “exploration of a man disregarded by society [that] is not only a gritty character study, but also a broader cautionary tale.“ Scott Silver co-wrote the script.
I’m all for a good, interesting comic book movie, but wasn’t one of the best lessons from The Dark Knight that we didn’t need to know the Joker’s origin, and he was more interesting as a force of nature?
Hollywood Reporter:
A month after exiting the Crow reboot, the Game of Thrones grad has been tapped to star in Apple’s drama series See.
See is described as an epic, world-building drama set in the future. Momoa will star in a lead role as Baba Voss, who is a fearless warrior, leader and guardian. Additional details about the eight-episode project are being kept under wraps.
Sounds interesting, but say it with me…
Hey, Apple - where can I watch this?
Deadline:
We’re now in a world where B-Level Valiant comics are getting TV shows.
What a surreal universe this is.
BGR:
That would be an incredibly wise acquisition.
1Password is my first installed app on every device I own. I’d love to see it become native.
UPDATE: Definitely not happening.
Hollywood Reporter:
The actor, who famously played the galactic gambler Lando Calrissian, will reprise the role for Star Wars: Episode IX, the next Star Wars installment from Lucasfilm.
Tremendous news.
Deadline:
He’ll be playing Detective Twitch. No word on who will be his Sam, or if there will be one. (John Goodman would rule.)
The Brothers Brick:
I literally have no idea if this has ever been a storyline thing for Deadpool.
But damn, that mustache is exquisite!
The New York Times:
Mr. Stankey described a future in which HBO would substantially increase its subscriber base and the number of hours that viewers spend watching its shows. To pull it off, the network will have to come up with more content, transforming itself from a boutique operation, with a focus on its signature Sunday night lineup, into something bigger and broader.
“We need hours a day,“ Mr. Stankey said, referring to the time viewers spend watching HBO programs. “It’s not hours a week, and it’s not hours a month. We need hours a day. You are competing with devices that sit in people’s hands that capture their attention every 15 minutes.“
Continuing the theme, he added: “I want more hours of engagement. Why are more hours of engagement important? Because you get more data and information about a customer that then allows you to do things like monetize through alternate models of advertising as well as subscriptions, which I think is very important to play in tomorrow’s world.“
I hope you guys liked HBO, because this story doesn’t end well. HBO isn’t Netflix. HBO will never be Netflix.
The “boutique operation" idea? That is what makes HBO stand out in the world of a Netflix. A handpicked selection of content which is better than the rest. A prestige product.
That is what HBO is. And that is what HBO should be.
Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of taking in the latest adventure from the creative minds at Marvel Studios, Ant-Man and the Wasp.
While I enjoyed the first Ant-Man, one of the hardest struggles I had with the movie was letting go of what could’ve been with the potential Edgar Wright version. I’m pleased to say that without this baggage, I had an infinity more enjoyable time with this installment, and would go so far as to say that it’s one of the most delightful flicks in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far.
Here are some quick thoughts on the movie:
On the whole, the stakes are inconsequential in Ant-Man and the Wasp, but the resulting film is a really energetic, incredibly funny romp. Now that Peyton Reed finally had an Ant-Man movie which was completely his own, I’d love to see a third pairing.
Ant-Man and the Wasp is in theaters now.
Vulture:
I needed to share this incredible piece by Abraham Riesman.
Really underlines why Ditko stood out among the other 60’s-era Marvel names.
Truly one of a kind, for better or worse.
Hollywood Reporter:
The New York Police Department confirmed his death to The Hollywood Reporter. No cause of death was announced. Ditko was found dead in his apartment on June 29 and it is believed he died about two days earlier.
Steve Ditko gave us one of the greatest heroes of superhero fiction, full stop.
You can debate, discuss, and ponder the wild ways his later career went, but he’ll always be one of the greats.
Godspeed.
Marvel:
A gladiator, a warrior, and a Super Hero…Shatterstar has been many different things, but throughout it all, he’s always been deadly. This fall, enter the darkness with SHATTERSTAR #1!
Written by Tim Seeley with art by Carlos Villa, the limited series will be a new birth for the long-beloved character.
Wow, the X-Force characters are so hot right now. Shame that he seems to be missing his weird face helmet thing.
Variety:
Sources tell Variety that J.J. Abrams is in early talks with the “Felicity" alum to join “Star Wars: Episode IX,“ which Abrams is writing and directing. Russell and Abrams last collaborated on 2006’s “Mission: Impossible III.“
What timing - I was watching Mission: Impossible III earlier today.
Bring on Felicity!
…speaking of employment…
The Atlantic:
Full employment — that magical economic state, in which everyone who wants work has it, and at a good wage too — finally seems to be near. In much of Iowa, it already is. Out of every 100 people who want a job, 98 or 99 have one. The rate of wage growth has doubled of late, and businesses are scrambling to find workers. “It does feel like things are a little different in the last year,“ Elisabeth Buck, the president of the United Way of Central Iowa, told me. “Businesses are getting a little desperate.“
In that, Des Moines and the surrounding area stand as an example of what might be coming for the national economy, both good and bad. Full employment has a remarkable way of improving the lives of low-wage workers and drawing new individuals into the labor force. But it also exposes the scars that even a very hot economy is unable to heal.
Really interesting read - will have to keep some of this in the back of my mind come review season.
(Don’t worry, your standard nerdy links coming again soon. Just two interesting reads.)
Slate:
I’m not alone. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, only one-fourth of those with an anxiety disorder have told their employers about their diagnosis. Thirty-eight percent of those who hadn’t worried that “their boss would interpret it as lack of interest or unwillingness to do the activity" while 34 percent of them worried it would affect their promotion opportunities.
But recently, I’ve come to realize my anxiety isn’t holding me back at work but actually making me a better employee.
Interesting.
As someone who has anxiety issues (WHAT UP I’M ON LEXAPRO), I’ve rarely thought of my anxiousness as a benefit in the workforce, but this makes a strong argument.
Vice Press:
This is SO GREAT. Available on Tuesday, July 10th.
Brand Eating:
The combination of potato and taco features a hash brown-like taco shell that’s made of potato and “Mexican spices.” The Potaco is a vegetarian item that comes filled with lettuce, fiesta salsa, cheese, and “signature sauces.”
…can they bring this to the states? Potato-obsessed taco hounds NEED to know.
What a cool idea for a book!
Here’s the full synopsis of it:
Concerned about the threat that so-called “metahumans" may pose to the world, Batman has begun compiling a detailed dossier on their incredible physiology and abilities. From villains like Killer Croc, Bane, and Brainiac, to Batman’s own comrades, including Superman and Cyborg, the file brings together the Dark Knight’s fascinating personal theories on the unique anatomical composition of these formidable individuals.
This stunning and unique book delves into the incredible abilities of DC Comics characters like never before. Using beautifully illustrated anatomical cross sections depicting twelve different DC characters, the book, told from Batman’s unique perspective, will explore how these “metahumans" physical makeup differs significantly from that of the average person. From detailed theories on how Superman’s eyes shoot heat rays to an in-depth exploration of how Aquaman is able to breathe under water, the book delves into the deepest secrets of these classic characters. Also featuring chapters on the anatomy and abilities of Doomsday, Aquaman, Swamp Thing, Darkseid, Martian Manhunter, and more, this one-of-a-kind book will change the way you look at metahumans forever.
Pick it up on Amazon here. Releases in September.
Collider:
This is Spider-Man Noir, by the way.
What an amazing, surreal world we live in now where this is a big screen blockbuster.
Can’t wait!
Deadline:
Of note, Legendary Pictures produced Pacific Rim, the closest a Hollywood movie studio has gotten to going full anime.
This could actually be good?
Kottke.org:
I recognize that I am, essentially, posting a link to one site which is telling you to read three more links, but I believe that all three are worth reading.
I make no qualms about how Kottke.org is an inspiration for that which I’m trying to do with blast-o-rama. now, even if my focus is so much more on me sharing links to things I find interesting, and giving a quick fire opinion on them.
But in the same regard, the goal of this site now — besides being a centralized hub of stuff I think is cool or interesting — is about walking away from things which are owned and controlled by others and taking a stake in a web which you yourself control and own. (Even if I’m using a backend in WordPress which is owned, operated, updated and maintained by others.)
My relationship with the Internet is so weird.
It literally pays my bills, but I consider it harmful and toxic. I filter it to give me the things I think I’d want more, but still participate in the elements I find most harmful (looking at you, Facebook.) And in all of that, I think there’s been no greater communicational or informational medium ever.
The best things in my life happened because of the web. And in many ways, so did the worst.
But I aim to be the change. And maybe more of us can, if we look at what worked, what failed, and what could be?
Engadget:
Per the screenshots shown, it looks like the peak pricing fees won’t be too high ($3.43?), but we’ll have to see how things change over time.
I will say that this fits in more with MoviePass’s original pitch to exhibitors of trying to get people in during slower periods of time/less attended screenings.
Sideshow Toy:
Can be yours for the low, low price of $3,950.
Variety:
“Deadpool 2" director David Leitch is on board to helm, with Johnson and Statham reprising their roles as special agent Luke Hobbs and criminal mastermind Deckard Shaw, respectively. “Fast and Furious" architect Chris Morgan penned the script, with production set to commence this fall.
SHIT YEAH
io9:
That’s because io9 can exclusively reveal Chronicle Collectibles has teamed with Universal Studios and Barbasol to make an officially licensed, screen accurate prop replica of the cryogenic Barbasol can from Jurassic Park, just like the one Dodgson brings for Nedry in the movie, so the disgruntled employee can smuggle Dino embryos out of the park.
Genius. Not sure if it’s $200 worth of genius, but I’ve seen crazier prices for screen-replica props.
The Ringer:
These intros are some of the greatest, most grandiose introductions to one of the most hilarious pieces of Americana we have every Fourth of July.
Thanks for sharing the link with me, Ross. We need to step up our SAF intro game.
Bloomberg:
In a drive to win the business up for grabs after the demise of Toys “R" Us Inc., the online giant is going conventional with plans to publish a holiday toy catalog, according to people with knowledge of the strategy. The printed guide will be mailed to millions of U.S. households and handed out at Whole Foods Market locations, the grocery chain Amazon bought last year, said the people, who asked not to be named because the plan isn’t public.
Smart move by Amazon. Plus, it keeps a yearly tradition alive.
I spent far too much time as a child circling my most wanted items in the Toys R Us and Sears catalogs.
Lifehacker:
I always enjoy these “How I Work" posts on Lifehacker, but when it also involves a behind-the-scenes look at one of my favorite podcasts (Song Exploder), I’m doubly excited about it.
Check it out, and check out Song Exploder too!
The 80’s and synth love remains with the Roadkill Superstar team.
Looks real fun, though.
TheWrap:
I’m not sure this is something people are clamoring for, especially with it being set decades before the show, but I’ve heard of worse ideas.
Hollywood Reporter:
MGM is fast-tracking the project, which has Lars Klevberg, the Norwegian filmmaker behind the horror movie Polaroid, in the director’s chair as it heads toward a production start in Vancouver this September.
Last I had heard, the past few direct-to-video installments had been pretty good, but evidently the need to reboot was strong.
Hollywood Reporter:
The company filed a shelf registration that will offer institutional investors equity and debt, and Helios and Matheson CEO Ted Farnsworth tells The Hollywood Reporter that he’ll likely access the $1.2 billion over the course of a year or two.
I don’t know that MoviePass will ever be what they want to be - especially now that cinemas are rolling out their own MoviePass-like plans. But I admire their “never give up" attitude. Even if I think they’re crazy to do so.
Mondo:
The poster goes on sale later today, along with a print of the artwork for the novel (which was adapted as a poster), and even an enamel pin set.
Check it out!
Deadline:
Click the link - the real-life story this is based on sounds incredibly fascinating.
I think that the title of the film will have to change before release, though, as most people will - sadly - laugh it off.
Recode:
After months of nonstop drama centered around Facebook’s privacy policies, which included multiple formal hearings for CEO Mark Zuckerberg in front of U.S. and EU lawmakers, the company on Monday announced another privacy issue: A software bug “unblocked" some people who had previously been blocked by another user, meaning the unblocked user could suddenly see some posts from the person who blocked them.
The bug also meant that the person who had been blocked may have been able to reach out via Messenger to the person who blocked them, Facebook said in a blog post. The bug affected 800,000 users and was live for about a week at the end of May and early June.
Great work, Zuckerberg. Great work.
Gizmodo:
Hey, it could be worse, they could be exploding again.
Funko:
An awesome mix of licenses and fun toys. Now, what percentage of these cereals do you think will actually be eaten?
I love this cast. I hope the sequel is as great as the original.
This is exactly the type of gloriously dumb movie that I subscribe to stuff like MoviePass and AMC A-List for.
Take me away from the awfulness of the world for two hours, Dwayne! And solve my problems with explosions!
Looks very respectful of the source material. I know there are some late 90’s/early 00’s anime heads like myself reading this, so I’d imagine you’d be just as excited to see this. Enjoy!
TheWrap:
What a cool cast they’re pulling together for the next MIB flick.
I sure hope we get a Will Smith theme regardless.
Deadline:
What a world we live in. This is going to be insane.
Food & Wine:
Or, alternatively, you can get the cookbook.
Variety:
A-listers Meryl Streep, Emma Stone, Saoirse Ronan, and Timothee Chalamet are in talks to star in Columbia Pictures’ retelling of the American classic with Florence Pugh also in talks to star. The movie would mark a reunion for Gerwig, Ronan, and Chalamet. The young actors starred in 2017’s coming-of-age comedy “Lady Bird.“
That’s a killer cast. Can’t wait to see who else lines up for this.
In truth, I’d prefer to see another original picture from Gerwig, but I look forward to this just the same.
TechCrunch:
Maps needs fixing.
Apple, it turns out, is aware of this, so It’s re-building the maps part of Maps.
I saw an Apple Maps truck out and about somewhere in Baltimore around a year ago. I wonder if this is why.
Hollywood Reporter:
The characters — including Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Daredevil, Iron Fist and Colleen Wing — are featured in the Marvel Legends Series Defenders Rail Authority 5-Pack.
The six-inch figures come with multiple points of articulation and have detailed stylings. The pack also comes with five accessories.
Like all Hasbro convention exclusives, the original packaging is a key part of the appeal and this one is a fun one: underground New York City public transit.
THR accidentally tweeted about this a few weeks back, but here’s the full reveal.
The Iron Fist is really well done, for such a lame-ass interpretation of a great character.
Hollywood Reporter:
The premium cable network has handed out a pilot order to the comedy The Righteous Gemstones.
McBride created the project and will pen the script, executive produce, direct and star in the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work, all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John Goodman (Roseanne) will star as Eli Gemstone, the patriarch of the Gemstone family. The character is described as unbending and a force in the ministry game. He is known the world over for his aggressive salvation techniques, his global ministries and his award-winning weekly television program. His light is fading, but he takes no guff. He is obeyed, unquestioned.
McBride will portray Jesse Gemstone, the eldest son and heir to the throne. He walks in his father’s shadow while simultaneously blazing his own path. Like Eli, Jesse takes no shit and demands loyalty from those in his circle and surrounds himself by those that will follow him. Jesse fancies himself a maverick in the ministry game, taking what Eli has built and expanding it for a more modern audience.
This sounds really, really fun. Could be another winner for Home Box Office.
Word is we’ll be seeing the trailer for the next installment of the Unbreakable/Split saga at SDCC next month.
Kotaku:
We haven’t heard many specifics about Google’s video game plans, but what we have heard is that it’s a three-pronged approach: 1) Some sort of streaming platform, 2) some sort of hardware, and 3) an attempt to bring game developers under the Google umbrella, whether through aggressive recruiting or even major acquisitions. That’s the word from five people who have either been briefed on Google’s plans or heard about them secondhand.
Buck wild. Would love to see what comes of this.
Vulture:
While his work was untouchable, what I remember him most was from being sort of a nerd Andy Rooney on the Sci-Fi Buzz program on the Sci-Fi Channel.
Rest in Power, good sir.
More details on Hammond, the adorable hamster, here.
Collider:
Collider clearly has some good sources at Lucasfilm these days.
Hollywood Reporter:
The premium cable network announced Thursday that it has picked up 10 episodes of the live-action scripted drama series, with Kyle Killen (Awake) set to serve as exec producer, writer and showrunner. Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) will direct multiple episodes of the series and serve as an exec producer.
Very cool! I know this has been long in the works, so I’m glad to see it finally moving forward.
There’s not much to it, but here’s our first teaser for Disenchantment, which underlines how Matt Groening might be playing it safe here.
Hits Netflix in August.
As promised yesterday, the veil has been removed and DC Comics’ streaming service “DC UNIVERSE" has been revealed ahead of San Diego Comic Con.
The rumors proved to be true, as this is a mixture of original content, classic DC animated series (for the first time in HD), Warner Bros superhero films (the classics, not the newer DCEU, yet), and the DC animated films, plus a “curated selection" of comics.
I think depending on the scope and size of the library of existing TV series, movies, and comics, this could be a big contender to Marvel’s “Marvel Unlimited" service. The draw of reading comics on a big screen is pretty cool - but the price really needs to be right.
You can sign up to be considered for the Beta today - check it out. I know I’ll give it a shot.
The Brothers Brick:
Absolutely unreal. IT EVEN TRANSFORMS.
That said, I’m surprised at the lack of Pilot mini-figures for $180.
The Verge:
You can buy em here. They’re very utilitarian. Would probably go well with the OtterBox crowd.
The Information:
Essentially, this would be the combination of Apple Music, their new TV and movie projects, and their acquisition of digital magazine service Texture.
I have to admit - I’m interested, but I’m wary of Yet Another Subscription Service.
I pay $50/year now to use FeedBin (which I adore), but as MacStories so accurately pointed out with an article the other day, sometimes it’s just easier to go all first-party. Especially with how much time I dedicate to tweaking and using third-party apps.
A number of accounts across Twitter are sharing the above teaser video promising that the long-nascent DC Universe streaming service will have some sort of a reveal tomorrow.
Thus far, we know that DC Universe will be home to a number of new series, including a live-action Titans, animated Harley Qunn and Swamp Thing series, and a live-action Doom Patrol, among others.
That video above, though? Those are hero images for existing DC Comics animated series, DC Animated Films, and yep, even comics.
I guess this really is the movie / TV / comics hybrid long rumored, eh?
More tomorrow after the announcement.
That’s the future Cheetah, Barbara Minerva, there.
Maybe it’s because I just saw Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, but I’m getting some creepy vibes from that museum set.
Dunkin Donuts:
Dunkin’ Donuts’ newest snack serves a sweet spin on classic fries, creating a fun, easy-to-eat way to enjoy the delight of donuts while on the go any time of day. Donut Fries feature individual pieces of delicious, buttery croissant style donut dough that are tossed in cinnamon sugar and served warm with just the right amount of crisp. Perfect for sharing, five Donut Fries come with each order, served at a special price of $2.
Goddamnit, these actually sound delicious. There goes my diet.
/Film:
I adore how fun and funky these are. You going to pick them up, dear reader?
Burger King & Budweiser have teamed up on a new burger, and to celebrate it…a classic commercial is back, in BK form.
What is that American Brewhouse King Sandwich, by the by?
Your guess is as good as mine as to what “tavern sauce” is.
SDCC Unofficial Blog:
The 1993 film (starring Sylvester Stallone and Wesley Snipes) is set in the year 2032, and predicted a dystopian future in which Taco Bell was the only restaurant to survive the “franchise wars", so all restaurants became Taco Bell. Also in this future, Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries (seasoned fries served with nacho dipping sauce, the stuff of legends) never left the menu.
Taco Bell will be bringing their Nacho Fries back to menus nationwide on July 12, but later in the month during San Diego Comic-Con, on Thursday, July 19 — Sunday, July 22. They will offer a Demolition Man pop-up and a futuristic and upscale Taco Bell dining experience near the convention center, where you’ll presumably be able to pick up some Nacho Fries while you wait.
Please, dear god, make the nerds use the three seashells in the bathroom.
Also, hey! The Nacho Fries are back. Sweet.
Brick Fanatics:
After first being rumoured last December, an official announcement — with images — has arrived. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is coming to the LEGO Collectible Minifigures theme, with a special series covering the entirety of the mythos — from the classic Harry Potter stories to the new Fantastic Beasts films.
Here’s the full lineup:
They’re due in August. This will probably be the most popular Minifigure series since The Simpsons.
Bold move to invoke a classic, but I think they do a great job of making it their own.
The kinetic nature of the designs and animation is really making this new era of TMNT appealing. What say you?
This evening, I took in a screening of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. I wanted to share some quick-fire thoughts on the movie, but note - there will be some minor spoilers. Nothing you can’t find out from the trailers, of course.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is in theaters now.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have seen the future of going to the movie theater, and it is the subscription service.
As avid readers of this blog know, I was a strong voice for the Part 1, Part 2) here at blast-o-rama.
That said, while I’ve been a happy MoviePass customer since, there have been some issues which had been eating at me:
In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, things changed.
As long rumored - AMC Theatres revealed their “MoviePass Killer" - AMC Stubs A-List. Being an avid movie fan, and doing it “for the blog", I immediately signed up. My most commonly visited movie theater is an AMC anyway, so what could it hurt?
While the cost is higher - $19.99/month, versus the $9.99/month I was paying to MoviePass - A-List is a glorious glimpse of what MoviePass could’ve been.
Sign-up was quick and easy. As an existing Stubs member, I just had to open up the AMC app, tap the big “Join Now" banner, and upgrade.
It took all of two minutes (confirming my credit card for payment, and photo ID info), and I could immediately go about “reserving" my movies.
Unlike MoviePass, A-List has a limit to it - 3 movies per week, with the week resetting every Friday. Don’t use all three that week? Too bad, no storing them.
Reserving the movies is just like buying a ticket. Point by point, step by step, the same. You pick your screening, pick your ticket, pick your seat, and check out.
The key difference, of course, is that your ticket is “Free".
What’s really great about this process is that if you are going with - for my example, my wife - or a group of friends, or any other outing beyond solo, you can buy your tickets together. You just have to pay for the overage.
To add additional screenings, just Make a Reservation. Need to change up your selections for the week? Awesome, just cancel your reservation prior to showtime. And even better - you can go to ANY screening. 2D, 3D, IMAX, Dolby - if they’ve got it, you can see it. In turn, to get the most bang for my buck, my first choice was a Dolby Cinema screening of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
All this can be done in-app, or as I’ve shown above, they’re accessible via the AMCTheaters.com website.
These reservations work exactly like e-tickets from the existing AMC app, so you can even add them to your Apple Wallet if you’re an iOS user like me. (And if you’re super OCD like me, you can even add the calendar invite too, which will show you when exactly your screening will get out.)
Upon getting to the theater this evening for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, this was the big moment - got my pass for the 7pm show, let’s get in there and see what happens…
…and honestly, it couldn’t be easier.
You go to the ticket taker, you show them the ticket barcode, they scan it, and you’re good, just like any other e-ticket system.
Sure, my ticket taker should’ve asked for my photo ID to confirm, but this was a busy night, so that was that. The exact experience you’d want.
I know, this has been pretty damn glowing for A-List so far, so let’s get down to brass tacks:
Pros
Cons
All and all, I’m pretty stoked on AMC Stubs A-List - but if you’re not near an AMC, your mileage versus MoviePass may vary.
We can now safely say this - with AMC going all in on A-List, Alamo Drafthouse exploring a subscription product, and Cinemark having a much worse version of it, MoviePass has changed the way we see movies.
Their gloomy future notwithstanding, MoviePass disrupted theatrical exhibition the way Napster changed the way we got music - and one hopes that the future accessibility of film will match the accessibility of music.
At the very least - it’s a great time to go to the movies.
Deadspin:
That abomination…is the cotton candy hot dog, a depraved and frankly unsightly creation that could only have been the work of a focus-group of tweenaged maniacs who’d just snorted a raft Pixie Sticks. It’s quite the elevator pitch: “a hot dog, but the bun’s been replaced by a cotton candy exterior, and the ketchup and mustard are now Nerdsâ„¢.“
Mother of God. Should be marked NSFW.
The less I say about this, the better.
Just know that like with Too Many Cooks, you should stick with this for the long haul.
Motherboard:
Tremendous. I love when these sort of things happen online.
Sadly, couldn’t happen for my dear, departed Google Reeder (it’s okay, as I have FeedBin now), but I love when the community comes together.
I’m still in because it’s a Shane Black written-and-directed Predator movie, but I’d be lying if i said these trailers have been setting the world on fire.
This new poster rules though!
Preternia:
Filmation Laughing Prince Adam will be Super7’s MOTUC exclusive for San Diego Comic Convention 2018. The figure will not be sold at the actual convention floor, but at Super7’s Hordak’s Lair’ pop up shop located at 701 8th Avenue July 18 and 19th. No word yet on price or if he will be sold online after the show (I can’t imagine they them not selling stock after the show, for what it’s worth).
Surreal and amazing. Well done, Super7.
Nintendo:
What a fun and clever idea!
Nintendo’s also planning a Labo-based creation contest, so they’re clearly in it for the long haul with their cardboard creation system.
The New York Times:
Solid work, John. I expect an unforgettable segment on this on Sunday.
/Film:
Proof positive that if (when?) MoviePass dies, it has changed moviegoing forever.
(Real talk? I’m probably signing up for AMC Stubs A-List tomorrow.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpv-t-XKyE4&feature=youtu.be
Now this is the future we were promised.
Collider:
Certainly adds fuel to the anti-Disney Star Wars fire which formed after The Force Awakens and burned ever so brightly after The Last Jedi.
Honestly, I think that the difficulties heading to the screen of Rogue One and Solo — even if the final products were quite good — have lead to a need to step back for Lucasfilm and a re-evauluation of a “Star Wars Universe”.
MobileSyrup:
The Facebook-owned social platform revealed the new product today at an afternoon press event, along with the announcement that it had hit one billion users.
The new feature, which positions Instagram in closer competition with Google’s YouTube than ever before, provides only vertical full-screen video, which begins playing as soon as the app opens.
The mobile video aspect also puts further pressure on Snapchat, which has a similar destination for video content called Snapchat Discover. Begun, these content wars have!
I think putting IGTV into a separate app is a very bad idea.
If you’ve seen the documentary Marwencol, this is the same story.
Definitely a movie which should be talked about in Oscar season.
Variety:
Sources say a deal is expected shortly. Zemeckis will also pen the script, with his partner Jack Rapke producing through their banner ImageMovers, along with Alfonso Cuaron and Guillermo del Toro. Del Toro had long been attached to direct, but a scheduling conflict led the Oscar winner to vacate the director’s chair.
Based on the 1973 novel, the film follows a seven-year-old boy who has a run in with real-life witches. Warner Bros. had previously adapted the book in 1990 with Anjelica Huston playing one of the title characters, but sources close to the project say Zemeckis’ version will be more rooted in the original source material, while the Huston pic was a loose adaptation. Any major fans of The Witches in the reading audience? Excited or concerned about a remake?
How fun! I’d love to see this get a re-release for us general folks, maybe in a different box?
Last night I had the absolute pleasure of heading to the theater and seeing Incredibles 2, big and loud in a Dolby Cinema.
Here are my thoughts on Pixar’s latest flick.
The original Creed is a modern day miracle, a true lighting-in-a-bottle scenario.
This looks good…but lightning doesn’t strike twice. We’ll see how it is this Thanksgiving.
AMC Theaters PR:
I may make the jump. What say you, MoviePass Fans?
Paste:
Kieth took a hiatus from comics in the latter half of that decade, before returning with a number of Wildstorm series, contributions to Marvel’s Wolverine and Arkham Asylum: Madness, an original graphic novel written and drawn by Kieth that hit the New York Times bestseller list. Now, Paste can exclusively share that Kieth is returning to two of his most popular ventures with Batman/The Maxx: Arkham Dreams, a five-issue mini-series kicking off in September from IDW Publishing and DC Comics, with alternate covers from Jim Lee. I never thought we’d see new The Maxx comics from Sam Keith. This is incredibly exciting for the ‘90’s indie comic fans, or those who remember the stunning MTV series.
ComingSoon.net:
Lee has been a rising star at Disney, and is a key, prominent woman in power at a time where Disney could use a strong woman in management. She worked on Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, Zootopia, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and is currently directing Frozen 2.
Docter has been a part of Pixar from day one, and is responsible for three of the best animated films of the past 20 years in Monsters Inc., Up, and Inside Out.
I am confident that these two leads will continue the strong run of films coming from each studio, and I’m excited to see how they innovate moving forward.
Hollywood Reporter:
The exec producer behind CBS All Access' Star Trek: Discovery has renewed his overall deal with CBS Television Studios, signing a massive five-year extension with the studio behind the drama. The new agreement keeps Kurtzman, whose deal was up this year, with the studio through 2023. Sources say the deal is estimated at $5 million per year as Kurtzman receives a sizable back end on his programming.
Under the new pact, Kurtzman will serve as the show’s lone showrunner after taking over Star Trek: Discovery from Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg, who were recently fired from the series. Kurtzman will also expand the Star Trek franchise for the small screen, developing new series, miniseries and other content, including animation. Blah, blah, blah. TV producer development talk.
Hollywood Reporter:
Interesting to see an hour long animated series coming from Amazon.
MacStories:
Anchor for iPad resembles its iPhone counterpart in most ways: the basic recording workflows and tools are all available here, so existing Anchor users won’t have any trouble navigating the app. One major change is that the iPad version loses access to the full database of Anchor podcasts for listening. While I’d prefer the iPad app retain full functionality from the iPhone, the message behind this move is clear: the iPad app is all about content creation, not consumption. Pretty slick!
I’d heard that Ferrite is the Podcast-editing app for pros, but this seems like an easy, low-effort way to bring editing to the masses.
And like so, the need for a full computer gets smaller and smaller.
Chew Boom:
The new burger is being introduced as part of the brand’s “World Taste Tour" menu which includes five new limited-time items rolling out in a staggered release starting today. The full list of new items and the regions they represent…
Reuters:
And oh yeah, GameStop owns ThinkGeek right now too, after blocking Hot Topic from buying them.
I’m no GameStop stan or anything, just a shame to see another brick and mortar retailer get strangled like this.
Deadline:
Interesting times to be a comedy star - Ferrell joins an ever-growing list leaving the major studios and going straight to streaming.
EW.com:
That’s a great way to bounce back from losing the Star Wars license.
Sure would like to see some bigger names tied to the series, if I’m honest.
In case you were worried that Wonder Woman wasn’t going to have a traditional look in Wonder Woman 84, Gal Gadot certainly put fears to rest this morning on her Twitter account.
Polygon:
The event will be a successor of sorts to 2014’s Spider-Verse storyline, which introduced now-fan-favorite characters like Spider-Gwen and Silk to the Marvel Universe.
“Spidergeddon is nigh!“ cries the teaser image, featuring more than a dozen permutations of Spider-Man from different parallel versions of Marvel’s main setting, Earth-616.
But one silhouette remained mysteriously blank.
Today Polygon can exclusively reveal the identity of that Spider-Person: None other than the Spider-Man of Spider-Man, the upcoming action-adventure title from Insomniac Games, with his distinctive white spider-emblem. Very cool! By chance, can we also work in 90’s Cartoon Spider-Man, 2000’s cartoon “Spectacular” Spider-Man, and what the hell, Tobey Maguire?
Chew Boom:
Available exclusively at Walmart, the new corn and oat-based cereal is initially being introduced in just two flavors, Banana Split and Cookies n Cream.
For those times when you want Ice Cream for breakfast, but in bead form.
CBR:
As Peter will soon learn, things might have been easier when Jameson was deeming him a menace, rather than calling on him for help.
Not only does this issue feature an action-packed story by Chip Zdarsky and Mike Allred, but it also includes a backup story by Mike Drucker and Chris Bachalo. Zdarsky and Mike Allred? That’s a Marty Day Must Readâ„¢!
Two years is too long between Between Two Ferns episodes, Zach.
But it’s like you haven’t missed a day.
EW.com:
And here’s the first look at Black Manta:
Still looking good to me.
Momoa’s Aquaman has been a highlight of the DCEU so far, and hopefully, the movie is as great as Wonder Woman ended up being, despite the movies which came before it.
Sadly, as a PS4 / Mac owner, this is coming to PC/Xbox One - but this game seriously looks like a Mobeius comic in motion.
Wow.
I’ll be honest, this interpretation of The Grinch, while completely unnecessary, is growing on me.
Indiegogo:
At $324 (Early Bird, with RETAIL of $500) this is a really cool piece, but SUPER pricey.
That said, as someone who loved the Dick Tracy live-action movie as a kid, this is really cool to see come to life.
Thrillist:
Certainly looks more appetizing than that Purple Ketchup from the 90’s, but not by much.
Deadline:
Set to stream on Amazon Prime Video, the six-episode untitled series will head to comedy clubs and into the aspiring comics’ lives, showing the highs, lows, frustrations and successes they face as they juggle day jobs, relationships and hecklers in the quest for their biggest break. The comics go through the annual process to get into the coveted New Faces showcase — whose alumni include Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Kumail Nanjiani and Jimmy Fallon — beginning with the auditions and callbacks, through selection and into the preparation of their comedy sets. Cameras follow as they write and hone the jokes that they hope will impress the talent scouts, producers and managers who attend Just for Laughs in Montreal each July to sign the next generation of comedy stars. Why, hello, I’m the audience for this.
Music On Vinyl:
Clever idea, guys. Very clever.
Polygon:
Additionally, Telltale is developing an [interactive game] adaptation based on Stranger Things, a Netflix representative told Polygon.
A Telltale representative confirmed to Polygon that it’s developing games for Netflix and that Stranger Things would be a separate project on consoles and PC. Not the original story (that goes to TechRadar), but the clearest.
The idea of interactive video based games on Netflix is certainly unique one (and fixes some of the jank of the Telltale engine), but the combination of Stranger Things and the throwback nature of Telltale’s games feels like a natural match. Looking forward to seeing what they do!
Mondo:
Goddamn you guys. That Mega Man poster is insanely great.
Polygon:
“I feel a duty to talk about what violence does to a society through the comics I’m creating,“ King said in a press release, and it’s certainly a common theme in his work. Omega Men and Sheriff of Babylon dug into very different war-torn settings, while his Mister Miracle and Batman series both examine their main characters through the lens of trauma.
But for King, who is a former counterterrorism officer for the CIA, there’s more to the idea of normalizing superheroes who struggle — and want to help those that struggle — with mental health. Interesting subject to explore for the DCU. I recommend that Tom King proceeds with the lightest of touches though. This could break bad.
Bandai / Bluefin Brands:
It’s time to form Blazing Sword! This special SDCC 2018 exclusive version of Bandai Shokugan Super Minipla Voltron includes an additional effect part to recreate the “Form Blazing Sword" sequence not found in the regular release version and exclusive box-art! A hybrid plastic model kit and toy, the Super Minipla Voltron comes in pre-colored plastic with painted-in details and assembles with no glue! Completed product can be separated into 5 individual posable Lions and combine into Voltron. Includes Blazing Sword, Spinning Laser Blade, and an original weapon, the Mega Blaster made from the individual Lion weapons. Assembled, Voltron stands at approx. 7.1"³ tall.“
Looks great!
MacStories:
While it’s still too early to comment on the long-term impact of Shortcuts, I can at least attempt to understand the potential of this new technology. In this article, I’ll try to explain the differences between Siri shortcuts and the Shortcuts app, as well as answering some common questions about how much Shortcuts borrows from the original Workflow app. Really cool, in-depth look at the new Shortcuts app for iOS 12, and how it works similarly to the Workflow app that so many power-users love, but makes it accessible to all.
Bullet dodged, you guys. Bullet dodged.
I guess this is a look at Diana in the new, 80’s set Wonder Woman sequel.
This is so weird.
Tim Burton is in full Big Fish mode and I’m not sure if my emotions can take it.
October 19, 2018, to be exact.
Are you ready to return to the stage of history?
Fire Emblem Three Houses is the next installment, hitting in Spring 2019.
I wonder if this will be enough to sell me on a strategy game.
The one of the other big Nintendo reveals was Super Mario Party.
I always enjoy a good Mario Party game, and the use of the JoyCon here looks inventive.
That said, the most interesting innovation here? The use of multiple Switches to alter gameplay. Very cool!
Yep, about half of the Nintendo press conference was covering Smash Bros., and it was glorious.
Short version of that 25 minute video:
Hollywood Reporter:
The Viacom-owned cabler is developing a live-action reboot of the animated series that originally ran on the younger-skewing network for three seasons in 1990s.
Teen Wolf showrunner Jeff Davis is on board to pen the script and exec produce the drama alongside The Walking Dead’s Gale Anne Hurd. Hurd, who was not attached to the original series, produced the 2005 feature film starring Charlize Theron. So long as it’s better than the live-action film, we’re in a better place than we were before.
But…I don’t think the show will be anywhere near as surreal or subversive as the original shorts and animated series.
Trigger Warning: Toenail Removal.
I still have no idea what Hideo Kojima has in store for us with Death Stranding, I just know I want to play the damn thing.
I loved the original Resident Evil 2 in the PlayStation 1 era.
Might need to get this to fuel the nostalgia. Looks stunning.
I thought the original reveal of this game was captivating. This is just on another level.
Kicking off last night’s Sony Press Conference, we got an extended look at the survival needed within The Last of Us Part II.
I recognize she’s the actress behind her, but it’s crazy how much Older Ellie looks like Ashley Johnson.
Leaks be damned! While the existence of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey didn’t get to be a surprise, the fact that it looks really damn good sure was.
Interesting, Ubisoft. Maybe I’ll pick up the GOTY edition or a post-Christmas discount. We’ll see.
We’re ever closer to Ubisoft’s spaceship adventure game finally hitting shelves. So of course, we got a cool new trailer for it.
We even got to see how the toy spaceships will interact with the game.
But then - proving Mario & Rabbids wasn’t a fluke…
MOTHERFUCKING STARFOX SHOWED UP
Yep, those Amiibo heads have a new toy to pick up this October.
Another year, another tease of Beyond Good and Evil 2 from Ubisoft.
What may indicate that this one is coming soon?
They’re asking fans to submit artwork for the game through Joseph Gordon Levitt’s HitRECord site.
(Which, depending on what you think of contests like this, is either rad or super scummy.)
ComingSoon.net:
Based on the book Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue by Ryan Holiday, the film will depict the trial of Bollea v. Gawker, in which Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Gene Bollea) sued the media organization, its employees and affiliates for publishing portions of a sex tape between Hogan and Heather Clem, who was the wife of radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge at the time it was filmed. Hogan came out victorious following a two-week trial in which the jury awarded him $115 million in compensatory damages, only for the fight to continue past the trial with Hogan suing Gawker once again for leaking court documents and after six months of struggling, the two came to a $31 million settlement and the closure of the infamous website.
The film adaptation of the trial will be scripted by Charles Randolph, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind The Big Short, and produced by David A. Neuman and Lawrence, who is well-known for directing three of the four Hunger Games films, as well as recently helming the spy thriller Red Sparrow, which saw him re-team with actress Jennifer Lawrence. I wonder who they’re going to get to play the Hulkster?
This reminds me, I need to watch the Netflix documentary about this trial, Nobody Speak.
Between this and A Quiet Place, John Krasinski sure has come a long way from being the dude-who-made-a-face-at-the-camera-on-The-Office.
This is definitely one of the weirder music videos I’ve ever seen. Enjoy!
TheWrap:
According to Warner Bros’ official description, “Looney Tunes Cartoons" echoes the high production value and process of the original Looney Tunes theatrical shorts with a cartoonist-driven approach to storytelling. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and other marquee Looney Tunes characters will be featured in their classic pairings in simple, gag-driven and visually vibrant stories. Each cartoon will vary from one to six minutes in length and, from the premise on through to the jokes, will be “written" and drawn by the cartoonists allowing their own personality and style to come through in each cartoon. Interesting. I wonder what, if any “names” will be getting showcased in these new shorts, or if it will be like the old What-A-Cartoon! series from Turner, where new cartoonists get to show their stuff.
The Square-Enix presentation at E3 was kind of a giant nothing burger for me.
But I know people are HYPED about Kingdom Hearts III.
Me? I’m now sold because REMY THE RAT IS IN THERE! YEAH!
Newsarama:
The Killing Zone will be a slate of comic books “focusing on new and lesser known DC characters and titles”, although no specifics are given.
For Three Jokers, Johns will be reuniting with his Justice League partner Jason Fabok to pick up the story he began in his 2015 Justice League “Darkseid War” story arc.
Johns' Shazam! series is scheduled to be out in the fall according to DC, although no artist is named. Johns' previous wrote a Shazam! back-up serial drawn by Gary Frank, which appeared in the “New 52” Justice League series. Going back to what he - arguably - does best.
Further down in that Hollywood Reporter Article I just posted:
Plus, we nerds finally get to see if it pays to have the writers translate the property.
Fingers crossed.
Hollywood Reporter:
Johns is launching Mad Ghost Productions, a new banner that will see him work on content for films, television and comic books, and have his hand in current DC properties as well as new and reimagined creations.
At the same time, current DC Entertainment publisher Jim Lee will assume the chief creative officer position, taking on the duties while continuing to act as publisher with Dan DiDio. The two have jointly held the post since 2010. Of note, this comes right after Diane Nelson left the president post last week, after a 3 month leave.
I wonder what’s going on over there.
I feel like the entire DCEU saga behind-the-scenes would be a hell of a book one day.
IÂ loved the first season, so of course, I’m in for this. Just 18 days away!
Interesting choice of follow up - but really, a killer cast, and looks like a good fright fest.
Looking forward to seeing how well this game does in continuing the shockingly decent Sonic racing game lineage.
Polygon:
Imagine a game where players give each other quests; a game where data is used to kill off the most beloved characters to maximize narrative surprise; a game where the best and most involved players experience new content first, incorporating their characters into the game’s lore. Raymond digs into these ideas and many others, providing a rare look at how a massive game developer hopes to shape the future of the medium. Definitely worth a read. I like these ideas. Like with many ideas, I don’t want all games to use them, but I’d love to see these tools added to the creative toolbox.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this.
ThinkGeek:
It’s $150, but, if the photos are any indication, this is worth every penny.
Here’s just one image. Click through to see the whole shebang, and pre-order your own.
Sometimes, all you need to get fans excited is to wrap up your press conference with an announcement.
No details, no info. Just a name.
The Elder Scrolls VI is certainly a title which gets fans salivating. Myself included.
It can’t come soon enough.
A space adventure from the creators of Fallout and Elder Scrolls?
I was in from the idea. Bring it on, guys.
In fact, you’re in my backyard…I’ll bring myself to you…
As we learned last night, Fallout 76 is indeed an entirely online Fallout adventure. Actively multiplayer, you can even NUKE YOUR FELLOW PLAYER’S SHELTERS.
This is going to be a hell of a thing.
You can’t say that Bethesda can’t poke fun at itself.
Sadly, no Rob Liefeld involvement, but this does take the Wolfenstein franchise into the 80’s and delivers co-op action. Sounds fun, right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oVwrpfo_QA
The full reveal hits Quakecon (STILL AT THING!) in August, but if this is half as good as the 2016 reboot was, we’re in for a treat.
I’m not entirely sure this game is for me, but it certainly has an arresting visual style.
That’s certainly one way to capture the interest of the Japanese market, Microsoft.
For the mobile players, we’ve got Gears POP!, based on (yep) the popular vinyl toys.
For those who like strategy games? Gears Tactics is on the way for the PC.
But for the traditionalists? Don’t worry, Gears of War 5 is here.
The real question?
How does one pluralize Gears of War?
Gearses of War? Gears of Wars? Or is it already plural?
I need to see a lot more from this game immediately.
But what will people troll Gamestop with now?
And this game BETTER BE controller-breakingly difficult.
Hits PS4, Xbox and PC in Spring 2019, with some special enhancements for the Xbox One X.
Four times the size of Fallout 4, and it’s a prequel, too!
Expect even more tonight after Bethesda’s press conference.
I still think we’ll see Frozen 2 before Kingdom Hearts III, even with yesterday’s release date announcement.
Consider this a teaser game of sorts for Life is Strange 2. Hits Xbox, PS4 and PC this June.
Sadly, we won’t get to see this one until 2019.
Given that this is the Dark Souls/Bloodbourne team, I can only assume this game will be super difficult.
The Brothers Brick:
Truly unreal - and this is the same guy who designed the LEGO Ideas Ghostbusters Ecto-1, so you know he knows his stuff.
Just one teaser image - the full article has many more and a video taking you through the build.
We recently got this for our Oculus rig at work.
Incredibly fun and enthralling game. Reminds me a lot of the joy of the first time I played Guitar Hero.
This could be what makes me finally get a PlayStation VR system.
We had a reveal of sorts for this new title last year, but the Destiny-by-way-of-Titanfall feelings are definitely underlined in the new trailer above, which makes great use of a Muse song.
The two flaws:
I still definitely want this in my life.
Here’s a cool diagram which explains how it works:
The director of Whiplash reteams with the star who brought him Oscar gold in La La Land for a story of unparalleled obsession, hard work, and determination.
This looks phenomenal.
Hollywood Reporter:
HBO is officially moving forward with a pilot order for an still-untitled Game of Thrones prequel, created by Jane Goldman (Kick-Ass, Kingsman: The Secret Service) and George R.R. Martin — the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire novel series on which Thrones is based.
Set thousands of years before the events of Thrones, the project chronicles the world’s descent from the golden Age of Heroes into its darkest hour. A logline from the network teased the plot wihtout divulging any specifics: “Only one thing is for sure: from the horrifying secrets of Westeros' history to the true origin of the White Walkers, the mysteries of the East to the Starks of legend… it’s not the story we think we know."
Smart idea by HBO, and it’s cool to see Jane Goldman in a prominent position for the series.
Any particular era you want to see come to life, Thrones-heads?
Deadline:
Those two books will be followed next spring by a Stranger Things prequel novel, written by author Gwenda Bond, about Eleven’s mother and the MKUltra program. Additional titles for both adults and young readers will arrive later in 2019.
Really, the big news there is the prequel novel regarding Eleven’s mother.
Could be a good read, and it will be interesting to see how - if at all - it ties into the currently filming Season 3.
Hits consoles and PC next year.
The original Halloween is one of my all-time favorites.
This looks great. From David Gordon Green and Danny McBride, no less.
Here comes some awkward ass headlines about 4K Jiggle Physics.
Empire:
The highlights:
If that wasn’t enough, he’s gonna produce that Taron Eggerton-starring Elton John movie, too!
Chew Boom:
OH FUCK OFF WITH THAT, SONIC
Polygon:
That’s a whoopsie, for sure.
Tough time to be keeping secrets as an online retailer.
Brand Eating:
Available for a limited time throughout the summer, the sandwich features a crispy-fried chicken breast filet covered in barrel-aged hot sauce and served, along with pickles and mayo, on toasted sourdough.
I may need to make a special stop on the way to the beach this Summer.
CNN:
CNN confirmed Bourdain’s death on Friday and said the cause of death was suicide. “It is with extraordinary sadness we can confirm the death of our friend and colleague, Anthony Bourdain,” the network said in a statement Friday morning. “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Fuck.
This one hurts.
Guys, I love the Get Up Kids.
Seen them in concert countless times - including what was their farewell show in Kansas City. Enjoyed them throughout every era, even the less beloved On A Wire and Guilt Show phases, and I really dug their comeback record There Are Rules.
They’ve got a new EP out today, Kicker, and it’s a lean-and-mean 4 song boost of energy. Lasted the exact length of my car ride to work today, and I love it, full stop! Really reminds me of the Four Minute Mile days, even if the lyrics are more about looking back then facing forward.
We’ve got two Matt Pryor songs, two Jim Suptic songs, and everything just is great. Would love to hear it live.
Of the 4 songs, I prefer the Pryor tracks - opener “Maybe" and closer “My Own Reflection" - but I could see all four shining live.
Check it out via Apple Music below.
VIX:
This time though, the campaign will honor not only seven nations (as in other years) but EIGHT countries who have been the champions of all time.
A bunch of new burgers, paired with special french fry variants.
My personal favorite: the McEngland.
Mostly the original lineup, back for the first time in 18 years. What say you, nerds?
Gizmodo:
The scientists behind experiments conducted by the Curiosity rover are today reporting two results that make the Red Planet’s story even more interesting. One group found carbon-containing organic matter in 3.5-billion-year-old rock. Another noticed the methane levels around Curiosity varied by the season. Combined, these results present tantalizing hints of a potentially habitable Martian past.
This is so cool.
LEGO.com:
Play is key to develop. And it is an essential part of a better everyday life. Play is so many different things, for so many different people. In the everyday life there are different barriers for play. Some of the barriers are more evident for grown-ups. One being that grown-ups think that playing can be messy. Other barriers are more evident to children — like grown-ups trying to create order in the play environment, where children in fact enjoy and often immerse themselves in the midst of it all.
“It started with an invitation from the LEGO Group “Do you want to play?“. Of course we said yes to this and together we now want to enable more play by triggering play in the functionality of the everyday life. At IKEA we first and foremost want to resolve this built in or maybe just perceived conflict that play is messy in a creative, humanistic and playful way. Because we believe more play makes the home and the world a better place", says Fredrika Inger, Business Area Manager for Children’s IKEA, at IKEA of Sweden.
Click through to read the full press release.
This is really mystifying. I have no clue what they’re really working on. But it will be something which we’ll see in “the next couple of years".
Weird.
Having recently finished reading Robin, I can tell you that this is going to be an emotional roller-coaster of a watch.
I’ll have the tissues ready for its premiere next month.
Deadline:
Are You Sleeping, created and written by Nichelle Tramble Spellman based on the true-crime novel by Kathleen Barber, provides a unique glimpse into America’s obsession with true-crime podcasts and challenges its viewers to consider the consequences when the pursuit of justice is placed on a public stage.
ComingSoon.net:
The production company announced today that it is partnering with Chinese media conglomerate Tencent to form the new division, which will be controlled and operated by Abrams to develop original games, with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment signing on as a minority investor.
If Bad Robot Games can bring things as remotely interesting as the track record of Annapurna Games (another film producer gone game producer), the Bad Robot brand will be one to keep an eye on.
What an incredible trailer.
Jim Carrey’s “sad clown" phase may be disarming to some, but this looks fantastic.
Hey! It’s a freaky ass noir thriller by the guy who directed The Cabin in the Woods!
I AM THERE.
ComingSoon.net:
The rights deal last month also saw director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) sign on to direct, Quiara AlegrÁa Hudes set to write the script and Miranda to return in some fashion to the production, but likely not in the lead role of Usnavi.
And now the world can go back to asking “Hamilton movie WHEN?"
Mondo:
In addition to HEREDITARY, we also have a poster for A GHOST STORY by Sam Wolfe Connelly. This was a really special film and one of our favorites to come out in 2017. Sam Wolfe Connelly’s sullen, moody poster perfectly references the emotional complexity of the film. We love Sam, we love this film, we were incredibly excited to bring the two together.
Both go on sale later today, June 8th.
Per Marvel’s press release sent all around the web yesterday:
The hotheaded VALKYRIE — and the human who shares her form, Annabelle Riggs.
SKURGE the EXECUTIONER, freshly returned from Hel.
THROG, the mightiest frog of thunder.
Kevin Masterson, the boy who took his father’s mace to become the hero THUNDERSTRIKE.
And the DESTROYER, the Asgardian armor built to take down Celestials — its wielder unknown.
Asgardians of the Galaxy, written by Cullen Bunn with art by Matteo Lolli, hits comic book store shelves in September.
Motherboard:
A new report out of the UK once again deflates the common narrative that pirates are exclusively looking to obtain free stuff.
I’ve been saying this for years. I know my prime era of piracy lead to me going down countless rabbit holes I wouldn’t have before, and supporting those creators moving forward.
It’s as if “Try Before You Buy" really works.
Scheduled to get into a car with Jerry Seinfeld this season:Â Jerry Lewis, Dana Carvey, Kate McKinnon, Alec Baldwin, Brian Regan, Ellen DeGeneres, Zach Galifianakis, John Mulaney, Dave Chappelle, Neal Brennan, Tracy Morgan, and Hasan Minhaj.
This is a great background noise show.
The series moves to WB Games with this new installment, which even includes co-op missions!
Noisey:
I’ll listen to this as I keep chasing the highs that were Turn On The Bright Lights and Antics.
DC Comics:
The relaunch is helmed by Mark Doyle, who returned to DC Vertigo last year after oversight of the Batman group of titles for DC. Under his leadership, DC Vertigo editorial is rededicating its focus to creating modern, socially relevant, high-concept, inventive stories appealing to readers of all genres.
DC Vertigo has curated seven new comic books giving writers and artists the creative freedom to tell their most imaginative stories. Kicking off the next 25 years of DC Vertigo, four monthly series will launch this fall/winter, while the remaining titles will follow in early 2019.
Click through to get the details on all seven titles.
I’m sure the Internet reacted normally and patiently to Zoe Quinn getting the writing nod on a new series.
I’m personally excited to see Rob Sheridan (ex-Nine Inch Nails) in the comic writing world.
Chew Boom:
The Price Shake features a strawberry base shake blended with Shack-made lemonade, topped with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles.
Awesome sounding drink, awesome cause. Good on ya, Shake Shack!
TechCrunch:
(as did anyone who was paying attention. I’m not that smart.)
Avalanche Studios, the team behind Just Cause and the Mad Max games have gone full 80’s (by way of artist Simon Stalenhag) in this new multiplayer game coming to PC, PlayStation and Xbox One next year.
Looks really cool.
The Verge:
Now, the Switch uses a standard USB-C port for charging, so pretty much any USB-C PD battery pack with a high enough power output will work in a pinch. But Anker’s new packs claim to be different: both power banks have been calibrated specifically for fast-charging the Nintendo Switch. Anker claims that players can fast-charge their consoles in less than three hours, even while still playing games.
There’s a bigger guy and a smaller guy, and both go on sale later this month.
Get ready to take on zombies on your PlayStation 4 on February 22, 2019.
No Fincher. No Craig. No Mara. It’s the vaguest of sequels to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
But…it doesn’t look bad.
Hey! Here’s a poster, too!
Amazon.com:
From across the room, just ask Alexa to turn on the TV, dim the lights, and play what you want to watch. With far-field voice recognition, eight microphones, and beamforming technology, Fire TV Cube hears you from any direction.
Enjoy hands-free voice control—search, play, pause, fast forward, and more. Plus, control your TV, sound bar, cable or satellite box, receiver, and more with just your voice.
Do more with Alexa. Fire TV Cube has a built-in speaker that lets you check the weather, listen to the news, control compatible smart home devices, and more—even with the TV off. Fire TV Cube is always getting smarter with new Alexa skills and voice functionality.
Experience true-to-life picture quality and sound with access to vivid 4K Ultra HD up to 60 fps, HDR, and the audio clarity of Dolby Atmos.
It’s a cube! It’s a set-top box! It’s an Echo! It’s a…universal remote?
It’s $120 ($90, if you’re a Prime member) and hits on June 21st.
Sent to many comic outlets last night…
As is the norm for these teasers, no further details are available at this time.
But, thanks to an astute reader over at Reddit, we may have an idea of what this relates to.
There is this reference in Jason Aaron’s amazing Thor: God of Thunder run…
COSMIC GOD COP!? I am freaking there.*
The Verge:
Very cool! I’m intrigued to hear about the quality and the price range as we get closer to release.
Kotaku:
The third Crackdown game, developed by the British studio Sumo Digital among other companies, was first announced at E3 in 2014. Last year, Microsoft said Crackdown 3 would come out alongside the Xbox One X on November 7, 2017. A polarizing showing at E3 2017 and some severe development struggles led Microsoft to delay the game, first to a vague “spring 2018" window, and now to next year, said those two sources, speaking anonymously so as to protect their careers.
Oof. Brutal for the Xbone.
Gamestop (Link is Currently Offline):
With the Marvel Legends Series, both kid and adult Marvel fans can start a legendary collection of comic- and movie-based Marvel characters. This 6-inch Gamerverse Spider-Man figure is highly articulated and features a game-inspired design, making it another worthy addition to the Marvel Legends Series.
I have to admit that this design is growing on me.
Deadline:
I’m guessing with another Mr. Robot season coming down the pike, these guys must really like working with each other.
NASA.gov:
The event will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.
Hmm. Wonder what it’s going to be?
My guess? They finally found Matt Damon!
Steam Blog:
With that principle in mind, we’ve decided that the right approach is to allow everything onto the Steam Store, except for things that we decide are illegal, or straight up trolling. Taking this approach allows us to focus less on trying to police what should be on Steam, and more on building those tools to give people control over what kinds of content they see. We already have some tools, but they’re too hidden and not nearly comprehensive enough. We are going to enable you to override our recommendation algorithms and hide games containing the topics you’re not interested in. So if you don’t want to see anime games on your Store, you’ll be able to make that choice. If you want more options to control exactly what kinds of games your kids see when they browse the Store, you’ll be able to do that. And it’s not just players that need better tools either - developers who build controversial content shouldn’t have to deal with harassment because their game exists, and we’ll be building tools and options to support them too.
I’ll be honest - I think that there is a difficult game being played here.
I think that openness is always a better idea than being closed.
Some may abuse this. But at the same time, some may succeed where they were unable to before.
I’ve seen some of the gaming press wringing their hands over this - and I agree, some not great, tasteless stuff has been on Steam…but you can say the same thing about storefronts like Amazon.
What is the best way of being “open"? What is the best way to deal with things we don’t like?
I think at the end of the day, the dollar will rule here. For better, or for worse.
I’d be up for a friendly debate/discussion on this. Comments should be open. Fire away.
PEOPLE.com:
In the upcoming historical drama, the Oscar-nominated actor stars as pioneering astronaut Neil Armstrong. The film, which re-teams Gosling with his La La Land director Damien Chazelle, follows Armstrong’s incredible journey to becoming the first person to walk on the Moon in 1969.
A historial space travel epic from the director of La La Land and Whiplash?
I am freaking there. Bring it on!
The Verge:
You’ll also find evidence of Sonos’ technical roots. These are deep speaker nerds doing deep speaker nerd things. They design everything in-house, no off-the-shelf parts. The labs have dogbone-shaped tables so everybody can stand close to each other and to their prototypes (Some of those tables are hooked up to a 24-hour-a-day video conference system to identical tables in other offices.) There’s a room where a hundred speakers have been entombed to play at maximum volume for months on end.
But thinking of Sonos as just a transported Silicon Valley company misses the point entirely. It’s something different, something much more interesting. Sonos participates in the fast-paced world of tech, but it’s trying to translate that quarterly cycle of innovation onto a more humane timescale.
The latest product to come out after spending two years in those labs is the Sonos Beam, a new $399 soundbar that will be available on July 17th. It’s a carefully designed, premium speaker that needs to work at two radically different speeds: the lightning-quick, fast-paced feature cycle of the overall tech industry and the slower pace of the living room. It encapsulates everything Sonos is and everything Sonos needs to get right.
I know this sentence strikes fear in my wife’s wonderful heart, but…
…this sounds really promising, and as someone who has been looking into the connected audio world (whether Alexa or Siri or what have you), this seems like a great, well-priced entry point.
I will be watching reviews closely.
Blizzard Careers Page:
We’re working on a new, unannounced Diablo project. Are you a skilled Dungeon Artist? Come work with us, and together we will build something exceptional.
That’s certainly one way to announce a new game, right?
Either that or Blizzard is about to look for a new HR person.
Holy Shit. This looks SO GOOD!
The visual style is stunning, I love Miles’s relationship with his dad, and that cameo at the end…the Internet’s gonna love this one.
I am there!
Hollywood Reporter:
Warner Bros. is in the early stages of developing with Leto a standalone movie project and is currently out to writers for a take, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Leto would star and exec produce the solo movie that is set in the Suicide Squad universe. Just when I thought things were looking promising for the DCEU.
I’m here just to see Oscar Issac and Ben Kingsley to play off each other.
Lifehacker:
Annoying as these privacy emails have been, the law has forced a number of big companies to make fairly dramatic changes to how they collect and store your data, including affording you more opportunities to see what they know about you and delete data you don’t want them to have.
Curiously enough, GDPR might also improve your browsing speeds—at least, according to a few sources who have performed some hands-on testing across a number of sites. Huh.
Why can’t that be the way, uh, everywhere? I mean - look at that USA Today screenshot!
As always - I try to keep this site running lean, mean, and easy to use. If there’s any problems, please let me know.
OK, this is definitely some of that “using our social media to get blogs to write about us” shit going on (guilty as charged.)
My guess - the B is for Bacon or Bargains.
Best answer on Twitter so far? Butts.
Coming Soon:
Vernon and Tiernan co-direct from Matt Lieberman’s screenplay based on the Charles Addams’ iconic cartoon series. The film will be produced by Vernon with Gail Berman, via her shingle The Jackal Group, and Alex Schwartz. It will be executive produced by Andrew Mittman, Kevin Miserocchi and Joe Earley. Tabitha Shick, MGM’s Executive Director, Worldwide Motion Pictures is overseeing the project on behalf of the studio. CG Animation and digital visual effects production is underway in Vancouver at Cinesite Studios, one of the world’s most highly respected independent digital entertainment companies.
Based on the famous New Yorker creations of Charles Addams, this animated action-comedy will follow the Addams family whose lives begin to unravel when they face-off against a crafty reality-TV host while also preparing for their extended family to arrive for a major celebration, Addams-style. I like it! Reminds me a lot of the original Charles Addams designs, but in 3D.
Look forward to seeing it in motion, and Oscar Issac as Gomez is killer casting.
Cards Against Humanity:
We usually say no to these opportunities because we don’t have any funny ideas. But this year, Target made us an offer we couldn’t refuse: Father’s Day Sale. Dads are one of the funniest parents you can have. We just can’t stop writing about them.
After we agreed, Target threw us a curveball — our Father’s Day Sale had to be in the DVD section, which is where fathers shop. We immediately knew what we had to do: create awesome fake dad movies from the 90s. Saw these the other day (possibly early?) at Barnes and Noble.
The DVD cases are really impressive in person. They 100% have the “discount DVD rack” vibe. Recommend you check out the cover arts on the website.
Just $6, too!
Lauren Goode at WIRED:
Except, that “No” should have had an asterisk after it, because while Apple still plans to ship two distinct operating systems—one for mobile, one for desktop—the company has been working on bringing iOS apps to Mac hardware. In an exclusive interview with WIRED, Federighi said the frameworks for porting iPhone and iPad apps to the Mac have been in development for two years. He revealed some of the technical details around how this will work, and shared some of the types of iOS apps he believes make sense on the Mac. Some very cool, very interesting stuff is coming down the pike for the macOS/iOS world, sounds like. Worth a read for the tech nerds.
Polygon:
Forsaken will return random rolls, loadout flexibility, weapon customization and new supers. It also adds lots of new features like bows and a new PvPvE mode, Gambit. Thanks to a Bungie ViDoc that kicked off the livestream, players can view all of the changes coming to Destiny 2 in a nine-minute dump.
Forsaken will bring players back to the asteroid belt and the Prison of Elders. While the story won’t be properly revealed until E3, it seems to focus around the Fallen, Cayde-6 and the mysterious Awoken. PvPvE sounds interesting, but besides that, I’m not entirely blown away with the efforts for the next year, let alone the annual pass idea.
I get it — Games as a Service are the “thing" now, but, after the last year of Destiny 2 and the general blandness of everything that wasn’t the initial, brilliant campaign, I think I’m good.
Foodbeast:
The chicken chain is officially working on the first vegetarian fried chicken to ever hit a big-name QSR.
The faux meat’s first destination will be the United Kingdom, where smaller places like Temple of Seitan are famous for their own versions of plant-based fried chicken. What hath science wrought?
What a wild looking movie. I do not envy the marketing team trying to sell this though.
Stunning visuals aside, there are a lot of big, crazy concepts for the average moviegoer to wrap their head around.
Maybe I’m wrong, but this has “Future Cult Classic Underappreciated in Its Time” written all over it.
UPDATE: Hey! There’s a poster now too!
This looks like a very different sort of Transformers movie…and I’m into it?
I definitely like how much the design work is simplified, and that redesign of, who, I assume, is Starscream looks great!
Now, for the continuity problems it’s going to create…
A new poster was released for Bumblebee as well.
New Trailer hits the web tomorrow!
I wonder why everyone is so MAD MAX’d out this time?
I can’t wait to see this! I love the auto complete search bar gag…but that Princesses scene and Star Wars integration is all everyone is going to be hyped about.
Seriously, if you buy your tickets for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom on Fandango, they’re going to try to entice you to order…that masterpiece.
(Free with shipping and handling.)
The director of Hunger, Shame and 12 Years a Slave has a hell of a cast here, and the plot sounds interesting too:
Since you’ve probably read a few dozen reviews of SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY by now, I decided to avoid writing a full, proper review of the film. Instead, I give you some various thoughts I had about the movie, in lengthy bullet-pointed form.
Hey, look at that! Just in time for the trailer to hit tomorrow, too!
Proving again that movies get teased in the weirdest ways these days, DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns updated his Twitter header to the following image.
I don’t know about you, but I read that as Wonder Woman 2 (rumored to be set in the 1980’s), as being set in 1984, the year of my own birth!
The Verge:
Oh boy.
This sucks.
A lot.
Especially having a live event tomorrow at a Ticketfly affiliated venue.
Joy of joys.
Kotaku:
Rumors about the next Assassin’s Creed have been circulating for months now—some real, some fake—but the one we’ve been hearing since January from our own sources is that the game is indeed set in Greece, and that it’ll be even more of a drastic departure for the series than Origins. We’ve heard the same details from three people who have played the game, and several more who have heard about it secondhand. While Origins added Witcher-like RPG elements, Odyssey will take things even further, those people said, bringing dialogue options to the series for the first time. You’ll be able to play as either a male or a female protagonist, although the builds we’ve heard about did not feature Origins’ main characters Bayek or Aya, but new heroes.
I had heard that Origins was a return to form, if not an outright improvement from its predecessor, so it’s cool to see the franchise continue to evolve.
Comic-Con International: San Diego:
The 8-color, silkscreen print is 24" wide by 36" tall, presented on 100 lb. paper, and is of the highest quality. Each print is numbered by the printer, and signed by the artist!
Beautiful. Even with the massive watermark.
Pitchfork:
Along with the tracks, Gorillaz have detailed their new record The Now Now—which arrives June 29 (via Warner Bros./Parlophone)—announced a tour, and confirmed that their Demon Dayz Festival will return for a second year (on October 20 in Los Angeles).
Here’s the track listing:
They’ll be going on tour to support it - with the tour dates listed at the aforementioned Pitchfork link.
As for the two new songs, here you go, in video form!
Deadline:
“CAW CAW BANG FUCK DEAD”
Can we give up on this, please? The original exists in legend. Let it be.
Hey! Coheed and Cambria!
Haven’t heard from you in a long while.
What’s this new song about? I see it’s 10 minutes long, that seems a little self-indulge—
…alright then. You do you guys. You do you.
I’ll be honest, if Tom Cruise doesn’t stand on the wings of a jet or something, this whole return of the Top Gun franchise is trash.
FOX31 Denver:
While at the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival on Saturday, Snoop teamed up with rapper Warren G and “Top Chef” winner Michael Voltaggio to make the world’s largest gin and juice.
What a world.
I wonder what 1993 The Chronic’/Doggystyle’-era Snoop would think of 2018 Snoop.
Brand Eating:
The twice-toasted tots are available plain or topped with bacon, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese and can be found at locations nationwide.
Real talk: Especially now that most of them have closed around me, I have a soft spot for Quiznos’.
Especially the Chicken Carbonara sub.
Mental Floss:
This is cool and all, but I really don’t give a shit until Cookie Puss gets his own beverage.
Kotaku:
I enjoyed this on so many levels. He really is Snorlax.
Etsy:
Wonderfully well done. Bravo, nerds.
Variety:
I’m going to assume he’s not the hedgehog, yeah?
Beats by Dre:
If you really love Beats, here’s some special 10th Anniversary Headphones you can buy.
The “special" part? The color scheme. At least it’s not a premium for pricing.
Cerealously:
It’s a pair of cereal pairings with Cold Stone Creamery: Birthday Cake Remix, which features cake batter flavored ice cream and chocolate marshmallows, and Our Strawberry Blonde, which boasts a tantalizing mix of honey graham squares, strawberry puffs, and marshmallows.
Good lord. I bet they might actually taste good, though.
Countdown until they start using them in the mixes at Cold Stone?
The Beat:
Never let it be said that Liefeld doesn’t have a sense of humor about himself, especially after that hilarious joke at his expense in Deadpool 2 that he himself has said he loved. Looks like Liefeld wasn’t kidding when he teased the character appearing in an actual comic.
Today Image Comics announced a very special Rob Liefeld variant cover to the #23 issue of Liefeld’s highly anticipated BLOODSTRIKE BRUTALISTS arc featuring story and artwork by Michel Fiffe (COPRA). This variant cover introduces an all-new character—The Pouch!
Incredible.
Rob remains on my wishlist for Super Art Fight. Especially now.
Bloomberg:
The Alphabet Inc. unit is planning at least two new models, likely to be dubbed the “Pixel 3" and “Pixel 3 XL,“ said people familiar with the matter. The larger phone is designed with a nearly edge-to-edge screen, except for a thicker bezel known as a chin at the bottom of the phone. The display also will have a notch – or a cutout – at the top. The smaller model will look similar to the Pixel 2 and won’t include the notch or edge-to-edge look, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the plans aren’t yet public.
I’m not really someone who typically keeps his finger on the pulse of the Android world, but I was surprised that these phones didn’t make an appearance at Google I/O this year.
I do really want Google to make some kick-ass flagships. Maybe this year will finally sand down the rough edges of the Pixel phone so far.
You can’t say that Netflix isn’t going all-in on promoting their first title released alongside Mark Millar.
IGN:
Adult Swim Presents The Pillows Featuring FLCL Mono Me You Sun Tour will begin on July 10 in Boston and concludes on July 19 in Los Angeles.
It’ll be a limited six-city concert tour where fans can hear new songs from the anime series, such as “Spikey Seeds” and “Star Overhead,” among others.
ICv2:
Much how Bone was individual issues, turned into trades, turned into a solo collection, then turned into colored trades, I’m glad to see Jeff Smith’s second major project get the color treatment!
I’m also happy to see that the book is still with Steve Hamaker doing the color, too!
Kotaku:
Those people, speaking anonymously so as not to damage their careers, confirmed that Fallout 76 is an experimental new entry in the longrunning post-apocalyptic series. When Bethesda first teased the game on Tuesday morning, fans and pundits speculated that it might be a Fallout 3 remaster or a New Vegas-style spinoff in a new location, but as Kotaku reported that afternoon, it is in fact something completely new and completely different. The teaser might lead Fallout fans to believe that this is a traditional entry in the series, but according to our sources, that’s not the case.
So, different than the usual, that’s for sure. You still in, my dear nerds?
Bloody Disgusting:
The 7"³ action figure, a SDCC 2018 Exclusive, will be limited to just 3,000 pieces, and will be put up for grabs at NECA’s event booth for $30.
Shane Black has his own action figure. What a world we live in.
Co.Design:
So how do you walk the line between taking advantage of the internet’s many benefits while protecting yourself from the corporate interests that aim to use your data for gain? This is the push-and-pull I’ve had with myself over the past year, as I’ve grappled with the revelations that Cambridge Analytica has the personal data of more than 50 million Americans, courtesy of Facebook, and used it to manipulate people in the 2016 elections. I’ve watched companies shut down their European branches because Europe’s data privacy regulations invalidate their business models. And given the number of data breaches that have occurred over the past decade, there’s a good chance that malicious hackers have my info—and if they don’t, it’s only a matter of time.
While the amount of data about me may not have caused harm in my life yet—as far as I know—I don’t want to be the victim of monopolistic internet oligarchs as they continue to cash in on surveillance-based business models. What’s a concerned citizen of the internet to do? Here’s one no-brainer: Stop using Chrome and switch to Firefox.
I’ll just be over here using Safari.
The browser that doesn’t have ads like Firefox, and is by a company whose privacy policy couldn’t be more clear or concise.
(inb4Â “Safari on Windows was crap!“)
USA Today:
Disney’s animated sequel Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (in theaters Nov. 21) takes the oafish video-game bad guy (voiced by John C. Reilly) out of the neighborhood arcade and into the World Wide Web with best friend Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), the kid princess of the candy-coated Sugar Rush game.
The follow-up also features Taraji P. Henson and Alan Tudyk as new characters, familiar faces such as Star Wars Stormtroopers and Disney princesses, and a buddy comedy at its core.
I think the Star Wars tie-in was unknown before today, but visually, Ralph Breaks The Internet looks as strong as its predecessor.Â
We’re due for a new trailer for this any minute now, right? Maybe with Incredibles 2?
Hollywood Reporter:
Both shows have been fixtures on NBCUniversal cable networks, and NBCU was fully expecting to keep things that way with a new 10-year deal worth $360 million, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. But Peter Rice, chairman and CEO of Fox Networks Group, knew that NBCU’s exclusive negotiating window was due to lapse at 4:59 p.m. ET on May 16. By the end of the meeting, the two sides had shaken hands on a five-year deal for SmackDown — the live Friday night showcase — worth $1.025 billion.
How the deal — which is not yet final but expected to close soon — went down says a lot about the importance of wrestling and other live events to network strategy, especially as the Murdoch family prepares to launch “New Fox” after most of its assets are sold to Disney or Comcast. Sports will become an integral piece of the new company, which will include sports cable nets FS1 and FS2 and the Big Ten Network.
I know, I know -Â WRESTLE TALK OH GOD.
But - this is really interesting to see how much value is being placed by major networks on live sports programing - and how far they’re willing to go to get it away from their rivals.
Once again, Randall Monroe aims to deliver a phone for the people.
Check it out here.
Past xkcd Phones are here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
PlayStation.Blog:
Next is the ultimate platform-racing game, Trials Fusion. Using your skills, strive to set track records against the best Trials players from around the globe. Whether you’re racing alone, with friends, or in a global tournament, competition is always around you.
This month’s PlayStation Plus lineup also includes:
Zombie Driver HD, PS3Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, PS3Atomic Ninjas, PS VitaSquares, PS Vita
There you have it, gang. I figure I’ll give Trials Fusion a run or two.
GQ:
Still not as good as the Taco Bell/Forever 21 collection.
figma Blog:
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Let’s go ahead and translate that, yeah?
Based on the movie “Predator 2” Mr. Takaya Takeya arranges, shaping, the original predecessor of superintendent superintendent has emerged as a figma.
So, the short version is - we’ve got a super manga’d out Predator figure. And it looks good.
Hollywood Reporter:
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Helios is paying Randall Emmett and George Furla, head of the film financing and production banner, a combination of cash and stock. The deal for EFO Films, which produced Lone Survivor and Broken City, will also allow the parent of the controversial movie theater subscription service, which famously sells 30 cinema tickets for the price of one, to move forward with plans to launch MoviePass Films to produce and distribute movies.
No better way to help lessen the blows when you’re losing money hand over fist quite like BUYING A FILM STUDIO.
Jesus Christ, these guys really want to burn as bright as possible before being snuffed out.
Baltimore Sun:
“As a Baltimorean, you might think to yourself, We’re losing a museum,’ but Washington’s only 40 miles away — it’s not going very far,“ said Geppi, 68, who opened the museum, with its treasure trove of vintage comic books and other pop-culture items, in September 2006 on the second floor of the historic Camden Station.
Say what you will about Geppi - and what his business, Diamond, has done to the comics industry - but it’s still a shame to see such a cool museum close.
Hits shelves on October 16th.
Probably plays the same as the rest, but I like the idea of focusing on the villains side of things.
Co.Design:
That font is called “Saucy AF”, and you can download it here.
Now, to troll my graphic designer friends…
Chew Boom:
Described as the “first flame-grilled donut ever,“ the Whopper Donut will be offered alongside a free mini slider at just five U.S. locations on Friday — while supplies last.
Not sure what’s sadder:
Gematsu:
Score another great win for the Walmart game listing upload team.
Game looks fun, for what it’s worth. I’ve always heard the Sonic racing games were pretty great.
It’s real, and its coming this Winter! Have a trailer.
Any interest in playing this, PokÁ©mon GO heads?
If you are interested, it’s up in the App Store here.
Do I know anyone who watched Season 1? Any good?
How does it compare to Spectacular Spider-Man, AKA the GREATEST SPIDER-MAN CARTOON OF ALL TIME?
Incredibly dope.
I’d be game to see a full movie like this. Y’know, besides Tron.
SoraNews24:
That’s right, the coffee chain has kicked off its “Starbucks Japan Wonder Project" with a new Frappuccino featuring a unique type of hojicha (roasted green tea) known as the Kaga Bo Hojicha (Kaga Stick Roasted Tea). The Japan Wonder Project will apparently focus on various Japanese culinary ingredients that may not be widely known but have the potential to be arranged and presented to consumers in an interesting and attractive light as modern food and drink items with a Starbucks twist.
Interesting.
I wish that all of these food franchises would at least consider bringing their goods to the states, even as a very limited promotion.
The Verge:
Plex continues to add even more blades to its ever-growing media Swiss Army Knife.
Indiegogo:
It’s from Atari, so of course there are classic arcade games, plus the latest modern and Indie PC titles from a wide variety of independent developers.
Proprietary Atari VCSÂ User Interface with optional voice control and integrated web browser for full access to all that the internet has to offer to navigate and curate your personalized entertainment experience.
Built on an open source Linux OS so you can add your own software and apps to customize your own platform.
A planned line of Atari VCSÂ peripherals and accessories will let you build your own Game and Entertainment-Powered “Connected Home" experience.
Everywhere from $29 for a controller to $339 for the full experience. Still feels to me like there are a lot of details not filled in, but hey, if you want to back this new system - the time is now!
Clutter Magazine:
Sculpted and modeled by Clutter’s own American Gros, based on a Batman drawing by DC’s amazing Executive Creative Director Jim Fletcher, and loving lovingly produced in NY by us at Clutter Studios, this piece is releasing for the first time at Five Points Festival this coming weekend, June 2nd & 3rd!
SUPER cool looking. A little pricey for my taste, though.
Nintendo Official Site:
Here’s what you really want -Â trailers.
PokÁ©mon Quest is available - for free - right now, and the Let’s Go! games hit in November.
Well done, Internet. Only took 6 months to make it happen.
Zillow.com:
You’ll never tire of the view with floor-to-ceiling windows looking over Municiberg. But what’s really impressive are the smart devices wired throughout the house to make daily chores a breeze, even for novice homemakers. However, it’s not all about housework. You’ll be the hero of hosting with remote-controlled features in the grand room, like a fireplace and movable flooring that reveal pools filled by waterfalls from above. Entertain in the conversation pit, perfect for reliving glory days.
The huge yard allows kids to run around and disappear into a world of imagination. It even includes an infinity pool that serves as the ceiling for the den!
For those who require a certain amount of anonymity, you’ll feel nearly invisible with multiple secret entrances, including a garage concealed by a waterfall. Perfect for protecting secret identities.
This home is the complete package for a truly incredible family. Really clever promotional tie-in for Incredibles 2.
EW.com:
EW can exclusively reveal that NECA has produced a model of the director as part of the company’s Guillermo del Toro Signature Collection, which also features Santi from The Devil’s Backbone and Pale Man and Faun from Pan’s Labyrinth. The del Toro figure is a limited edition of 2,000 and will be available to buy for $40 from the NECA booth at this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego. The action figures comes with a replica of the notebook Del Toro used to record his notes and sketches for Pan’s Labyrinth. Yeah, I’m going to want to track down one of these.
Coming Soon:
Production on Bond 25 is set to begin at the end of the year on December 3. MGM will release the film theatrically in the U.S. on November 8, 2019 through its new joint venture for domestic theatrical distribution with Annapurna Pictures, and Universal will release internationally commencing with a traditional earlier release in the U.K. on October 25, 2019. James Bond moves from Sony to Universal and gets the director we’re expecting. So, hopefully, this is better than SPECTRE.
The Hollywood Reporter:
James Mangold is writing and will direct a Star Wars stand-alone movie centered on Boba Fett, the feared bounty hunter and fan-favorite character, The Hollywood Reporter has exclusively learned.
The reveal comes as Disney and Disney-owned Lucasfilm prepare for the release of the latest Star Wars stand-alone film, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Solo, which opens Friday, is the second movie to be spun from the main Star Wars line — Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was the first — but it is the first to focus on a particular character. First things first: Twitter, well done with the “How long until James Mangold is replaced” gags. Bravo.
That said - I think this could be fun? I know, Boba Fett is a played out, nothing character who is simply beloved because he looks cool - but to me, that makes him a blank canvas. Maybe I’m expecting more, or giving more credit than is deserved, but Mangold delivered a great Wolverine movie - twice - so I’m pretty sure he can nail this.
At the same time - the sooner we expand the scope of Star Wars beyond what we know, the better. That’s why Rogue One was great. That’s why Solo had so many concerned.
New stuff, please.
Ars Technica:
“On Monday, May 7, Apple approved the Steam Link app for release,” Valve said in a statement sent to Ars. “On Wednesday, May 9, Valve released news of the app. The following morning, Apple revoked its approval citing business conflicts with app guidelines that had allegedly not been realized by the original review team." Not cool, Apple.
I can’t see, at all, what this interferes with, any differently from the multitude of streaming services for TV shows and movies which would be in conflict with the iTunes Store.
This is just a streaming option, period. Get your head out of your ass, Cupertino.
I really love the feel of the songs shared so far from the Kicker EP. Going to be a must download next month.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The Golden Globe winner will also direct and produce the project under his Green Door production shingle and will be producing original music for the feature, which is being described as a “sonic and musical experience.”
The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which is perhaps best known for its 1996 Disney animated adaptation, is an 1831 novel by Victor Hugo that follows Quasimodo, a hunchback, and his doomed romance with the Gypsy Esmeralda. I think it’s going to be a hard time seeing Elba as the Hunchback. TOO DAMN HANDSOME.
I mean, seriously, this is what the hotel from John Wick is, right?
Not that this makes me movie look any less fun, but…
The Wall Street Journal:
Sony wants to spend three more years readying its next videogame move, the head of the PlayStation business said Wednesday. That would mark a slight slowdown in the six-to-seven-year update cycle for the console since the first one in 1994. The PlayStation 4 went on sale in 2013 and has sold more than 79 million units.
“We need to depart from the traditional way of looking at the console life cycle,“ he said. “We’re no longer in a time when you can think just about the console or just about the network like they’re two different things.“ So many questions about what the system may be by then.
A console/portable hybrid like the Switch? A dummy device allowing access to a game streaming service? A digital only console?
We’ll see in 2021, I guess.
Via the magic of Instagram:
You can scroll through the images above to read his full letter, but here are some key excerpts:
They will however be remixed. Because the bass lines in those familiar tracks are just too good and we’d be fools not to sample them. Those original twelve issues are our Old Testament. When the New Testament came along it did not erase what came before it. Creation. The Garden of Eden. Abraham and Isaac. The Flood. It all happened. And so it will be with “Watchmen.” The Comedian died. Dan and Laurie fell in love. Ozymandias saved the world and Dr. Manhattan left it just after blowing Rorschach to pieces in the bitter cold of Antarctica.
This story will be set in the world its creators painstakingly built…but in the tradition of the work that inspired it, this new story must be original. It has to vibrate with the seismic unpredictability of its own tectonic plates. It must ask new questions and explore the world through a fresh lens. Most importantly, it must be contemporary. The Old Testament was specific to the Eighties of Reagan and Thatcher and Gorbachev. Ours needs to resonate with the frequency of Trump and May and Putin and the horse that he rides around on, shirtless. And speaking of Horsemen, The End of the World is off the table…which means the heroes and villains—as if the two are distinguishable—are playing for different stakes entirely. I think the bit I most admire here is there seems to be this understanding that Watchmen was already brought to life. We’ve seen it. Say what you will about Zack Snyder, but he - with some alterations - brought the original text to life.
This is an adaptation in the truest form. Adapting it. Remolding it. Making it something new for a new format.
And if the fact that the guy behind The Leftovers is behind it isn’t enough reason to trust this take, I don’t know what would win you over.
Bleeding Cool:
Well, the answer in today’s Marvel August 2018 solicitations is Phil Noto, well known at Marvel for his Black Widow series. And no, Marvel is publishing two issues in August. #606 and #607, both by Noto. IÂ love Phil Noto’s art. This will rule.
Coming Soon:
Also, no, no this is not at all related to the old Sneaker Pimps hit single.
USgamer:
According to Matsuno Final Fantasy Tactics 2 was at some point in the cards for Squaresoft. As Final Fantasy Tactics is considered one of the best SRPGs around this shouldn’t really be a surprise. However, as Matsuno details, confusion over the game’s direction led Square to shelve the project, but not before some concepts were drafted up for the game. What a wonderful PSOne-era flashback. Could’ve been really, really cool!
Japanese Nintendo:
Guess we will see an N64 Classic this Fall?
Variety:
But the latest installment, “Solo: A Star Wars Story,“ due out May 25, upstaged them all when the production veered off the rails so spectacularly that it forced filming to grind to a halt after four months. With mere weeks left on the shooting schedule, producer Kathleen Kennedy fired directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and hired veteran Ron Howard to right the ship.
Suddenly, the Oscar-winning director of 2001’s “A Beautiful Mind,“ who along with his Imagine Entertainment partner Brian Grazer has overseen dozens of features, was tasked with the daunting job of overhauling the embattled franchise spinoff. Howard shot about 70% of “Solo,“ thus earning him sole director credit on the movie, with Lord and Miller receiving executive producer acknowledgments. With the reshoots, the movie wound up costing more than $250 million. I still think there’s a longer story here, but with Solo hitting theaters on Friday, Kristopher Tapley got the most complete take yet.
USgamer:
Other merchandise announced for the team-based FPS include Hasbro Master Toys, NERF blasters, and UNIQLO clothing. Activision Blizzard announced the new range of merch ahead of the Licensing Expo 2018. Yeah, gonna need to see those UNIQLO shirts…
The CG and motion capture here is really freaky…but will it be enough to have audiences interested in a more adult take on The Jungle Book?
We find out in October.
Netflix:
The Obamas will produce a diverse mix of content, including the potential for scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries and features. These projects will be available to the 125 million member Netflix households in 190 countries. How cool is that?
Straight from Twitter…
Hopefully the behind-the-scenes issues (script problems, director swaps, etc.) haven’t hurt the film.
The original LEGO Movie is another of those amazing and surprising lighting-in-a-bottle moments, but I did think there was a well there. Let’s find out next year.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The actor is in talks to play the classic Marvel villain Mysterio in the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming. Spider-Man creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko introduced Mysterio in the comics in 1964. A special effects expert, Quentin Beck used his talents to create elaborate illusions to commit crimes and to fight Spider-Man. This is SO great. Mysterio is a Spider-Man villain I’ve always wanted to see come to life.
Also, much how Michael Keaton as the Vulture had a meta aspect to it (Spider-Man vs. Batman, or Birdman), the meta aspect here is that Gyllenhaal was in talks to replace Tobey Maguire for Spider-Man 2, when Tobey was dealing with a back injury.
Esquire:
The new collaborative runners will be on sale at the original Shack in the park, where you can buy food, the sneakers, or both. The sneakers themselves are exactly what you would want out of a collaboration like this. They’re the Tree Runner, the brand’s classic shape, in its new fabric sourced from eucalyptus trees. But the colors are what truly make the shoe special. The sole and upper are a not-too-bright white, while the laces and tongue are bright, Shake Shack green. Plus, there’s a tiny Shack burger on the tongue. If you know, you know. These actually look really nice and super comfortable. I’m not a sneaker head by any means, but I’d wear them.
500ish Words:
And so if the above is fucking insane, making the above decision and then making the decision to severely neuter the third-party apps that were filling in the holes you dug is absolutely mega ultra batshit fucking insane. The fact that so many third-parties were filling these holes should say enough"Š—“Šthey’re not just doing this for fun, they’re doing it because there are holes to be filled. What Twitter is saying, explicably"Š—“Šyet inexplicably from the 10,000 foot view"Š—“Šis that they like holes. They really, really just enjoy having holes in their product. And if you’re a user who doesn’t like to use products with holes? Well, you can use"Š—“Šnope, actually, you can’t. And also, if you happen to be amongst our most loyal and passionate users, fuck you. Following up from John Gruber’s awesome piece I linked last week, MG Siegler has some things to say about Twitter’s complicit third-party stupidity.
And I’m with him.
Godzilla-Movies.com:
Not sure how it will work alongside the WB “Monsterverse”, built around 2014’s Godzilla and last year’s Kong: Skull Island.
Also of note from that article, a bummer for fans of Shin Godzilla:
When 2016’s Deadpool hit theaters, it was a necessary change of pace to the world of superhero films we had become accustomed to.
It was filthy, it was funny, it avoided the Summer season entirely (landing in the crisp cold of February), and it broke the fourth wall, constantly.
Fans - for the most part - loved it. I…sat a bit more mixed on it. I felt that the best interpretations of Deadpool focused on the pathos of the character, and the humor as a way of directing his pain and against, and was less drawn to the “monkey cheese" nature of the character. I did, think, however, that it had a brilliant showcase of Ryan Reynolds, finally getting the due he deserved as a leading action hero, I just wanted the flick to give him more to do.
Two years later, Deadpool 2 has arrived in theaters, and the question is - can lightning strike twice?
The problem for this movie is, unlike the first, the element of surprise is gone. It’s benefit is that this movie actually has some moments you can sink your teeth into. The action is stronger, the plot is bolder, the cast is wider and more diverse, and the humor - while still intensely graphic and appropriately childish - works…for the most part. (One sequence, in the style of the “tiny hand" gag from the first, had me in tears laughing.) Deadpool 2 lives up to the idea of what a proper sequel should be - larger in scope, more adventurous in tone, and more daring in its attempts to please the audience.
As a film, Deadpool 2 doesn’t work entirely - the first act is sort of stop and go, and the plot is a mess if you were to try to write it out step by step (and in a note to the writers, Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick - who wrote this installment with the help of Reynolds and wrote the first - just because you can have Deadpool point out bad writing doesn’t necessarily absolve it) - but if the audience I saw it with this afternoon is any indication, that doesn’t matter. It’s a full on crowd pleasure, with big laughs, big explosions, and just pure fun.
You may note that thus far, I haven’t really touched on the plot. Given that the trailers actually have done a great job of obscuring many moments and surprises from the film, I’m going to avoid going beat by beat here - but I can say that the movie takes Wade Wilson, our favorite hitman from the first film, and thrusts him into an adventure including the 90’s comic favorite, Cable (a time-traveling, giant gun carrying, cybernetic arm having Josh Brolin), a grumpy teenage fire starter named Russell (Julian Dennison, playing a very similar role to what he did in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, albeit with mutant powers), and Wade forming the first cinematic incarnation of X-Force, including the movie debut of the luck-having Domino (Atlanta’s Zazie Beatz, in a brilliant turn, including some shockingly cinematic sequences showcasing her luck-based abilities).
Deadpool 2 doesn’t strike the same lightning as the first film - but it’s a much better film than the first, and that’s all you can ask for in a sequel. The action is kinetic, the goofs are constant, the R-Rating is earned. Besides, how can you be mad at a movie whose score features a full chorus chanting “Holy Shit Balls"?
If that last sentence sold you - congrats, Deadpool 2 is the movie for you. If you didn’t like the first at all? This won’t bring you over. But if you, like me, felt the first showed promise - Deadpool 2 delivers on that promise in spades.
Deadpool 2 is in theaters now.
Entertainment Weekly:
EW can exclusively reveal that Warner Bros. Animation is bringing back the iconic cat-like aliens for new animated series called ThunderCats Roar, which will debut on Cartoon Network in 2019. Holy crap, this looks ADORABLE.
The Developers Union:
We believe that people who create great software should be able to make a living doing it. So we created The Developers Union to advocate for sustainability in the App Store.
Today, we are asking Apple to commit to allowing free trials for all apps in the App Stores by the tenth anniversary of the App Store this July. After that, we’ll start advocating for a more reasonable revenue cut and other community-driven, developer-friendly changes. I think it’s incredibly important for Apple to make it sustainable for iOS and macOS developers to continue to profit and grow their businesses. Clearly, there are issues with the way things are now. I hope they’re listening in Cupertino.
Holy shit. Don’t watch this at work.
I don’t know that I’ve laughed so hard. Goddamn.
This series of 80’s action movie styled fan art posters for Radiohead front man Thom Yorke by “Butcher Billy” are absolutely amazing and hilarious.
Polygon:
Hello Games, the developers of No Man’s Sky, released a teaser for the game’s “Next" update at the end of March. Its focus on multiplayer, however, was today’s big reveal. While limited multiplayer already exists in the game, Murray gave some examples that suggests the new iteration of multiplayer will allow for far more player interaction.
Players will be able to group up with friends to survive, build, race and simply relax in the massive space world that is No Man’s Sky. Murray described the Next update as a culmination of “this potential that everyone’s always seen in No Man’s Sky,“ he said during a live interview on the stream. I have to give so much credit to Hello Games for taking No Man’s Sky and making it into the game fans hoped it’d be on day one.
Deadline:
Lionstate and Appian Way last November acquired movie rights to Grant, the bestselling Ron Chernow biography that is being adapted by David James Kelly. The writer just worked for Appian Way and Lionsgate on Robin Hood, the Otto Bathurst-directed that stars Taron Egerton in the starring role. Given how much I love Catch Me If You Can, I am way into this movie…even if it will most likely be dramatically different.
Collider:
The Hunt is inspired by true-life events and comes from creator David Weil (Moonfall), who will also write the series and serve as an Executive Producer alongside Peele. Sonar Entertainment’s Tom Lesinski (Mr. Mercedes) and Jenna Santoianni (Mr. Mercedes), and Monkeypaw Productions’ Win Rosenfeld (Dark Net) will also executive produce. Inglorious Basterds the series? I’m there.
Marvel.com:
…
Other characters joining the West Coast fun are Gwenpool, whom Thompson describes as “a really weird X-factor" who will be going through some “really interesting" relationship developments; Quentin Quire, who is “always trouble,“ but “clearly wants a family"; and Kate’s boyfriend Johnny, who is in “way over his head,“ a situation that Thompson is very eager to explore. Love the art, love the creative team, love the makeup of the team roster. Will read!
My Modern Met:
At 14 feet tall and almost 5 feet wide, the incredible 3,333 kg (7,348 lb) piece set a new Guinness World Record for the “largest LEGO brick cherry blossom tree.“ Originally designed in the Czech Republic, and shipped to Japan to be assembled, it took over 6,500 hours to complete the structure with 881,470 bricks. The impressive piece features a grassy base, large branches, a canopy with thousands of flowers, and even LEGO lanterns that illuminate the structure at night. Amazing.
Who would’ve thought that Boots Riley had a touch of Michele Gondry in him?
This looks like a wonderful, brilliant, and amazing flick. A late-Summer gem.
Chew Boom:
Golden Oreo O’s cereal features golden, crunchy O’s with a rich crÁ¨me coating.
Nilla Banana Pudding flavored cereal features Nilla wafer flavored pieces with banana flavor and marshmallows. A bummer I have to go to Walmart for this, but I WILL HAVE THAT BANANA PUDDING CEREAL.
Daring Fireball:
Twitter management obviously wants to steer people to their first-party mobile app and desktop website. I get that. But they already have that: the overwhelming number of Twitter users use exactly those products to access the service. What Twitter management seems to be missing is that many of its most influential users — including yours truly, yes — have been on the platform a long time and have a high tendency to be among those who not just use, but depend upon third-party clients. Can’t say I don’t agree with the esteemed John Gruber on this. I’ve been on Twitter for 11 years. I met my wife on it. I made many friends on it.
But this is really just adding to my personal entropy towards social media. Don’t fuck this up, Twitter.
StarWars.com:
Chicago will be setting the stage for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars at McCormick Place on April 11-15, 2019! Tickets, including multi-day, single-day, and VIP passes, are scheduled to go on sale June 5 at noon CST at www.starwarscelebration.com. I’ve been wanting an excuse to go to Chicago, and I hear Celebration is always a great time.
I know this is the next Spike Lee movie, but this definitely feels like a Steven Soderbergh or Shane Black team up.
Gonna be controversial, but I’m into it.
Official YouTube Blog:
Shame, as some of the ideas - like the location and date/time based playlist suggestions - are really clever.
Best of luck, Google.
From the Twitters…
I’m assuming that this will include “game accurate” weaponry, which could be pretty cool.
The cosplayer Nerf wars, though, those could get ugly.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Lee is suing POW! Entertainment for fraud and conversion, claiming the company and two of its officers conspired to steal his identity, name and likeness in a “nefarious scheme” involving a “sham” sale to a Chinese company. I don’t even know what’s real any more with Stan. Is this legit? Is this his “advisors” and daughter talking him into awful deals?
Just…a sad time.
Entertainment Weekly:
“I haven’t told anyone this, but I’m working on it. I’m working on it right now,“ Mandel told EW at the NBC Universal Upfronts Presentation on Monday. “I have a meeting on Wednesday. I’m keeping my finger’s crossed. That’s what I want to do. Let’s hope — write something about it and maybe it’ll happen.“ Everything old is new again. Even at the bottom of the pool. Where it must have been a while. ‘Cause I had time to write this song.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The studio behind Avengers: Infinity War has hired writers Matthew and Ryan Firpo, whose spec script Ruin shot to the top of the 2017 Black List, to pen the script for the superhero team adventure. We’re just gonna keep digging deeper and deeper into Marvel lore, aren’t we?
Surreal times to be alive.
This looks like silly amounts of fun.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The MGM-owned premium cable network has handed out a 10-episode, straight-to-series order for Pennyworth, a drama set in the Batman universe from Gotham showrunner Bruno Heller.
The series will revolve around Alfred Pennyworth, the best friend and butler to Bruce Wayne (aka Batman). The series is not a Gotham spinoff but rather an entirely new story exploring Alfred’s origins as a former British SAS soldier who forms a secret company and goes to work with Thomas Wayne — Bruce’s billionaire father — in 1960s London. Sean Pertwee, who plays Alfred Pennyworth on Fox’s recently renewed Gotham, is not involved. Casting has not yet begun and the series is set in a completely different universe despite hailing from Heller and producers Warner Horizon. (Others who have played the Alfred role include Jeremy Irons, Michael Gough, Michael Caine, Alan Napier and William Austin, among others.) Interesting. Even stranger that this isn’t connected to the current Gotham series, nor connected to the other DC shows, nor being aired on DC’s new “DC Universe” streaming service.
Chew Boom:
The pizza-flavored fries feature a combination of pizza sauce and cheese flavors, and carry a suggested price of ¥ 280 (US$2.55) for a medium, ¥ 330 (US$3.00) for a large, and ¥ 450 (US$4.10) for a box. Yahoo! Answers causing movies in Japan, which lead to unholy food hybrids. What a world.
I’ve really grown to love the Mission: Impossible franchise over the past few installments, and this looks to be just as thrilling as the last few - Rebecca Ferguson being a badass, Henry Cavill coming off super imposing, and Tom Cruise continuing to have a death wish.
I’ll be there in July!
Vulture:
“We’re going on the tenth anniversary of Zombieland,“ Wernick tells Vulture. “Zombieland came out October of 2009. We don’t know what you get someone for their tenth anniversary, but it may be a Zombieland 2.“ Though he hedged with that “may be,“ it seems like it’s not so far from a “will be.“ “The hope is that we’re shooting that thing early 2019 for an October of ’19 release,“ Wernick added — then tossed in even more good news for devotees: “With the original cast, by the way.“ Hmm. I have a hunch Emma Stone might be hard to get for this one, as she’s on a whole different level from the rest of the cast.
At the same time, I ask - too little too late, here? The original Zombieland was great, but it feels like lightning in a bottle. Maybe I’m being too cynical here.
The Brothers Brick:
Coming Soon:
Doom Patrol is a re-imagining of one of DC’s most beloved group of outcast Super Heroes: Robotman, Negative Man, Elasti-Girl, and Crazy Jane, led by modern-day mad scientist Dr. Niles Caulder (The Chief). The Doom Patrol’s members each suffered horrible accidents that gave them superhuman abilities — but also left them scarred and disfigured. Traumatized and downtrodden, the team found purpose through The Chief, who brought them together to investigate the weirdest phenomena in existence — and to protect Earth from what they find. This does make me wonder if this - and in turn, Titans - will tie into the existing “Berlanti-verse” of Arrow, Supergirl, etc., etc.
[embed]www.youtube.com/watch
I know there’s been a lot of debate and discussion already about how Bohemian Rhapsody is kind of a white-washed, squeaky clean version of Freddie Mercury’s story, but it doesn’t change that this looks pretty darn good.
I’ll be there in November.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The streaming giant has handed out a straight-to-series order for Guillermo Del Toro’s 10 After Midnight, an individual episodic horror anthology from the Oscar winner behind The Shape of Water. An episode count and premiere date for the drama remain unclear.
Each installment of 10 After Midnight will be personally curated by Del Toro, with stories described as equally sophisticated and horrific. Del Toro, who created the series, will bring his visionary style as a writer and director to certain episodes. He’ll also hand-pick a team of what Netflix describes as the genre’s best writers and new filmmakers to bring his selection of stories to life. Additional details about various topics and stories are being kept under wraps. Holy crap, I am so there for this. The $11 a month I pay Netflix really pays off in so many ways.
Collider:
Looking forward to it. Glad to see everyone’s back VO wise, too.
Variety:
Is this a similar trend for you? You have a LOT of shows you want to watch, but only a few you actually get through?
Between movies to see, video games to play, books/comics to read, albums to listen to, podcasts to enjoy, shows to watch…I almost feel like there’s too much to enjoy at any given time lately.
Maybe this is what getting old is.
Eurogamer:
The leaks appeared online over the weekend on reddit and 4chan, and were then reported this morning on multiple gaming sites and blogs.
So, what do we believe? Well, as improbable as Retro making a Star Fox racing spin-off may sound, Eurogamer sources have heard similar. I am skeptical, but we are in E3 season, and it’s been 2 years since the last Star Fox game…
Chances are, you already heard this over the weekend, but just in case if not…
Deadline:
NBC, whose sister studio Universal TV produces the Andy Samberg-starring series, was one of the potential suitors for the comedy after its cancellation. NBC also was among the broadcast networks that bid for the Brooklyn Nine-Nine pitch from creators Mike Schur and Dan Goor when it hit the marketplace in 2012 before the project landed at Fox in a very competitive situation.
“Ever since we sold this show to Fox I’ve regretted letting it get away, and it’s high time it came back to its rightful home,“ said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. “Mike Schur, Dan Goor, and Andy Samberg grew up on NBC and we’re all thrilled that one of the smartest, funniest, and best cast comedies in a long time will take its place in our comedy line-up. I speak for everyone at NBC, here’s to the Nine-Nine!“ NINE-NINE.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Paramount Pictures has thrown a Joe spinoff movie featuring the commando into development, with Evan Spiliotopoulos, the writer of Beauty and the Beast and The Huntsman: Winter’s War, in talks to pen the script. If they’re not sure what to do for the film, just adapt the kick-ass Snake-Eyes Trilogy I read as a kid!
Alternatively, just give us a LOT more of RZA rambling on as Snake-Eyes’s blind master.
I don’t even care if this isn’t supposed to follow up from Retaliation - MORE RZA.
TFW2005:
— 300-400 KB pop up stores will open during the 2018-19 holiday season as a quick way to test each market, while the best performing of those pop ups will be reviewed in early 2019 for potential expansion to one of the larger permanent 600-800 stores.
— Simon is among the many mall organizations that replied with interest to Kassoff s LinkedIn post and are now aboard as investors; banks, outside investors and private equity are not involved in this version of KB Toys.
— Of special interest to collector communities, a dedicated “Toy Nerd" in each store will help buyers with in-store hot off the delivery truck purchases, along with events like meet and greet autograph sessions with toy designers. The “Toy Nerd” role is really clever. I hope this works out!
The Chicago Tribune:
“I never wore my cowboy hat to the schools. Now, I have been on cattle drives. I did 11 cattle drives and 11 cattle roundups in a ranch outside of Cody, Wyo., but that’s a separate deal. You don’t wear a three-piece suit with a cowboy hat. That just doesn’t work. Doesn’t look good,“ Bittenbinder told the Tribune by phone from Wisconsin, where he is enjoying his retirement.
Bittenbinder, 75, was surprised to learn from the Tribune that Chicago native John Mulaney parodies him in his new Netflix stand-up comedy special “Kid Gorgeous at Radio City.“ Mulaney devotes about 10 minutes of his hourlong set at Radio City Music Hall to explaining how Bittenbinder’s “street smarts" presentations at student assemblies “haunt me to this day.“ If you haven’t seen Mulaney’s latest Netflix special, you really should - it’s a gem. And few gems shine brighter than his entire segment on Bittenbinder and his Street Smarts program.
And Detective, we’ve got YouTube footage…John ain’t that far off on ya.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Brooklyn Nine-Nine | While not a ratings breakout, the Andy Samberg cop comedy from exec producers Dan Goor and Mike Schur remains a critical favorite. Sources note the series went into its current fifth season with an eye toward an endgame. That the single-camera comedy is produced by an outside studio — Universal Television — did not help the series, which will not return for a sixth season. This was an absolute heartbreaker last night. Brooklyn Nine-Nine is one of the funniest, most diverse, most genuine, most consistently delightful shows on television, a true beacon of joy, and to see it wrap up - even with five seasons under its belt, and a TBS syndication deal which most likely means that we’ll see reruns for years to come - is a real punch to the gut.
But - for all of us saddened by this news - hope may not be lost.
Let’s let Deadline share the good news:
Hulu, Brooklyn Nine-Nines SVOD home, is considered the most likely choice, and I hear there had been conversations about the show moving there.
…
Another potential home for Brooklyn Nine-Nine could be TBS, which in December picked up off-network rights to the comedy. The basic cable network is overseen by Kevin Reilly, who had developed and picked up Brooklyn Nine-Nine while running Fox and is a big fan of the show. BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! What’s that you say, The Hollywood Reporter?!
NINE-NINE!
Fresh from Twitter:
Full admission, I’ve been late to the Rick and Morty train. I haven’t even seen the third season yet.
But knowing that this is basically a seven season pickup is absolutely insane and wonderful. I guess this makes Rick and Morty the South Park of [adult swim].
Congrats to Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. Can’t wait to see where this goes.
So, Nine Inch Nails made some moves today.
First things first, they’ve got a new EP coming out in June, the third in a trilogy called “Bad Witch”.
You can pre-order it here. Here’s the track list:
From the tour announcement page, in - for some reason - all caps:
Not a lot of there there, is there?
I’m in because I love Shane Black. But this teaser trailer is really an emphasis on the tease.
Going to be surreal to see the Predator in more of a suburban environment, though!
The Hollywood Reporter:
The four-time Oscar nominee is joining Brie Larson in Captain Marvel, Marvel Studios’ first female-led feature film. Oh, cool! Adds to the “Prestige Actor in Marvel Studios” hall, alongside Glenn Close, Michael Douglas and Robert Redford. But who is she playing?
Bloomberg:
For the first time, Apple plans to begin selling subscriptions to certain video services directly via its TV app, rather than asking users to subscribe to them through apps individually downloaded from the App Store, according to people familiar with the matter. Makes sense - surprised this hasn’t happened sooner. Plus, if it means one less app to download, I think we’d all be glad for it.
We’re just over a week away from the debut of Deadpool 2, and with that, spoilers are sure to leak any day now.
In turn, Ryan Reynolds (or Deadpool) took to Twitter to request this:
Clever spoof of the Russo Brothers' similar ask for Avengers: Infinity War.
Nintendo:
For just $20, I’m definitely considering it.
Last night on Twitter, Jordan Peele officially started the hype machine for his Get Out follow up…
So here’s what we know.
The movie is called Us. It hits March 2019.
And thanks to The Hollywood Reporter…
…
Details are being kept deep in suburbia, but the pic is said to center on two couples, one white, one black. If a deal is made, Duke and Nyong’o would play one couple, while Moss would play part of the other couple. Sounds great. Love all three, and much like Get Out, think this is a great cast list to build on. I cannot wait to see what he has planned next.
Coming Soon:
Following Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure and Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, original creators Chris Matheson (Imagine That) and Ed Solomon (Men in Black, Mosaic, Now You See Me) have penned the script, with Dean Parisot (Galaxy Quest, Red 2, Fun with Dick and Jane) confirmed to direct. Scott Kroopf (Limitless) will produce together with Alex Lebovici and Steve Ponce of Hammerstone Studios, with Steven Soderbergh serving as an executive producer alongside Scott Fischer, John Ryan Jr., and John Santilli. Surreal.
For those unawares, here’s the plot of the third movie:
Really great new page breaking down all the details of the Switch Online Service hitting this September.
While I know a lot of people are going to be excited about the NES Online Library, I’m most excited to see the Cloud Backup of game saves. This could be very important if your system breaks, is stolen, or - knowing Nintendo - they release a new model with superior innards or a cooler exterior look.
I’m in for the Family plan. (My wife plays, too.)
Brand Eating:
The chain describes the new, spicy sauce as being “bold” and “smoky.” Other than the new sauce, the Wilder Naked Chicken Chalupa includes the same components as the regular Naked Chicken Chalupa, a seasoned and marinated crispy-fried chicken shell filled with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and avocado ranch sauce. Sounds…uh, delicious?
Collider:
Btw, is it surreal for anyone else that 2020 is a real, not-that-far-off year?
Ars Technica:
“In this second year, the initiatives we are planning come from our recognition that we also have to challenge ourselves to delivering Nintendo Switch into the hands of consumers who have never played a Nintendo platform before, and to those [who] have played before, but not recently,” Kimishima said. Those “initiatives” include a software lineup “meant to attract people including those who have not been playing video games recently,” he continued. Sounds like Nintendo Labo was just the beginning. E3 should be interesting.
Vox:
MoviePass may survive. Or its business model may, in the end, be unsustainable. But on a broader scale, the more interesting story may be the way MoviePass alters how people go to the movies — and what that means for an industry that is struggling to survive. Really enjoyed this piece by Alissa Wilkinson, examining how even if MoviePass may burn out and fade away, it will have changed the world of moviegoing - and in many ways, for the better.
I guess it’s sort of a Napster, and we’re waiting for the film industry version of Spotify.
IT’S A CINCO DE QUATRO MIRACLE. JUST THREE DAYS LATE.
Sure hope this is good. Way to keep things quiet, Netflix.
I really need to finish the first season of Luke Cage.
And watch all of Iron Fist. And The Defenders. And Punisher. And the second season of Jessica Jones.
Peak TV is kicking my ass.
Kickstarter:
I’m Cory Everett and when I was six years old, my dad took me to see Robocop. It was all downhill from there. When I was 21, I was on the short-lived IFC show Ultimate Film Fanatic (I lost). I’ve also written about film at Indiewire and elsewhere. And for the past 15 years or so, I’ve spent road trips, days at the beach and other time-to-kill situations prompting friends, family, and co-workers with three words:
“Gimme two actors.“
It started as a variation on the Kevin Bacon game, except you pick any two actors and try to connect them in six movies or less. We can sometimes spend hours doing this. We also play another game where you name a movie star, then go around naming their films until someone is stumped. It sounds simple but there is a strategy involved.
So after playing other movie games and being underwhelmed, I thought it might be time to bring mine to life. With the help of my friend, illustrator Steve Isaacs, I created Cinephile: A Card Game. Yeah, I foresee the Super Art Fight roster and I playing this game a LOT in the future. In for the game and the expansion.
Deadline:
I really enjoyed the first two seasons of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, but the third didn’t grab me as much. Hopefully the series gets to end strong.
The Verge:
My biggest concern now is that the app becomes a data mining resource for NPR.
Mondo:
Speaking of Star Wars day, Solo tickets went on sale today too.
Chew Boom:
The Cheetos Burger Bomb features the brand’s Bacon Cheeseburger coated in a Cheetos tempura batter, deep-fried until golden brown and topped with Cheetos dust. The Burger Bomb is served with a side of curly fries, coleslaw and Cheetos aioli. The life expectancy within the UAE just dropped.
IndieWire:
Turner and O’Brien on Thursday morning announced an “expanded partnership spanning television, digital, social and live events that will enable the late night icon to capitalize and interact with his multi-generational fan base across platforms.“ That includes the decision to revamp “Conan,“ which will still air four nights a week. It has aired as an hour since launching on TBS in 2010. Very interesting to see Conan O’Brien go to where the puck is going, as opposed to what it is, and focusing on digital formats, and keeping the show fresh.
Buried further down, however, is the most exciting part to me as a comedy nerd:
Bloody Disgusting:
But did you ever wonder how Jonesy perceived the events of Alien?!
Author Rory Lucey presents that story in the upcoming Jonesy: Nine Lives on the Nostromo, a full-color, illustrated book that offers a cat’s eye view of all the terror! This book is currently available for pre-order on Amazon, and hits shelves October 16th. Looks adorable.
Chew Boom:
The new Mac & Cheese Gourmet Bagel takes the chain’s potato bagel and crowns it with Annie’s Organic Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese, plus a blend of six melty cheeses and a slice of cheddar cheese. Mother of God.
Yep. That’s certainly a version of Robin Hood they’re doing here.
Sounds like you crickets are into it.
Wired:
That wasn’t always a given. Just last week at industry conference CinemaCon, Lowe said “I don’t know" in response to a question about the unlimited plan’s return. And given some of MoviePass' previous experimentation with its offerings—be it temporarily removing subscriber access to select AMC theaters in major cities, or to specific movies—it perhaps wouldn’t have been surprising if the offer that attracted millions of subscribers in a few short months really was too good to be true.
As of today, though, you can get back on the unlimited plan that MoviePass launched last August. You also still have the option of the plan the company temporarily replaced it with: four movies a month, plus three free months of iHeartRadio All-Access music streaming. One of the best deals around has returned—along with a seemingly renewed commitment from MoviePass not to keep its subscribers’ heads spinning. And noted further down in the article:
I want MoviePass to succeed. I’m not sure that the current leadership will allow them to.
July 25th, 2018 for this mashup of all of the Stephen King books in one crazy TV series.
Looks to be a good one for Hulu, who continues to develop into a powerhouse of original series.
Newsarama:
Bengal opened up to Newsarama about his influences for Glory’s looks, material that helped fuel the high-octane action that follows her through this adventure, as well as how he feels he’s bettered himself as an artist since his first series all the way back in 2001. Standard pre-release interview, but goddamn does this book look gorgeous.
Engadget:
Each cartridge costs $100 is available in one of two colours, opaque light blue or translucent glow-in-the-dark blue (although which you’ll get is a surprise). They’re not just collector’s items either, as both are fully playable. Pre-order on iam8bit.com now for shipping in September, but be quick, each game is restricted to a run of just 8,500 units. They can be bought here.
The part I find most amusing is that you’ll only know what color cartridge you received is by opening the box, and most people who buy these games probably won’t be opening the boxes.
Having watched a lot of Teen Titans GO! lately, between hotel room stays and watching my niece, the series has really grown on me.
The movie looks just as funny and clever. I wouldn’t be surprised if this shocks the box office this Summer.
(And yes, that’s Nicholas Cage playing Superman. Finally.)
Straight from Twitter:
TL;DR version: Mitch Hurwitz has confirmed that a fifth season of Arrested Development is coming soon, and on this Friday, “Cinco De Quatro”, the much debated Netflix season will be released in a new chronological edit, attempting to resolve/fix the issues of the character based episodes seen in the original release.
Hasbro Press Release:
Expect the big Transformers, GI Joe, MASK, Power Rangers mashup to hit theaters in the next ten years.
For wrestling nerds, this news is really surreal.
The Rock’s production company has signed John Cena to star as the lead in The Janson Directive, a not-quite-Jason-Bourne story by Bourne author Robert Ludlum.
As is the way these days, Dwayne Johnson took to announcing it on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiNWmX_liin/?utm_source=ig_embed
Deadline:
Also, in what can’t be a coincidence, Netflix released the trailer to Manhunt yesterday, John Woo’s big return to action. It hits Netflix this Friday. Looks crazy, def worth a spin.
Brilliant. We should do this with all the awful people.
There was an idea… called the Avengers Initiative. The idea was to bring together a group of of remarkable people to see if they could become something more. To see if they could work together when we needed them to, to fight the battles that we never could.
In 2008, Iron Man arrived. A risky choice for hero. A risky choice for lead. A risky choice for director. And as the credits rolled, a surprise was in store for all. This was the beginning of something greater.
A decade later, that promise has been fulfilled on a scale heretofore unseen with the release of Avengers: Infinity War.
If you’re a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to date - let’s be honest, you don’t need to read this review. You’re going to see the movie. You probably already have. And if you have, you’re probably already planning to see it again.
But for those fence sitters, those opinion waiters, those unsure - with the odds stacked against it, with the difficulty level set to high, the Russo Brothers and Marvel Studios did it. Full stop. A complete success.
The culmination of the stories throughout the nineteen film saga, Infinity War finally brings uber-villian Thanos (Josh Brolin) to Earth, as he assembles the last of the infinity stones, the powerful macguffins controlling Space, Mind, Reality, Power, Time and Soul. But his villainy is perhaps altruistic? In a shift from the character’s comics focus - to impress the living embodiment of Death - Thanos feels the universe is overpopulated, and needs a cleansing. His goal? Wipe out half of existence within the universe, full stop.
It’s heady, heavy material for the normally jokey Marvel Universe - and while the quips are there (there is tremendous character interaction in this film, all the pairings you want to see, and some pairings you’ll be surprised work as well as they do) - the movie is, frankly, bleak at times. No punches are pulled - this is a gutsy, ballsy choice from the normally risk-adverse MCU. Avengers: Infinity War isn’t necessarily a movie for the whole family - I can see kids getting absolutely warped by some of this (in a Bambi’s Mom sort of way).
But the important part is this - the landing is stuck. The action is epic, the scope is incredible. Some way, some how, the movie is balanced, extending the stories of (almost all) of your favorite heroes. And in the end, when the smoke clears, you will be drained and absolutely blown away.
All eyes will then move to May 2019. An almost insane year long wait for the next chapter - you will be chomping at the bit to know what happens next.
What will the future hold for the Avengers? I’m not sure - but in this present day, their greatest adventure is on the silver screen, and I cannot wait to see it again and again.
Avengers: Infinity War is in theaters now (grab tickets via Fandango!), and yes, is already available for pre-order on iTunes.
The New York Times:
The first strip drawn by Ms. Jaimes, on April 9, featured an unnamed woman commenting on Nancy’s diet, which for that meal consisted of a slice of pie, a cupcake, cornbread, some salt and a stick of butter. Since then, Nancy has referenced earbuds, video games, Snapchat filters, apps, anonymous bots and social media anxiety. That mix is in step with Ms. Jaimes’s goals for the strip. I think it’s really cool to see a company allow for a long-running comics strip to be changed so heavily.
Now, the question is - “Olivia Jaimes”, is she someone of note? Or just someone cleverly using a pseudonym?
Collider:
Though it doesn’t yet have a title, the presumably original story for “Film Five" is described briefly as follows: “Bursting with humor, heart, and a profound message of acceptance and finding one’s place, the animation team at LAIKA is thrilled to be bringing this globetrotting comedy-adventure to life.“ Chris Butler (ParaNorman) directs a voice cast led by Hugh Jackman, Zoe Saldana and Zach Galifianakis. The film was previously announced as having a May 18, 2018 release date, but no follow-up date has been announced just yet. Based on that track record, I’ll watch anything LAIKA creates.
Cool to see Annapurna pick them up, too.
Collider:
If not him…well, I have some experience hosting ridiculous, silly game show type events.
PlayStation.Blog:
When we announced the release date, we revealed our pre-order bonus, which includes a Spidey Suit pack containing three suits. But we only showed one suit — Spider-Punk — with the other two being held back to be unveiled later.
Here’s an updated look at the pre-order video, with the second suit revealed:
Dope!
The Verge:
Amazon announced today a new service that gives its couriers access to a person’s vehicle for the purpose of leaving package deliveries inside. But rather than use smart locks and a cloud-connected camera to gain entry, Amazon wants to use the connected technologies embedded in many modern vehicles today. The company is launching this new service in partnership with two major automakers — General Motors and Volvo — and will be rolling out in 37 cities in the US starting today.
This feels really, very creepy. I’m not into it.
The first trailer: Felt like The Bourne Identity.
This trailer: Feels like the 1990’s Spawn adaptation.
This is going to be real, real weird to watch.
A new poster for the movie arrived, too!
Collider:
While Dom and the gang are keeping busy on the big screen, the Fast & Furious family is about to get a bit bigger in the animated realm. The new series will follow Dom’s cousin — no, not Fernando from Fast 8, but a teenager named Tony Torretto who follow’s in Dom’s footsteps when he and his friends are recruited by a government agency to infiltrate an elit racing league to help bring down a crime organization hellbent on world domination — and to think this all started with stealing some home entertainment equipment in Los Angeles.
I need this to be as ridiculously 90’s as possible.
Give me a talking dog sidekick. Make the cars robots. Turn Tony’s team into a Burger King Kids Club of drift racing.
Lets make this as completely ridiculous as possible, and give us ALL the toys.
Campo Santo Blog:
If you’re the type of person who gives two flips about this news, we can elaborate a little bit on this big decision. First, we really like making video games. Furthermore, and perhaps more accurately, we really like making and producing entertainment. From the day-to-day production of our last game, Firewatch, to the way we run the company, make merchandise, meet players at expos and shows, send out a quarterly literary journal, throw open-to-the-public game demos in the middle of an artificial forest—all of it is geared towards surprising, delighting, and entertaining the customers who have shared in our success.
I loved Firewatch. I’m really looking forward to In the Valley of the Gods. I’m pretty sure that Valve will just let Campo Santo make their projects the way they want and leave them be, without having to worry as much about the financial component.
Win-win-win.
Why am I sharing this?
Because - when you think about it - we’re all office worker red pandas who long to sing death metal at karaoke at night.
The Beat:
So, uh - I, along with Super Art Fight, were scheduled to be guests at this show.
For whatever it’s worth, we haven’t had anything communicated directly to us yet. In turn, I’ll wait and see how they handle this.
But right now, so far…people are very confused, sad and angry. And the communication from the convention…or lack thereof…isn’t helping.
Shame - they had a great mission and focus.
The Wrap:
The upcoming season 3 finale, set to air Sunday, April 29, will now serve as the series finale.
Bummer. While I’ve yet to see the series myself - I don’t have a Starz subscription - everything I’ve heard is that it was incredibly faithful to the films which came before it.
Baltimore Magazine:
One of three condiments that competes in an animated video after the second inning of every Orioles home game, mustard has yet to cross the finish line before ketchup or relish in 2018.
Always entertaining, the Hot Dog Race is the best game being played in Camden Yards this season.
Glad to see this video screen favorite getting some love.
Variety:
The 30-second mobile previews are presented in a slideshow format with circular thumbnails, very much like the presentation of Snapchat and Instagram Stories. As with the popular “stories" video format, users can tap the screen to play the preview or swipe to advance to the next preview. If you see something you like, you can add it to your watchlist directly from the video screen.
The mobile previews are available starting Thursday in Netflix’s iOS app, and will be “coming soon to Android,“ the company said.
The point? It’s another addition to Netflix’s content-discovery toolkit, designed to suck viewers into the Netflix programming catalog. Astutely, Netflix is adopting the concept of swipe-able, vertical videos, which presumably many people already know how to interact with.
Goddamnit.
I recognize I’m going full “Old Man Yells At Cloud” here, but seriously gang - taking horizontal content and reformatting it to a vertical format for engagement and discovery purposes sure is frustrating. At least when you go to watch the content, it’s as intended, but…for how long?
It’s almost as egregious as HBO using the wrong aspect ratio to “fill your screen”.
We can do better, guys. Original format or nothing.
Variety:
Plemons will play one of the film’s villains. As previously announced, Edgar Ramirez and Jack Whitehall are also on board.
Jaume Collet-Serra is directing the movie based on the classic theme park attraction, which operates in several Disney Parks across the globe and takes guests on a guided tour through the rivers of the world. Michael Green (“Logan") penned the most recent draft of the script, rewritten from screenplay by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay.
The Rock has faced many adversaries in his career…but can he defeat FATT DAMON?!
I didn’t think a movie about a debate team would be interesting, but yet, here I am.
Hits Netflix next week!
Coming Soon:
The announcement was made by DreamWorks Animation (DWA) President Chris deFaria, who indicated the deal could extend beyond movies and television, including working with DWA’s artists and technologists on some of their pilot programs that are developing groundbreaking techniques for advancing storytelling on various content platforms.
As part of the deal, Del Toro is taking offices at the DreamWorks campus in Glendale, California. The Oscar-winning director says that animation “is an art form that has influenced my work greatly since childhood. To me, it’s the perfect medium to bring to life any and all ideas, no matter how outlandish or wild. I am eager to work with Chris and the talented artists at DreamWorks — some of the most talented people in the business — to make these images a reality. I have worked with DreamWorks for about a decade and the horizon just keeps getting wider.
Always game for more unique creations from this wonderful mind.
The Verge:
It’s a problem. In fact, it’s always been a problem. Google has spent nearly a decade trying — and failing — to fix it with an ever-rotating cast of poorly supported apps. While iPhone users have had the simplicity of iMessage built in, Android users have been left to fend for themselves.
Now, the company is doing something different. Instead of bringing a better app to the table, it’s trying to change the rules of the texting game, on a global scale. Google has been quietly corralling every major cellphone carrier on the planet into adopting technology to replace SMS. It’s going to be called “Chat,“ and it’s based on a standard called the “Universal Profile for Rich Communication Services.“ SMS is the default that everybody has to fall back to, and so Google’s goal is to make that default texting experience on an Android phone as good as other modern messaging apps.
For some reason, I’m reminded of this XKCD strip.
Variety:
Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, and Steve Tisch will produce with DeVon Franklin.
The movie will be based on the beloved Mattel toyline, which spawned a successful animated TV series (1983-85) as well as a 1987 film. The property centers on the warrior He-Man, the last hope of a magical land called Eternia. Dolph Lundgren starred in the original pic as the title character, while Frank Langella played the villainous Skeletor.
The pic is written by David Goyer, who is also an executive producer. Goyer had circled the director’s chair, but prior engagements forced him to pass on directing, though insiders say he is extremely involved in the development of the film.
Never seen their work, but I guess this movie really is going to happen.
Deadline:
Does this movie continue the Kingsman universe?
Deadline:
So, it’s Occupy: MASK? Interesting take…
But hey, a guy who oversaw The Fate of the Furious is probably the perfect fit for a driving-action series.
Variety:
In addition, series creator Gillian Flynn has inked an overall deal with Amazon Studios, with “Utopia" being the first project under that deal. Based on the British series of the same name created by Dennis Kelly, “Utopia" follows group of young adults who meet online and are mercilessly hunted by a shadowy deep state organization after they come in to possession of a near mythical cult underground graphic novel. They discover the conspiracy theories in the comic’s pages may actually be real and are forced in to the dangerous, unique and ironic position of saving the world.
Amazon has ordered a nine-episode first season. The original series aired two six-episode seasons on Britain’s Channel 4 between 2013 and 2014.
Second time’s the charm, one hopes. Shame that David Fincher won’t be involved with this attempt, but I’m looking forward to it just the same.
The first trailer didn’t do anything for me.
The Super Bowl trailer - I kinda liked that one.
This one though, I think I’m digging it more….whatcha think?
Engadget:
THE BLOODRIGHT HAS BEEN CLAIMED
A SACRIFICE MUST BE MADE
THE DARKCHYLDE WILL RISE
ALL WILL SUFFER
The Hollywood Reporter:
The iconic filmmaker is tackling his first DC Comics property, the World War II action-adventure hero Blackhawk.
Spielberg, along with his Amblin Entertainment, will produce Blackhawk for Warner Bros., and is developing it as a directing vehicle, the studio announced Tuesday. The move reteams him with the studio behind his latest tentpole, Ready Player One.
David Koepp, who has worked with Spielberg writing the blockbusters Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is penning the script.
Another HUGE get for Warner Bros. Wonder what Disney’s thinking.
Also, I do like the idea of DC focusing on some of the more obscure corners of their universe. Just avoids the baggage of what has come along so far.
Deadline:
This is a bold bet for Warner Bros’ Geoff Johns and Walter Hamada, who oversee DC under Toby Emmerich. Yan got the job over numerous well established male directors, and because she is taking this giant leap with just one small-budget indie movie under her belt. That would be Dead Pigs, a film that won the World Cinema Dramatic Award For Ensemble Acting at Sundance last January. Despite being a new talent, Yan’s presentation for Birds of Prey was exceptional, and Robbie held firm to her desire for this film to be directed by a woman.
Robbie’s LuckyChap is producing with Sue Kroll and her Kroll & Co Entertainment and Bryan Unkeless of Clubhouse Pictures. Robbie and Unkeless produced I, Tonya.
I have to say, the “Phase 2” DCEU is looking way, way better…this, Wonder Woman 2, the New Gods movie from Ava DuVernay…
Props to Margot Robbie getting the producer role, too.
Chew Boom:
Heinz Mayochup is a pre-made blend of the brand’s mayonnaise and ketchup, and according to Heinz, more than 500,000 fans voted in favour of bringing the saucy mashup stateside.
Mr. Show proving prescient here.
All I can think of now is how my High School lunch room used to have these top-down squeeze dispensers of Ketchup, Mustard and Mayonnaise, and how on a pretty much weekly basis, someone would hulk-out, pull them too hard, and cause a horrible mixture of condiments to flood the cafeteria floor.
So, it’s that! But in a bottle! For $3!
Brand Eating:
The Ultra-Topping Cheese Pizza features four times the mozzarella of the chain’s regular pizzas which basically makes it look more like a plate of cheese than pizza.
It’s joined by the Ultra-Topping Pepperoni Pizza and the Ultra-Topping Mayo Jaga Pizza. Like the cheese version, each of the pizzas includes four times the normal amount of its namesake topping. If you’re wondering what Mayo Jaga is, it’s a topping combination of mayo, corn, cheese, potato, pork sausage, and parsley flakes.
No thanks, Japan. I’m good here.
Looks stylish, fun, enjoyable. Which is all the Ocean’s movies need to be. See you in the Summer.
Over the past few days, I’ve been down for the count with a stomach bug.
I truly believe that this trailer for The Incredibles II sped up my recovery.
This looks to be the sequel we’ve all wanted these past…holy shit…FOURTEEN years.
The only jarring thing? Comparing how the characters look in this one versus how they did in the first.
To my minds eye, nothing has changed. But in reality…it’s quite a jump.
Indiewire:
According to the industry data and research outlet The Numbers, “2049" has pulled in an impressive $21 million and counting from home video sales just in 2018. The movie was released December 26, 2017 on DVD, followed by a Blu-ra release January 16, 2018. The home video gross is inching “2049" closer to matching its $300 budget. The total 2018 gross is split between $3.8 million worth of DVDs sold and nearly $18 million worth of Blu-ray copies.
With $21 million earned as of April 2018, “2049" is the third highest-grossing home video release of 2018, trailing only the horror blockbuster “It" and the family box office surprise “Wonder.“
Unloved in the cinema. Beloved by those who did see it. A second life on video.
Blade Runner 2049 is a sequel to the original in more ways than one.
/Film:
The dogs Chief (Bryan Cranston), Rex (Edward Norton), King (Bob Balaban), Boss (Bill Murray), and Duke (Jeff Goldblum) are rendered in immaculate detail, right down to the bristles of their hair and the embroidery on their tiny baseball jerseys. There’s also a pretty great action figure of Atari sporting his signature black eye and slingshot.
I’ve yet to see the film - which I’ve heard is pretty great, even given some of it’s insensitivities - but I think we can all agree that these toys are perfectly rendered and would make a great gift for the Wes Anderson fan in your life.
The Hollywood Reporter:
It was one thing when the likes of Bleeding Cool were reporting it. ([1],[2],[3],[4])
Now we’ve got The Hollywood Reporter in the mix.
This looks real, real bad, gang.
The Toyark:
This looks great. It’ll probably be $90, but it looks absolutely perfect.
In a lengthy - but really really good - Bloomberg profile on Instagram and the issues it’s having being a Facebook product, here’s a fun tidbit:
Krieger and Systrom refused to build look-alike functionality until Zuckerberg personally requested it, according to a person familiar with discussions. Zuckerberg worried that if Instagram didn’t do something to change its product, such as copy Snapchat, it risked missing out on an entire generation of users.
And now you know how that happened.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The former Silicon Valley star was arrested for allegedly “intentionally conveying to law enforcement false information about an explosive device on a train traveling to Connecticut,” according to a press release from the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Miller allegedly made the bomb threat on March 18.
According to authorities, the 36-year-old comedian and actor allegedly called 911 and told the dispatcher he was on an Amtrak Train traveling from Washington, D.C. toward Penn Station in New York City and that a female passenger “has a bomb in her bag.“
What the hell has happened to this guy?
Yesterday on Reddit, the co-creators of Westworld, Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy made sort of a faustian deal with fans during an AMA:
https://www.reddit.com/r/westworld/comments/8aztn4/we_are_westworld_cocreatorsexecutive/dx330b3
1000 Upvotes, and we’d know all.
Here’s the video as promised.
Cheeky bastards.
Look, from that headline, you know you’re either in or you’re out.
I’m absolutely in.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Two months after Joss Whedon left the Batgirl movie project, the studio is moving ahead on developing a new film project based on the DC Entertainment heroine.
Christina Hodson, who wrote the upcoming Transformers spinoff Bumblebee, has been tapped to pen a new script featuring Barbra Gordon, the daughter of Gotham City police commissioner James Gordon.
I’m assuming Hodson - unlike Whedon - actually has an idea for the story of the film.
(Seriously guys, just ape the Stewart/Fletcher/Tarr run.)
Apple Newsroom:
I love how these look, I just wish that these red models were available on day one of release.
Chew Boom:
The new Nutter Butter Cookie Twist Doughnut features the brand’s Original Glazed Twist dipped in peanut butter icing, topped with Nutter Butter cookie pieces and drizzled with peanut butter icing.
The new Chips Ahoy! Cookie Doughnut features a kreme filled yeast shell doughnut dipped in chocolate icing and topped with a mini Chips Ahoy! cookie and even more crumbled Chips Ahoy! cookie pieces.
The new cookie-themed doughnuts join the brand’s existing fan-favorite Oreo Cookies and Kreme Doughnut, which consists of an unglazed yeast shell doughnut filled with Oreo Cookies and Kreme filling, dipped in dark chocolate icing, topped with Oreo cookie pieces and a white ’n glossy drizzle.
Yet if I were to eat a bag of Nutter Butters, Chips Ahoy or Oreos for breakfast, I’m the monster.
It really looks like Ron Howard stuck the landing on this one.
I feel like Alden Ehrenreich will remain the most divisive part, but he’s growing on me.
Fingers are crossed.
There’s a new poster, too!
Hey folks,
You’re not getting your normal blast-o-rama. updates for the next few days as I am away with the Super Art Fight gang for the 2018 edition of PAX East, in Boston, MA.
This is our first time being a part of the massive video game convention, and I am just about as nervous as I am excited about playing there, hopefully making a splash, and showing that world why we’d be a great addition to that show.
Are you going to be at PAX East? Awesome. Here’s where you can see us.
Since I’ll be at a convention all weekend, blast-o-rama. will understandably be on the back burner for a few days, so hopefully, no major nerd news breaks.
If it does, well — I’ll guess I’ll yammer on about it on my Twitter account.
Either way, I’ll be back Monday. Talk at you soon, Internet.
Deadline:
High Fidelity is one of my favorite books/movies of all time, so I’m really interested to see how this plays out.
It was always a part of my “sad bastard/just broke up” media list, but what I’ve found interesting is the point that you realize you’ve matured as an adult, is the moment you realize Rob isn’t someone to aspire to be, but actually a total asshole who lets his whole life be run by his obsessions, and chasing the next new thing.
It’s a weird thing to consider given the concept of this blog.
Anyway.
I think swapping the lead to be female is an interesting inversion of the original concept, and I’d love to see what’s done with her - including her sexual identity. I’ll keep an eye on this one for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8nahxUxclk&feature=youtu.be
From their new EPÂ Kicker, releasing June 8, 2018 via Polyvinyl Records.
Grub Street:
Welp, just in time for me to head to Boston for the weekend. YOLO and what not.
PlayStation Blog:
Special editions and such are announced there as well - including, not surprisingly, unlockable skins for the Wall-Crawler.
I can’t wait!
The Hollywood Reporter:
Dan Mazeau has been tapped to pen the script for Armada, Cline’s 2015 novel that told of a teen video game champion who discovers that the game he’s mastered was created to recruit pilots to stop an alien invasion.
Random House and Universal picked up the book and film rights, respectively, based on a 20-page proposal from Cline in 2012.
You know all the backlash that Ready Player One has been getting? (I haven’t seen it yet myself, but in Spielberg I trust.)
Armada is absolute trash. It’s just as filled with “HEY REMEMBER THAT THING” prose, but instead of trying to use it to further a sort of original plot, Armada is pretty much The Last Starfighter beat for beat.
Sure hope we get as many angered hot takes over this one.
The Wrap:
Terms of the deal, brokered by division heads Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, will cover live action film projects to be written, produced and/or directed by del Toro. The studio, now the property of the Walt Disney Company, nabbed Best Picture this year for del Toro’s “The Shape of Water.“
The projects will be developed through a still-unnamed joint label. First up is “Antlers,“ a film about an elementary school teacher who takes in a troubled student keeping a mysterious and deadly family secret.
This definitely puts some of my Fox/Disney worries to rest. Awesome news for del Toro!
Deep in a profile on the owners of Funko by the Coronado Eagle & Journal comes this juicy nerd tidbit:
Seems to fit perfectly with their vibe.
I know that people are - appropriately so - Pop’d out, but Funko keeps diversifying their line with such unique ideas, its hard to hate on them as a business.
The Brothers Brick:
$200, but full of incredible detail and hitting - appropriately - May the 4th.
So, there’s a big blogger event happening today to celebrate the cross-promotion by Denny’s of the forthcoming new Star Wars film, Solo: A Star Wars Story.
As these quick and easy embedded posts will reveal…
We’re getting a special Denny’s menu (A touch of the #FastFoodArmsRace there):
And - thanks to the give away of exclusive Topps trading cards (which you’ll be able to get at your local Denny’s), we have the GREATEST STAR WARS CHARACTER NAME EVER…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhE_hCQFfMe/?utm_source=ig_embed
THERM SCISSORPUNCH.
Sorry, Lance Uppercut, you just got blown out of the water as my new alias to check into hotels with.
Hey folks,
You’re not getting your normal blast-o-rama. updates for the next few days as I am away with the Super Art Fight gang for the 2018 edition of Awesome Con, in Washington, DC.
We’ve been a part of Awesome Con since it was a small, 7,000 attendee convention in 2013, and we’ve been lucky enough to watch it grow into a 70,000+ attendee behemoth of a show, filled with celebrities and other name talents, but they’ve always given us a chance to still be a prominent part of the show.
Any way you slice it, I’ll be there for all three of SAF’s shows, which will be on the days, times, and locations below:
Since I’ll be at a convention all weekend, blast-o-rama. will understandably be on the back burner for a few days, so hopefully, no major nerd news breaks.
If it does, well - I’ll guess I’ll yammer on about it on my Twitter account.
Either way, I’ll be back Monday. Talk at you soon, Internet.
Engadget:
There have to be people who just collect these Monopoly variants, right?
Otherwise, I figure you just buy the one version you like and call it a day.
Pitchfork:
Although FX cited “creative differences,“ some media reports speculated that Glover’s busy schedule prevented him from writing the show. This morning, Glover tweeted, “for the record: i wasnt too busy to work on deadpool.“ He then tweeted a reference-heavy 15-page script that alludes to the BeyoncÁ© biting saga, Black Panther, Fortnite, Bitcoin fluctuations, Taylor Swift, the merits of YBN Nahmir and Rich the Kid, and much more.
Well, you can’t say the hardest working dude in showbiz wasn’t working any less hard on that Deadpool show, that’s for sure.
(Note: Normally, I’d just link the Tweets, but linking this Pitchfork article seemed easier than posting them all here.)
Earlier this month on Twitter, this happened:
In turn, all around awesome internet dude Demi Adejuyigbe made this happen.
I love the web.
Eater:
Look for it attached to The Incredibles II this Summer.
Who knew that Eli Roth had an Amblin film in him? This looks fun.
Coming Soon:
Josh Boone’s The New Mutants has been pushed back a second time. It was originally scheduled to open on April 13, 2018, was then moved back to February 22, 2019, and has now been pushed all the way back to August 2, 2019. The cast for The New Mutants includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Maisie Williams, Charlie Heaton, Blu Hunt, Henry Zaga, and Alice Braga. Taylor-Joy previously confirmed that a new character will be added in reshoots.
So, does this mean these movies are going to be disastrous, or that Fox is just trying to find the best release dates for each film?
Kotaku:
That’s exactly what NariNari wrote: ヘビーユーザー (hebiiyuuzaa), which is, of course, what’s used in the cola industry to refer to people who drink loads of the fizzy beverage.
J-Cola was developed after getting feedback from over a hundred Japanese cola lovers.
I’d imagine the US equivalent would just be a shit-ton of Mountain Dew.
Deadline:
Guess this is the post-Transformers escape plan for Allspark.
Deadline:
Can someone find Rockapella?
Vulture:
Interesting. Now, is this real, or is someone just leaking random info to help the movie?
YOU MAKE THE CALL!
Found in the middle of this New York Times Piece:
So, will these shows be “free” with Apple Music? Is Apple TV (the service, not the box) coming? What’s the plan here, guys?
Variety:
The project was announced last May with a 10-episode order for the FXX channel. Glover was to have created the show with his brother, Stephen Glover. Those two are already collaborators on the much-praised FX series “Atlanta.“
FX confirmed the split on Saturday and noted that it remains in business with Marvel TV on the Noah Hawley drama “Legion,“ which returns for its second season on April 2. FX cited “creative differences" as its reason for bowing out of “Deadpool.“
Huh. Weird. Wonder if we’ll ever find out the “why” on this.
Foodbeast:
The new Lobster and Waffles dish features buttermilk fried Maine lobster tail perched atop a Cheddar Bay Biscuit waffle and drizzled with maple syrup. It’s a bit of an upscale take on chicken and waffles because of the lobster, but the combo of sweet, savory, salty, and cheesy sounds promising.
The countdown clock to Beyonce referencing this in a song begins here!
Variety:
Following a heated bidding war, the studio won the rights to the untitled pitch from Chastain’s Freckle Films and fast-tracked, adding Showalter as helmer. Universal beat out Fox and Paramount for the pitch, which follows two women fighting the elements to make it home for Christmas.
Never would’ve thought that Showalter would have this career renaissance as a director. Very cool to see, though!
Back in 2013, director Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim hit theaters.
A love-letter to movies featuring giant monsters (or Kaiju) and giant robots (or Jaegers, in this universe). It was a glorious mashup of long running tropes, matched with a depth of universe, a consideration of a greater world.
I loved every second of it - it was hard not to, you could feel the joy in every frame.
Now, nearly five years later, the unexpected sequel, Pacific Rim Uprising has arrived in theaters, and I have to say - it very much left me wanting.
Note that phrase I used above? “Love-letter"? That’s pretty key to what’s missing from Pacific Rim Uprising.
In Pacific Rim, you felt the reverence del Toro had for both what had come before and what he created. Every segment lived and breathed, from the training to become a pilot, to the elaborate launching montages, to the treatment of Jaegers and Kaiju like some sort of battling Gods - forces of an incredible nature.
By comparison, Steven DeKnight’s Pacific Rim Uprising isn’t really quite as interested in worshiping what came before it.
Set 10 years after the events of Pacific Rim, our story follows some standard beats. We’ve got Jake Pentacost (John Boyega), the son of fallen hero Stacker Pentacost (that’s Idris Elba’s character from the first film) - he’s spending his days living in hedonism, making his way as an illegal trader of both Kaiju and Jaeger goods, avoiding living in his father’s shadow as a military hero. He encounters young scrapper Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny), someone who is prepping for when - not if - the Kaiju return. She even built a scrappy Jaeger of her own! As I’m sure you’re already imagining, this - of course - leads to these two characters ending up under the side of good, but who ever said that we were in to these films for their unique plots?
The issue, however, is if it weren’t for the massive charisma of John Boyega - delivering on everything we’ve seen of him in Attack the Block and the latest Star Wars Trilogy - this would feel like a movie by numbers. Thankfully, his larger-than-life superstardom in training helps propel the movie forward…even when he’s paired with who can best be described as a charisma black hole, Scott Eastwood, playing a character whose name I’ve already forgotten, continuing to somehow have a career due to who his father is. Eastwood appears to come from the same Hollywood cloning factory who gave careers to people such as Sam Worthington, Garret Hedlund, Joel Kinnaman and Jai Courtney, in a successful attempt to distill the random-white-dude-action-hero into its most diluted, milquetoast form.
Thankfully, the movie also seems to be aware of how not great it is to that point, as the second half is an absolute blast, mixing in characters from the original Pacific Rim (Charlie Day’s Newt Geiszler and Burn Gorman’s Hermann Gottlieb get to take focus, especially Newt), focusing on monsters fighting robots, and delivering the closest a Hollywood motion picture has ever gotten to matching the sheer ballistic fun of Japanese anime.
The end result means that Pacific Rim Uprising is not really the greatest film in the world. If you’re a fan of the original, great! If you’ve never seen the first - yeah, you’ll need to see it, because this sequel has no interest in explaining anything to you. But it winds up being just a fun lark, a decent matinee, a movie to be re-run on cable which you’ll stick around for the last 20 minutes of.
The perfect analogy for what this sequel is comes with the film’s score. Composed by Lorne Balfe, following in the footsteps of Ramin Djawadi’s guitar heavy themes from the first film, none of the music is memorable in the least - but then come the moments where the main theme from the first film is revisited. Sure, the original version sounded better, but there’s just enough moments in this remix to get you 75% of the way there. That’s Pacific Rim Uprising in a nutshell.
Pacific Rim Uprising is in theaters now. You can get tickets via Fandango, or pre-order digitally via iTunes.
I love the energy of this show. I was sold on how unique the character designs are, but this looks great in motion!
Publishers Weekly:
As part of the new deal Miller will write Superman Year One, a new standalone graphic novel with art by John Romita Jr., in a story that DC says will redefine the Man of Steel for today’s fans. Also part of the new deal: Miller will write his first YA graphic novel, an untitled work with art by Ben Caldwell, that will star Carrie Kelley, a young girl first introduced in The Dark Knight Returns, who succeeds Robin as Batman’s partner.
We already knew about Superman Year One, which is whatever to me. But that Carrie Kelley book looks gorgeous.
Why haven’t I heard of Ben Caldwell before?
Deadline:
Street Fighter the series will draw on the game’s World Warrior story-arc — introduced in the 1991 Street Fighter II: The World Warrior sequel to the original game — as the jumping off point, centering on four protagonists: Ryu, Ken, Guile and Chun-Li. Together, they fight to take down M. Bison, the evil mastermind who runs Shadaloo, a global criminal organization. Though on different journeys, our heroes’ paths will cross as they are drawn into the World Warrior Tournament, a competition devised by M. Bison to find the most powerful and capable fighter in the world. On the journey they come to share, they must draw on their strength, skills, intelligence and loyalty in a battle to survive and emerge as the World Warrior.
There’s only one natural reaction to this news.
Deadline:
The Astro City comics, created by writer Kurt Busiek and artists Brent Anderson and Alex Ross, spans 16 (and counting) standalone yet loosely-connected story arcs containing more than 2,000 original characters. It is claimed to be the last, fully fleshed out superhero universe in the English language comic book business that has not been exploited for the screen. Astro City made its debut in 1995 with Image Comics and is currently published by DC Comics.
Astro City is one of the greatest deconstructions/love letters to comic books ever created. I’ve always adored this series, so it’ll be awesome to see it come to life.
For those who have never read it - first, fix that - second, think a far more optimistic version of Watchmen. 90’s comics are continuing to have a moment.
Variety:
It initially cost just under $10 for users to see a movie-a-day for a month; both offerings are less than the cost of a single movie ticket in markets such as Los Angeles and New York City. The average movie ticket price across the country in 2017 was $8.97.
MoviePass said the lower pricing is only available for new subscribers. The company has attracted over 2 million customers since slashing its prices last summer from roughly $50 a month. But it’s made enemies in the process. Theater chains such as AMC have derided MoviePass’s business model as unsustainable. The service pays full price for each ticket its customers buy, subsidizing their multiplex visits. Though MoviePass hasn’t released its financial information, industry observers suspect it is operating at a significant loss.
So, either this is working, or the leadership at MoviePass is completely insane and A-OK with bleeding money until someone else wants to start paying out the cash for them.
I can say that, personally, living in a middle-sized town, I’ve had little to no issues with my MoviePass, and really enjoy using it. I’ve only gone without using it when I’m seeing a movie with my wife (mywife!) or when I want to see a movie opening night, a’la Avengers: Infinity War or Star Wars.
That said, I don’t think I use it anywhere near as much as I should, as I’m absolutely terrible at remembering to go see movies on nights that aren’t Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
The Toyark:
This looks AWESOME! I don’t know that I’d be willing to drop $74 on it, but it’s everything you could ever want out of a John Wick action figure, minus maybe some random henchmen for him to beat up on.
Bo’s Fine Foods / Slice of Sauce:
Remember the rage I had yesterday for people crowdfunding Toys R Us?
I’ve found another list of people who need to be shot directly into orbit.
Brand Eating:
I would absolutely fuck one of these up. BRING IT ON CANADA!
GoFundMe:
This GoFundMe campaign is spearheaded by Isaac Larian and various investor associates. Isaac Larian is the CEO of  MGA Entertainment, Inc. (MGAE), one of the world’s leading privately held toy and entertainment companies and creator of family favorite brands including Little Tikes. Isaac and his associates are devoted to saving the retail chain and preserving the Toys“R"Us experience for future generations.
You can be a part of this historic movement to #SaveToysRUs by donating today! Your donation will help to ensure that generations to come can “always be a Toys“R"Us kid" and save employee jobs that are at stake should the company cease operation.
The deadline for reaching the $1 billion goal is Memorial Day, May 28, 2018. The funds collected through this campaign would be used in the formulation of a bid to acquire some Toys“R"Us assets through the bankruptcy process. This is not a charitable donation, and certain donor disclosures apply.
This is legitimately one of the grossest things I’ve ever read.
I appreciate the fact that Issac Larian is wishing and wanting to save Toys “R” Us, and is - literally - putting his money where his mouth is ($200 mil worth), but crowdfunding such a venture isn’t the way to go.
Toys “R” Us itself was weighed down by the awful decisions and unnecessary debt of its vulture like ownership.
Deciding to make this business start back up under the guise of a “getting the community together” vibe (when it’s really about obtaining free capital from well-wishers) is just incompetent and praying upon the emotions of others.
Only invest if you can get paid out. Don’t make a donation to a for-profit company. Don’t be a chump.
And Issac Larian, go fuck yourself. How dare you try to look philanthropic when people’s real lives and real livelihoods are at stake. You know you’re not going to hit $1 Billion.
Brickset:
Build Disney’s TRON: Legacy with this LEGO Ideas set, featuring 2 Light Cycles, 3 minifigures and a TRON grid/display base to recreate the movie chase scene and Identity Disc battle.
Build, play and display with this futuristic LEGO Ideas 21314 TRON: Legacy set from Disney, featuring 2 Light Cycles, each with minifigure seats and translucent-colored light-style elements, plus a divisible TRON grid with attachment points for the vehicles. Use the grid as a display base for the Light Cycles or split it in 2 to recreate the chase scene from Disney’s TRON: Legacy movie. Alternatively, stage an Identity Disc battle between the 3 included LEGO minifigures—Sam Flynn, Quorra and Rinzler—on the grid. This construction toy includes a booklet with information about its fan creator and LEGO designers, plus the lowdown on Disney’s TRON: Legacy movie and its main characters.
Striking while that iron is hot, guys.
All jokes aside, this looks like a great set for the TRON nerds in your life.
Splitsider:
Such a bummer.
One of the greatest honors and joys I’ve had with Super Art Fight was when we had the pleasure of playing NerdMelt a few years back.
That venue and store had such a great and cool following, so it’s a shame to see it go away. Hopefully something cool rises from its ashes.
Brand Eating:
The new line is inspired by the chain’s sauce packets in both flavor and in the design of the bags. The chips come in three flavors;
I admire the use of their sauce flavors, but why would I want these over Tostino’s or Dorito’s?
Here it is folks, the full-on trailer for Deadpool 2. Looks pretty good.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Tessa Thompson is joining her Thor: Ragnarok co-star Chris Hemsworth in Sony’s Men in Black reboot.
Fate of the Furious filmmaker F. Gary Gray is set to direct the movie, written by Iron Man screenwriters Matt Holloway and Art Marcum. The studio has the film dated for June 14, 2019.
Akin to how Jurassic World revived the Jurassic Park film series, Sony’s reboot is to feature new characters rather than Agents K and J, portrayed by original trilogy stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, respectively, and will build on the contemporary sci-fi world in which they operated.
Fuck yes. Loving how much work Tessa Thompson is getting, she’s really something special.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Michael Dowse, who helmed the hockey movie Goon, is directing the feature that is being produced by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley.
Nanjiani will play a mild-mannered Uber driver named Stu that picks up a grizzled cop (Bautista) who is hot on the trail of a brutal killer. The driver finds himself thrust into a harrowing ordeal where he has to keep his wits, his life and his five-star rating.
I definitely think this will need to get retitled before release, but I am all about this movie.
I dug It Follows, so even without seeing a second of Under the Silver Lake, I’m in for watching it.
(And yes, another A24 can’t miss flick.)
Chew Boom:
This is a one-stop shop for a meal that will put you down like a horse tranquilizer.
Marvel.com:
We knew this was all inevitable, but it doesn’t mean this article didn’t leave me with geeky joy.
IÂ really need to make it out to Disney sometime.
I can’t wait for FLCL to come back! This was a seminal series in my teenage anime devotion era, and the fact that the look and feel remains for these two new seasons (named Progressive and Alternative), has me very excited.
I sure hope The Pillows are writing new songs for this series too!
I can’t believe that Adventure Time has been around as long as it has, and it’s going to be a shame to see it wrap up (although I’m sure it could live on for streaming and reruns for ages), but this looks like a grand adventure to end the series!
I never thought I’d see the day that Cloak and Dagger were getting a big time TV show.
I don’t even know that they’ve even ever had a non-miniseries run in comics?
Chew Boom:
Fans can purchase the set of shampoo and conditioner, inspired by the brand’s limited-time Cheesy Wakin’ Bacon sandwich, for $9.99 at EinsteinBros.com/SmellEdible while supplies last.
I…I don’t even get who this is for. I guess if you want to be that asshole at your office Christmas party, way to be ahead of the game in March.
This year, the game coincides with the wedding of their only undefeated player, which should finally make him an easy target. But he knows they’re coming…and he’s ready.
Based on a true story, the New Line Cinema comedy “Tag" shows how far some guys will go to be the last man standing.
I like the cast assembled here, but…I dunno you guys. Seems like a “watch on HBO/on a flight” kind of movie.
Kotaku:
As tipster Sang points out, Fila is teaming up with PokÁ©mon in South Korea for these “limited collaboration" Court Deluxe shoes.
The designs are inspired by Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur and Jigglypuff.
These are actually pretty classy and subtle.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Bean has closed a deal to helm the live-action/CG hybrid remake of Disney’s animated classic Lady and the Tramp.
Brigham Taylor, who worked on the studio’s remake of The Jungle Book, is producing the project, which is looking to be made for Disney’s digital streaming service that will launch in 2019.
Feels unnecessary, but given how good The Jungle Book was, and how excited I am for The Lion King, maybe this too will be good.
CHOOSING TO BE OPTIMISTIC Y’ALL!
I really loved Sicario. I don’t know that it, in any way, shape, or form needed a sequel, but this does look like a damn good movie either way.
Engadget:
I do like how they’re aping the classic look and feel, but with nothing planned, what’s stopping the new Atari VCS from turning into the next Ouya?
/Film:
I’m just saying, they could do a pretty good job of retrofitting Avatar World to make it Wakanda.
DC Comics:
On sale June 6, JUSTICE LEAGUE #1 follows the events of DC NATION #0 (on sale May 2) and JUSTICE LEAGUE: NO JUSTICE (on sale weekly from May 9 through 30). The Justice League is launched into a mystery that will draw out their most terrible foes…in ways our heroes couldn’t possibly imagine! In this debut issue, Martian Manhunter struggles to protect the team from an incoming threat that will shatter the world as they know it, while a familiar face strikes out on a dark path…
I absolutely love Snyder’s work, so I’m in for this.
Chew Boom:
Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg Doughnut features an unglazed yeast shell filled with a blend of peanut butter Kreme, a custom chocolate icing and decorated like a festive Easter egg.
There was a time and a place where I’d easily wreck a full dozen of these.
Strategic Marks, LLC on LinkedIn:
Wow. Having stopped at my local Toys R Us one last time on Friday night, I honestly hope that this works out. The world needs it.
Polygon:
Next week’s Nindies Showcase can be viewed at Nintendo’s live video website (http://live.nintendo.com) and on YouTube. The showcase coincides with this year’s Game Developers Conference, where Polygon expects to go hands on with some of the Nindies likely to be part of the presentation.
The video is embedded below.
The Verge:
Innnnnteresting. Between this, and their new Families page, Apple is making a full-court press into a multi-generational focus.
Reuters:
The documents also show that Amazon’s U.S. audience for all video programming on Prime, including films and TV shows it licenses from other companies, was about 26 million customers. Amazon has never released figures for its total audience.
I wonder how Reuters was able to obtain this - all the streaming services play quiet with their numbers, and Amazon in particular has been oblique about well, any/all of their successes, from Kindles sold to Prime subscriptions.
The Wrap:
Set in the fictional British Secret Intelligence Service, “Queen and Country" centers on an operative named Tara Chace, a top British intelligence agent who is used as bait to draw out an international terrorist after an attack in London. The hit series ran for 32 issues from March 2001 to August 2007. “Queen & Country: Operation Broken Ground" won the 2002 Eisner Award for Best New Series.
Goddamn, I sure hope I’m 1/10th as active as Sir Ridley Scott is at 80 years old.
Chew Boom:
Ben & Jerry’s latest version of the classic flavor is made with new toasted marshmallow ice cream, chocolate cookie swirls, graham cracker swirls and fudge flakes.
As a big fan of, well, S’more flavored anything, I am there.
Variety:
The filmmaker made the admission to Metro New York on Wednesday night at a special screening in New York of his new FX series “Trust.“
“We are working on a script right now,“ he said when asked if he’s directing the next film in the franchise. “And it all depends on that, really. I am working on a Richard Curtis script at the moment. We hope to start shooting that in six or seven weeks. Then Bond would be right at the end of the year. But we are working on them both right now.“
My only ask: Please be better than Spectre.
Polygon:
It’s something he was told by Scott Snyder, the writer on Batman from 2011 until 2016, who may have heard it from Grant Morrison, the writer on Batman from (with a few gaps) 2006 to 2010. Both Morrison and Snyder gave their own takes on Batman’s end within the pages of their runs.
Tynion is applying that adage to his own work, as he prepares to leave a Batman book that he’s been writing for nearly 50 issues, on a twice-monthly schedule that’s lasted two years. But if he’s going to make his mark, he’ll have to show us the end of not just Batman, but the assorted group of allies, proteges and surrogate children he’s collected.
And that’s what Tynion plans to do with “Batmen: Eternal,“ the final arc of his run on Detective Comics, which kicked off this week. He’s going to examine the end of the entire Bat-family. That’s somewhat ironic, considering that his run has also been all about recovering the past — echoing a lost era of Batman comics and repackaging its themes for a modern audience.
I’ve really enjoyed the Rebirth-era of DC Comics, specifically Batman, so I’m excited to see how Tynion intends to wrap up his run.
I love this trailer. The action looks epic, the character beats and interaction we’ve wanted to see from this crossover are represented - I can’t wait for April 27th!
Also, tickets are on sale.
LETS GO!
Variety:
The filmmaker has come on board to direct “New Gods" at Warner Bros. as part of the studio’s DC Extended Universe. “New Gods,“ based on DC Comics’ comic book series of the same name, is aimed at creating a new universe of properties for the studio. Created and designed by Jack Kirby, the comic first appeared in 1971.
The movie marks the second major superhero tentpole directed by a woman, following another DC property: Patty Jenkins’s “Wonder Woman.“
Unreal. Absolutely unreal. I never thought that Kirby’s work would come to life, whether as it has in Thor: Ragnarok or as it will with New Gods.
I do wonder - if DuVernay turned down Black Panther and has no interest in Star Wars, what drew her to this? I think we’re about to enter an interesting era for the DCEU.
Seems like a logical 3rd-party character to mix in.
Either way, it’s a new Soul Calibur game, I’m there.
There was a lot of buzz about this one coming out of Sundance, so I knew to already take notice.
But with A24 distributing, Eight Grade will be almost unmissable. An incredible track record from that studio.
If you’re not familiar with Burnham, I highly recommend his Netflix special Make Happy.
Kotaku:
Head to the official Tomb Raider website and you’ll see a message promising an announcement on March 15, 2018 at 6am PT. Inspect the HTML, however, and you’ll see the announcement early:
“tagline":“Shadow of The Tomb Raider is the climatic finale of Lara’s origin story. Available September 14th 2018” Whoops! But as a HUGE fan of the rebooted franchise, I’m there this Fall. We’ll probably have a trailer tomorrow. Maybe.
BBC:
He died peacefully at his home in Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday, his family said.
The British scientist was famed for his work with black holes and relativity, and wrote several popular science books including A Brief History of Time. What an incredible mind. What an incredible life. What incredible work. Godspeed.
Collider:
Garland wrote the pilot and will direct as well as executive produce alongside DNA TV and Scott Rudin Productions, and the official synopsis is as follows:
In Devs, a young computer engineer, Lily, investigates the secretive development division of her employer, a cutting-edge tech company based in San Francisco, which she believes is behind the disappearance of her boyfriend. After Ex Machina and Annihilation, I’m down for ANYTHING Alex Garland produces. FX is continuing to build quite a portfolio, yeah?
USA Today:
Nicolas Cage is voicing A-list comic-book icon Superman, singer/songwriter Halsey co-stars as Amazon princess Wonder Woman — who travels around in her signature invisible jet — and rapper Lil Yachty plays Green Lantern in the upcoming animated movie (in theaters July 27) that takes the young heroes of the Cartoon Network show Teen Titans GO! to the big screen. They are the first of several celebrities lending their talents for additional DC characters in the project. OK, probably not the format we expected, but I’m glad the guy gets to live his dream finally.
The Daily Beast:
But what seemed like a fairly standard joke about the vapidity of ambition and wealth had an easter egg of truth.
Several former top staffers and writers of The Onion are now working on a secret project financially backed by Musk, The Daily Beast can confirm. I’m all for more, well funded comedy ventures on the web.
At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
The film features an ensemble cast led by Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, with Jude Law and Johnny Depp. The cast also includes, ZoÁ« Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, William Nadylam, Kevin Guthrie, Carmen Ejogo, and Poppy Corby-Tuech.
“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" is directed by David Yates, from a screenplay by J.K. Rowling. The film is produced by David Heyman, J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves and Lionel Wigram.
Slated for release on November 16, 2018, the film will be distributed worldwide in 2D and 3D in select theatres and IMAX by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. I was mixed on the original. We’ll see how this one turns out. What say you?
Chew Boom:
The 3-Point Rib Bloom features the chain’s signature Bloomin’ Onion topped with Aussie Cheese Fries and four signature BBQ Baby Back Ribs. Served with spicy signature bloom sauce
You can find the limited-time 3-Point Rib Bloom at participating locations nationwide for a suggested price of $12.99. Stuff, on top of thing, on top of thing = profits.
Deadline:
The series comes from the creator/executive producer of the Emmy-winning Fox/20th TV animated comedy series Bob’s Burgers Loren Bouchard, who co-wrote it with the Bob’s Burgers executive producer Nora Smith and actor-writer Josh Gad (Frozen). The show’s voice cast includes Gad, Leslie Odom Jr., Titus Burgess, Kristen Bell, Stanley Tucci, Daveed Diggs and Kathryn Hahn.
Central Park tells the story of a how a family of caretakers, who live and work in Central Park, end up saving the park, and basically the world. As a huge fan of Bob’s Burgers (binge-watching the first few seasons got me through the recovery of my appendectomy), I am absolutely in for this.
IÂ love Oregon, you guys.
And I love this ad even more.
Just wish they’d provide some details about the animators or studios involved.
Natalie Jarvey at Hollywood Reporter:
The chef behind the Momofuku Restaurant Group is launching Majordomo Media, a multimedia business that he is describing as a place to create content around “food and culture in a way nobody has really ever tried." Considering how much I adore Ugly Delicious, I cannot wait to see what Chang and his cohorts have in mind for additional TV and Podcast followups.
Peter Kafka at Recode:
Apple has purchased Texture, a subscription service that lets users consume all or part of more than 200 magazines. The service works on both Apple and Android devices, and Apple says that won’t change after it completes the transaction. Sounds like a natural expansion of the work being done within Apple News.
Maybe we’ll finally get to see Apple News on macOS too?
Amy Ratcliffe at Nerdist:
The Ratatouille ratatouille looks AMAZING.
Jordan Ruimy at The Playlist:
But two Dune films? It feels like a bold play.
Brian Ashcraft at Kotaku:
A Japanese job listing put out a call for “core member" (コアメンãƒãƒ¼) recruits, looking for those with game planner experience and especially those with level design and Unreal Engine 4 skills. The monthly salary starts at 300,000 yen ($2,817) and the gig is in Tokyo. Core members. Being hired in March 2018. For a remake announced in 2015.
Look forward to seeing it on the PlayStation 5.
Brand Eating:
To fit the theme, Krispy Kreme is calling the green donuts, “O’riginal Glazed Donuts,” and this year marks the first time that they’re offering them for more than one day. Just another green thing to end up in vomit piles on Sunday, March 18th!
Australian Antarctic Division:
The vision was filmed at the Auster Rookery near Australia’s Mawson research station.
Australian Antarctic expeditioner, Eddie Gault, left the camera on the ice when visiting the rookery, and it didn’t take long for the naturally curious birds to seize the opportunity for a selfie.
Penguins remain the best. Check out that video at the link (it’s not embeddable) for sure.
Brian Welk for The Wrap:
It’s a long, weird bit that goes thirty awkward seconds without a payoff. The words “dental plan” and “Lisa needs braces” bounce around Homer’s brain as he waits in a beer line, until he blurts out a realization that reveals to viewers, for the first time, how dumb he truly is.
“It went on for a page and a half! We gotta cut this. This doesn’t make any sense at all,” Mike Reiss, who was co-showrunner of “The Simpsons” at the time, remembers thinking. “And Jay and Wally said, you gotta do it. Trust us on this.”
The idea of the episode is simple — Homer Simpson becomes a union leader to fight for his dental plan — but it spawns endless jokes, movie and TV parodies, and even a folk song. Outlets from USA Today to The Ringer have named “Last Exit to Springfield" the best “Simpsons" episode ever, which it is.
A great read for a Friday afternoon.
Anthony Breznican at Entertainment Weekly outdid himself here.
In addition to yesterday’s covers and photo reveals, we’ve got two more major articles.
A 2-Day Behind the Scenes look:
Thor and Captain America are standing on an African savanna beside a sparkling river, back-to-back for the first time in ages, each reunited with his old friend while wielding new weapons. Cap’s red-white-and-blue shield is gone, replaced by a pair of vibranium gauntlets (courtesy of Black Panther’s genius little sister, Shuri), while Thor swings a mystical ax known as Stormbreaker, a supersized upgrade from his demolished hammer, Mjolnir.
The skyline of Wakanda’s capital city stands in the distance, and Cap and Thor are among hundreds of tribal warriors from throughout the nation, gathered at the river’s edge to join the heroes in facing down a horde of synthetic-alien demons known as the Outriders.
This is the front line of an epic battle in Avengers: Infinity War (out April 27), and it’s not just about saving the world this time — Earth’s mightiest heroes, and some from much farther away, are trying to save the entire universe from a cosmic tyrant who’d like to kill off half of it.
No pressure. And a great Q&A with Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige:
The company recently announced plans to close 184 stores, or about 20% of its roughly 800 U.S. stores, as it worked with creditors to restructure its debts. But now it is now evaluating bids to liquidate the remainder of its U.S. locations, the people said. Absolutely heartbreaking. From being the home of my childhood hopes and dreams to a regular stop as an adult toy collector, this is so sad to see.
Makes me wonder what will become of the toy industry, or if someone else will look to grow where Toys R Us left off.
Michael D. Shear, Katie Benner and John Koblin for The New York Times:
Umberto Gonzalez at The Wrap:
Many fans scratched their heads when news first broke that Martin Scorsese, who has eschewed superhero films in the past, would be  a producer of the film. But his involvement makes more sense given his work on 1982’s “King of Comedy,“ which starred Robert De Niro as a deluded comedian who can’t catch a break. The Joker origin story will include nods to that film, insiders told TheWrap. “Tell me, Batman - what is the deal with airline food?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA”
Chew Boom:
In what the company describes as an “advantage over other tater tots,“ 7-Eleven Tots come with a trip to the brand’s condiment and toppings bar.
In addition to the standard mustard and ketchup condiments, other toppings available include chili sauce, melted cheese, pico de gallo, diced onion, sliced jalapeno peppers, green relish pickles and Ranch dressing. Toppings may vary by location, but you can expect to find between six and ten topping options available at individual stores. What a world.
Rebecca Jennings at McSweeney’s:
All you have to do is read the rest of these 18,564 words. My Instapaper account is filled with the articles this one is lampooning.
I’m part of the problem.
Natt Garun at The Verge:
“The intention is to open verification to everyone,“ Dorsey says. “And to do it in a way that’s scalable, where (Twitter) is not in the way and people can verify more facts about themselves and we don’t have to be the judge or imply any bias on our part.“ Huh. Weird choice, Twitter. But why?
YOU MAKE THE CALL!
Nintendo.com:
Personally, Nintendo just locked in my gaming for the rest of the year, I think? (Notable exceptions: God of War, Spider-Man and Soul Calibur VI for the PS4.)
Justin Kroll at Variety:
I have to say though - this is a great pick for what will undoubtedly be a thankless gig.
Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company. With a cave rigged with inventions and contraptions for his day-to-day needs, the Grinch only sees his neighbors in Who-ville when he runs out of food.
Each year at Christmas they disrupt his tranquil solitude with their increasingly bigger, brighter and louder celebrations. When the Whos declare they are going to make Christmas three times bigger this year, the Grinch realizes there is only one way for him to gain some peace and quiet: he must steal Christmas. To do so, he decides he will pose as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, even going so far as to trap a lackadaisical misfit reindeer to pull his sleigh.
Meanwhile, down in Who-ville, Cindy-Lou Who—a young girl overflowing with holiday cheer—plots with her gang of friends to trap Santa Claus as he makes his Christmas Eve rounds so that she can thank him for help for her overworked single mother. As Christmas approaches, however, her good-natured scheme threatens to collide with the Grinch’s more nefarious one. Will Cindy-Lou achieve her goal of finally meeting Santa Claus? Will the Grinch succeed in silencing the Whos’ holiday cheer once and for all? Cumberbatch is an inspired casting choice and the animation looks solid, but I don’t know that we need another retelling of the Grinch’s story.
But I bet my niece will love it.
Anthony Breznican at Entertainment Weekly:
For this week’s EW issue dedicated to Avengers: Infinity War, we have 22 heroes, 15 different covers, and one big, bad villain at the center — Thanos, the Mad Titan.
When combined, the full range of covers form the Avengers symbol spread out across a cosmic background.
Inside the issue, we have EW’s exclusive set visit to the film, chronicling a race against time as a real-life thunderstorm bore down on the movie’s massive Wakanda battle scene. So, I guess we’ll see a shit-ton of EW exclusive articles hit the web over the next few days, yeah?
Here’s a gallery of all of the covers.
Brian Raftery for Wired:
The two women had never written together before, but they quickly devised a script for a “Commuter Barbie” sketch. Arisso, a packaging designer, created an array of Barbie-sized accessories, including a beanie—made out of a black-dyed baby sock—and a tiny pair of pink headphones (to help “tune out the creeps when you’re stuck in the middle seat”). After recruiting a pair of young actors, and hiring a jingle writer, Hsieh and Arisso used their Brooklyn living room to shoot the video, for which they spent around $1,600 of their own money. “The production value was a really big concern for us,” says Arisso, 24. “We wanted to make sure people kept watching after three seconds.” After a few weeks of editing, Hsieh and Arisso had a sharp, spot-on three-minute commercial parody ready to go.
Now, they just had to figure out how to get people to watch it. Interesting piece about the state of online comedy, which doesn’t just point the finger at Facebook, but the difficulty of being noticed on the web in general in 2018.
I was made aware of this shirt Disney was selling earlier today.
If you’re hyped for Infinity War or just love Marvel Studios, like a certain person blogging this right now, this may be your jam.
Also: Is that Matt Taylor artwork? Sure looks like it…
The Hollywood Reporter:
Let’s get it out of the way now. The decision to cut ties with Miller, 36, had been a long time coming. While nearly everyone associated with the series is loath to speak publicly about the events that led to the actor’s departure, several make veiled references to his “demons” and the fact that he’s been known to self-medicate with alcohol and other substances. Miller hasn’t been shy about those vices either, wearing them at times like a badge of honor — or at least a solid launchpad for comedy, with bits that have hinged on his propensity to “drink till he passed out.” There had been stretches when, multiple show sources say, he looked to have things under control, and others when he’d show up seemingly under the influence, if he showed up at all. A lengthy cover-story on the latest season of what is easily one of my favorite shows on TV. And they are not afraid to tell the truth about TJ Miller.
Hits your favorite app stores (iOS and Android) this Spring. You can sign up online now to be one of the first to play.
I’m there. These have become like little Apple Keynotes for me.
Longreads:
Andrew “Bart" Simpson, whose body might or might not have been in the water, was a stocky British Olympic gold medalist with short, spiky chestnut hair and a wide smile. One of the world’s best sailors, Simpson knew what to do in emergencies, which made his being trapped underwater for ten minutes all the more incomprehensible. The $140-million Artemis was supposed to be a technological wonder, so it made no sense to anyone onboard that it had crumpled so quickly into a taco shell, trapping Simpson in its fold.
Finally, Kevin and his teammates were able to pull Simpson’s soggy two hundred pounds out of the water and onto a floating backboard.
The emergency responders began to perform CPR, one officer cutting open Simpson’s wetsuit so he could apply a defibrillator to his chest. They pushed, the sailors waiting for Simpson to breathe, to show some sign of life. But Simpson was dead. He was 36 years old.
Months of preparation and millions of dollars had gone into the design of the Artemis, a vessel that had stunned other sailors with its foils and gadgets and that had seemed almost to fly over the water. Kevin suddenly felt lost. What had happened? Who, if anyone, was to blame? And why had Simpson, of all the sailors on the boat, been the one to die? Kevin had known Simpson for years, their sailing careers often overlapping, intersecting, and running in parallel. Simpson had something that Kevin and some of the other men on board the Artemis did not — an Olympic gold medal — and he represented something that all of the men on board aspired to be: a champion athlete and family man with a kind heart and generous spirit, seemingly unfazed by the success that he had attained.
Kevin thought about all this and more as the emergency workers took Simpson’s body away and everyone went home. In the days that followed, part of him wanted to talk to his teammates about what had happened, but part of him dared not. Because, if he was honest, he still wasn’t entirely sure that the crash and Simpson’s death had really happened. It seemed too horrifying to be real. And for a few moments, there had been that flash.
The Director. Cameras. Actors. Scripts.
Kevin wondered: Had it all just been part of The Show? An absolutely fascinating read about an Olympic athlete suffering from an aliment called Truman Show Disorder, which is a mental illness that works exactly as you think.
Variety:
Based on events from Durst’s own life, “Moose" was written by Durst with Dave Bekerman. Travolta is playing the title character, a rabid movie fan obsessed with his favorite celebrity action hero, portrayed by Devon Sawa. As Moose’s obsession grows stronger, his fixation turns from stalking to ambition of destroying the star’s life — a story inspired by a real-life fan who stalked Durst many years ago. This article was definitely written by a game of Boggle, right? There’s no way Moose is real, yeah?
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/184007455/air-ropes-the-grappling-hook-experience/description
While browsing Kickstarter (since I have an already successful Kickstarter which just launched yesterday PLUG!), I discovered “Air-Ropes: The Grappling Hook Experience”.
This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen.
The Kickstarter is bound to fail (hitting $2000 on an aimed $350,000 goal as of this writing), but I’m just amazed that someone thought that this was a viable product…and 27 people agreed.
What a world.
Farhad Manjoo for The New York Times:
But for much of the next 24 hours after that alert, I heard almost nothing about the shooting.
There was a lot I was glad to miss. For instance, I didn’t see the false claims — possibly amplified by propaganda bots — that the killer was a leftist, an anarchist, a member of ISIS and perhaps just one of multiple shooters. I missed the Fox News report tying him to Syrian resistance groups even before his name had been released. I also didn’t see the claim by Senator Bernie Sanders and other liberals on Twitter that the massacre had been the 18th school shooting of the year, which wasn’t true.
Instead, the day after the shooting, a friendly person I’ve never met dropped off three newspapers at my front door. That morning, I spent maybe 40 minutes poring over the horror of the shooting and a million other things the newspapers had to tell me.
Not only had I spent less time with the story than if I had followed along as it unfolded online, I was better informed, too. Because I had avoided the innocent mistakes — and the more malicious misdirection — that had pervaded the first hours after the shooting, my first experience of the news was an accurate account of the actual events of the day. Why, it’s almost as if allowing the smoke to clear before piecing together facts, and building opinions from those facts, is a better way to take in information, as opposed to launching immediate reactions. Funny that, right?
So, it’s Hook, but with Winnie the Pooh.
That’s not me slagging it, btw - I really loved Hook as a kid.
Polygon:
Yes, what about Deadpool?
Courtesy of Marvel Comics, Polygon can reveal that the Merc With the Mouth is getting his own minty fresh start with Deadpool #1, the beginning of a new series written by Skottie Young and drawn by Nic Klein.
I’d like to see Young illustrating the book as well, but no problems here!
comicbook:
Spinning out of the Sentry’s surprising appearance in Doctor Strange, writer Jeff Lemire (Moon Knight) and artist Kim Jacinto (Avengers: No Surrender) will launch a brand new Sentry series starring the powerful Marvel hero. However, this isn’t your typical superhero tale.
Lemire is SUCH a great pick for The Sentry.
A lot of these Marvel Fresh Start books are sounding great to me.
Nerdist:
That’s how author Dan Slott described Tony Stark: Iron Man, his upcoming comic with artist Valerio Schiti for Marvels “Fresh Start" relaunch. Everyone’s favorite billionaire techno-genius is back, and this time it’s going to get weird. Nerdist sat down with writer Dan Slott and artist Valerio Schiti for an exclusive interview about Tony Stark: Iron Man.
Slott’s been ready for an Iron Man book for some time, given the last year or two of his Amazing Spider-Man run. Schiti’s art looks lovely, to boot.
And I was just wondering yesterday what the status of new seasons of Daredevil, Iron Fist and Luke Cage were.
So, my other vocation -Â Super Art Fight - has launched its first ever card game, a modified home version of our live show.
Astonishingly, we have already hit our goal after a “soft open” launch yesterday for our mailing list subscribers.
This is going to be pretty damn cool. Check it out!
Does the inclusion of Parker Posey make up for the lack of Matt LeBlanc?! YOU MAKE THE CALL!
The incredible Demi Adejuyigbe is at it again.
Love these. Check out his YouTube channel for a lot more.
In the vein of the Fatboy Slim “Weapon of Choice" video and his ad for KENZO Perfume, Spike Jonze sells us on Apple’s new home speaker.
The ad stars musican FKA Twigs and features an Apple Music-exclusive song by Anderson .Paak called “‘Til It’s Over”. Fun watch!
Looks like it will be direct download only, March 16th on MuppetGuysTalking.com.
I definitely want to check this out, but would love for Hulu or Netflix to pick it up.
Mondo:
When the opportunity came up to be able to make 1/6 scale figures from the show, it was an easy “yes.” What wasn’t so easy was deciding our approach. I wanted to try and make the characters as accurate as possible, and knew that doing a traditional 1/6 scale with fabric clothing wasn’t going to yield the best results. I’ve seen some pretty good fan-made custom figures out there attempting this, and while some look pretty good, there is always something off about them (in my personal opinion), whether it be the proportions or the fabric costume taking away some of the distinct crispness of the design. So what to do? Serve the design, which means, in this case, go full sculpture and work in articulation in the most natural way possible, that allows for a variety of great poses while having as little compromising of the form as possible.
While I may not be in love with the “cel-shaded" look of the figure, this is a really cool behind the scenes look of the figure making process.
Also, there’s a sneaky-peak at the end of the rest of the line to come!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7DssfaYi5w
The Lonely Island on YouTube:
Unfortunately, it wasn’t chosen because it was “financially and logistically impossible", so for fun we thought we’d share the rough storyboards of what would have been a fully shot, star-studded music video of exorbitant cost.
All vocals and visuals are temp, so please use your imagination and enjoy!
The Verge:
The original, paywalled WSJ link is here.
I know this sounds almost nightmarish to some, at the least Big Brother-ish, but honestly, this doesn’t sound that bad?
If grades are available in a digital database, making them accessible, and then allowing developers APIs to read them and allow mobile playtime based on the grades (maybe even incentivizing grades going up?) could be a really cool incentive for kids to do better.
Stereogum:
In honor of Hearts Of Oak’s 15th anniversary, the band is playing a series of two-night stands in major cities across the US. The first night of the show will consist of a brief run of warmup songs followed by Hearts Of Oak in its entirety. The second night will be a greatest hits set celebrating two decades of Leo’s output.
This is really tempting. Been ages since I’ve gone to a show, and Ted always rules…
AdWeek:
“What we love about partnering with him is he specializes in creating custom sneakers, he’s well known in sneaker culture and he’s just a fabulous partner to work with on something as special as this,“ Pizza Hut U.S. chief marketing officer Zipporah Allen told Adweek.
Available in both red and wheat colors, with cheese grater mesh on the side of the shoes, cheese-pull laces, and “extreme marinara splash,“ Pie Tops II allow you to order Pizza Hut’s deal (two-topping, two medium pizzas for $5.99) and pause the game while you receive your delivery.
BUT HOW MUCH DO THEY COST
Chew Boom:
The creamy and tart treat is made with a combination of the chain’s signature vanilla Icedream and Simply Orange Juice. The new treat first appeared at Chick-Fil-A last fall in Jacksonville, Florida as a limited-time test item.
So, it’s an Orange Juice milkshake, yeah? I’m all for Milkshakes, but 6am feels early for Ice Cream.
Straight from Oscars.org…
The bits I’m happiest about:
The bummers:
Also - the Jet Ski bit from Kimmel last night was killer. Sure hope the costume designer from Phantom Thread posts online him riding it in Lake Havasu.
I haven’t watched this week’s episode yet (hosted by Charles Barkley), but with a sketch this great on the cutting room floor, it better be a killer.
Absolutely hilarious and brutal stuff. Their 2017 one was pretty great too, if you haven’t seen it yet.
The Verge:
But with the Switch, I think I have a new favorite.
One of a series of articles by The Verge celebrating the Switch, on this, the console’s 1st birthday. (See also these articles on how technology finally made Nintendo’s dreams possible, and how the Switch made being a digital only console gamer so damn intriguing).
As for me? I’ve been a Switch owner from Day One (and I’ve yet to play 1-2 Switch!), and it’s hard to not describe the system in glowing terms.
So many great, unique, interesting and fun games, and ports which seem to just work better due to the more accessible nature of the system - even if they take a graphical hit.
The Nintendo Switch may, in due time, supplant the Sega Dreamcast as my favorite video game system ever.
/Film:
Several users in certain markets noticed that their MoviePass app was barring them from purchasing tickets to Red Sparrow, the spy thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence. And meanwhile, a select few users got notified of an old, unpopular feature that MoviePass may be bringing back.
Props to /Film for jumping on some proper Twitter rage and doing the legwork to find out what the heck is exactly going on.
I’m happy so far with how things have been going for my MoviePass usage, and I get it - they’re big, getting bigger, and testing the waters to get even larger - but more anti-consumer moves like this?
I’d be glad to cancel my subscription in a heartbeat.
Funko Blog:
The Elisa and Amphibian Man look great, but that actual Guillermo del Toro Pop brings a smile of joy to my face.
The Onion:
The Onion nails it, as I continue to use this site to underline the importance of a non-Facebook and Twitter web…all while cross-posting these entries to those sites.
ComingSoon:
Of note, the Iron Man figure is made with die-cast metal.
I’m scared to ask how much these will cost.
Marvel.com:
The Eye of Agamotto is closed! Doctor Stephen Strange has lost his connection to the Earth’s arcane power, and he can’t wait to recover while nightmares press against the seams of our reality. Tony Stark offers a 21st-century solution: when astral travel fails, try astronautical travel. Enter Doctor Strange: Space-Explorer Supreme!
This would be a weird take for the MCU, but I’d be into Space Cumberbatch.
You can check out the full announcement page here (in Japanese, but it’s pretty easy to follow for us English speakers).
Here’s the full lineup:
Why yes, I’d like all of them.
The AV Club:
Daly’s been hinting recently that the show might be coming back soon, and Earwolf made it official today, releasing a trailer episode for TADPPP’s second season.
If you haven’t listened to the first season, you owe it to yourself. Absolutely hysterical.
Collider:
DISNEY’S CHRISTOPHER ROBIN is final title of previous UNTITLED CHRISTOPHER ROBIN PROJECT — previously announced date of 8/3/18 is unchanged
MULAN previously dated on 11/2/18 moves to 3/27/20
UNTITLED DISNEYTOON STUDIOS previously dated on 4/12/19 is now removed from schedule
PENGUINS (DISNEYNATURE) now dated on 4/19/19
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 10/4/19
NICOLE previously dated on 11/8/19 is now removed from schedule
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 11/8/19
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 2/14/20
UNTITLED PIXAR ANIMATION previously dated on 3/13/20 moves to 3/6/20
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION previously dated on 4/3/20 moves to 5/29/20
UNTITLED MARVEL previously dated 8/7/20 moves to 7/31/20
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated 10/9/20
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated 12/23/20
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated 2/12/21
UNTITLED MARVEL now dated on 5/7/21
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 5/28/21
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 7/9/21
UNTITLED MARVEL now dated on 7/30/21
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated 10/8/21
UNTITLED MARVEL now dated on 11/5/21
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 12/22/21
UNTITLED MARVEL now dated on 2/18/22
UNTITLED PIXAR now dated on 3/18/22
UNTITLED MARVEL now dated on 5/6/22
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 5/27/22
UNTITLED PIXAR now dated on 6/17/22
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 7/8/22
UNTITLED MARVEL now dated on 7/29/22
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 10/7/22
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 11/4/22
UNTITLED DISNEY ANIMATION now dated on 11/23/22
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 12/16/22
UNTITLED DISNEY LIVE ACTION now dated on 2/17/23
OK, not super interesting, minus - goddamn - a 1.5 year delay for Mulan, but I’m guessing that Marvel Studios has Phase 4 all figured out, yeah?
Sure hope that after Avengers 4, we get a cool press conference like the one which announced Phase 3.
After a lengthy Twitter conversation between Marvel Studios and Robert Downey Jr. (or their respective social media people)…
Recalibrate your MCU Marathon plans accordingly.
Entertainment Weekly:
Given how much of an evergreen sale that The Sandman is, it’s a very smart move for DC to have books on the shelves that live and breathe in the same world.
The Toyark:
The first round of releases includes Gipsy Avenger, Titan Redeemer, and Bracer Phoenix in the 6"³ scale Robot Spirits line. For the SOFVI Spirits, we have Raijin, one of the featured Kaiju from the trailers for the film. Bluefin has provided us with the figures, and we have 90 photos and a full review.
These look SO goddamned good.
The only thing I’m on the fence about is having figures which - while are of awesome looking robots - are from a not so great movie.
Entertainment Weekly got em all, because they’re all under the Time Warner umbrella.
Looking good! Bring on April!
Engadget:
The optimist in me says: I’m glad to see Twitter doing this.
The cynic in me says: This is an empty gesture.
The pessimist in me says: This will not make things better, this will make them worse.
I wonder how many people are filling out this form with simply: “Delete your account, bitch.“
comicbook.com
Spencer isn’t everyone’s favorite writer due to how he handled his run of Captain America, but his work on Superior Foes of Spider-Man was really goddamned great. Add Ottley delivering great art, and this could be a great run for Spidey.
These “Fresh Start" titles are looking better and better.
UPDATE: 11:46am
Marvel.com has posted an interview with Ryan Ottley which includes a look at the pencils for the first issue.
Brand Eating:
The Toasted Cheese Chalupa kinda reminds me of an Asiago Bagel, but, y’know, a taco.
I don’t really understand ASMR, but if the calm those people get is similar to the calm I had watching this incredible undertaking, I think I get ASMR now.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Tarantino describes it as “a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood. The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a Western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don’t recognize anymore. But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor…Sharon Tate.“
That’s some serious star power!
Variety:
That said, Patty Jenkins knocked the first Wonder Woman out of the park, so maybe she knows something which I don’t.
Update:Â March 9th, 10:38am EST
Patty Jenkins has taken to Twitter to confirm the casting:
The Hollywood Reporter:
F. Gary Gray, who directed last year’s Fate of the Furious, is due to helm the movie, which has a script by Iron Man writers Matt Holloway and Art Marcum. The film is slated for release on June 14, 2019
Hemsworth’s appearances in Ghostbusters and Thor: Ragnarok make it clear he can balance comedy and action. I’d be for this.
By the way, this whole idea of exploring a franchise with unrelated characters, without impacting the originals directly? I’m into it.
Worked for Jumanji, worked for 21 Jump Street, can work here.
PlayOverwatch.com:
The youngest of TorbjÁ¶rn’s daughters, Brigitte is an adventurer who travels with her godfather—Reinhardt Wilhelm—to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Previously, she aided Reinhardt by repairing his armor but as time has passed, Brigitte has realized that there is some damage that her hammer cannot fix. Her desire to help stronger than ever, Reinhardt is training her to fight while she built her own armor in secret. Now she fights alongside him on the front line, where she can make an even bigger difference.
Another support character enters the fray!
Twitter Blog:
Hello, Bookmarks!
Today, we’re introducing Bookmarks, an easy way to save Tweets for quick access later. But wait, there’s more! Today’s update makes sharing better, too. With our new “share" icon on every Tweet, you’ll be able to bookmark a Tweet, share via Direct Message, or share off of Twitter any number of ways. Because we put all sharing actions together in one place, it’s easier to save and share privately or publicly — in the moment, or later.
For me, this is why I use Instapaper, or star items in my RSS Reader.
But if you’re all in on Twitter (and I know some people use Twitter as their RSS replacement), this is probably awesome for you.
Now, Twitter, about the hate speech, privacy issues, the death of your Mac app, whatever Trump did today…
Business Insider:
The women-focused publisher LittleThings is shutting its doors, in large part because of Facebook’s recent move, the company’s CEO, Joe Speiser, told Business Insider.
We’ve gotta get away from Facebook. posts this blog to both Facebook and Twitter
USA Today:
The cross-promotional campaign starts in June, when Happy Meals will begin to include Incredibles 2 toys.
The “promotional alliance" — announced Tuesday — pairs the children’s meal with movies from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disney Live Action, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm.
First time Disney has had their properties in Happy Meals since 2006.
Fingers crossed for Star Wars and Avengers Happy Meals in 2019.
Kottke.org:
Click through to get the details and buy the font.
I feel like many of my friends will make good use of this.
PlayStation Blog:
First up, we have the award-winning action RPG Bloodborne. Hunt your nightmares as you search for answers in the ancient city of Yharnam, now cursed with a strange endemic illness spreading through the streets like wildfire. Danger, death and madness lurk around every corner of this dark and horrific world, and you must discover its darkest secrets in order to survive.
Next, we have Ratchet & Clank. Get acquainted (or reacquainted) with some of the greatest heroes in PlayStation history. Based on elements from the original Ratchet & Clank (PS2), Ratchet & Clank brings Insomniac’s classic, out-of-this-world-gameplay to the PS4. Join Ratchet, Clank, Captain Qwark, and their new friends as they battle to save the Solana Galaxy. Armed with an arsenal of original weapons the franchise is renowned for, including the new Pixelizer and fan-favorites like the dance-party-inducing Groovitron, you’ll explore the galaxy and get a deeper look at the origin story of these two beloved characters.
This month’s PlayStation Plus lineup also includes:
“¢ Legend of Kay, PS3
“¢ Mighty No. 9, PS3 (Cross Buy with PS4)
“¢ Claire: Extended Cut, PS Vita (Cross Buy with PS4)
“¢ Bombing Busters, PS Vita (Cross Buy with PS4)
Goddamn, Ratchet & Clank and Bloodborne? Killer month.
Also of note, as of March 2019, PS Plus moves to being PS4 games only.
The Atlantic:
Coates writing, Alex Ross on covers, Leinil Yu on art.
Based on Coates’ article, he’s got a lot of ideas for the series and what exactly Captain America means, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store.
Vulture, reporting based on movies studio A24’s new podcast:
Given that I loved Lady Bird, both as a film and as a wonderful piece of nostalgia for the era in which I graduated high school, I’m all for this.
GQ:
Tip of the hat to my dude Ross on this one.
Fraser was a dude I always liked - particularly his work in Blast from the Past, the first Mummy movie and his heartbreaking appearance in an early season of Scrubs. To hear how hard the past decade was for him is pretty heartbreaking, and says a lot about the “legacy” of Hollywood stars. Worthy read.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIBw9dSVKdU
Walt Disney Animation on YouTube:
I absolutely loved Wreck-It Ralph. This looks to be just as delightful a takedown of the Internet as the first was to video games.
The Hollywood Reporter:
I’ll be honest, these days, I see “oral history" and I immediately add it to my Instapaper.
But this one? Definite unique insight into how a major award show works, and more importantly - how they react when things go terribly wrong in front of millions.
Kotaku:
I do really like that Spider-Man. And it’s nice to see the “face printing" technology used on the rest of the MCU cast.
Will you be going out to pick up the first series this weekend?
The FADER:
I wasn’t really what you’d call a Blink 182 fan, but I sure find it fascinating that this dude gave up his entire musical career to seek out truth on what may would call an insane obsession.
io9:
If you need an example of why Marvel’s comics have become inaccessible to new readers (and why I’ve moved to just reading things on Marvel Unlimited), here you go.
And yes. That is an average of relaunch a year.
recode:
“I do think the large platforms — Google and Facebook being the most obvious, Twitter and others as well, are part of that ecosystem — have to have a conversation about their business model that recognizes they are a public good as well as a commercial enterprise,“ the former president said at MIT’s Sloan Sports Conference last Friday. “They’re not just an invisible platform, they’re shaping our culture in powerful ways.“
I do not disagree, Barry O. I do not disagree.
The Hollywood Reporter:
That Silver Surfer movie? Yeah, it’s being written by Brian K. Vaughan (Saga). I said goddamn.
Deadline:
The Rocketeer follows Kit, a young girl who receives a surprise package on her birthday revealing that she’s next in line to become the Rocketeer, a legendary superhero who has the ability to fly with the help of a rocket-powered jet pack. Armed with her cool new gear and secret identity, Kit is ready to take flight and save the day with her gadget-minded best friend, Tesh, and airplane-mechanic uncle, Ambrose, who join her on epic adventures.
I remember there was a rumor of a female-lead Rocketeer movie a bit back, but I’m glad to see that the idea didn’t totally die on the vine.
New Yorker:
After reading this, you will feel that…
a. Donald Glover is the coolest human alive.
b. Donald Glover is the most frustrating human alive.
c. A little bit of both.
I need to watch Atlanta already.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEhsFEgsI5U
HBO on YouTube:
Honestly, for me, I’d just need to know that the two Michaels are in this, and I’d be there.
[insert “BURN IT ALL” joke here]
EW.com:
The streaming service is partnering with Warner Bros. Digital Networks to expand its film library to include many of the biggest hits from the golden age of Hollywood. Already a home to art house, indie, foreign, and cult films rarely available anywhere else, FilmStruck will now offer a myriad of classic Hollywood films often missing from other streaming platforms like Hulu and Netflix.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 26, subscribers will have access to films from the Warner Bros. classic film library, including Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Singin’ In the Rain, The Thin Man, Bringing Up Baby, Rebel Without a Cause, and more.
Really an awesome idea for FilmStruck, making it the platform for cinephiles. Anyone I know have experience using the service, especially on tvOS?
When novelist and screenplay writer Alex Garland finally took the reigns behind the camera with 2015’s Ex Machina, many wondered if we were seeing the birth of a sci-fi auteur for a new era.
I’m pleased to say that after sitting down for a screening of this weekend’s new release Annihilation, Garland has taken the novel by Jeff VanderMeer, produced an instant classic, and has created a movie which underlines him as the voice of modern sci-fi cinema.
The film stars Natalie Portman (Jackie) as Lena, a a professor of cellular biology at Johns Hopkins (clearly not filmed there). Her husband, played by Oscar Issac, is presumed KIA after never returning home from a top secret military operation. Over a year passes, and one day, he returns, clearly not himself.
Where was he? What happened? The search for those answers, although never clearly illuminated for Lena, leads her to join a group exploring the location of the military operation - a space called “Area X".
“Area X" was a lighthouse in a state park, which once a meteor collided with it, became enraptured in what is called “The Shimmer", a bioluminescent glow - similar to the rainbow shine found on rainy pavement. Many have gone in, none have gone out. And Lena - alongside four other women, Anya (Gina Rodriguez), Josie (Tessa Thompson), Cass (Tuva Novotny), and the leader of the “Area X" project, Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) - will now go in to discover its mysteries, its truths, and its horrors, for herself.
The story which follows mashes elements of Alien, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and most of all, John Carpenter’s The Thing into a filmgoing experience which feels incredibly creepy, enthralling, and somehow wholly new. The stunning visuals provided by cinematographer Rob Hardy and the visual effects team are equal parts horrific and beautiful - bringing to mind the most horrifying creations of the television version of Hannibal and yet also some of the most breathtaking floral presentations you’ve ever seen. Each frame is a delight for the eyes, even in moments where you wish to pull yourself away. It’s wrapped in a score by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, which includes beautiful acoustic guitar and horrifying ambient noises. The light and the dark live on in every second, and its only amplified by this score.
For 115 minutes, this movie took me on a true journey, one of life, discovery, shock and gut-wrenching terror - and it leaves you wish just enough to dissect, discuss and take apart for years to come. Annihilation will stand the test of time.
This is where I make a hard ask of you, dear reader.
If you’re reading this post, chances are it’s because you love movies like The Thing, Alien and 2001. You like to be challenged. You like movies that don’t give you the easy out, the clear solution. You need to see this movie in theaters so more like it get made. That, or you’ll risk not being that nerd at the table 5 years from now being able to see “You saw it on Netflix? I saw it on the big screen, like it was supposed to be seen.“
Highest possible recommendation.
Annihilation is in theaters now. Grab tickets right now via Fandango, or pre-order it today via iTunes.
MacRumors:
As someone who loves his Beats Solo 3 Wireless Headphones and his AirPods, and has been looking into the Beats Studio 3 Wireless (there are some political conversations at work I’d very much like to have noise-cancelling for), I would love to see what Apple wants to bring into this space.
Even if Beats/Apple are kinda the same now.
The Hill:
In a decision dated Wednesday, West Virginia Judge Jeffrey Cramer accepted HBO’s argument that Bob Murray, CEO of coal mining giant Murray Energy Corp., failed to show that Oliver had defamed him according to the law.
With the return of Last Week Tonight last weekend, I actually was wondering what the status of this lawsuit was.
Frankly, I was concerned that this was going to spiral into something much bigger, where the rich assholes of the world get to dictate what humor is made at their expense.
Thankfully for us, judges like Jeffrey Cramer understand comedy.
Polygon:
Go fuck yourself, Konami.
It’s bad enough you’re fucking the corpse of a game you killed off, now you’re asking us to pay you for standard features.
And it’s not like these saves are backed up on the cloud or anything, they’re on your goddamned machine.
Was this a game I was going to buy before this? Christ no, what they did to Kojima was horrible. But now? Especially not going to buy it.
Microtransactions were a mistake. They’re nothing but trash.
ComingSoon:
Amphibia is a comedy series that chronicles the adventures of 13-year-old, self-centered Anne Boonchuy who is magically transported to the fictitious world of Amphibia, a rural marshland full of frog-people. With the help of an excitable young frog named Sprig, Anne will transform into a hero and discover the first true friendship of her life. The series is from Annie Award-winning director Matt Braly (Gravity Falls) who will also executive produce.
The Owl House is a horror-comedy series that follows Luz, a self-assured teenage human girl who accidentally stumbles upon a portal to the Demon Realm where she befriends a rebellious witch, Eda, and an adorably tiny warrior, King. Despite not having magical abilities, Luz pursues her dream of becoming a witch by serving as Eda’s apprentice at the Owl House and ultimately finds a new family in an unlikely setting. The series is from Dana Terrace, one of Variety’s “10 Animators to Watch" whose credits include Disney’s DuckTales and Gravity Falls. Terrace will also serve as executive producer.
Can we talk about how unbelievably cool these two shows sound?
I’m suddenly glad I have cable again.
Also: I need to watch Gravity Falls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b09aJdWqVp4
HBO on YouTube:
Bill Hader is one of my all time favorite comedic actors, and this looks fantastic.
I can’t wait to see what his incredibly unique mind has in store for us as viewers.
The Toyark:
Surprised it has taken this long for Kingsman to get a proper action figure.
Looks good!
Libsyn:
NSFW for language, but if you’d like to check out the rasslin’ podcast I’m a part of, here’s our latest episode, as we go home for WWE Elmination Chamber this weekend.
Variety:
Fox Searchlight nabbed the project in what was a highly competitive sale, with multiple studios vying for the project.
The film follows Montanez, the son of an immigrant, who grew up as a migrant farm worker picking grapes in the fields of Southern California before becoming a janitor at Frito-Lay. It was while working at the company that Montanez came up with the idea to create Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, transforming the Frito-Lay brand into a pop culture phenomenon and disrupting the entire food industry in the process. Now commonly referred to as the Godfather of Multicultural Marketing, it was that initial idea that would spark a billion-dollar brand and catapult him from janitor to elite corporate executive.
I know, I know - the #FastFoodArmsRace has collided with, well, the rest of this site!
That said - doesn’t that description actually sound like an interesting story? I didn’t realize that the history of that flavor of Cheetos was so compelling.
Always enjoy another release from James DeWees. The Adele spoof is a ten.
My Friday AM listening is locked in.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer among other pop culture touchstones, is exiting the Warner Bros. feature project, which he was writing and was slated to direct.
“Batgirl is such an exciting project, and Warners/DC such collaborative and supportive partners, that it took me months to realize I really didn’t have a story,“Â Whedon told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement. Referring to DC president Geoff Johns and Warner Bros. Picture Group president Toby Emmerich, Whedon added, “I’m grateful to Geoff and Toby and everyone who was so welcoming when I arrived, and so understanding when I…uh, is there a sexier word for ‘failed?'"
Question: Is this due to…
Either way, this wasn’t looking to follow the great Stewart/Fletcher/Tarr run of Batgirl, so I’m crying zero tears over here.
I’d like to echo my Twitter friend Eden here - what about Greta Gerwig?
Foodbeast:
As part of their Lunch Duo special, Olive Garden has introduced a new Meatball Pizza Bowl diners can try to conquer during their lunch break.
The Meatball Pizza bowl begins as a simple crust made of pizza dough that’s then molded into a vessel for the saucy, meaty goodness that awaited us.
Here I thought that the Italian Nachos would be the most ridiculous item Olive Garden would throw at us. Instead, they’ve decided to answer the question: “What if a Stromboli was a KFC Famous Bowl?“
Disney Parks Blog:
This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy.
This looks buck freaking wild.
We’re getting ever closer to Westworld. Hopefully the robots won’t kill the people at this resort.
Nintendo:
Luigi’s Balloon World
After downloading the update and beating the main story, Luigi will now show up in different kingdoms to give Mario a new challenge. To start Balloon World (Internet access required)*, seek out the green-clad bro and have a nice chat with him. There are two modes in Balloon World: “Hide It" mode lets you hide a balloon somewhere in that kingdom, while “Find It" mode challenges you to find balloons hidden by other players from around the world. If you get good at hiding and finding balloons, you’ll also move up the online rankings!
New Outfits and Filters
Balloon World isn’t the only update today: new outfits for Mario and new filters for Snapshot Mode have also been added. There are a couple different options so be sure to check them all out! Hopefully the new gold coin filter will lead to a gold mine of new photo ops.
Definitely surprised that this was free.
I’ll be honest - if Nintendo wants to look into some Breath of the Wild-esq DLC for Odyssey, I would be there day one.
Chew Boom:
The Big Brekkie Burger features a beef patty, freshly cracked egg, bacon, melting cheese and a crisp hash brown all topped with a dollop of BBQ sauce and served on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Besides the fact that this burger has a wonderfully Australian name, I’m surprised that the American version of McDonald’s hasn’t tried to mix and match their breakfast foods, considering their somewhat recent shift to all-day breakfast.
A man can dream.
Bleeding Cool probably did the best job of condensing all of Image Comics’ announcements from yesterday’s Image Expo 2018.
Really a great, diverse mix of titles, delighted to see announcements from Annie Wu, Jen Bartel, and to see Michael Fiffe probably get to live a dream of writing/drawing a Rob Liefeld team book.
I continue to love how Image makes a big deal of announcing new titles and handling them like an Apple Keynote. DC and Marvel would do well to ape this format.
ComingSoon:
I’m guessing they’ve seen a cut of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom which wa good. Because the trailers sure haven’t been!
Brand Eating:
The menu item features bite-sized breaded and fried discs of tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The breading includes a touch of oregano for added flavor.
So, basically, if you ever felt like dipping Mozzarella Sticks was too hard, it’s now a lot easier for you in Spain.
The Hollywood Reporter:
Headed by OTT programming chief Agnes Chu, the as-yet-unnamed service — envisioned as a competitor to Netflix — will be a home for family-friendly fare including Marvel feature films and such TV series as a live-action Star Wars (with multiple variations already in the works, per CEO Bob Iger) and, sources tell THR, a reboot of The Muppets.
I think that this would make for a great addition to the streaming service, but only if they attach someone to the project to run it who truly lives and breathes the Muppets. Practically everything since 2011’s The Muppets has been a wreck, and I’m pretty sure it’s because those projects didn’t have a Jason Siegel behind it - i.e., someone who absolutely adored the property.
Additional note - the above article also mentions that reboots of The Parent Trap, Father of the Bride, and Honey, I Shrunk The Kids are being eyed for Disney’s streaming service…which better be called “The Disney Vault".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cZFPRrRN_g
YouTube:
Having binged the four prior seasons over the past year, I’m excited to finally be able to watch a season of Silicon Valley as it airs.
Looks like another good year for the Pied Piper boys.
iTunes App Store:
Join Alto and his friends and set off on an endless sandboarding journey to discover its secrets.
Soar above windswept dunes, traverse thrilling canyons, and explore long-hidden temples in a fantastical place far from home.
Along the way, you’ll grind across vines, bounce atop hot air balloons, ride towering rock walls, and escape mischievous lemurs — all while uncovering the desert’s many mysteries.
A sequel to easily my favorite iOS game of all time, Alto’s Adventure, I was pleasantly surprised to see Alto’s Odyssey hit the App Store a day early - and not just because I’m home sick today.
The beautiful minimal style (in both art and music) continues here, and the gameplay is brilliantly refined, especially for being controlled by one touch. Definitely worth the cost of a latte.
iMore has a great interview with the creators about the game, which I recommend reading if you’re a fan of either title.
The Hollywood Reporter:
The Paramount film, based on the popular SEGA videogame character, will open Nov. 15, 2019.
Neal H. Moritz is producing the project, with Deadpool director Tim Miller executive producing. Also executive producing is Toby Ascher, while Dmitri Johnson and Dan Jevons will serve as co-producers.
Sonic will be directed by Jeff Fowler, who is making his directorial debut with the project. Paramount is planning a mix of live action and CGI to bring the character to life.
They’ll definitely have to move fast (ha!) on this one, especially since Universal/Illumination are working on a Super Mario Bros. movie.
Key number one to making a Sonic the Hedgehog movie work: No kissing humans.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s1M-rkDO8Q
YouTube:
Can’t wait for this! The first season of Legion is up there as one of the coolest television series I’ve ever seen.
Between this and Westworld, April is going to be a good month for returning shows.
BBC America:
I really dig it. Would love to hear my designer friends’ takes, however.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL4Fo6dJ3o8
YouTube:
LOVED the first season of Jessica Jones, so I’m looking forward to watching this season next month.
Once I finish Luke Cage. And watch all of Iron Fist. And all of The Defenders. And all of The Punisher.
I’m the worst nerd.
Variety:
Director Andy Muschietti is back to direct. Gary Dauberman will pen the script. Beverly was played by Sophia Lillis in the 2017 horror hit.
Could not be more perfect of a choice. I hope the i’s are dotted and t’s crossed.
ComicBook.com:
This May, Marvel Comics will launch Venom #1 from Donny Cates (Doctor Strange, Thanos) and Ryan Stegman (Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows, Uncanny Avengers). Eddie Brock has recently been protecting the streets of New York City, but this new series sees Venom tasked with taking on a 1000-year-old primordial threat.
Yet another “Fresh Start” announcement.
I do love Ryan Stegman’s art quite a bit, but Venom in a non-Spider-Man related capacity has always bored me. Also, taking him out of NYC and going supernatural doesn’t sound that great either. So, who is this comic for, guys?
Brand Eating:
That mousse on top may be the most unappealing thing I’ve ever seen. Jesus God.
Peter Olson on Medium.com:
You can’t go home again (or at least you probably shouldn’t), but with the upcoming release of Black Panther I thought it would be fun to look at how the landscape of Marvel movies has changed since the original graph.
Thanks to my dude Ross for the hat-tip here. This is some really cool data visualization.
Also of note, at the time of this post, the article has 69 claps. Don’t screw this up for me, Internet.
Playstation.Blog:
Very cool to see the Burnout franchise return for modern consoles. I really would’ve preferred a remake of Burnout 3: Takedown or Burnout Revenge, however.
IGN:
Well there’s your first reveal of the “Fresh Start” initiative. Really dig the combo of Aaron and McGuinness on the title, and I also love the MCU-inspired lineup. I’ll give it a read for sure.
Polygon:
Featuring Marvel Comics editor in chief C.B. Cebulski and chief creative officer Joe Quesada, the video is short on concrete information — though Marvel tells Polygon that more will be revealed later today and in the coming weeks.
While Cebulski’s promotion to editor in chief came with more than a little bit of controversy, I certainly hope this “Fresh Start" is the shot in the arm that Marvel needs, which has been an absolute slog to read compared to the nimble of the post “Rebirth" DC Comics.
I’m hoping that Marvel learns that the issue wasn’t the diversity and change of characters in their titles, but rather the far-too-connected nature of the comics, with everything being tied to a line-wide story arc which “changes everything!!!“
Here’s to being optimistic. I’ll read it all in 6 months via Marvel Unlimited.
The Impulsive Buy:
The Hershey’s Gold Doughnut is a Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Doughnut topped with pieces of a Hershey’s Gold Bar and a salted caramel icing.
I haven’t yet had a Hershey’s Gold Bar, so I have no idea how this will work as a donut, but it does include Pretzels and Caramel, two of my favorite things.
Has anyone gotten Apollo Ohno’s take?
Co.Design:
The new product line, called Drinkfinity, is a clear reaction to consumers drinking less soda. Over the past 20 years, sales of non-diet soda have fallen by more than 25%. As a result, PepsiCo and its competitors have turned their attention to bottle water and other types of drinks—though the company’s executives prefer to frame the shift in their priorities as giving customers more choices rather than combating the decline of soda. That’s where Drinkfinity comes in, as another healthy option in the company’s portfolio. The name is meant to indicate that there are infinite combinations of drinks you could make with the bottle and the flavor pods. The Drinkfinity team’s ultimate aspiration is that consumers go online, choose all the ingredients they want, and have personalized pods shipped to their door—a vision that reacts to several consumer trends, including on-demand services and healthy living.
So it’s all of the good intentions of drinking water, mixed with the wastefulness of a Keurig cup. Lovely.
Heavy.com:
Good news! Now the terrible fans of a wonderful show can finally shut the fuck up.
UPDATE - February 21, 2018 - 1:53pm
McDonald’s has confirmed the return with a specific sub-site dedicated to it…and…a podcast about it. Weird.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNHc2PxY8lY
YouTube:
One of the best sequences in Black Panther was this great, James Bond-esq fight scene in a casino. Love seeing directors explain how sequences such like these are created.
How lucky must the next generation of filmmakers be, to have all of these details made so readily available to them online?
1000toys.jp:
Looks like an absolutely gorgeous toy, and the idea of a big Iron Giant out of metal sure is appealing. But…for $120? I can’t swing that.
…unless I win Powerball…oh yes.
StarWars.com:
As usual, a bunch of retailers have exclusive versions, but I’m most excited that The Last Jedi will be the first Star Wars film available in 4K.
Suddenly glad that I own a 4K HDR TV and an Apple TV 4K now.
WIRED:
Three separate epiphanies got me thinking about this pivot to voice, and while they are highly personal, it turns out there are real numbers behind the anecdata.
New piece by Antonio GarcÁa MartÁnez on how damned important voice has become to tech.
BusinessWire:
Amazon continues their conquering of the world by tying themselves ever closer to their new grocery store.
The Brothers Brick:
Really impressive work by a bunch of LEGO modelers here. As someone who has been watching far too much of the Winter Olympics, this put the chocolate into my peanut butter.
Digg:
On the morning of Sunday, February 11th, Jae Kaplan walked from her Anaheim hotel to the Disneyland entrance and waited at the main gates. For her, time was of the essence. At 7:43 a.m., park staff ushered Kaplan and the other early risers through the gate and down Main Street. By 8:07, Kaplan was done with her first ride of the day, Peter Pan’s Flight in Fantasyland. She had 50 more attractions to see. She had just under 16 hours to go until the park closed. She had it all planned out.
She had come to speedrun Disneyland.
Really fun long read from Digg, which I’m more accustomed to as a great link blog. As someone who is planning a Disney trip (my first!) for the Fall, I’m definitely going to take notes.
Stereogum:
I’d absolutely love to see them live again (especially as my prior experience was so bad), but…
Probably not seeing them this go!
Ars Technica:
Wait, what? Is this some sort of Wii-like waggle thing?
Far from it, turns out. id Software has surprisingly borrowed a page from Nintendo’s playbook—but in doing so has also delivered a first for a first-person shooter.
As someone who LOVES Splatoon 2’s use of motion controls on the Switch, I may need to find a way to rent or try how it’s been implemented in Doom.
CBR:
Five years ago, a cataclysmic event obliterated everything within a 50-mile radius of the Los Spinoza Convention Center — including the attendees of Long Con, the world’s biggest (and longest) comic convention. But unknown to the outside world, the con-goers not only survived, they kept the convention going. When proof of their survival surfaces, reporter Victor Lai is sent to investigate — after all, he was covering the con that fateful day and escaped mere minutes before everything went kablooie… abandoning his nerdy pal Dez in the process. So clearly he’s the perfect person for the job, and he won’t get trapped inside like some kinda idiot. Right?
What a brilliant idea for a comic. As someone who goes to conventions all the time, my only regret is that I didn’t think of it first.
Capcom-Unity Blog:
Happy to see the Mega Man series get such a nice treatment, especially on the Switch, but this whole “buy a retail package, but only one of the games is on a cart, and you have to download the other" thing is for the birds.
It’s my only complaint about the Bayonetta re-release.
HasLab:
Clever idea unveiled by Hasbro this year at Toy Fair, essentially making fan-requested items to order, as a psuedo-Kickstarter.
$500 is too rich for my blood (and I don’t have nearly the space nor collection anymore to justify it), but as they’re already 1200 backers deep into the 5000 they need, I think this is the beginning of something big for the toymaker.
Jock on Twitter:
Jock, best known as a comic artist (although he did do some visualization work for The Last Jedi) really knocked it out of the park on this one.
Of course, he usually does. See his prints for Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, among others.
UPDATE: 3:01pm
Mondo:
At $60, it’s pretty tempting. Check out the cool limited variant ($80) below.
Engadget:
Considering my newly found Nintendo fanboy-ism, I’m going to have to pick it up.
It’s up for pre-order now on Amazon.
As are those three Zelda books I’ve neglected to buy. [1] [2] [3]. To the wishlist!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCjk_NPsIqU
YouTube:
Goddamn, I’ve missed you, John. We’ve all missed you. Welcome back.
I can’t wait to watch this full episode tonight.
Bleeding Cool
Talking it up at the American Library Association announcement of the DC Ink and DC Zoom lines, Batman Overdrive will feature a fifteen-year-old Bruce Wayne, a Millennial, born in 2004… and who finds a car in his late parents’ basement, a month before his sixteenth birthday — a car that his father had when he was sixteen. And so, with the help of his friends, he decides to restore the car, and then customise it, into the Batmobile. It’s a new origin of the Batman with a more vehicular origin.
At the least, this has to be better than the entirety of Gotham, right?
Since the movie has been out for two months and made nearly a BILLION dollars, I’m going to hold off from writing a full review of this one.
Let’s face it - you probably already knew if you wanted to see it.
That said, here’s some quick fire thoughts on the movie:
All and all, a really fun movie that fits perfectly in the realm of “Lazy Sunday Afternoon" movies, even if I saw it on a Monday morning. I’ll grab a cheap iTunes code for this one for sure.
Let’s get down to brass tacks folks.
Which Marvel Studios intro is better?
The original (2013), which premiered with Thor: The Dark World…
…or the current version (2016), which premiered with Doctor Strange?
IÂ wildly prefer the 2013 version.
I sure hope there’s a 10th Anniversary Version with Infinity War.
WIRED:
An incredible read by Nicholas Thompson and Fred Vogelstein.
Really shows Facebook as a company which doesn’t want to accept how powerful they are, or are too damned naive to notice it.
I’d be lying if I said stories like these didn’t have to do with me making my social media more of an output medium than an input one.
The Ringer:
Adam Nayman makes a very strong case as to why Get Out deserves the Best Original Screenplay Oscar this year.
Get Out is definitely a movie I am strongly pulling for this year. I don’t think a day has gone by since I’ve seen it that I haven’t thought of it. Incredible work by Jordan Peele.
You, like me, probably really enjoyed Black Panther this weekend.
Target is ready for us, as a load of merch is on sale for 20% off.
Me, I got this sweet Black Sabbath referencing t-shirt, but you might find other things you dig.
Check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNAFHMyXBNA
YouTube:
Really, not a bad way to spend 3 hours, especially considering how damned entertaining these directors are.
Save it for your work day tomorrow, listen to it in the background like a podcast. Will be a joy, promise.
PR Newswire:
Really the big question here is, how does “Magical Unicorns" fit into the Lucky Charms jingle?
Where is Starman?:
But where is this vehicle?
What an absolutely insane world we live in where a billionaire can launch a car (of his own design) into space, and send it on the way to Mars.
And how crazy is it that it can be tracked by a random dude on a random website?
I love the web.
IGN:
Mattel is releasing a new Barbie Tomb Raider doll, based on Alicia Vikander’s upcoming portrayal of the iconic action hero, and IGN can exclusively reveal the new doll.
I like the idea that an adventurous heroine like Lara Croft can be seen as an inspiration to young girls…especially the modern, less cheesecake interpretation.
But couldn’t she look a little more built and less slight? Or would that ruin the Barbie-ness of it all?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_eZxSYRhco
YouTube:
The film is set in 2045, with the world on the brink of chaos and collapse. But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance). When Halliday dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find a digital Easter egg he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire world. When an unlikely young hero named Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) decides to join the contest, he is hurled into a breakneck, reality-bending treasure hunt through a fantastical universe of mystery, discovery and danger.
It’s so surreal seeing this book turned into a movie, especially one which seems to be pulling the Who Framed Roger Rabbit trick of bringing together so many disparate pop-culture licenses.
Fingers remain crossed that Spielberg translates Cline’s work in a way that raises the material, a’la the adaptation work of director Matthew Vaughn with regards to the comics of Mark Millar.
Smooth out those rough edges, deliver the four-quadrant joy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUUUh-51t1k
YouTube:
Saw this special trailer for Pacific Rim: Uprising in front of Black Panther.
I originally was going to avoid it because I didn’t want to see any more footage from the movie, but goddamn, this is some serious eye candy.
I like the Pacific-Rim-by-way-of-Overwatch aesthetic we’re seeing here. Here’s hoping there’s more monster smashing than what we’ve seen in the trailers.
Cerealously.net:
Okay, I know those mineral puns were more of a stretch than The Rock doing yoga, but something as momentous as Reese’s-flavored Pebbles cereal deserves elementary sedimentary humor.
Yes, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pebbles are soon to be the latest in Post’s Flintstones-fronted crisped cereal line.
Considering how goddamned delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios are, there’s no way these can be bad, right?
Hollywood Reporter:
Unbelievably well deserved.
After this and Creed, if I’m Hollywood, I’m giving Coogler a blank check for his next film.
Normally, this is where I’d push that I’d hope that he creates some amazing, original films, but given what he’s brought to existing properties like Rocky and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I think Coogler might need to get lined up with a Star Wars flick.
The Verge:
I lost my personal iPod a few years back. Summer 2010? 2011?
All I know is I was in Connecticut for a Super Art Fight event at Connecticon.
Don’t know if I just absent mindedly lost it, if it was stolen, or some combination thereof, but I’d love to run into it again to have an experience just like this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBpdL9hSac4
YouTube:
I unfortunately was super quiet on this trailer when it was released.
For me, the idea of risking a sequel for The Incredibles is on par with when they announced Blade Runner 2049 in terms of “OH GOD DON’T RUIN A GOOD THING ESPECIALLY ONE WHICH I LOVE SO MUCH".
BUT!
This really does look great. I really like the idea of turning the concept of the original film on its head (even as it follows directly from the first), and hearing the dulcet tones of one Mr. Bob Odenkirk makes me smile as well.
I’ll be there day one. Don’t let me down, Pixar.
While I am nowhere near the level of toy collector I once was - I literally buy just a handful of toys a year at this point - I really do look forward to Toy Fair every February.
This year, I’ve found that the best overall coverage has been provided by The Toyark, who has outdone themselves with literally hundreds if not thousands of photos from the show floor.
I recommend checking them out if you want to see everything, but here are a few of the items which grabbed my eye:
The surreal Legends of Lucha Libre line coming from Super7, which includes something I’ve always wanted out of a toy - LUCHADORES IN SUITS!
McFarlane’s impressive Stranger Things line, which now has looks and characters from Season 2 - which I’d be more delighted about if their figures weren’t so statue-esq and fragile.
NECA’s awe-inspiring figure of the Pale Man from Pan’s Labyrinth.
These wonderfully funky Street Fighter II vinyl toys from a company named Big Boys
Something called a “Range Trooper" from Solo: A Star Wars Story. I know everyone is digging on Lando’s look, but what the sweet hell is this?
And finally…
A goddamned Peter Porker: The Spectacular Spider-Ham figure. What a weird reality we’ve found ourselves where this will be on the shelves of your local Target.
After reading all the stellar reviews, I had to give Bayonetta 2 a shot.
Been a while since I’ve played a crazed, Devil May Cry-style action game.
This is going to be perfect for a holiday Monday off.
Hard to believe, but much like another project of mine, this blog, blast-o-rama hits the ten year mark this year.
This month, actually.
I can’t pinpoint the exact day, just “February". This blog was a result of me retreating in my head after a nasty break up.
I didn’t want to “just" be on Livejournal anymore. I felt exposed talking about myself personally during a hard time.
This was a time before Twitter and Facebook had grabbed every site, every view, every interest.
The idea was that I’d just ramble and rant about the things that interested me. With a day job that was remedial in effort at best, it was a great way to kill the hours of a work week.
Ten years later, things are very different.
I have a grown ass job. I have a wife. I have a home which I own.
The web as I knew it doesn’t really exist.
I still (like an old) follow many websites via RSS feeds, which remains the perfect delivery mechanism of the web.
No algorithms, no slant, just the latest updates of what you want to read, presented in the order they arrived.
I really admire independent blogging to this day.
Sites like Daring Fireball and Kottke.org seem to stand as the last bastions of what was, but the fact is: they stand. People still read them. People still care.
But I got to thinking, on this most auspicious of occasions, a decade on the web, and especially after reading this great interview with Jason Kottke on twenty years of HIS site…
I’ve tried to make this site bigger. Brought on a staff once. (I’m a crummy editor/leader.)
I tried to update more regularly, but I’m not a /Film or a Hollywood Reporter or any number of other great sites which have a staff, and a beat, and the ability to knock out updates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
I tried to grow my brand, building FastFoodArmsRace.com, a site that is great in theory, but my execution has been subpar at best.
At the end of the day, I’m just a really passionate nerd who wants to share with the web, and his friends, and any anonymous well-wishers the cool stuff I saw on the Internet that day.
And…why am I giving this stuff to Twitter or Facebook for free? Why do I allow them to continue to control the web, living in the little shared “living space" they give me, when I can build a home of my own?
That is what blast-o-rama should be.
That is what blast-o-rama will be.
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to kill off the social media presence of blast-o-rama and Fast Food Arms Race. (I’ll keep the Apple News feed for blast-o-rama going, it actually gets a LOT of views.)
Stuff will be moved to my personal accounts - my personal Facebook (if I know you), and my personal Twitter account (@martyfnday, go nuts!).
So what will I do here?
Well, good news. #FastFoodArmsRace will live on here. My thoughts on random cool shit on the web will stay here. My reviews of movies and other shit will stay here.
But expect the regular posts to be a little shorter, a little snappier. Not sure if you saw those “quick post" tests I was doing earlier, but it’s going to be more of that.
I’m not going to be the first word or the last word on any of these topics. But it’s going to be mine, and really, who else can give you that but me?
And yeah, you’ve probably seen I’ve got a new skin on here.
Simple and clean, just like the new site.
I’ve done this for ten goddamn years. Time to prep myself for the next ten, and the next ten, and the next ten.
Almost every single Marvel Cinematic Universe movie review starts basically the same. God knows I’ve been just as guilty of it.
Talk about how long Marvel Studios has been around (10 years). How many movies (18). How great their ratio of great-to-bad movies is (depending on who you ask, there’s only 2, maybe 3 bad). And ask how they keep doing it.
The answer is simple, and its retained here with the latest release - Black Panther: believe in the source material and you will reap its benefits.
The benefit which Black Panther has, however? While a basic heroes journey tale - you’ve never seen or felt a superhero movie quite like this one.
Under the watchful eye of director Ryan Coogler, Black Panther builds off of the star-making performance of Chadwick Boseman in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War as the titular hero, T’Challa, the leader of a hidden African nation called Wakanda. He has to now take his rightful place as King of Wakanda, with his father being murdered in the aforementioned Civil War, and deal with the subsequent fallout.
While that may feel like you need to have a guide to the Marvel Universe to understand where we’ve been so far, Black Panther as a film is as accessible to viewers as the nation of Wakanda is inaccessible to outsiders. You need not have seen a frame of a prior film to get it.
What you do get, either way, is an absolute cracker of a superhero saga.
From the glorious hidden nation of Wakanda, a technological marvel (no pun intended) obscured from the rest of the world, to a rich supporting cast surrounding T’Challa (including great turns from Lupita Nyong’o,The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright - starring as T’Challa’s sister, a genius who may put both Tony Stark and Peter Parker to shame), and arguably two of the best villains in the MCU yet, Andy Serkis’ Ulysses Klaue and Michael B. Jordan’s Erik “Killmonger" Stevens.
The latter is where the movie shines brightest. Without going into to much detail, the third act of the film, while filled with the standard smash and bang CGI action, has a beating heart of political conflict and intrigue. Black Panther doesn’t shy away from being a movie of its time, something I wasn’t sure we’d see given how the first two acts are sort of a Batman meets James Bond adventure, seen through a lens of incredible futuristic imagery.
Special credit must go to the amazing art directors and designers for this film - as much as Thor: Ragnarok served as an homage to Jack Kirby and his bold four-color designs, the vision of Wakanda is absolutely stunning and unlike anything ever capture on film. I was captivated by every frame. Also fantastic? The score by Ludwig GÁ¶ransson - best known for collaborating with Donald Glover on his Childish Gambino musical projects. Equal parts classical, tribal, and modern, it adds a driving beat to a film which rarely lets up and delights a truly worldwide audience.
While I write this shortly after leaving the cinema, my brain has not been able to let Black Panther go. Truly a triumph for blockbuster filmmaking and a must-see on the big screen, I foresee watching and rewatching this movie for years to come.
One more note before I go - how incredible is Ryan Coogler as a filmmaker? Between Fruitvale Station, Creed, and this, he’s a true wunderkind. Studios of Hollywood, open your pocketbooks and let him make whatever he wants. He is unstoppable.
Black Panther is in theaters now. Grab your tickets now via Fandango, or pre-order digitally via iTunes.
Some fresh goodness from 20th Century Fox this morning, as the first trailer for Deadpool 2 (not yet the official title) has hit the web.
The fourth wall is broken, of course, Justice League is mocked, Toy Story is referenced, and we get a LOT of Josh Brolin’s Cable.
Of the multiple superhero sequels this year, this is the one I am most anxious about (I thought the original was good, not great, and could easily fall to diminishing returns, like many comedy sequels), but this trailer has started to calm my worries.
What say you?
Deadpool 2 hits theaters on May 18, 2018.
Following in the footsteps of Rogue One, the first trailer for the latest Star Wars Story is here.
Mired in controversy after the removal of initial directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller, fans have been waiting to see what new director Ron Howard had planned for this first look at this Young Han Solo tale.
We still have a great cast, including Hail Caesar!’s Alden Ehrenreich as Solo, Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke, and what might be the best casting of all time, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian.
But now we must judge the movie on what it is, not what it might be, and thanks to Good Morning America, here’s our first look:
What do you think? Does the Disney touch continue? Or is this the first road bump on the Mouse House era of Star Wars?
Solo: A Star Wars Story arrives in theaters on May 25, 2018.
Were I to list my favorite directors working today, Duncan Jones would be on it - alongside Edgar Wright, Guillermo del Toro, and Christopher Nolan, among many others I’m sure I’m forgetting.
Jones first grabbed my attention with Moon, an incredible, unique sci-fi film which quickly became one of my favorites of all time.
He has long suggested that a psuedo-sequel, titled Mute, would be coming one day, and finally, next month, thanks to Netflix, it comes to life.
Here’s how Netflix describes it:
Prepare yourself for MUTE, a new Netflix Original Film by visionary director Duncan Jones, starring Alexander SkarsgÁ¥rd, Paul Rudd and Justin Theroux. Streaming only on Netflix February 23.
Not a lot there, but with Skarsgard as the mute protagonist, beautiful Blade Runner-esq visuals, and a mystery in play, I will be there on February 23rd to take it all in.
Mute arrives exclusively on Netflix on February 23, 2018.
Ahead of its big-screen showings alongside Black Panther next month, the first teaser trailer for Ant-Man & The Wasp has arrived online.
Retaining the same level of humor as the first installment, this sequel seems to pick up directly where the first left off (even if Paul Rudd’s Scott Lang has been involved in a Civil War since), and it looks like Evangeline Lilly’s Hope van Dyne is certainly doing well as the Wasp.
Looking forward to it!
Ant-Man And The Wasp arrives in theaters on July 6, 2018.
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fupYIggOq38
This trailer was a big surprise in front of Star Wars: The Last Jedi last week. And it’s a real “teaser”, as it’s very little plot, just enough to get your attention.
I’m very intrigued by the visuals here.
I know absolutely nothing of the source material, but with a year out, I’ll be paying attention to this one.
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFWF9dU5Zc0
Real simple, basic setup trailer here. Similar start to Ocean’s Eleven with Debbie Ocean at her parole hearing, and it looks like Cate Blanchett is our “Brad Pitt" here.
I wonder if Anne Hathaway’s character is in on it? Either way, I’m there.
When The Force Awakens hit theaters just two years ago, fans everywhere were delighted - as the first line stated, “This will begin to make things right.“ Moving past the Skywalker legend into a new generation of heroes (while also showcasing those faces we knew and loved), the movie kicked off the next era of Star Wars in the right way.
Now, under writer/director Rian Johnson (Looper), Episode VIII, The Last Jedi, has hit theaters, and I am happy to say that the movie pushes the entire saga forward, albeit in unexpected and possibly controversial ways.
Many will look at The Last Jedi and make immediate comparisons to The Empire Strikes Back. In addition to being the middle installment of its trilogy, both movies are built around a separate plotline for each our heroes. After an exciting opening sequence - one of the best space battles in the Star Wars saga yet - we pick up where we left off with Rey (Daisy Ridley), seeking the trainings of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to learn what she can of the Force and bring hope to the fledgling Resistance. Finn (John Boyega), the Stormtrooper gone rogue, is continuing to deal with the stress of his choices, and finds himself working alongside a young Resistance worker, Rose (Kelly Marie Tran). Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac) gets the most expanded arc, as he learns to deal with the stresses of his higher ranking in the war, and tries to match his hot headed nature with the calmness needed for leadership.
The growth of the story goes beyond just our heroes, however, as the emboldened First Order continues to reign havoc across the galaxy. This seems to cut to the heart of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), seemingly still in chaos after completely turning to the Dark Side - and his fellow leaders, the by-the-book General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) and the mysterious Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis, in a motion-capture role).
The script by Johnson is interesting in how the movie - in tune with its focus on a balance of light and dark - manages to be both the most intimate Star Wars film to date, while also pushing the boundaries of what Star Wars is and can be. It’s action packed, it’s filled with humor, but there is also a strong longing in the film - something very human for a series which has always been so bombastic and (although the word is overused now) epic. There are events and sequences which fans will debate for ages to come - and based on the discourse I’ve seen online so far, has been surprisingly derisive for a movie so critically acclaimed.
Performances are, across the board, strong, with our new heroes maturing into their roles, with Driver and Ridley carrying the drama and pathos. The real heart of the movie, however, is Mark Hamill. Having grown long beyond the farm boy hero of the Original Trilogy, this era’s Luke Skywalker has grown more weary of the world around him, yet carries an undeniable peace. His performance is the true revelation of the movie, and considering how little we’ve seen him act on the big screen since Return of the Jedi, perhaps the biggest surprise.
John Williams again provides a brilliant score, with the new themes created for The Force Awakens returning alongside classic motifs, and the visuals are stunning, with Johnson’s longtime cinematographer Steve Yedlin bringing new planets, like the casino planet of Canto Blight and the salt mine planet of Crait, to brilliant life.
When the new Star Wars Saga began with The Force Awakens, many wondered how much of the series would be a retread, but with The Last Jedi, it can be seen how much life, originality and growth can come from a franchise in its fifth decade. As Luke tells Rey - “This is not going to go the way you think.“ Time will tell where the film lands on the all-time rankings, but in the end, the Saga continues with greatness.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is in theaters now. Grab tickets via Fandango, or pre-order today via iTunes.
YouTube
The film is set in 2045, with the world on the brink of chaos and collapse. But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance). When Halliday dies, he leaves his immense fortune to the first person to find a digital Easter egg he has hidden somewhere in the OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire world. When an unlikely young hero named Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) decides to join the contest, he is hurled into a breakneck, reality-bending treasure hunt through a fantastical universe of mystery, discovery and danger.
Love it or hate it, it certainly seems like Spielberg is doing a great job of bringing Ernest Cline’s book to life.
Personally, I’m still hoping that Spielberg is able to be the master editor that Cline needed for the novel, resulting in what were some solid ideas getting the right justice deserved.
Either way, Cline’s writing a sequel(which I hope is better than Armada), the movie features even more cameos than the book (what’s up, Tracer from Overwatch!?), and the easter egg searching nerds are going to have a field day going frame by frame.
Oh, there’s a new poster, too.
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii3n7hYQOl4
I didn’t expect to see any sign of this movie for some time, let alone a year out.
I’m very excited for Miles Morales to get the mainstream play he deserves, and the visual style showcased here is both innovative and arresting.
I wonder if the title indicates we’ll be seeing other alternate Spider-People (Spider-Gwen, anyone?).
Of note for animation nerds, Alex Hirsch (Gravity Falls) is one of the story writers for this film. A great sign, for sure.
EW.com:
His Robin, 28-year-old Taron Egerton, agrees: “I was approached not long after the first Kingsman movie had come out, and my initial response, to be totally honest, was Why?’ [But] Otto told me he wanted to do something entirely revisionist, something that can’t be tied down to a medieval universe. The first act of the movie, these scenes crusading in Syria, were written like something from The Hurt Locker. It was fantastic, and that was enough to convince me.“ Also on board: Merry Men Jamie Foxx (Little John) and Jamie Dornan (Will Scarlett), and The Knicks Eve Hewson as Maid Marian. And Ben Mendelsohn steps into the Sheriff of Nottingham’s boots — a role that for many is still defined by the late Alan Rickman in 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. “I ain’t gonna be outdoing him,“ he admits. “That performance is a delightful tour de force, and I knew and loved the man. But I get a kick out of [sharing it], and I think he would have too.“
Here’s that first look image:
[caption id=“attachment_22325” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] ROBIN HOODRobin (Taron Egerton)[/caption]
I’m not sure that The Hurt Locker is where my brain goes when I think of Robin Hood, but it has to be better than last Summer’s King Arthur reboot.
R-right?
YouTube:
Alita Battle Angel is in theaters July 20, 2018.
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Screenplay by: James Cameron and Laeta Kalogridis and Robert Rodriguez
Based on the Graphic Novel (“Manga”) Series: “Gunnm” By Yukito Kishiro
Produced by: James Cameron and Jon Landau
Cast: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali, Ed Skrein, Jackie Earle Haley, Keean Johnson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aj8mN_7Apcw
Who told them going “real" with the anime styled eyes was the way to go?
$200 Million on THIS?
EW.com:
“Incredibles 2 picks up, literally, where the first film left off, with Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl battling The Underminer, while Violet and Dash are stuck with babysitting Jack-Jack,“ says writer-director Brad Bird, who has kept plot details about the highly-secretive sequel to his Pixar blockbuster under tight wraps. Save for a brief tease at Disney’s D23 fan expo this summer, “that’s all we’re saying for now,” Bird continues, “but rest assured, there are a lot more superheroics in store for our ‘family dynamic.'"
Here’s that first look image. Â You’re going to want to zoom in, if just to see how well the design work has grown and matured.
Like Blade Runner 2049, I’m worried that Pixar is messing with perfection…but I have a deep hope that they’re gonna nail it.
YouTube:
When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Owen is driven to find Blue, his lead raptor who’s still missing in the wild, and Claire has grown a respect for these creatures she now makes her mission. Arriving on the unstable island as lava begins raining down, their expedition uncovers a conspiracy that could return our entire planet to a perilous order not seen since prehistoric times.
With all of the wonder, adventure and thrills synonymous with one of the most popular and successful series in cinema history, this all-new motion-picture event sees the return of favorite characters and dinosaurs—along with new breeds more awe-inspiring and terrifying than ever before. Welcome to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn9mMeWcgoM
I don’t think this will get the nostalgia bump of the prior Jurassic World, but giant dino movies just grab a part of my heart.
That said…this looks kind of ridiculous, and I’m not sure it’s in the good way…
Variety:
Jon Berg will be leaving his current job running the comic book’s film production division, according to several sources with knowledge of the studio’s plans. A search is underway for his replacement. Berg will instead become a production partner with Roy Lee, the producer of “The Lego Movie" and “It,“ who has a deal on the lot.
Such a shame. So much promise, so little delivery.
I hope they see what Wonder Woman was, and Batman v Superman and the rest weren’t. A frankenfilm like Justice League isn’t going to fix things.
Deadline:
This story is getting buck wild.
I can’t wait to see what they do! Seriously, I have no clue what to expect.
Buzzfeed:
This looks really fun, and has a heck of a cast of voice actors.
I’m particularly excited to see Milana Vayntrub become the “official" Squirrel Girl.
Here’s the promo image:
More details at Marvel.com.
EW.com:
EW’s exclusive first image from the stand-alone Aquaman movie shows Arthur Curry looking somehow even more jacked and more tatted and more menacing than he did before as he strides out of the steam amid some industrial setting.
As Momoa was the best part of Justice League (alongside Ezra Miller’s Flash), I’m hoping his solo movie - much like Wonder Woman - works out better than the giant team-up movie he also appeared in.
Here’s that image in full.
From the official Tomb Raider Twitter:
Seriously, how cool is this?
They admit the game is coming, but they don’t want to play the traditional hype game. They just want to announce before release, get it out there, and not feed the standard fire that every game has to deal with years before launching.
Let’s see if it works for them. As someone who has loved both the Tomb Raider reboot and Rise of Tomb Raider, I’m in for this next one…rumored to be titled Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
I’m guessing this means it won’t be out in time for the movie next year.
EW.com:
Set in 1992, about 10 years after the events of last year’s X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix opens with the X-Men, including Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Storm (Alexandra Shipp), Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and Quicksilver (Evan Peters), in a new, unexpected role: national heroes. Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) even lands on the cover of Time magazine. But his growing ego puts the team at risk. “Pride is starting to get the better of him, and he is pushing the X-Men to more extreme missions,“ Kinberg says. After they’re dispatched to space for a rescue mission, a solar flare hits the X-Jet and the surge of energy ignites a malevolent, power-hungry new force within Jean (Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner)— the Phoenix.
Here’s a full look at that cover image:
I didn’t really mind Sophie Turner’s Jean Grey, but Apocalypse was a god awful mess. I really hope that X-Men: Dark Phoenix is better than both Apocalypse and The Last Stand.
UPDATE: We got some stills, too!
io9:
Really a lovely poster.
Check it out in full.
And you know there’s a sweet variant too.
Reminds me quite a bit of the timed exclusive Bottleneck Gallery did for The Force Awakens, another stunner.
Hollywood Reporter:
The Deadpool star has signed on to star in Legendary’s live-action PokÁ©mon movie, THR has learned.
I’m not sure if this necessarily the next big franchise role most expected for Ryan Reynolds after Deadpool, but it beats being dragged in for a Green Lantern sequel.
What makes this most weird, is this version of Pikachu - besides wearing a hat and apparently being a detective, as the title indicates - he talks. Â And we learned earlier this year that people don’t really care for that.
EW.com:
As a long-time fan of the Ocean’s movies, I have high hopes for this.
They’ve got a heck of a cast put together for this all female take on the series. Here’s hoping the magic (found in Eleven, lost in Twelve, returned in Thirteen) is on the screen this Summer.
Gizmodo:
I know that we were all bummed when Vine went away, but how many tech sequels actually work?
Also, will this result in the return of Vine Stars and their weird co-op living spaces?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ELQ6u_5YYM
YouTube:
What a wonderfully bleak way to send off 2017 and bring on 2018.
The Verge:
As someone who would love to have multi-room speakers in his house, but has yet to pull the trigger, the idea of Ikea and Sonos working together on what would - presumably - be a cheaper solution for everyone, sounds incredibly exciting.
EW.com:
So, the grand lesson that Ridley Scott learned from Alien Covenant was that the world needed more Fassbender-bots?
I’m a huge fan of the Alien franchise and a full-on Prometheus apologist (and I really liked Katherine Waterston as pseudo-Ripley), but I feel like Ridley has learned the wrong lesson here.
The Verge:
On the one hand, I’m excited to get caught up on The Grand Tour and A24 movies.
On the other the lack of integration within the TV app is a bummer. I guess it’s the same concerns which have kept Netflix from integrating?
UPDATE! Per Apple’s official press release, it looks like it IS integrating. Wasn’t working on my TV app earlier, but I just checked my phone, and Prime Video is there!
Mashable:
Mashable can exclusively reveal that the beloved X-Men character will headline Marvel’s first-ever scripted podcast, Wolverine: The Long Night, a 10-episode serialized story that will debut exclusively on podcast network Stitcher Premium in Spring 2018 as part of a partnership between Marvel and Stitcher, before rolling out across all other podcast platforms in the fall.
Very cool to see Stitcher go outside of the box to grow their Premium offering, but I know that at least personally, I’ll probably wait for the free Fall roll out?
I think that the expectation of free podcasts are just too strong.
Does this mean we’ll get a Casper mattress ad read by Wolverine? I sure hope so!
Cinemark.com:
After much handwringing from the film exhibition industry about MoviePass and it’s “One Movie A Day for $10/mo" subscription plan, we’re seeing the first instance of a major theater chain trying to make a go of it themselves, with Cinemark introducing their MovieClub.
As you can see above, it’s crap. $9 a month gets you one ticket, just one, along with 20% off concessions, subsequent tickets for just $9 each, no online fees and rollover of unused tickets.
Unless you’re a hardcore Cinemark fan - and really truly want to just see one movie a month - I can’t see how this works out great versus MoviePass.
A major pass for the hardcore movie nerd, but maybe this will grab the casuals?
CNBC.com:
CNBC has been reporting that Disney has held talks with the Rupert Murdoch-controlled media company to acquire its studio and television production assets, leaving Fox with its news and sports assets. Fox is also talking with CNBC parent company Comcast, but the talks with Disney have progressed more significantly.
The deal contemplates the sale of Fox’s Nat Geo, Star, regional sports networks, movie studios and stakes in Sky and Hulu, among other properties. What would remain at Fox includes its news and business news divisions, broadcast network and Fox sports.
This could be absolutely insane.
Fans have been frothing at this idea for some time - mostly over the idea that the Marvel Universe could be mostly made whole again, with additions of X-Men and Fantastic Four to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and perhaps the return of the Fantastic Family to Marvel Comics proper, but there are some bigger ideas at stake.
From my conversations with friends today:
What say you, Internet?
As promised, heralded with an amazing Vanity Fair cover story looking back on the ten remarkable years of Marvel Studios starting with Iron Man, the first trailer for Avengers: Infinity War has arrived.
The trailer is absolutely full of money shots, seeing all elements of the Marvel Universe come together in ways both expected and unexpected. Seeing Spider Sense come to life? The return of the Hulkbuster? Cap and Black Panther leading the armies of Wakanda? This is fanboy frothing excitement!
The Avengers theme beautifully scores the trailer in an epic way, and honestly, this looks like a Return of the King-level culmination of every movie that has come before this.
This has been a decade long bet from Marvel Studios, and it looks like it will pay off.
Avengers: Infinity War hits theaters on May 4, 2018.
The DC Comics Cinematic Universe has had a hard hand dealt to it so far.
Most people forget that 2011’s Green Lantern was supposed to start the post-Dark Knight era of movies, but that film’s immediate brutal failure lead to a false start.
Man of Steel performed better - both with critics and fans, but Superman purists were skeptical of the darker, more brutal and brooding version of Kal-El brought to the screen by Watchmen’s Zack Snyder.
Never the less, this new DC Comics cinematic universe persisted, dealing with the ever growing shadow of what Marvel Studios started, and trying to give the original superheroes their due.
Last year brought us both Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, films with vocal fans, high (but “not high enough" box office), and critical distain. But then, this Summer, hope arrived in the form of Wonder Woman, a joyous revelation for the franchise, finally gaining the populous and critical win the movie needed.
I realize, I’ve yet to say one word about Justice League so far, but that’s because it is extremely hard to view the film in a bubble of its own. Whether you’re looking at it as an Avengers-esq culmination of the films so far, or just the next phase following Wonder Woman, it doesn’t really live by itself.
Unfortunately, that extends into the movie itself, a Frankenstein-esq patchwork of a movie started by Zack Snyder, and finished by The Avengers’ own Joss Whedon.
Justice League starts in the wake of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Superman (Henry Cavill) is dead, Batman (Ben Affleck) is filled with the want to do something greater, and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) is out of the shadows. At the same time, horned baddie Steppenwolf (CiarÁ¡n Hinds) has returned to Earth along with a bunch of, uh, evil bug men? called Parademons (which you may remember from a dream sequence in Batman v Superman) to hunt down Motherboxes, giant glowy boxes which do, uh, things.
Yeah, it’s kind of slapdash, and really just an excuse for Batman to bring together heroes, including the socially awkward Flash (Ezra Miller), half-man half-supercomputer Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and Aquaman (Jason Momoa), reinterpreted here as an underwater rock-god, complete with love of drinking whiskey from the bottle and being covered head to toe in tribal tattoos.
The film which follows is an absolutely jarring watch. Snyder’s capital S serious superhero union film is juxtaposed with re-shot sequences filled with goofy humor and awkward character moments, which could not more clearly be from the pen of Whedon. I didn’t want to spend the movie wondering who did what, but the juxtaposition is so strong, so jarring, that I couldn’t help but notice. In fact, I’m pretty sure that even the color grading is different between the two shoots, making it easier for the average moviegoer to determine which director did what.
I really wanted to enjoy this movie - I enjoyed Wonder Woman after all, and while I never reviewed it here, I respected Batman v Superman for so clearly continuing Snyder’s vision of the DC Comics Universe, no matter how much I may personally agree or disagree with it. Instead, I was just baffled by the final movie, even with a fun start and decent action throughout. There’s an entire sequence in the second act that is so weird, and so off putting, I wasn’t sure how anyone OK’d it, especially in a film this over-scrutinized.
There are moments which could grow well from the failures here: Ezra Miller’s Flash is fantastic, full-stop, Gal Gadot remains a star, and I really want to see the full movie of Jason Momoa’s Aquaman. I feel really bad for Ray Fisher - it’s clear his version of Cyborg is meant to be in a darker, more tortured film, and is left somewhat hollow from the change in tone. As for Ben Affleck’s Batman? I like him in the role, but it’s becoming clear that he has quickly fallen out of love with the pressures and responsibilities of being this version of Batman. I don’t blame him for it, but he is almost a non-entity within Justice League, which breaks my heart to see.
Justice League is a movie of infinite potential, squandered. Moments work, moments fail, and somehow, we as an audience are left completely numb to the official big screen union of some of the greatest comic book characters of all time. How did this fail so hard? Is there really a better cut, either pure Snyder or pure Whedon, which could be the Blade Runner: Directors Cut of its time? Either way, this will be a movie viewed, discussed, taken apart, and put back together again for years to come…and I don’t know that anyone will ever truly be happy with it.
DC Comics needed another win. Justice League was not it. I’m so sorry to say that.
Justice League is in theaters now. You can get tickets via Fandango, or pre-order today on iTunes.
They don’t make them like this any more, do they?
A mid-range budget dramatic film, based on classic stories, just filled with a bunch of name actors acting their asses off. That’s what Murder On The Orient Express is on the onset, and honestly, that’s exactly what the movie delivers - even if it’s in the least exciting, most competent, and completely inoffensive way possible.
Starring and directed by Kenneth Branagh (who has an incredible mustache in this film), this seeming start of a Poirot-niverse, is filled with talent. Names you know and love like Judi Dench and William DaFoe! Names you forgot about like Penelope Cruz and the return of Michelle Pfeiffer! New names you really like, such as Daisy Ridley (who you know as Rey from Star Wars) and Josh Gad (he’s Olaf, the snowman, in Frozen, the movie your kids won’t stop watching!) They even got a guy from Hamilton! (Leslie Odom, Jr.)
And yep, Johnny Depp is here too!
But here’s the good news: Depp dies early. And that’s exactly what Branagh’s Hercule Poirot has to get to the bottom of. And all those other actors? Yeah, ANY of them could’ve done it.
An adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic, I had no prior exposure to the book or the many other adaptations prior to sitting down and watching this, and I mean no offense to the film, but the best way I can describe it is - the movie happened in front of me, I watched it, it ended, and I have nothing bad to say about it.
This is the type of movie that is a resume filler for most, and a forgettable date night for audiences. This is the type of movie that keeps actors working, behind the scenes staff busy, and mortgages paid.
There’s nothing offensive, nothing bad, but at the same time - nothing great or leaving you jumping over the moon for it. This is the type of movie you land on a cable channel on a lazy Sunday afternoon, you fill the time, and you feel OK that you did it.
And maybe that’s just fine.
Murder On The Orient Express is in theaters now. Grab tickets via Fandango, or pre-order today via iTunes.
The Thor franchise has, unfortunately, been the unloved child of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
While just as important as Iron Man and Captain America in the grand scope of the Universe, and just as much as founding Avenger, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who calls the Thor films their favorite.
Sure - each installment brought something good, the sly fish-out-of-water humor of 2011’s Thor, the beautiful visuals of a fully realized Asgard in 2013’s Thor: The Dark World, but neither really seemed to stick the landing.
Enter filmmaker Taika Waititi.
Best known for his unique sense of humor (and frankly, smaller indie films), Waititi has taken the series’s not-so-secret weapons - Chris Hemsworth’s sly sense of humor, stunning visuals - and funneled them through his own skewed prism, as seen in his prior films What We Do In The Shadows and Hunt For The Wilderpeople.
The result is Thor: Ragnarok, which while it may not stand as one of the finest films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, certainly has the first place prize for the Thor trilogy.
The plot is honestly not that different from prior films. There’s a big bad threatening Asgard and possibly Earth (in this case, the dark and devious Hela, played by Cate Blanchett, who is very clearly enjoying herself), Thor has to deal with that, live up to his father (Anthony Hopkins) Odin’s shadow, and also deal with his trickster brother, Loki (the fangirl fav Tom Hiddleston).
What makes the movie different, however, is the absolutely amazing and joyful detour the story takes, sending Thor out of his element and into the world of Saakar. Saakar is where the majority of the story takes place - a junker planet with visuals straight out of Jack Kirby comics, overseen by The Grandmaster (a face painted Jeff Goldblum playing Jeff Goldbum).
Thor is kidnapped upon his arrival on the planet - by an interesting, drunk female warrior named Scrapper 142 (Tessa Thompson, who has a unique connection to Thor) - and made to fight in a giant Gladiator-esq fighting ring.
If you’ve seen the trailer, you know who shows up from here, but I’m going to act as you didn’t.
The scenes on Saakar are the lifeblood of Thor: Ragarok. Showcasing that surreal sense of humor alongside gloriously eye burning visuals (and a synth soundtrack by Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh), these sequences are a joy - especially those featuring rock man Korg, a motion-captured character played by Taika Waititi himself. There is such a fun, silly, and breakneck pace to these sequences - they’re so full of humor and life, you want to live in them.
But then, eventually, the plot picks back up and we’re back to a normal superhero film for the final act.
That, if anything, is the biggest flaw of Thor: Ragnarok - it does such a good job of being unlike any other superhero film by turning into a cosmic comedic farce, that it’s almost deflating to see the superhero parts come back at the end. I recognize, this is like docking points from a western for having cowboy hats, but what was captured was so unique and so out there, I wanted to see if Marvel Studios would let this pan out entirely.
Despite that, Thor: Ragnarok still gains a strong recommendation from me - but let’s be honest, you knew from the announcement if you were going to see this movie. With this movie, Waititi has made himself a director you must watch, and I can’t wait to see what Hollywood allows him to indulge himself with next - but I just wish it went that extra mile.
Thor: Ragnarok is in theaters now. Grab tickets via Fandango, or pre-order today on iTunes.
Thus far, the creative output of John Frances Daley and Jonathan Goldstein has been somewhat of a mixed bag.
They co-wrote Horrible Bosses, Horrible Bosses 2, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and both wrote and directed the recent Vacation reboot.
This coming March, Daley and Goldstein are back in the director role, as they bring us Game Night.
Headlined by Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, the movie seems to posit the idea of a comedic version of the 90’s David Fincher classic The Game, as a group of friends take their regular game night to a very, very dark level.
I know, this doesn’t sound great, but upon seeing the trailer, this looks like this could be darkly hilarious, and I’m game to see Rachel McAdams get more work, beyond her thankless roles in the Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Strange franchises.
Either way, I’m in to MoviePass it.
Game Night hits theaters on March 2, 2018.
You know how excited and hyped we are for Star Wars: The Last Jedi?
Yeah, apparently Disney’s even more excited.
Announced today via StarWars.com, Rian Johnson, while not taking over the reigns for Episode IX, he is being given the opportunity to create his own, unique Star Wars trilogy.
From the PR:
As writer-director of The Last Jedi, Johnson conceived and realized a powerful film of which Lucasfilm and Disney are immensely proud. In shepherding this new trilogy, which is separate from the episodic Skywalker saga, Johnson will introduce new characters from a corner of the galaxy that Star Wars lore has never before explored.
As someone who has loved Johnson’s prior films (Brick, The Brothers Bloom, and Looper, if you are sadly not familiar), this is incredibly exciting, and the vote of creative confidence fans need to see from Lucasfilm after the issues surrounding Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the departure of Phil Lord & Chris Miller from Solo: A Star Wars Story, and the departure from Episode IX of Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow.
What will be interesting, however, is to see what other films - if any - Lucasfilm produces around this new trilogy. Is it going to be alongside the rumored Obi-Wan film? Are these replacing the Star Wars Story films? Will we get Episodes X, XI and XII?
Much remains to be seen, but in a related bit that seems to have (understandably) flown under the radar, Disney has confirmed (via Variety) the long-rumored Star Wars live action TV series, which will be - along with a Monsters Inc. series and High School Musical series - exclusive to Disney’s Netflix competitor.
No word on when that show will hit the air, but the over-the-top streaming service is set for a late 2019 release.
Thank goodness that stop motion is still a thing.
While Laika Pictures has been blowing our minds with films like Coraline and Kubo and the Two String, the standard bearer for modern day stop motion has been Aardman Animation, best known for the Wallace and Gromit series of shorts.
They struck gold last year with the release of the Shaun the Sheep film, and early next year will return with an original property - Early Man.
Looking like a silly caveman romp, filled with British actors you know and love like Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams and others, this will be a great way to kick off the year. Check out the teaser trailer below.
Early Man hits theaters on February 16, 2018.
Look, I’m not going to front here - The Post is somewhat obvious Oscar-bait.
A movie about the real life story of a newspaper taking on the Government in decades past, just as reality repeats itself? Yeah, this is a gimme for a Best Picture nod.
But then you realize this has Steven Spielberg behind the lens, and a class including the anchors of Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, alongside Bob Odenkirk, Bradley Whitford and Carrie Coon?
Yeah, you’re in. And then there’s the trailer.
Christmas is going to be a good movie season.
The Post hits theaters in limited release December 22, 2017, before going wide on January 12, 2018.
Last year, like many others, I was surprised, if not floored, by the surprise Netflix release of Stranger Things, an incredible love letter to 1980’s horror and sci-fi from The Duffer Brothers.
On Friday, October 27th, at 3am Eastern, the Second Season hit Netflix, and while I was definitely one of the people wringing their hands at messing with a good thing and doing another season of a great show which seemed to tie things up rather well, I’m pleased to share that Stranger Things 2 (as the second season is titled on-screen) is pretty damn great, if not almost as good as the original.
I’m not going to put together a full-on review of the series, as people far more meticulous and well-versed in TV recapping have done that to death.
Instead, I’ll share just a few thoughts on the second season. And don’t worry - the spoilers, if any, are very very minor.
Stranger Things 2 is streaming now on Netflix.
With a movie like Happy Death Day, it’s very easy to see how the movie was sold. It’s an incredibly simple pitch: Groundhog Day meets a slasher film. But what you wouldn’t expect? How well it executes what is, ultimately, a very basic twist on an existing formula.
Our lead is Tree (short for Theresa, apparently?) It’s Monday the 18th, her birthday, and she - a sorority girl - has woken up in the bedroom of a guy she doesn’t remember spending the night with. Hung over, she does the walk of shame back to her sorority house, goes about her day, heads to a party for the evening…and on her way there, is murdered by a psychopath in a baby mask.
You know, an average day.
The weird thing, though? Once murdered - she wakes up…and the day repeats, again, and again.
Happy Death Day is the latest film from producer Jason Blum, whose Blumhouse Productions company specializes in horror movies on the cheap. They brought us the Paranormal Activity franchise, The Purge, even this year’s incredible Get Out. In turn, it’s clever to see them turn the average slasher film on it’s head. With director Christopher B. Landon (best known for the Paranormal Activity sequels) behind the lens, and a script from Scott Lobdell (best known for writing countless X-Men comics), there’s a steady hand guiding the high-concept carrying the movie.
The movie which follows isn’t a particularly gory film, and much like a similar Groundhog Day alike, Edge of Tomorrow, uses the repeat mechanic as a place of humor. Sure, there are some nice jump scares, but you’ll be laughing more than you’ll be shrieking. What Happy Death Day really is, however, is a coming out party for lead Jessica Rothe. Best known before this as one of Emma Stone’s roommates in La La Land, Rothe carries the movie as she goes on her repetitive journey and learns quite a bit about her predicament along the way.
Happy Death Day isn’t going to win any awards, probably won’t last long in your memory, and isn’t the most original movie rendered to film, but what it delvers is 96 minutes of entertainment, and proves that Jessica Rothe is probably worth a bigger role in the future. If you’re looking for a fun film this Halloween season, Happy Death Day is it.
Happy Death Day is in theaters now. Grab tickets today via Fandango, or pre-order via iTunes.
While not the all-out success that the Marvel Studios films have been, the smaller scale “Defenders" universe hitting screens via Netflix has been a real joy.
Sure, not everything worked (looking at you, Iron Fist), but generally, the mixture of Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and that glow-y fist dude has worked out great, both for the streaming network and the iconic comic book company.
The first post-Defenders series hits Netflix this Fall, and with a brand new trailer released this morning (below), we not only know how rad Jon Berenthal’s solo run as the Punisher looks to be, but we have a release date too: November 17th, pitting the latest Marvel TV adventure right up against DC/Warner Bros’ Justice League in theaters.
The trailer is really effective, whether it’s the use of Metallica’s “One", or the general gloominess of Berenthal’s version of the violent Marvel anti-hero, and it definitely looks like Netflix has another hit on their hands.
What say you?
The Punisher arrives on Netflix on November 17, 2017.
Proving that not everything in this world is awful, last night saw the live streaming premiere of the world’s first International robot battle, as a team from the United States - Megabots - pitted their robots against mechs created by a team from Japan - that of Sudiobashi Heavy Industry.
I won’t spoil the outcome, but this video is an absolute delight, from getting ex-UFC commentator Mike Goldberg to add a true fight flair to the video, to the pre-match smack talk.
This is one of those great moments in life, where the world isn’t awful.
For more on Megabots, click here!
For more on Sudiobashi Heavy Industry, click here!
Much how a Black Panther trailer was surprise dropped on us yesterday, Disney continues the nerd hype today with the surprise announcement of the title of the Han Solo film…
Yeah, that’s not really interesting, surprising or unique, is it?
But given the rather dramatic creative process of the film, with Phil Lord and Chris Miller being removed as directors, and Ron Howard being put in, maybe a simple and easy title is just the smooth next step the movie needed.
I do wonder, however, if that’s what Lord and Miller wanted to call it.
Solo: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on May 25, 2018.
This Friday, October 20th, the film adaptation of the Jo Nesbo thriller The Snowman hits theaters.
Starring Michael Fassbender, this looks to be one of the bigger movies of the Fall season, and I’m proud to share that Blast-O-Rama is hosting an exclusive giveaway, courtesy of Universal Pictures.
One very lucky winner will get a special The Snowman prize pack, including:
1 - Limited Edition Snowman Plush Doll: This limited edition Snowman plush is only available via this promotion and has a run of 200 pieces worldwide. It is a replica of the killer’s Snowman and features a detachable head and the Snowman logo on the bottom.
1 - The Snowman Official Promo Shirt - An official promo T-Shirt featuring The Snowman logo on the front and the signature design on the back.
1 - Replica Snowman Killer Letter - A replica of the Snowman killer’s note, sealed.
One winner will be selected from the comments to this post.
How do you enter?
Take this awesome The Snowman-themed quiz app above, and copy and paste your results in the comment below! One winner will be randomly selected. You have until October 27, 2017 to enter!
Please note, this contest is ONLY open to those in the United States and Canada, and use a real email address, as I will contact the winner for their physical mailing address.
To learn more about The Snowman, head to http://www.thesnowmanmovie.com/ or pick up your tickets early via Fandango!
The Snowman hits theaters on Friday, October 20, 2017.
With Thor: Ragnarok coming on November 3rd, Marvel Studios is running on all cylinders. While fans eyes are locked on the May 2018 release of Avengers: Infinity War, there’s another Marvel Studios film on the road to war - Black Panther, and to remind us of how dope it’s going to be, Marvel Studios released a new trailer earlier today.
Directed by Creed’s Ryan Coogler, and featuring Michael B. Jordan as lead villain Erik Killmonger (living up to the family name, I assume), this looks to be an absolute visual stunner.
There are definitely some scenes which surprise - including what appears to be a technicolor dream sequence for T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), but I am loving the vibe and aesthetic of this movie.
In addition to the trailer, Marvel Studios has released what appears to be the final poster for the film, below.
What say you, dear reader? You in? Or is Marvel burning you out?
Black Panther hits theaters on February 14, 2018.
As promised, this evening during halftime on Monday Night Football, the long-awaited trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi has hit television screens and the web at the same time.
We all know that you’re itching to click through to see the latest with our new friends Rey, Finn, Poe and Kylo, so honestly, I could write nothing else, but, bare in mind, director Rian Johnson says that you don’t need to see this one…
…and there are some shots here, which in my eyes, appear to be false indications of certain plot developments.
But that’s me, and what do I know? WATCH IT!
Of course, a trailer is nothing without a poster, and we got one earlier today, so if you missed it - here it is. It’s a nice one! Love the red.
Don’t forget to join the rush to get your tickets, as they’re officially on-sale via Fandango! I am really loving this Star Wars Christmas thing.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits theaters on December 15th, 2017.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle is the pizza buffet of movies.
On paper, it sounds like a great idea - an endless assortment of the things you love! - but in practice, it’s way way too much, leaving a bloated feeling.
Let me back up.
When Kingsman: The Secret Service hit theaters in 2014, it was a breath of fresh air. Director Matthew Vaughn, once again adapting a Mark Millar comic series for the better, took what could’ve been a cheap James Bond riff and made it a brilliant, gloriously immature riff on British class struggle and the tech world. Violent, vulgar, and a little bit crazy, the movie was an R-rated joy.
In the case of this year’s model, however, we’ve gone a bit off the rails.
Following up a year after the original, The Golden Circle finds Eggsy (Taron Egerton) in the swing of things as a Kingsman. Spy by day - with that sweet tailor shop as a cover - while dating the Princess of Sweden by night, he’s settled into a good groove. Unfortunately for him and the Kingsman, however, they’re locked in on by a group called “The Golden Circle".
Lead by a charismatic Martha Stewart-esq drug runner named Poppy (Julianne Moore), the Kingsman are quickly attacked and scattered across the globe. With little to no resources, Eggsy (alongside not-quite-Q, Merlin, played once again with aplomb by Mark Strong) looks to the assistance of the Kingsman’s American “cousins", The Statesman.
The Statesman (seen here with Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, Game of Thrones’ Pedro Pascal, and Halle Berry) are a bunch of cowboys: so the question is - can the classy Kingsman work together with their Whiskey selling brethren to take down the Golden Circle?
It’s a lot to take in - and that’s not even covering subplots such as Eggsy looking to impress his girlfriend’s Royal parents, the return from the dead of Harry (Colin Firth, with a sweet eyepatch), and the lengthy inclusion of Elton John. Yes, really.
Running a far-too-long 2 hours and 21 minutes, there is a lot to enjoy about Kingsman: The Golden Circle, but the film is brought down by trying to do far too much. The action is as arresting and entertaining as ever, with Vaughn’s “Hyper Cam" shooting style showing spy antics in a way not before seen on film, including a wonderful Bond-esq prologue fought in the streets of London. The issue is, however, none of the plotting really sticks. The stakes never seem high enough, the real issue of concern is muddied, the attempt to discuss the “War on Drugs" is half-assed at best, and honestly, the shocks are rather cheap (including a sequence set at Glastonbury which you’ll be amazed a major studio approved).
I can’t say I didn’t have a good time with Kingsman: The Golden Circle - there are countless crowd pleasing moments, Julianne Moore seems to be having the time of her life as a villain, and I really loved the Statesman concept - but it was just too much. I feel like the team working on the film, including regular Vaughn collaborator Jane Goodman, needed someone saying “No" more often than “YES!“.
Would I be into a third Kingsman? Perhaps - but if there is, they need to make like Poppy and grind out the fat.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle is in theaters now.
This is the second part of an ongoing look at MoviePass, a subscription service allowing unlimited access to movie tickets. You can read the first part here.
Last week - a week today, exactly - I signed up for MoviePass, the service that cinephiles all across the US have been losing their mind over.
The idea has been simple, pay $10 a month, get to see unlimited movies (1 every 24 hours) - use an app to reserve your ticket, and pay with a special MoviePass credit card.
But what if that card doesn’t come to you?
That’s the struggle I’m dealing with now.
When I signed up, MoviePass promised 5-7 business days before the card would arrive. No big deal. Or, at least, it wasn’t.
Last night, MoviePass sent its subscribers (myself included) an email, shared below in full (emphasis and bolding, theirs):
In recent weeks, we’ve received hundreds of thousands of emails and tens of thousands of chats through our customer service channels. Though we increased our staff in anticipation of the new plan, the response has been overwhelming. In an effort to address all of your questions, we’ve tripled the size of our team, which is working to respond to everyone as quickly as possible.
Due to heavy traffic, our card processing facility has increased manpower to accommodate the high demand. After hiring more employees and lengthening their service hours, they have drastically increased the number of cards shipped on a weekly basis.
In the hopes of delivering your card as close to your sign-up date as possible, cards are created in batches on a first-come, first-served basis. Recently, the manufacturing queue was shuffled, so some of the cards have been delivered out of order. While we work to ensure that processing is fulfilled according to your registration date, some of our more recent sign-ups may receive their cards before some of our earlier sign-ups. There is currently a 2-3 week delay in card delivery. As an added measure, we’ve opened another fulfillment center that will double our weekly output.
Although you were billed for your first month of service upon registration, your membership does not begin until you receive your card and activate it in the app, and you will not be billed the second installment until a month after activation.
E-Ticketing
If you would like to use the service immediately, feel free to check our app for e-ticketing theaters, which allow you to retrieve your same day ticket, without the MoviePass card. These locations are identified by a red ticket icon next to each theater’s name. Participating theaters are Goodrich Quality Theaters, Studio Movie Grill, and MJR Theatres. Once you reserve your e-ticket at one of these locations, your first month of service will begin regardless of whether you’ve received your card.
For your convenience, we’ve included a few resources that can help you find additional information you may need. The FAQ’s should provide answers to all of your questions and the theater map allows you to search for supported locations in your area. Though several unauthorized sites were created to provide a list of supported theaters, only moviepass.com can provide accurate results.
Thank you for your patience. We’ll continue to send updates on a weekly basis.
Theater Map:Â https://www.moviepass.com/
FAQ’s:Â https://moviepass.zendesk.com/hc/en-us
Thank you,
The MoviePass Team
OK, so it sounds like they are going through the growing pains of any successful company - lots of interest, not enough bodies, and they’re hiring to fix it. And I will say, props to them for not charging us for our second month until our cards are activated.
That said - it does bum me out to see that they clearly did not expect (or plan appropriately) for the influx of customers they now have. They had to know this would increase their numbers, so who dropped the ball? It’s a shame that we subscribers - especially given that the first month is charged upon sign-up - have to deal with the delay and the fallout from their mismanagement.
I remain optimistic on the service as a whole right now, but if you’re considering signing up, you may want to wait a bit.
More updates in 2-3 weeks, it sounds like. Now to pay for my September movie tickets like a chump without a cool unlimited movie subscription.
As anyone who reads this site can easily tell, I love movies. And more than that, I love to see movies in theaters…even if my home viewing experience is pretty darn good.
With that in mind, for the past few years, I’ve been keeping my eyes on a startup called MoviePass. The concept was always pretty simple - pay a flat rate, see a bunch of movies. Sounds cool, right? Who doesn’t like movies? And who doesn’t like saving money?
In the past month, however, they’ve gotten very serious about their business plan, and for the first time ever, I’ve made the jump into being a member. Many people I know are interested in how the experience works out, so in the first of a series of posts here at Blast-O-Rama, I’m going to get into the good, the bad, and the ugly of my experiences with the program, so that you can make better, informed financial decisions as a movie goer.
Founded in 2011, MoviePass is a subscription service which allows you to pay a flat rate for movie tickets. The program has had a number of price options over the years, with multiple ideas, but since August 2017, the idea has been simple - pay $9.95 a month, see unlimited movies in theaters near you.
When you obtain a ticket via MoviePass, the theater is receiving the full value for each ticket. Based on a ticket cost of $11.21 at my local theater, one screening in, they’re losing money on the first ticket, let alone the dozens of other movies I could conceivably see.
So, what’s the gain for MoviePass? MoviePass’s movie ticket service is a loss leader for a data-selling business. They intend to sell the data they learn about their customers (movie going habits and such) to theaters - sort of how Facebook and Google get rich by selling your interests and activities to advertisers.
After signing up, you’ll need to install the MoviePass app on your phone, and wait 5-7 business days for a special MoviePass debit card to be sent to you in the mail.
Once you have your card, you can look up movie times, and provided you’re within 300 feet of the theater, you can reserve a ticket. The full value of that ticket is deposited onto the card, and you pick up your tickets, a’la Fandango, MovieTickets.com, or any other movie ticket pre-paying service.
You can only see 2D, standard screenings of films, and you’re limited to one film every 24 hours. So if you see a movie at 7pm on Tuesday, you can’t go again until 7:01pm on Wednesday.
If you’re looking to do double features, only the first one is on them. If you have any family members, significant others, spouses, etc. who want to do this, they’ll need their own account too.
If you want to see what theaters you can use this in, scroll down to the bottom of the MoviePass.com homepage. Enter your zip code, and you can see where it works. For me, it’s basically every theater in my region, minus a second run theater in the area, weirdly enough.
Well, that’s where things are a bit early for me!
I signed up on MoviePass.com on September 7th, and as of this writing, I do not have my card yet, so I can’t use the service. (Shame, as I would’ve loved to use it for It.)
September is looking like a great month for movies, both big and small, such as Kingsman: The Golden Circle, mother!, American Assassin, The LEGO Ninjago Movie, American Made and more, so I’m hoping to get my money’s worth quickly.
What do you think, dear reader? Is risk/reward enough to sign up? Or is this another dot com with big dreams set to fail? Let’s learn together!
Adapting a novel into a film is a thankless task.
You have to take hundreds - if not thousands - of pages, tear apart the concepts, break it down to its core values, shimmy it into a three act structure, hope it actually works as a film, and even if it does, deal with the response of both the author and their hardcore fans.
Sometimes though, greatness comes from this process, and the 2017 edition of It is one of those fantastic adaptations, which delivers simply because it does not hold the original Stephen King novel as a “holy text", side-steps the classic 1990 television adaptation, and anchors itself instead on an incredible cast.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, let’s break it down real quick - set in the fictional city of Derry, Maine (home to many Stephen King stories), it’s the Summer of 1989, and children are disappearing at a record rate. Seven kids, known as “The Losers", look to find the source of the disappearances, face their fears, and also encounter a very, very creepy clown by the name of Pennywise. Is he connected to the disappearances? (Of course he is.)
When the trailers for this new adaptation hit, the Stranger Things comparisons came early, as it seemed we were dealing with a throwback tale set in an absolutely accurate recreation of the 1980’s era. What’s interesting is instead, how much It is closer to a coming-of-age tale in the vein of Stand By Me, although one with considerably more gore and scares.
Less a horror show than a creepy thriller, which was a true surprise to me, the movie’s heart and soul is its incredible casting. All of “The Losers" are perfect, from the stuttering leader Bill (Midnight Special’s Jaeden Lieberher), smack talking Richie (Stranger Things’ Finn Wolfhard), and hypochondriac Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer). This is going to be one of those movies which we will look back on and be stunned at the immense talent collected under one roof. The true star of the group, however, is Sophia Lillis as Beverly.
The lone girl of the group, Lillis brings a maturity beyond her years to the role, and gives the impression that she will be an actress to watch for years to come. Her work is some of the most complex and emotionally effecting in the film, and I cannot wait to see where she pops up next.
The big question for fans of It going into this new adaptation was clear - how is the new Pennywise? With Tim Curry creating a horrifying icon for decades to come with his performance in the 1990 TV adaptation, Bill Skarsgard had massive shoes to fill (insert clown shoes gag here), but I’m pleased to say he does well - precisely by not imitating Tim Curry. Skarsgard’s Pennywise is animalistic and vicious, tossing away the charisma of Curry and making the role his own.
It is not without its flaws - the first half of the movie, focused on individual vignettes of “The Losers" encountering fears of their own, felt disjointed and slow, but once the team comes together with one goal and one focus, the movie flies, becoming an enjoyable thriller, perfect for the Halloween season on its way.
The best adaptations make a creation their own - I’m pleased to say this edition of It truly did. Fans of King, fans of horror, fans of coming of age films - get ready to break bread and enjoy a night at the movies.
It is in theaters now.
Additional note: In a unique twist for this screening, I actually saw It accompanied by my mother. My mom introduced me to many things growing up - whether the music of Prince and the Talking Heads, countless stand-up comedy specials and Saturday Night Live - but one of the biggest passions she gave to me was that of reading, especially that of the work of Stephen King. It was clear that I had to take her to see this, and I’m pleased to share, for a hardcore King fan, the movie passed with flying colors.
Who says horror can’t bring a family together?
World War II has long been the basis for countless movies in the decades since its ending. A conflict with clear lines of a worldly good battling an unspeakable evil, the struggle has been mined repeatedly through countless films and genres. When word came that director/writer Christopher Nolan (best known for the Dark Knight Trilogy) was going to be taking on the conflict, I met the news with a shrug. Even as a massive fan of his work, I wondered what story remained - and this weekend he has delivered it with Dunkirk, one of the most visceral, intense, and riveting cinematic experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking in.
What makes Dunkirk stand out among countless World War II films is precisely how it is delivered. Focusing on three unique narratives - one in the air, another on land, and another in the sea - the story cuts between three stories, told with little dialogue and a strange chronology. It sounds far more complicated than it is delivered, which is credit to the scripting of Nolan and editing of Lee Smith, Nolan’s longtime collaborator.
Dialogue is muffled, not always easy to hear, and the characters are mere vessels for us to insert ourselves into the action - but is that action which keeps you glued and riveted. Christopher Nolan, along with cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema and another incredible score from Hans Zimmer, shows us the intense cost of war captured and delivered in a way we’ve never seen before. It almost feels like a really dark amusement park ride, as we are witness and first-hand viewer to near unending adversity, explosions, drowning and violence. Yet at the same time there is an incredible pride pulsing through the film, admiring the heroism and bravery of those who fight. The movie never feels jingoistic, nor political, but instead focuses on those who serve their duty - even to their final end.
The cast, in all honesty, feels irrelevant, but includes a mixture of regular Nolan collaborators (Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy), admired actors (Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance), and newcomers (Fionn Whitehead, and ex-One Direction member Harry Styles, in a surprisingly not distracting appearance). They perform their roles well, none overacting or having a “tour de force", but in effect landing the plane of the entrancing action and large scale set pieces which fill Dunkirk’s lean 106 minute runtime. If anything, the focus on emotional spectacle rather than emotional performance allows Nolan’s best abilities to shine through here.
One of the most captivating moviegoing experiences I’ve been able to experience, I recommend seeing Dunkirk on the largest screen and the loudest sound which you can. My local theater offered 70mm, but if your options include IMAX or similar, I do recommend it. It’s an adventure for the eyes and ears, and a war film you will not soon forget.
Dunkirk is in theaters now.
One of my earliest memories in life is reading Web of Spider-Man #3, a dog-eared copy missing a cover, but a book filled with art of a hero with an unforgettable costume. I recall so vividly my mom bringing me home a copy of the Todd McFarlane-drawn Spider-Man #1 from the newsstand. Even though I was 5, maybe 6, I poured over every page, loving the insane webs and crazy body physics.
As I grew older, Spider-Man became my personal hero - someone trying to do the right thing, someone overcoming their own internal struggles and anxiety, and under the right guise, laughing it all away and achieving greatness.
It’s fair to say then, that I was absolutely blown away in 2002, as I graduated high school, my life long inspiration “graduated" to the big-screen, as Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man brought my hero to cinematic life and redefined movie going as we know it.
I write now as a 32 year old man. My heroes are on the screen every few months. The impossible became possible - the universes I read in 4-color panels are broadcast around the world on giant screens, rewatched on televisions and mobile devices. The nerds won.
With all of that, it would be completely understood were I underwhelmed by Spider-Man: Homecoming.
It’s the third version of the character in ten years. The sixth Spider-Man film overall. The sixteenth Marvel Cinematic Universe title.
Yet, here I am to tell you that director Jon Watts (Cop Car) has delivered not only the greatest Spider-Man movie to date, but also possibly the greatest superhero movie, period.
Introduced in last year’s Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man: Homecoming continues the tale of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker, a high-school sophomore with brilliant intellect, an aunt who worries about him (and raises him on her own), and his version of Spider-Man is a YouTube sensation for his acts of heroism in the Queens, NY region. The classic origin story is eschewed, picking up - literally - where we last saw him, with a video diary describing his involvement in the Steve/Tony war of last year. He’s now outfitted with a really cool suit (via Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark), a handler who mostly ignores him (Jon Favreau returning as Happy Hogan), and balances local heroics (cover story: “Stark Internship") with a stacked school schedule including the Academic Decathlon.
What makes the movie so clever is that the film delivers big by keeping the focus small. It’s been said that the Marvel Studios creative team wanted to make a movie which was as much The Breakfast Club as it was the latest superhero romp, and they delivered. The joy of the film isn’t always in the flashy super heroics (of which there is many), but in the full Peter Parker experience. His crush on senior class member Liz (Laura Harrier), his nerdy best pal Ned (Jacob Batalon), the sarcastic and surreal Michelle (Zendaya) - even the new school version of bully Flash Thompson (Tony Revolori) stands out here. We get a feel of what is life is, day to day - we even see him visit his bodega. For the first time on screen, the movie has as much a realized version of the kid behind the mask as it does the hero who shows up to save the day.
Thankfully, this is met with arguably the best on-screen villain for Spider-Man yet, Michael Keaton as the Vulture. Save your Birdman or Batman vs. Spider-Man jokes for another day, as Keaton puts in great work justifying why exactly his character becomes the force of crime which he does - which also has a convenient and smart tie to the MCU as a whole. There’s an incredible scene with his character and Tom Holland which I won’t dare spoil, but it’s one of the smartest, most clever versions of a hero/villain clash I’ve seen, and it ties perfectly into the greater whole of the film.
Some may have been concerned about the ties of Tony Stark to the film, along with any other MCU inclusions, but I’m glad to say that they are if anything, minor, and serve to help the plot moving forward. This is a Spider-Man movie, not the Iron Man and his Spider Pal movie which the marketing has driven home, and it’s all the better for it.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is a full-on crowd pleaser. The jokes are real and earned (not the standard MCU quips for days feel, as it’s more character moments than witty repartee), the action is brilliantly laid out and shot, and the set pieces grow in scope as the vision of the movie widens. Special props to the CG team here as well, for adding little “struggles" to the Spider-Man swinging and landing animations, as they help grow the vision of a newer, wet-behind-the-ears hero.
If you loved Tom Holland’s appearance in Civil War last year, good news - he lives and breathes the role. The best Peter, the best Spider-Man yet, hands down, coming after actors who seemed to excel as one or the other, but never both. I can’t wait to see him continue to play off of the rest of the universe, but more importantly, after this movie, I want him to have his own solo adventures for as long as he can.
Wrapped by a wonderful Michael Giacchino score, and some solid needle drops (whoever picked Spoon’s “The Underdog" is my new hero), there is not an inch of this movie which doesn’t deliver. I could not be more overjoyed about what Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios, along with Jon Watts, the writing team of Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley, and the brilliant cast have given us.
This one is for the little dude inside me who still is in awe in superheroes, and the grown man who loves great blockbuster filmmaking. Spider-Man: Homecoming is one of the greats. Period. Am I biased? Absolutely. But was I overjoyed? Hell yes.
Spider-Man: Homecoming is in theaters now.
Tell me if you’ve had this moment. You’re out driving. Your iPod, your smartphone, your CD player, or the radio hits the right song at the right time. You turn up the music, and life just syncs up. You hit the gas on the highs, the lights on the lows, and it all matches up. You feel like you’re in an idealized dream state. The soundtrack of your life rings in your ears.
What if that were an entire movie? That’s the ask, answered perfectly by director/writer Edgar Wright’s latest film, Baby Driver.
The story of the movie is one you’ve heard before, sure - our lead, Baby (Ansel Elgort) is a getaway driver for a local crime lord (Kevin Spacey). He’s got a crush - the local diner waitress (Lily James), and he’s got “one last job" to complete, and then he’s out.
We’ve seen this many many times before - Ben Affleck took it to the Oscars with The Town, heck, it’s even the story of Drive. But you’ve never seen it delivered to you like this. With Baby Driver, it’s not a newness of the message, it’s the inventiveness of the method.
With his filmography so far, Edgar Wright has shown a keen eye for visual trickery and unforgettable soundtracks. From the chill British vibes of Shaun of the Dead to the brilliant montages of Hot Fuzz to the indie-rock video game heavy Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and the throwback sounds of The World’s End, Wright has always melded visual storytelling with an audio component, but he has completed his masterwork with Baby Driver. It’s a musical, but no one’s singing - instead every tire squeal, every windshield wipe, every gun blast, it matches (or mixes perfectly) with one incredible mixtape. It’s explained away as the only way our hero can deal with his terrible tinnitus, playing music through his iPod’s earbuds (continuing the killer Summer MP3 players have had on the big screen), making him a better driver and getting away like no one else.
The result is one of the most unique, energetic, unforgettable and completely captivating films on the big screen in years. Wright says to see it big and loud, and I cannot agree more. Every single frame of the film’s 113 minute running time is meticulously considered and beautifully played out. As usual, there are easter eggs, visual gags and brilliant logic circles to reveal themselves to you on multiple watches. This is simply why I love movies in a pure, uncut form.
The performances equally match the brilliance behind the camera and on the page. Elgort plays a perfect Baby (his babyface working for him, not against him here). His romance with Lily James’ Debora is simple and sweet, and they are surrounded by a murderers row of scenery chewing criminal performances from the aforementioned Spacey, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, and a far-too-short appearance from Jon Bernthal, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors.
I could gush about this movie for hours, for thousands of words, for many many years to come, but all I can say is this - you need to see it. See it in the theaters. Find the best screen, the best sound, and strap in. And then go buy the soundtrack or start blasting it on your smartphone. Edgar Wright made us the mixtape of the year, and the best way to check it out is on the silver screen.
Highest possible recommendation.
Baby Driver is in theaters now.
First, in 1938, there was a Superman. Then, a year later, in 1939, came a Batman. And two whole years later, in 1941, came a Wonder Woman.
DC Comics calls them their “Trinity": the three holy archetypes of superheroes. Every hero since - whether from DC Comics, Marvel Comics, or countless others - has walked in their footsteps, yet - it took 76 years for the third to finally hit the big screen.
This past weekend, Wonder Woman finally hit cinemas. It’s been a long journey from the two-dimensional comic pages to the multiplex. Sure, there was the beloved 1970’s Linda Carter lead show, and yes, the Justice League cartoons, but it wasn’t until last year’s mostly maligned Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice that we finally got to see Diana, Princess of Themyscira in her full, widescreen glory. Portrayed by Fast and Furious’s Gal Gadot, she was easily the best thing in the film. And I’m happy to say that in this, the fourth film of the DC Comics Extended Universe, her first solo film, Warner Bros. finally got the superhero movie magic right.
Building off of the photo seen briefly in Batman v Superman, Wonder Woman is a period piece. Set in the era of World War I (a nice change from all the World War II movies we get), we see Diana growing up as an Amazon warrior on Themyscira, trained in secret by her aunt Antiope (Robin Wright), much to the chagrin of her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen).
Diana is proving herself quite capable as a warrior, showing an adeptness at both hand to hand combat and weaponry, when sure enough, the World War makes its way to the hidden island’s door, in the form of castaway Steve Trevor (Chris Pine).
Trevor is a US operative acting for British intelligence, his plane shot down by the Germans due to his stealing of specific intel - rescued by Diana, he is pursued by the Germans, and in this moment, Diana seizes her destiny. She must join the fight, she must stop the war, and she must fulfill the Amazon’s destiny of stopping the God of War himself, Ares.
The movie which follows is a tremendous ride - from the fish-out-of-water scenes (a’la Thor) which allow Gadot and Pine to build tremendous chemistry, to the beautiful action (including a blood-pumping sequence in No Man’s Land, Wonder Woman’s true coming out party), this is a pitch perfect superhero romp for the Summer.
Gal Gadot absolutely shines as Wonder Woman. Her charisma and enthusiasm shown in Batman v Superman are met with a full character performance here, Diana’s love and honor a driving force, causing for probably the most positive and inspiring hero in a superhero film (certainly a DC Comics one!) this side of Chris Evans’ Captain America. Why wasn’t Henry Cavill’s Superman this inspiring? Chris Pine as Steve Trevor is perfect - probably the first truly well-rounded love interest of any superhero film - and he reminds us why we all loved him as Kirk, bringing the same level of awkward charisma which won us over back in 2009. They’re matched by a great supporting cast, including the scene stealing Etta Candy (Lucy Davis), and Trevor’s pack of mercenaries (SaÁ¯d Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, and Eugene Brave Rock as Sameer, Charlie and Chief, respectively.)
Wonder Woman succeeds perfectly as a great superhero film in a time of great superhero films (even if I have some quibbles with the third act), and from the perspective of me - a thirty-something middle-class white male - it’s a positive sign because it means that DC Comics movies can finally stand toe-to-toe with Marvel, and Hey! Justice League could be good!
But I recognize that for others, Wonder Woman means even more:
For these people, Wonder Woman isn’t just a “fun movie" - it’s a big step forward. And really - if what is a fun time at the movies for me can mean all of those things as well, goddamnit - Wonder Woman is even better for it.
Go see it. Bring those you love. You’ll have a blast. Promise.
Wonder Woman is in theaters now.
Back in 2012, Ridley Scott returned to the world he created in 1979’s Alien with the wildly divisive Prometheus, a prequel of sorts, focusing on an ill-fated journey into a planet to discover, essentially, the beginning of life.
It had its good parts (Michael Fassbender as the android David, that creepy-cool self-surgery sequence), its bad parts (Charlize Theron’s daddy issues, a stupid crew), but unlike most, I enjoyed it…even if its connective tissue to Alien was flimsy at best, and it was kind of a beautifully shot yet incredibly dumb sci-fi thriller.
Spurred by Prometheus’ relative success, and undoubtably because Hollywood LOVES cinematic universes, the 79-year-old Ridley Scott is back in the saddle again of a proper Alien movie - Alien: Covenant.
Taking place 10 years after Prometheus, Covenant attempts to bridge the gap between the Prometheus era and the Alien era with decidedly mixed results.
Yet another ill-fated Weyland Yutani ship (how is this company still standing?) is off to an important space expedition. In this instance, it’s a colony of 2000, with 1500 embryos, 15 or so crew members, and 1 android (Michael Fassbender as an upgraded version of David, named Walter) in search of a planet to colonize and continue the human race. One solar flare later, and the crew members are awoken early, and find a mysterious signal on a planet - a planet just as inhabitable, just as worthy of human life, and sure enough, closer to them as their original destination.
As I’m sure you’re already predicting, this planet is filled with the titular Aliens - or Xenomorphs, as the hardcore fans know them. The movie quickly shifts from quiet sci-fi journey to creature feature once they hit the planet (which is hiding a dark mystery among it’s inhabitants, of course) and unfortunately, the urge for gore and violence takes away any instance of getting to know the cast. It’s a shame, as the actors feel pretty game - Danny McBride as a spaceship pilot is inspired casting, Katherine Waterston seems ready (if miscast) to be the new-age Ripley, Billy Crudup as a Captain with a strong holy faith - but instead, the blood must flow.
Much like Prometheus, the visuals are gorgeous (thanks to cinematographer Dariusz Wolski), the score is pretty solid (Jed Kurzel), but there is a strong emptiness for the movies 123 minute runtime. For every inspired moment (like the intense gore of the Xenomorph birthing scenes, or a Xenomorph POV shot), there are many sequences which just follow aimless thriller beats.
I guess what I’m saying is this - for a take on the Alien franchise that seems so focused on the question of “How", whether it’s “How did mankind come to be?“ or “How did the Xenomorphs from Alien get started?“, we’re now left asking a bigger question - “Why?“ Like “why did we need these details?“ or “why did this movie get made?“
I really wanted to like Alien: Covenant. Instead, now, just hours after leaving the theater, I’m struggling to remember the majority of it. I think it’s time to let this franchise be.
Alien: Covenant is in theaters now.
Have you ever felt like you might be completely insane?
Because that’s how I’m feeling about King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
Looking across the Internet, the word on this movie is pretty much very not good. A Metacritic score of 41. A Rotten Tomatoes score of a VERY rotten 27%.
I guess I’m part of the 27%, then?
For reasons unknown to many, including myself, this movie was seen as the beginning of a SIX MOVIE saga. Weird, right? I think it’s a given that won’t be happening, but what I can appreciate is the surreal, stylish and completely ridiculous movie we did get.
Taking the Arthurian legend and turning it on its head, director Guy Richie takes every ounce of overwhelming style and fast-cutting insanity he’s able to muster and throws it at the screen.
Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam is Arthur for this latest remake, and his version is a bit different. He’s street-wise, he wears fur coats, he’s got a sweet beard. Thankfully, he doesn’t have Hunnam’s terrible American accent holding him back.
His father killed before him, Arthur does not realize or achieve his true destiny until he pulls the fabled Excalibur from the stone (I’m realizing now that I don’t entirely recall if the sword is called such by name, but I digress) - and it turns out that very sword allows him to go all Super Saiyan, which perturbs the current king - a scenery chewing, monologuing-like-his-life-depended-on-it Jude Law.
You know where this is going - Arthur lives up to his name and restores order and justice. What you don’t know is how it gets there - which is through the magic of countless montages, witty and silly dialogue, and a pretty great score by Daniel Pemberton. (Seriously, check out his theme for the movie.)
I’m pretty sure that this movie undertook many many edits, as King Jude Law (yeah, he had a name, but who cares) clearly goes through a number of variants of his evil plan, and I think his daughter was meant to be more important than she was, and I’m not sure, but I think Merlin is female in this one (but it’s not made clear), but despite all of that confusion - the style of it all charms.
I admit - I’m totally in the bag for Guy Richie. I loved Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, I still enjoy his Sherlock Holmes movies, even if Sherlock did a better modern version, and I swear that too many of you slept on The Man from UNCLE. That said, this is King Arthur viewed through the prism of too many video games - in all the best and worst ways.
Yeah, it’s grimy, yeah, it’s not terribly colorful, but if you dug God of War or Shadows of Mordor, you’ll probably enjoy the hell out of this.
It sounds like faint praise, but were I 13, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword would be my favorite movie. As it stands, I’m nearly 20 years older, and I still had a lot of fun.
Catch it on a matinee or VOD, check your brain, and enjoy the sheer audacity of it all - I’m sure there will be a cult of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword one day.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is in theaters now.
Way, way, back in the year 2014, everyone - including the nerdiest of nerds - thought that Marvel Studios was going to make its biggest mistake yet.
Riding high on an incredible run which peaked with the first team-up of The Avengers, Marvel was invincible. Nothing could stop them.
Nothing, we thought, except making a movie out of arguably their most obscure team of heroes.
Obscurity instead seemed to be the name of the game, as Guardians of the Galaxy succeeded by building upon the lack of expectations, tossing away notions of what came before to put together a crazy, hilarious, 70’s rock-fueled sci-fi romp starring a sitcom supporting cast member, an angry green female warrior, an overly serious ex-pro wrestler, a CGI raccoon and a tree.
Hundreds of millions of dollars later, the sequel, the appropriately titled Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 has hit theaters, this time facing their biggest enemy yet…expectations. You can barely move an inch without being bombarded by some sort of Guardians-branded merchandise, and the world is expecting another triumph from writer-director James Gunn.
Folks, I have good news. Gunn has delivered, even if he’s going to shun some of you away with this new installment of the saga.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is what it says in the title. More. More needle drops, more Rocket, more Groot, more Star-Lord, more Gamora, even more Nebula and the Ravagers. Just more, more, more, more, more.
The plot, as it is laid out, is pretty simple. Set just months after the first movie, the Guardians are doing a mission for the Sovereigns, a gold-skinned race of genetically superior beings. Rocket decides to pull a fast one on them, and while completing their contracted upon mission, steals some of the Sovereigns all important, super valuable batteries. This causes the Sovereigns to chase the Guardians into space, into an incredible chase sequence - one, which they just barely escape thanks to a mysterious man in a mysterious ship.
Who is that man? Kurt Russell!
OK, he’s a Celestial (read: immortal God) named Ego, but he’s Kurt freaking Russell.
Turns out that Ego - and his assistant, an antenna’d alien named Mantis (Pom Klementieff, seemingly channeling Bjork) - have been searching for the Guardians. Why? Star-Lord is his son.
And that’s what allows Guardians Vol. 2 to channel the heart of the first, while allowing itself to get absolutely weird in the second. What made Guardians of the Galaxy tick was the universal idea that one’s family isn’t necessarily those of blood relation, but by those who rise to the occasion and support you in your time of need. James Gunn uses this sci-fi canvas to explore all sorts of matters of family - from absentee fathers, to the divide of siblings - but somehow makes it all work alongside awe-inspiring technicolor visuals, hilarious and brilliant action sequences, and a lovely soundtrack.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how much some of the elements of the movie cut a little close to home, and some of the needle-drops were touched with personal memories - but when push comes to shove, that’s really what a good mix tape is all about, right? Grab a bunch of things you love, put them together for an audience with an open mind and open ears, and let them feel the emotions and journey you wish to set them upon.
James Gunn has prepared another volume of Guardians for us all to enjoy, and while not every track will work for everyone here - it’s a hell of a journey to be on.
I absolutely loved this, and I can’t wait for Vol. 3. Highly recommended.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is in theaters now.
While the “event" movie season has grown to encompass the entire year (see Star Wars and Harry Potter dominating the Christmas season, and Logan and Deadpool showing that February can be great times for superhero films), there is no period of the year quite like the Summer.
The temperatures are high, the theaters are cool, and there are a ton of great movies with which to kick back, enjoy the air conditioning and an iced soda, and be transported away via the silver screen.
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 kicking things off this week (although some would argue The Fate of the Furious was the unofficial start of the season), I figured it was the perfect time to take a look at the Summer as a whole and start plotting out my weeks ahead.
I’m anticipating each one of these movies, and I recognize - this isn’t all encompassing, but that’s not what this is about. This is about the movies I’m gonna be making sure I catch in theaters.
I’ve linked to trailers where possible, so that you may get a taste of the movies, and written some brief thoughts on each flick.
All release dates are updated and correct as of the time of publication, on April 30th, 2017. All dates come from the 2017 in Film page on Wikipedia.
May 5
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
When Guardians of the Galaxy hit theaters in Summer 2014, we were all blown away by how deftly writer/director James Gunn took a mix of some of Marvel’s most obscure and underlined heroes and turned it into (arguably) the best film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe thus far. Three years later, the stakes are much higher, as the sequel gets to open up the Summer movie season. Thankfully, if the trailers have been any indication, Vol. 2 gets things right by focusing on the fractured family at the core of its story…plus some incredible needle drops from classic rock songs both beloved and obscure. Hopes are high for this one, but I think they’ll be delivered upon.
May 12
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
I might be alone on this, but I’m - to this day - still a big Guy Richie fan. He has definitely lost some fans from his Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels era, but I still love his movies - even the Sherlock Holmes movies. His interpretation of King Arthur looks like big, dumb fun, and I feel like this is going to be a movie - like say, Speed Racer - that will have a level of style over substance that will gain a cult following for some time to come.
May 19
Alien: Convenant
While many had issues with Prometheus, I loved it, and the idea of a proper Alien sequel which builds off of its foundation and adds both Danny McBride as a cowboy hat wearing spaceship pilot and Katherine Waterston as an ersatz Ripley is very inviting. As one would expect from a Ridley Scott film, the footage so far promises a visual stunner, if nothing else, but I feel like this will be a wild and weird creature feature.
May 26
Baywatch
Many movies have tried to follow in the footsteps of the 21 Jump Street franchise and failed. (Looking at you, CHIPS.) But this Dwayne Johnson-starring take on the classic beach-based David Hasselhoff series seems to have learned all the right lessons. Add the fact that Zac Efron’s work in the Neighbors franchise made him a secret comedy weapon, and chances are, this will be the Summer comedy to deliver.
June 2
Wonder Woman
Thus far, the DC Extended Universe hasn’t really quite delivered the way that the fans, and the studio, would like. Yes, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad made far more money than I ever would, but let’s be honest - it’s not Marvel money, yet. The Patty Jenkins-directed solo debut for Wonder Woman is looking pretty great thus far, and while I’m not one of the folks handwringing about how much marketing has happened so far (they probably want Guardians of the Galaxy out of the way first), I do wonder if the reception of the first two films has people already counting this one out. I think it looks pretty good, and Gadot has been the highlight of the universe so far, so my hopes are high.
June 9
The Mummy
Sometimes, during the Summer, you want big, dumb fun. I think that The Mummy is going to be one such film. Hilariously edited trailer aside, with Tom Cruise in the lead, this movie looks to be Monster: Impossible. I just hope that they don’t try to jam in too much universe building.
June 23
The Big Sick
Sadly no trailer for this one yet, but the adaptation of the real life love story of Emily V. Gordon (The Meltdown) and Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) won the hearts of Sundance and SXSW alike, and I can’t wait to see this hit the screen. Funny, heartwarming, romantic - this is the date movie to beat this Summer.
June 30
Baby Driver (June 28)
While the world never got to see the culmination of an Edgar Wright-directed Ant-Man movie, it sure feels like we’re about to get the next best thing - a brand new, original motion picture from the insane and kinetic mind of Wright, hands down my favorite director working today. A music driven blast of car racing action, this is my most anticipated movie of the Summer.
July 7
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Last Summer, audiences worldwide were charmed by the debut of Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War. This July, he gets his first solo outing as a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and as the trailers have proven, everything we like about the MCU is here: awesome casting, a great adaptation mixing elements of all the different versions of the character over the years, and a true sense of heart. I am very very excited for this one.
July 14
War for the Planet of the Apes
Who would’ve thought how absolutely great the relaunched Planet of the Apes series would be? Taking a series that was, at best known as 70’s sci-fi schlock, and at worst remembered by the awful Tim Burton remake, and turning into intelligent, affecting sci-fi has been an incredible move to see happen, and War will end the trilogy with the same level of seriousness and pathos that the series has held so far. This is a dark horse candidate for best movie of the Summer.
July 21
Dunkirk
Christopher Nolan has delivered countless great movies over the years: the Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Interstellar…and it’s on that track record that I am blindly trusting what feels like a pretty on-the-nose World War II film? I’m hoping that Nolan brings something truly awe-inspiring to the proceedings, especially given how much of it was filmed in IMAX. Fingers are crossed.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
It’s been a very very long time since Luc Besson gave us the sci-fi fantasy of The Fifth Element, but he’s back at it with the graphic novel adaptation Valerian. The visuals for this film look absolutely breathtaking, but given Cara Delevingne’s performance in Suicide Squad, I hope you can be OK with me assuming that while the visuals will be sumptuous, the story and performances may leave something to be desired.
July 28
Atomic Blonde
Lady John Wick is an easy layup to get me in the theaters. Thankfully, this movie seems to have something backing up its claims - and it’s not just the shared director. Atomic Blonde looks to be an awesome spy thriller with incredibly intense action, and Charlize Theron is fulfilling the destiny laid before her when she became etched into cult canon as Furiosa - she’s kicking ass, taking names, and looking awesome while doing it.
August 4
The Dark Tower
While I have no idea what is taking the trailer so long, this long-in-development Stephen King adaptation has all the right moves going for it on the casting side of things, so I’m there day one. I just hope they decide to, y’know, market it to people. And soon.
Detroit
Director Kathryn Bigelow has a hell of a track record, including the Oscar nominated Zero Dark Thirty and The Hurt Locker. Her next movie, taking on the 1960’s Detroit riots, looks to be just as intense, eye-opening, and impossible to ignore as those films. If you haven’t seen the trailer yet, watch it now - you’ll be hooked.
August 18
Logan Lucky
Steven Soderbergh is back, with a movie he’s describing as “an anti-glam version of an Ocean’s movie“. Pretty perfect for the guy who gave us the Ocean’s trilogy in the first place, right? The cast is incredible (Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, Channing Tatum), the idea is sound. I’m there to wrap up my Summer.
That’s my list. Pretty good, right? I’m sure I might see some other movies this Summer, but these are the ones I am moving heaven and Earth for.
What are you looking forward to this Summer? Sound off in the comments.
Sometimes the best movies can come from the simplest of ideas.
Free Fire is one such movie.
It’s a late night in the 1970’s. Two IRA members, Chris (Cillian Murphy) and Frank (Michael Smiley) are looking to buy guns. They have two helpers, Stevo (Sam Riley) and Bernie (Enzo Cilenti). The deal is being worked through an intermediary - Ord (Armie Hammer), who was connected to the IRA members by Justine (Brie Larson).
The salesman? A quirky South African, Vernon (Sharlto Copley), accompanied by his ex-Black Panther assistant Martin (Babou Ceesay), and their associates Harry (Jack Reynor) and Gordon (Noah Taylor).
The guns aren’t exactly what the Irishmen asked for.
The money is high.
The tension is high.
And like so, a 90 minute standoff begins.
Director Ben Wheatley (High Rise) has put together an awesome, ultra violent pot boiler here, combining wonderfully shot action with an absolute murderer’s row of character actors.
Every character gets a great moment to shine, and the violence, while brutal, remains silly and almost slap-sticky. Sort of Tarantino’s Looney Tunes here, or a version of The Hateful Eight if it skipped to the violence and was set in the 1970’s. To share more would be to head into spoiler territory, so I’m keeping my review, like the movie, appropriately space.
There’s not a lot of substance to the movie - it does what it says on the tin - but what is there is incredibly enjoyable and will ensure that Free Fire is a cult classic for sometime to come. Hopefully, this replaces The Boondocks Saints on the “freshman year of college" movie shelf, as it has such wonderful accessibility and hilarious moments. Very much recommended.
Free Fire is in theaters now.
The long-awaited first look at the sequel to 2015’s Kingsman: The Secret Service has finally arrived.
Following a clever trailer tease (seriously, the only good trailer-for-a-trailer I’ve ever seen), this trailer gives us a glimpse at the latest adventure of newly minted Kingsman Eggsy (Taron Egerton) as he heads to the states, and encounters the American version of Kingsman - the Statesman, including a rowdy cowboy named Tequila (Channing Tatum), and also grabs the eye of this installment’s villain, Poppy (Julianne Moore), a member of the titular “Golden Circle".
Director Matthew Vaughn returns for this installment, and his sense of style and adventure is back with him, and that bodes well, given that Vaughn doesn’t normally do sequels…to the detriment of the Kick-Ass franchise.
KIngsman: The Secret Service was a gloriously gleeful and gory surprise, and if this trailer is any indication, Kingsman: The Golden Circle will continue on in its footsteps.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle hits theaters on September 22, 2017.
One of the most interesting things about genre films is how well the genre can be used as a metaphor for a real life issue. But what if one could use genre to literally explore a real-life issue?
That’s where Nacho Vigalondo’s latest film, Colossal comes in.
Anne Hathaway stars as Gloria, an unemployed New York City-based writer. After spending one too many nights partying hard and drinking harder, her boyfriend Tim (Legion’s Dan Stevens) dumps her, sending her back to her hometown.
While in her hometown, she reconnects with a childhood friend, a local bartender named Oscar (Jason Sudeikis), and also discovers that, well, when she’s drunk, she seems to control a giant monster who has been terrorizing Seoul, South Korea.
Yep! That’s the type of movie we’re in for here, folks! Strap in!
Yes, the alcoholism-as-real-monster idea isn’t the cleverest of takes, but it’s met with gusto by Vigalondo and his very very game cast, including Hathaway proving - much as she did in Rachel Getting Married - that her strongest work comes as a screw-up, and Jason Sudeikis seeing his “affable asshole" role to it’s strongest extreme yet.
The movie is an enjoyable watch, and truly seems to have fun with its genre trappings, but the biggest issue with Colossal is it’s a fun idea that would’ve best been explored as a short, not as much as the lengthy dark comedy that the movie results in. Great performances only go so far when the story itself feels a bit threadbare and loose.
For fans of the kaiju genre, this is a great mash-up of tastes, but for all others, you may find yourself checking your watch. I recommend making this a VOD rental.
Colossal is in theaters now.
Want to hear me discuss the Fast and Furious franchise with the Super Art Fight crew? Check out this podcast episode!
Since 2001, the Fast & Furious franchise has been a reliable mixture of fast cars, strong brotherhood, and insane action. That said, since the fifth installment - the appropriately titled Fast Five - the movie has taken a hard pivot from the worlds of racing and street-level crime to James Bond-esq international intrigue and Avengers-like super heroics.
Furious 7 closed a chapter, with the real-life passing of prominent co-star Paul Walker (and his character Brian being given a proper send-off) and now, the shift to massive blockbuster entertainment is complete with the ridiculous and insane The Fate of the Furious.
Starting in Cuba, the story picks up with Dom (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) finally living out their long awaited honeymoon. One thrilling street racing set piece later - where Dom has to race to save the neck of his cousin, because family - Dom finds himself confronted by dreadlocked hacker Cipher (Charlize Theron). Cipher has something important on Dom. What exactly? We, the audience, aren’t sure, but it’s enough for Cipher to make Dom turn against his wife, and his entire makeshift family.
That’s right, harkening back to the original The Fast & The Furious, Dom is the big bad in this one, and they’re pulling out all the stops.
Our team of racing/hacking/stealing/good doing heroes is back together, including Roman (Tyrese Gibson), hacker Tej (Ludacris), super agent Hobbs (Dwayne “The Rock" Johnson), and Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel).
They’re of course backed by the enigmatic Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell), returning from Furious 7…albeit now supported by a weird, dull young agent played by Scott Eastwood, Hollywood’s latest attempt to make fetch happen.
The twist? To take down Dom, they now need to work with Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), the big bad of the last film - someone outside of the family, leading to all sorts of tension and mistrust.
For fans of the franchise, this is the silly melodrama we’ve come to love, the twists and turns of a soap opera, but kept afloat by incredible action.
Thankfully, the action holds true to the Fast & Furious legacy, with no less than 4 major set-pieces, including the aforementioned Cuba race, an incredible “zombie cars" sequence, an unforgettable action sequence with Jason Statham on a plane, and a stunning finale involving ice and a goddamned nuclear submarine.  While we’ve got a proper G.I. Joe in the cast, this is seriously the closest Hollywood has come to a full-on M.A.S.K. film, and it’s an absolute blast.
The bar has been raised high for the on-screen chaos, but what keeps the movie from reaching the heights of prior installments is the lack of growth for the whole cast of characters.
In this day and age of cinematic universes, there seems to be a focus on giving all of the characters a moment to shine and a reason to be involved - the story here, while providing some beautiful action, executed wonderfully by director F. Gary Gray, seems to leave me wanting for new plot lines for anyone not named Dom, Hobbs or Shaw. Scott Eastwood’s addition is an absolute zero, shy of giving Roman someone to dunk on (extra points if you can remember the character’s name), but the biggest missed opportunity is Charlize Theron’s Cipher.
The Fast & Furious franchise has had villains which, while not necessarily memorable, have been if anything, threatening. The idea of Furiosa appearing in a Fast movie seems like an obvious layup, but instead, she’s mostly left to yelling at people to hack things faster. Sure, on paper, her achievements are greater than any other villain within the franchise, but there definitely seems to be something missed here.
Any way you slice it, even with these issues, The Fate of the Furious is a great time, especially for long-time fans. There are countless callbacks to the history of the franchise, and the stunts rarely let up. Check your brain at the door, strap in, see this movie big and loud, and get ready for a blast.
If you dig the franchise already - you’re going to love every minute of it. For the newbies…maybe watch 5-7 first.
The Fate of the Furious is in theaters now.
The wait has ended. The countdown has officially begun.
We now have our first look at the eighth film of the Star Wars Saga, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Premiered today as expected at Star Wars Celebration 2017 in Orlando, Florida, you could practically hear the Internet explode as the trailer hit YouTube as it was being streamed live at the convention.
Following up from 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the film - written and directed by Looper’s Rian Johnson - picks up directly where we left of with Rey (Daisy Ridley) meeting the legendary Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Also starring John Boyega (returning as Finn) and Oscar Issac (as everyone’s favorite space boyfriend, X-Wing pilot Poe Dameron), the excitement begins a new as the focus shifts more to our new generation of characters, and the original series starts to fade into the back.
We also received a gorgeous new poster, below.
So, what do you think of the trailer? Let’s be honest - we were all in for a ticket from the minute the credits rolled on The Force Awakens, but now we have even MORE to speculate about.
If you wish to view the full The Last Jedi panel from this morning, you can check out the archived stream here.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in theaters on December 15, 2017.
Without so much as a teaser trailer for the teaser trailer, the first trailer for Marvel Studios’ fall release, Thor: Ragnarok has hit the web…and it’s pretty damn great!
Directed by What We Do In the Shadows’ Taika Waititi, this looks to be an absolutely weird, wild and importantly Fun (with a capital F!) installment in the Thor franchise, which frankly, has been one of the lower-tier Marvel franchises so far.
Taking notes from Planet Hulk, our thunder god looks to be sent to another planet to battle the afformentioned Incredible Green Guy, thanks to his new baddie, Cate Blanchett looking great as Hela.
BRING ON THIS MOVIE!
Thor: Ragnarok hits theaters on November 3, 2017.
Earlier this month, Disney/Pixar gave us the first glimpse at their Fall release, the long-awaited Coco, their film focusing on latino culture and the Day of the Dead holiday.
I enjoyed the first trailer, even if I felt it was a bit slight, and it’s clear Disney knew that they needed to up the awareness and charm…so in turn, we’ve got a brief, brand-new short called Dante’s Lunch, starring Dante, the Mexican hairless dog appearing in Coco this November.
Enjoy!
Coco hits theaters on November 22, 2017.
What was the last great Stephen King movie adaptation?
The Mist? The Green Mile?
Whatever your favorite, if you’re a Stephen King fan, the television miniseries adaptation of It, complete with Tim Curry as the clown Pennywise probably looms strong in your head (filled with fear) and your heart (filled with fondness).
In turn, you’ve probably been pretty worried about the movie adaptation of the book.
We already know that one major plot element will not be included here - I’ll avoid mentioning it due to major spoilers - but with the official trailer released today, I have some very high hopes for the AndrÁ©s Muschietti (Mama)-directed take.
Check it out:
Yeah. That looks really creepy and crazy and good, right? And it also scratches those good-good retro-horror vibes which Stranger Things did for us last Summer, yeah?
From the press release:
When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of young kids are faced with their biggest fears when they square off against an evil clown named Pennywise, whose history of murder and violence dates back for centuries.
“IT" stars Bill SkarsgÁ¥rd (“Allegiant,“ TV’s “Hemlock Grove") as the story’s central villain, Pennywise. An ensemble of young actors also star in the film, including Jaeden Lieberher (“Midnight Special"), Jeremy Ray Taylor (“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip"), Sophia Lillis (“37"), Finn Wolfhard (TV’s “Stranger Things"), Wyatt Oleff (“Guardians of the Galaxy"), Chosen Jacobs (upcoming “Cops and Robbers"), Jack Dylan Grazer (“Tales of Halloween") and Nicholas Hamilton (“Captain Fantastic").
Muschietti is directing “IT" from a screenplay adapted by Chase Palmer & Cary Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman. Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Barbara Muschietti are producing, with Marty P. Ewing, Doug Davison and Jon Silk serving as executive producers.
The behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Chung-Hoon Chung (“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl"), production designer Claude ParÁ© (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes"), editor Jason Ballantine (“The Great Gatsby"), and costume designer Janie Bryant (TV’s “Mad Men").
A presentation of New Line Cinema, “IT" will be released worldwide beginning September 8, 2017, by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Entertainment Company.
Let my optimism remain strong. This September, lets all get spooked at the cineplex, yeah?
It hits theaters on September 8, 2017.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been TWENTY YEARS since director Luc Besson gave us the wild and creative sci-fi romp The Fifth Element. But after a prior teaser trailer, and this longer look released today, it sure seems Besson is ready to return to sci-fi glory with the beautiful and adventurous Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
Besides having a wonderfully grandiose title, Valerian is based off of a long running comic series from France, giving the movie the potential to grow huge, and spin-off countless sequels, sure to delight the studio…but for me, I don’t care, I’m just excited to see surreal, imaginative, and goddamned colorful sci-fi hit the screen.
I just hope the public doesn’t ignore it, a’la John Carter, and Cara Delevingne gives us a better performance than she did in Suicide Squad.
Here’s your official synopsis:
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets hits theaters on July 21, 2017.
You had to know that this was coming, what with the three posters released last weekend - we’ve got a brand-spanking new trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming, the official solo outing of the web-crawler within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Pitting Peter Parker against the Vulture (played, in a wonderful twist, by Batman himself, Michael Keaton), this trailer builds on the promise of the original trailer released late last year.
There are tons of great character moments, which helps with the grounded feel of the story, versus the world-in-peril stakes of the past few Marvel movies, and I like the idea that Peter needs to earn his spot in the world of heroes.
What do you think? Check it out:
Here’s the official synopsis for the movie, per Sony/Marvel Studios:
Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters on July 7, 2017.
As promised by a series of seemingly never-ending mini-teaser trailers earlier this week, Warner Bros has finally revealed a proper trailer for this November’s DC Comics superhero mashup extravaganza, Justice League.
Uniting all the major heroes under one group and paying off the hints from Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, we’ve got Batman (Ben Affleck), The Flash (Ezra Miller), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), and Aquaman (Jason Momoa) uniting after the passing of Superman (Henry Cavill) to be one giant, butt-kicking force.
A force who apparently use a Beatles cover as their collective theme song.
Here’s the official synopsis via the WB:
Directed by Zack Snyder, the movie clearly has style for days, and the SDCC trailer last summer promised that we’d see a bit of a sense of humor, but what does this trailer feel like? Here it is, for your eyeballs:
Personally, I feel like that one of the biggest issues of the DC Extended Universe is that there’s yet to be an understanding that, while it’s nice to have this lineup together on screen, we need to care about why they’re together - and this is really lacking the umph that seeing the Avengers form as a unit on screen then.
Is it an issue of the writing? Or an issue of timing?
We’ll have to see. It’s nice to see some quips, though.
In addition to today’s new trailer, Warner Bros has released a whole slew of posters for the movie, including a logo teaser, a group poster, and character posters for the cast. Check em out!
[gallery ids=“21725,21726,21728,21727,21723,21729,21724”]
Justice League unites in theaters on November 10, 2017.
While I’m pretty sure that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be great, and Thor: Ragnarok is looking better and better, the Marvel movie that I am most on the hook for this year is Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Serving as the official coming out party of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, after his awesome debut in Captain America: Civil War last Summer, I was pretty stoked on the movie after it’s first trailer came out late last year.
Today, however, we’ve got a brand new poster, and it just exudes style and character.
The blazer, the headphones, the teenage chill, I’m way into it.
Even better? What I assume is the slogan, as tweeted by the official Marvel account:
That is classic Spider-Man in a nutshell. I think Marvel has done it again.
Spider-Man: Homecoming swings into theaters on July 7, 2017.
UPDATE - 3:03pm
We’ve got a second one!
UPDATE - Saturday, March 25, 10:03am!
We’ve got a 3rd one!
Last night, via The Verge, word hit the Internet that everyone’s favorite content streaming service, Netflix, would be making a rather dramatic change to the way that we rate the different programs on the app.
Currently, when you see a TV-show, movie, or other video on Netflix, you can rate it on a scale of 1-5 stars, 1 being the lowest, 5 being the highest.
According to the article, this will now be changing to a Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down system, a’la Siskel and Ebert.
The reason for the change is, apparently to improve the experience for you - the user.
Pulled from the article:
“What’s more powerful: you telling me you would give five stars to the documentary about unrest in the Ukraine; that you’d give three stars to the latest Adam Sandler movie; or that you’d watch the Adam Sandler movie ten times more frequently?“ Yellin said. “What you do versus what you say you like are different things.“
This somewhat frustrates me as a user, as this reduces the reviewing process to a simple good/bad extreme. We have this issue right now among many other services - Rotten Tomatoes forcing reviewers to say positive or negative, even dating apps like Tinder - and I feel this type of reaction is exactly why everything on the web is seen as THE BEST or THE WORST and any type of nuance in opinion, let alone conversation, is falling by the wayside.
Maybe I’m a grumpy old man yelling at the cloud here, but sometimes I like giving a 3-star film a chance, or telling others to try something that may not be perfect, but is still worth their time. You may note that I never put a score or letter review to things here, and that’s exactly why - sometimes an experience is greater than a good or bad separation, and it bums me out that we’re starting to lose the middle.
Maybe I’m wrong, maybe this will be the best innovation to ever come to Netflix, but right now, I am very skeptical.
Premiered this morning on Good Morning America (as corporate synergy demands), Pixar has finally revealed the first look at their Fall 2017 release, Coco.
Their second film of 2017, following Cars 3, Pixar is - very similar to Fox’s The Book of Life giving us an animated adventure involving the Day of the Dead.
What makes this interesting is in how the two ideas connect - Coco seems to primarily be about a boy with a goal of becoming an accomplished guitarist, like his (presumably deceased) hero. Yet, he finds himself in the realm of the dead by the end of the teaser. All I know is this - the animation looks lush and beautiful, and I have a soft spot for the Day of the Dead look. So I’m in.
Here’s the official synopsis for the film, via the YouTube trailer:
A teaser poster for the movie has been released as well, below.
Directed by Toy Story 3’s Lee Unkrich, Coco hits theaters on November 22, 2017.
On March 3rd, Nintendo released the latest game within the Legend of Zelda franchise, Breath of the Wild on both the Wii-U and Nintendo Switch.
A strong reimagining for the franchise, Breath of the Wild takes the classic Zelda gameplay and turns it on its head, tossing Link into a massive open-world environment, encouraging improvisation and exploration, and I’ve been avidly playing it since I picked up both it and a Switch on release day.
Today, Nintendo has released a three-part behind the scenes documentary about the game, which I’ve embedded for you below. I probably won’t watch this until I complete the game (so we’ve got some time), but I figured you, dear reader, may enjoy it.
Enjoy! And pick up the game, why don’t you?
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available now.
The cinematic works of Edgar Wright so far have been a glorious mashup of beloved genres. The horror/romcom hybrid of Shaun of the Dead, the frantic cop comedy Hot Fuzz, the video game/indie rock love letter Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and the robot apocalypse that was The World’s End.
Each movie showed us that Wright had the chops to deliver a true Hollywood blockbuster. That movie was to be Ant-Man, but the world had other plans…and those plans were called Baby Driver.
Baby Driver premiered earlier tonight at SXSW 2017 (appropriate, given that it was originally supposed to hit theaters this month), and I’m anxiously awaiting the first reviews, but in the meantime, we have the first trailer, which premiered just a few minutes ago.
Baby Driver, in all honesty, appears to ape the plot of Drive. You’ve got a driver for hire, you’ve got a love interest, you’ve got some moody gangsters. But with Edgar Wright, the originality doesn’t come from the story being told, it’s how the story is told, and Baby Driver is no different, a unique action movie where the music literally drives the action. (I bet this will be a very popular soundtrack on your streaming service of choice.)
Ansel Elgort plays the titular Baby, fresh off of breaking teen’s hearts in The Fault in All Stars. He’s joined by Lily James (Cinderella) as the waitress of his dreams, and the team of Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jon Bernthal, and an against-type Jon Hamm as the gangsters Baby is involved with.
The action seems relentless yet beautifully framed (thanks, Bill Pope), and all and all, you have a movie I cannot wait for.
The first teaser poster for the film has arrived as well. Check it out below.
[caption id=“attachment_21683” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] Click to Enlarge![/caption]
Baby Driver rushes into theaters on August 11, 2017.
UPDATE: We’ve got an International Trailer, too!
A workaholic father and his neglected daughter. An expecting husband and wife. Two elderly sisters. A pompous CEO. A crazy homeless man. A high school baseball team.
It’s quite the mix of characters. Shake them up, throw them into a train, and add a whole slew of fast-moving zombies and you’ve got South Korea’s massive hit Train to Busan.
Finally hitting US shores after breaking attendance records in its native country, Train to Busan is a strong live-action debut for director Yeon Sang-ho, best known for creating dramatic animated films in his home country.
Taking notes from World War Z and Snowpiercer, Train to Busan is a rather straightforward if melodramatic flick. We load our characters on a train, toss in some zombies (of the viral version, thank you very much), and allow the different stereotypes to play out in such a way to allow for some social commentary.
The bummer is that the characters are just that - stereotypes. They’re well played, but no one is playing anything you haven’t seen before. I wished that the movie allowed for a greater descent into violent insanity, or unabashed goofiness. Instead, it plays the whole thing straight and narrow.
What does standout, however, is the keen eye Yeon Sang-ho has for clean, smooth action direction, taking the typically frantic world of zombie films and keeping the focus clear and the camera steady. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t mention how incredibly lovely the cinematography is, especially for a zombie film, where the focus usually remains on how grimy to make everything.
Train to Busan is a fun journey to take, especially if you’re craving for some theatrical zombie goodness, but by no means is it an essential piece of Asian cinema. Worth a rental, or a fun group watch with your pals.
Train to Busan is available on VOD now, via Amazon and iTunes.
One of the biggest films of Summer 2017 is the next installment of the DC Comics Extended Universe, the Gal Gadot-starring Wonder Woman.
The first-time solo outing for Diana, after this version’s debut in last year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, is set in the era of World War I, and shows us how Wonder Woman came to join the world of man.
The training sequences with her fellow Amazonians look really great, and the action looks quite well-done, but I still feel like the movie is missing something. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I’m being unfairly skeptical.
My fingers are tightly crossed that the Patty Jenkins directed film is the first home-run for WB/DC, but only time will tell.
Wonder Woman hits theaters on June 2, 2017.
Flying under the radar with little notice in 2014, its remarkable the effect that John Wick had on the action movie world upon its release.
The story of an ex-hitman (Keanu Reeves) brought back into the world of crime after the death of his wife, the murdering of his dog, and the robbery of his car, John Wick was ostensibly a favor from Reeves to members of the stunt team of The Matrix, but lead to something much bigger.
Word of mouth grew that the film was something to take in, mixing beautifully shot, hard-nosed action with hints of a deeper mythos surrounding the crime world featured within the film.
A minor but impressive $43 Million take at the box office lead to solid home video sales, a run on HBO (where I first saw it bleary-eyed after a late night) and this conversation playing out countless times between action fans around the world:
FAN 2: No, no I haven’t. Didn’t that star Keanu?
FAN 1: HOLY SHIT YOU NEED TO SEE IT RIGHT NOW. Like so, John Wick’s directors, ex-stuntmen David Leitch and Chad Stahelski were put on the map, and Keanu Reeves was back as a lead actor.
And now, three years later, Stahelski and Reeves are back (Leitch was busy working on his next movie, Atomic Blonde) with the appropriately titled John Wick: Chapter 2.
Picking up right where the first film left off, we follow John as he is looking to close up the hitman chapter in his life, trying to get back his beloved Mustang. The movie wastes no time delivering a strong action set piece, with Leitch giving us an all-time great chase sequence, and finding a way to mix up fights in and out of the car, setting an incredible pace at the start.
The movie continues into a detour into plot town, with John Wick being visited by Italian crime lord Santino D’Antonio (Riccardo Scamarcio), and D’Antonio revealing to the audience that Wick owes him a life-debt, as D’Antonio was instrumental to the mission that finally allowed Wick to retire from his life of crime (however short-lived it was.)
Once again giving us a glimpse into the rules and regulations of the Hitman society that makes John’s world go-round, John Wick: Chapter 2 quickly turns into a world-spanning adventure, sending our favorite hitman from New York to Rome and back.
The script from Derek Kolstad (who also wrote the first film) so clearly enjoys filling out the details of the hitman world - a scene involving a Sommelier played by Peter Serafinowicz is a particular standout - that it’s a shame that it sputters when it comes to moments explaining characters and plot. While it’s true that the first film kept details sparse, John Wick: Chapter 2 aims higher, but falters the closer it gets to the sun.
Thankfully, the action remains fantastic, with some incredibly inventive set pieces, including a montage of Wick fighting assassin’s around New York, a clever stealthy subway fight, and a brilliant third act confrontation in a hall of mirrors.
Reeves provides a solid performance, and is supported by actors who are clearly enjoying their time in the Wick-verse, including rapper Common as a fellow hitman, and gal-of-the-moment Ruby Rose as a mute bodyguard. The real joy, however, is the first post-Matrix reunion of Reeves and Laurence Fishburne, with Fishburne hamming it up hard as an underground crime lord.
Look - John Wick: Chapter 2 isn’t a perfect movie, but where it falls flat on plotting, it makes up for it with brilliant, gleeful violence. In fact, it brings another recent action sequel to mind: The Raid 2 a movie that went bigger on all fronts compared to the first, and as a result, ended up making a movie as equally good as the original. The same can be said here. If you loved John Wick, you’ll love John Wick: Chapter 2. And if you love John Wick: Chapter 2, good news…looks like Chapter 3 is on its way.
John Wick: Chapter 2 is in theaters now.
All of the greatest Horror films have delivered on two levels, that on the side of enjoyment, and that on the side of allegory.
Look at the slasher films of the 1980’s - they give us the fun of watching a bunch of kids get slashed up, while touching upon the AIDS fears of the era. (That’s why the virgins always lived!) The alien invasion films of the 50’s and 60’s were no different, satirizing our fears that Russian spies lived among us, by placing literal aliens among us.
How appropriate it is then, that one of the era’s best satirists, Jordan Peele (of Key & Peele fame) would turn his eye from humor to horror, and focus it upon today’s racial issues with his incredible directorial debut, Get Out.
Equal parts Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and The Stepford Wives, Get Out focuses on a young couple, Chris and Rose.
Chris and Rose have been dating a few months, and they’re going to visit Rose’s parents in upstate New York. Chris is nervous, as he is black, and Rose is white, and he’s worried how her parents will take to their relationship.
The trip is an interesting one - while Rose’s parents are welcoming…perhaps too welcoming (Rose’s father wants to emphasize how he’d vote Obama in for a third term, if he could), Rose’s family has two housekeepers, both black, who act odd, to say the least. The tension is ramped up during a celebration for Rose’s grandfather, as another black man appears, and he too seems to be from another world.
Get Out deftly focuses on the discomfort of discussions of race while managing to be an exciting thriller, with well timed moments of humor and levity. Peele has a real knack for making the story universal and inviting (he also penned the script), and he’s helped out by a solid cast of fantastic character actors.
Girls’s Alison Williams stars as Rose, and she pretty much perfects the “first serious girlfriend" archetype with her work here. She’s matched wonderfully by The West Wing’s Bradley Whitford and indie-darling Catherine Keener as Rose’s parents. But the real find of the film is Daniel Kaluuya.
Kaluuya had never really anchored a film before, best known for a supporting role in Sicario and a number of BBC series (including Black Mirror), but he knocks his role out of the park here, bringing the right level of detachment, worry, fear and pathos to his lead turn. I’m very excited to see what Kaluuya does next.
To elaborate more on Get Out would be to spoil its many wonderful twists and turns, but it’s clear that Jordan Peele has created a story that would fit perfectly within the world’s of The Twilight Zone, or appropriately, Black Mirror - he uses the genre form for all it’s worth, delivering an exciting, thrilling Horror film which you’ll be discussing with friends for some time after the credits roll. I cannot wait to see what movie Jordan Peele has in him next.
Get Out is in theaters now.
When you think about it, when was the last time the major studios gave us an honest-to-God creature feature?
Not a grand epic reimagining of classic movie monsters (although 2014’s Godzilla WAS pretty great), not a dramatic appreciation of classic monsters (such as 2005’s Peter Jackson-directed King Kong), I’m talking a full-blown, cheesy, ridiculous B-movie romp.
Thankfully, the drought is over, and we have Kong: Skull Island to thank.
Set in the final days of the Vietnam conflict, the Jordan Vogt-Roberts directed film updates the Kong legend, moving it forward from the standard 1930’s set story of an ape and a beauty, instead making it an action-packed journey into an island of monsters.
The setup is simple - the mysterious Monarch group (who you may remember from the aforementioned Godzilla reboot) is desperately trying to retain its government funding. Lead by the passionate Bill Randa (John Goodman), Monarch is attempting to prove the Hollow Earth theory of geologist Houston Brooks (Corey Hawkins), and apparently there is no better place than a cursed island in the South Pacific, known for being a site of death and tragedy - the aforementioned Skull Island.
With government approval, a crew is quickly gathered: a Vietnam-based US helicopter force, lead by an intense Colonel (Samuel L. Jackson), an ex-British Special Forces tracker (Tom Hiddleston), and, for some reason, an anti-war photo journalist (Brie Larson).
You may’ve noticed that I haven’t really mentioned character names, and that’s with reason - while the film has them, the human characters are secondary to the creatures and wonders of Skull Island.
Filled with creepy crawlies and dominated by the God-like ape Kong, this movie is all about the awe and destruction created by these creatures. If you’re in for this film for the actors, you’re seeing the wrong picture. But if you plop down the money to see incredible computer animated creatures (including the largest version of King Kong yet), you will find an embarrassment of riches.
The acting isn’t bad per se - it’s just mostly wasted. I can’t really figure out why actors with the heat of Hiddleston and Larson were brought into the film beyond name value, as they don’t really get too much to do - but for the skilled character actors in the film (Jackson, Goodman), Kong: Skull Island is an incredible piece of cheese for them to sink their teeth into.
With no character or performance is this more apparent than John C. Reilly’s Hank Marlow, an unhinged World War II pilot who crashed on Skull Island and made it his home for decades. Reilly goes all in with his performance, laughing about his inevitable death and swinging a katana with gusto. He truly personifies everything that makes Kong: Skull Island enjoyable: his acting is big, dumb, ridiculous, and absolutely undeniably entertaining.
It’s interesting too to see the visual touchstones in play here - Kong: Skull Island carries homages to everything from Apocalypse Now to Mad Max: Fury Road to first-person-shooter video games, and it all works, a strong modernization of the creature feature, even if it’s set 40 years ago.
Kong: Skull Island isn’t a prestige picture, but as a large-scale B-Movie, it delivers. This is the type of movie to be seen at a drive-in, to be enjoyed on a weekend afternoon, to be laughed at, and to blown away by the technical mastery. It is simply big, dumb fun, and if you give yourself to it, you won’t be able to wipe the smile from your face.
Additional notes: My screening of Kong: Skull Island was in IMAX 3D, and while I did not see the value in the 3D projection, I do recommend IMAX (or Dolby Cinema) for the powerful sound. I also recommend sticking through the credits, especially if you’re a big fan of other giant monsters.
Kong: Skull Island is in theaters now.
For fans of the superhero genre, it’s easy to forget how different the world was when Bryan Singer gave us the first X-Men film in 2000.
The best superhero film in recent memory was Blade. The Batman franchise was irreparably destroyed by Joel Schumacher. Spider-Man as a theatrical vehicle was a joke with James Cameron as the punchline. Simply put, superhero movies were not a thing.
And then, a scrappy group of actors and a director using up his goodwill from a critically acclaimed thriller delivered what was - at the time - the best translation from four color panels to the silver screen, completely beyond our hopes and imagination. At it’s core, a perfect performance unexpected, the live action interpretation of a rage-filled, short, grumpy Canadian, as given to us by a tall, Australian song-and-dance man.
How strange it is then, ten X-Men movies later (including a solo trilogy for the aforementioned Australian as Wolverine), that the most effecting, and thematically brutal superhero movie yet comes in that actor’s send off - the final performance of Hugh Jackman in Logan.
Set in the year 2029, Logan shows us that there are no happy endings. Age has caught up to the titular hero, his life - and the adamantium inside him - is eating at him from the inside out. His fellow X-Men are dead, lost to the ages. All that’s left is him, his erstwhile father figure Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), and an albino mutant known as Caliban. They live just beyond the Mexican border, keeping their profile low as Logan - under his real name of James Howlett - keeps a job as a chauffeur in Texas. He works to get money to buy the prescription drugs that Xavier needs to keep his psychic abilities in check. No new mutants have been born in twenty-five years. The situation is, to say the least, grim.
But then as always - trouble finds Logan. That trouble is in the form of a young girl named Laura (the debuting Dafne Keen), who seems to have the same rage issues…and claws…of our hero. And of course, Laura has people looking for her, a group of cybernetically enhanced bounty hunters called The Reavers, lead by a charismatic man named Donald Pierce (Narco’s Boyd Holbrook). It’s all the elements needed for one last ride for our hero, and the journey begins.
Unabashedly R-Rated, Logan embraces the adult nature of its content from the first line of dialogue to the last bloody battle, giving the fans of the X-Men franchise the mature farewell that fans have wanted for Hugh Jackman’s version of Wolverine. If you loved the berserker rage scenes from X2: X-Men United, get ready to see the full force of an angry Logan…and to see the rage unleashed of his new friend Laura.
But what makes Logan stand out in the glut of superhero movies isn’t just the language and gore, it’s the film’s beating heart. This is a story of family - fathers, sons, daughters, and the sins of the past coming to light. If it weren’t for the claws and cloning nonsense, this could be an incredible indie film - and it’s shot and edited like one too, with director James Mangold (who also wrote the script), shooting the movie like a prestige drama - even if its one with mutant-on-mutant violence. The driving score by Marco Beltrami gives the movie a proper pace, but the true force of the film comes from the acting: the trinity of Jackman, Stewart, and the wonderful Dafne Keen is a joy to watch as a family unit, something that the X-Men franchise has always done a great job in, but is underlined here.
As with any superhero film, there are the flaws of the format - one plot twist is slightly abrupt and unnecessary, the resulting antagonist feels like one thread too many, but when it’s placed into a film this strong, the flaws are easy to ignore.
A love letter to a character, a thank you to the fans, a farewell to a superhero icon - Logan is many things, but above all else, it’s an excellently executed, mature take on the superhero mythos. Hugh Jackman brought us into the 21st century of superheroes, and now, he can hang up his hat proud. Well done.
Logan is in theaters now.
Premiered last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live! (gotta love that Disney/Marvel/ABC synergy), we have what is, presumably, the final trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Every glimpse of the movie we’ve taken in so far has been promising, but with the plot starting to finally be laid out in this trailer (although, there are plenty of secrets held), it’s looking like the sequel to what is arguably the best Marvel Studios film yet is deliving more of what we loved about this group of a-holes, while raising the stakes.
Star Lord, Gamora, Rocket, Drax and Groot (in toddler form!) are experiencing the same growing pains all familes do…with some new additions in tow, and what’s that? IS THAT STAR LORD’S DAD AT THE END?! (Kurt Russell, hell yes!)
I have full trust in James Gunn to deliver another great star-faring adventure, complete with a brilliant soundtrack - which this trailer confirms, will include Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain".
A new poster for the movie was released as well, and we’ve got it for you below.
So, listen up, a-holes! Be in theaters on May 5, 2017 for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Could we be on the precipice of the first truly-great Alien sequel in over 30 years?
That’s the question I’m asking myself after watching the latest trailer for Alien: Covenant, embedded below.
Following in the footsteps of Prometheus (a movie I enjoyed more than most), Alien: Covenant follows a decidely ill-fated attempt to populate a far off planet with a group of couples - including such beloved actors as Katherine Waterston (going full Ripley), Billy Crudup, and Danny McBride - when, as all these films go, things go terribly wrong once some Xenomorph eggs are found.
There seems to be a definitive visceral streak to the movie, and the unique makeup of the crew harkening back to the original Alien, while Ridley Scott brings back the lush visuals that made Prometheus such a joy to take in…even if the script had its flaws.
Will this be able to do what Alien 3 and Alien Resurrection couldn’t? We’ll find out on May 19, 2017, when Alien: Covenant hits theaters.
Starting with a hilarious voice-over indicating that all of the “most important movies" start with a black screen, it’s abundantly clear that The LEGO Batman Movie isn’t going to be your standard superhero romp.
And why should we expect it? As the second movie from the LEGOÂ franchise, after 2014’s unbelievably great The LEGO Movie, a solid blueprint is followed: when the audience expects you to turn left, zag right, and whenever and wherever possible - make fun of the source material.
The biggest benefit that The LEGO Batman Movie has is its star: the Dark Knight himself, Batman.
Will Arnett’s version of the character, introduced in The LEGO Movie, is a glorious distillation of decades of Batman mythos, sent through a filter of over-the-top darkness and goofy ego. What’s astounding about the film, however, is that it’s able to take a bit player from the prior film - who I was concerned would only work in small servings - and turn him into a fully fleshed-out version of the character.
The LEGO Batman Movie takes advantage of nearly 80 years of pop-culture Batman knowledge, referencing everything from the 1960’s television series to last year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and finds a common element: Batman is only truly great due to those who surround him.
The plot of the film is pretty simple (as one would expect for a family film): Batman needs to learn how to accept the stitched-together extended family that makes him great, whether it’s his father-figure Alfred (Ralph Fiennes), his adopted ward Robin (Michael Cera), or his incredible rogues-gallery of villains, lead by The Joker (Zach Galifianakis)
It’s an interesting angle for the character, one debated strongly by fans for years: is Batman actually interesting? Or is he only interesting due to the characters that surround him. But the film doesn’t get bogged down in the emotions - for the kids, it’s a fun, colorful Bat-romp with dozens of characters, but for the adults, it’s an interesting (and hilarious) look into what has made Batman such a lasting icon for so long.
The film, directed by Chris McKenna (who co-directed The LEGO Movie) moves at a brisk pace, running just 104 minutes, and the animation work by Warner Animation Group is genuinely beautiful, feeling like an astounding stop-motion LEGO film, and presenting probably the most colorful version of Gotham City yet.
If I had any gripes about the film, it would be that the movie never reaches the heights of The LEGO Movie, which somehow found a way to incorporate questions of the creator myth and overall philosophy into a movie about building blocks. But when a movie is this fun, this enjoyable, and this delightful, it’s hard to take it down. The LEGO franchise is delivering in ways I never expected, and I cannot wait to see where it goes next.
Whether you’re age 8 or 80, if you love Batman, this is a must-see. Check it out this weekend.
The LEGO Batman Movie is in theaters now.
With an intriguing teaser trailer late last year, I was very much hooked by the potential of The Circle.
An extended trailer hit the web today for the Tom Hanks/Emma Watson starring thriller, and I have to say, I remain all in.
The idea of social media turning against us isn’t a new one by any means (thanks, Black Mirror), but the way that The Circle is handling it seems to be a deft, plausible version of how things can go terribly awry when you give all of yourself to a social network.
I have to admit, I have not read the original Dave Eggers novel, but the film, directed by James Ponsoldt (The End of the Tour) looks like a thriller worth catching this Spring.
The Circle arrives in theaters on April 28, 2017.
A movie that I am greatly anticipating this Spring is Kong: Skull Island, the forthcoming relaunch of the classic King Kong franchise, meant to link up to the 2014 Godzilla reboot.
The first trailer was absolutely nutty in all the right ways, and two new posters for the film have come out that hit all the right notes for this movie nerd.
First, we have the IMAX poster, which is super evocative of Apocalypse Now, appropriate given the film’s steamy, 1970’s island vibe.
But then, we have the COOLEST POSTER I’VE SEEN IN AGES, the Japanese poster, which makes Kong: Skull Island look like the biggest creature feature in decades. OH MY GOD I WANT THIS FOR MY WALL SO BAD.
Now, the big concern: Will the final film live up to these images? Â A man can hope.
We’ll find out very soon, as Kong: Skull Island hits theaters on March 10, 2017.
The LEGO franchise continues to buck expectations.
When The LEGO Movie was released in 2014, it was another example of directors Phil Lord & Chris Miller doing what they do best - taking a bad idea and making it great.
This week The LEGO Batman Movie hits theaters (review soon), and it seems to be continuing the tradition. But I’ll be honest - when Warner Bros said that they were working toward making LEGO an evergreen franchise, and branching out into a film about one of the building toy’s most beloved subsets, I figured that this is where Hollywood greed would get the best of a miracle moment in animation.
I’d like to eat those words, at least in theory, as the first trailer for The LEGO Ninjago Movie has hit the Internet, and I’ll be damned, it looks fun, funny, and like an absolute joy.
The movie has an absolute murderer’s row of talent assigned, voice acting wise, including Jackie Chan, Justin Theroux, Dave Franco, Olivia Munn, Fred Armisen, Abbi Jacobson, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael PeÅ„a and Zach Woods, but what really shines here is the surreal and awkward humor, which worked wonders in The LEGO Movie, and continues here.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Is it weird that in the year of our lord 2017, LEGO may end up being our strongest comedic franchise? Â The poster for the film is below, and I’m very much looking forward to it.
The LEGO Ninjago Movie arrives in theaters on September 22, 2017.
With Spider-Man finally joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe this July in Spider-Man: Homecoming, it’s only appropriate that the web-swinger is joined by the most important part of a comic book film - the merchandise!
Hasbro, via ComingSoon.net, has officially revealed figures from the Marvel Legends line for the film, and they’re probably some of the best movie based figures they’ve unveiled yet!
The Marvel Legends figures are where Hasbro goes all out, with a super-detailed, super-articulated series of figures in the 6" scale, and clearly, they’re keeping the tradition alive with this set.
We’ve got the images for you below, but the line includes:
[gallery ids=“21599,21604,21603,21598,21597,21601,21602”]
I mean, it does feel like we’ve seen this armor before, right?
Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters on July 7, 2017, so we will presumably see these figures hit shelves this Summer.
Way back in May 1977, A New Hope, or it as it was then known, Star Wars hit the screens. Before the film, a scroll ran up the screen. It read…
These words set the stage of one of the greatest sci-fi sagas of all time, and now, nearly forty years later, we answer the question of what it was like to be a part of that war.
This is Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), Rogue One has quite the hefty weight upon its shoulders. The movie needs to tell the story of the stealing of the Death Star plans, it has to work as a standalone story on its own, and - oh yeah! - be a good Star Wars prequel at the same time, something that in some fan’s eyes has never been done.
I’m pleased to report, that although the movie is not the four-quadrant excitement fest that The Force Awakens was just one year ago, Rogue One manages to be an incredible installment in the Star Wars universe, with a remarkable third act which has to be seen to be believed.
The story is a simple one. Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen), a skilled engineer, was forced against his will to create a remarkable super weapon for the Empire, by the will of Director Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). Working on a tip from a defecting Imperial pilot, the still young Rebel Alliance, on the verge of either full fledged war, or total disarray, decides to try to convince Galen’s daughter - the disobedient Jyn (Felicity Jones) - to help them contact Galen Erso and find out everything they can about this super weapon before it is used to destroy the Rebels once and for all.
Along with Jyn in this search for intel, there is a rag-tag group of freedom fighters - the Dirty Dozen of Star Wars, including:
If the Star Wars Saga to date was the “legend", Rogue One serves as “true story". This isn’t about the Skywalkers, the Jedi, or the grand heroic moments. This is a movie of hard-nosed actions, hard-fought victories, and the sacrifice of rebellion and hope. If you ever wondered what it was like for the front-line of the Rebel Alliance while Luke and Company were tied up in their family drama, this is the movie for you.
Beautifully shot by Zero Dark Thirty cinematographer Greig Fraser, this is the most dynamic and visually stunning entry of the entire Star Wars series. You can lose yourself in countless frames of the film. This is bolstered with the first non-John Williams score of the series, performed by Michael Giacchino (Star Trek Beyond).
If I had any issues with the film, it is that the characters, while all intriguing in their own right, we don’t really get to know them beyond a vague sketch, as the film moves quite quickly from planet to planet, and scene to scene. That said, when the grand battle kicks in at the end, with battles occurring on the ground, in the sky, and in the galaxy above, you’ll be too blown away to remember these flaws. Is it too bold to say that this movie is the first to deliver the type of war action that George Lucas always dreamed of? If so, I’ll gladly fall on that sword. Rogue One isn’t afraid to kick ass when needed, and makes every young fan’s dream come alive on screen.
One last note: unlike The Force Awakens, Rogue One is rather grim - appropriate given its subject matter. In turn, I would not recommend bringing younger children to this installment.
Rogue One has arrived, and with it, delivered on the promise of the new Disney-owned Lucasfilm. Star Wars is more than a saga, it’s a universe, and if this movie is any indication, anything is possible in a galaxy far, far away. Bring on the yearly movies.
Rogue One is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order on iTunes.
The relaunched Planet of the Apes saga has been one of the bigger surprises of recent years, with both Dawn and Rise being wonderful pieces of sci-fi genre entertainment.
This Summer, the trilogy comes to a close with what looks to be the most epic installment yet - the appropriately titled War for the Planet of the Apes.
Woody Harrleson is our key human in the mix this time, and he appears to be, simply put, tired of these damn, dirty apes. Words cannot describe how much Andy Serkis has brought to this franchise with his motion capture work as Caesar, and he looks to be doing some of his best work here.
I cannot wait for this one.
War for the Planet of the Apes hits theaters on July 14th, 2017.
With this Summer’s Captain America: Civil War, in the midst of the Avengers based conflict, fans around the globe were introduced to a new generation of wall-crawler - the newest Spider-Man / Peter Parker, Tom Holland.
As a life long devoted fan of Spidey, I absolutely loved the performance of Holland, mixing the best of both prior Spider-Men (Tobey McGwire and Andrew Garfield), all while being an honest to God teen.
Next Summer brings his first solo adventure, a combined Sony Pictures / Marvel Studios joint: Spider-Man: Homecoming, and courtesy of Jimmy Kimmel Live and the Internet, we have the first trailer for you, in both domestic and international versions.
The two trailers aren’t terribly different (just some additional beats with Michael Keaton’s The Vulture), but this looks absolutely fantastic, weaving elements of what has made the Ultimate Spider-Man comic series so great with a touch of The Breakfast Club, and of course, the amazing Marvel Cinematic Universe. I really do love the bank robber beat at the beginning.
If I had a complaint, it’s a very minor one, that I worry that the appearance of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark / Iron Man may overshadow the film too much. But when it’s a superhero tale, who doesn’t expect a crossover now?
Spider-Man: Homecoming arrives in theaters on July 7, 2017.
I don’t know that there is a movie that I am looking forward to more in 2017 - for pure joy, not necessarily cinematic quality - than Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
Once again under the vision of writer/director James Gunn, with a new teaser trailer released yesterday, it’s clear that we’re going to have another great romp with the best a-holes in the galaxy, and that Baby Groot will probably steal everyone’s hearts.
What’s really great? Two trailers in, and none of it has seemed predictable, but all of it is a logical growth from the first.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters on May 5, 2017.
Since 2010’s Tangled, Walt Disney Animation Studios has worked hard to rebuild the reputation it once had. With Pixar’s John Lassiter at the helm, the studio has successfully migrated to computer animation, and following in the footsteps of an incredible run including Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph and this year’s Zootopia, may have delivered one of its finest family musicals yet - the 56th Walt Disney Animation film, the beautiful and transcendent Moana.
Moana is the story of a girl. Not a princess, as much as some may want to call her. Moana (voiced by newcomer Auli’i Cravalho) is a teenager who is in line to become the chief of a Polynesian tribe, after her proud father. They have a beautiful life on a beautiful island, and all seems well, until Moana’s grandmother reveals to her an ancient curse which explains the poor harvest the island has seen in recent years. See, a millennia ago, a demigod named Maui (Dwayne “The Rock" Johnson, as charismatic as ever) stole “The Heart of Te Fiti" from an island goddess, which cursed the islands created by that same goddess.
You can see where this is going - Moana needs to find Maui, and return the Heart of Te Fiti, in an adventure which will redefine Moana and her entire life.
AND WHAT A THRILLING ADVENTURE IT IS!
Featuring some of the most beautiful animation ever put to film, this is a beautiful, eye grabbing, jaw dropping romp which sends us all across the ocean, into a world filled with lava monsters, giant crabs obsessed with treasure, stupid chickens, and yes - a Mad Max: Fury Road inspired chase sequence involving ill-tempered coconut wearing pirates called Kakamora.
Every second of Moana’s 113 minute run-time is filled with something to marvel at, whether the artistry at hand (look at the water animation! AND THE HAIR!), the warmth and heart of the story, the strong humor, or the incredible music, written by Mark Mancina, Opetaia Foa’i, and Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda.
There are a number of musical standouts within the film, including Maui’s big number “You’re Welcome" (which I haven’t stopped humming since I left the theater) and the Bowie-esq “Shiny", performed by Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement (the aforementioned giant crab). But the strongest, and boldest work, is “We Know The Way", a beautiful song written in both English and the Tokelauan language, which speaks to the level of cultural depth in this film. The movie doesn’t shy away from embracing the Polynesian culture, and is all the stronger for it. And it’s this embracing of the unusual, which makes film’s strongest change-of-Disney-pace even better: Moana, the non Disney Princess Disney Princess.
Moana is a completely self-actualized, strong, independent, ethnically diverse, female character. There is no man to save her, there is no romance to work in, she just gets in, and gets the job done. And the movie doesn’t even make a big deal of it…but for the girls and women of many ages who will see it? This is a very, very big deal, and I applaud Disney for it.
Moana is filled with laughs, songs you’ll love, and characters you’ll enjoy spending time with. The visuals are stunning, the adventure big, and the movie is arguably the best of the current Disney renaissance. If that isn’t enough reason to rush out to theaters, I’m not sure what is. Highest possible recommendation.
ADDITIONAL NOTES: Moana is accompanied in theater’s with a brilliant short, Inner Workings, which is all about the relationship between the heart and the mind. Plus, there’s a post-credits scene. What I’m saying is: arrive early, stay late.
Moana is in theaters now.
Taking the wizarding world introduced to us over the eight film Harry Potter franchise and planting it right into the roaring 1920’s, there’s a lot to like about Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. Yet, scattered among the visual delights of the film, you’ll find an odd plot, and some incredibly grim detours which left me wondering: who is this movie for?
Taking the title, and, ostensibly, it’s lead, from a textbook mentioned in glowing terms in the Harry Potter franchise, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them is the story of Newt Scamander (Oscar award winner Eddie Redmayne, as awkward and properly British as ever). Scamander travels to New York City in 1926, carrying with him a mysterious case. The case is magic, of course, and is filled with countless creatures that Scamander has captured to study and train the wizard world to no longer fear.
Scamander isn’t even in New York for a few minutes when a number of his fantastic beasts start to escape from his case, turning the movie into just as you’d think - an extended search for his lost pets.
What’s interesting - and somewhat confusing - is how this plot is really just used to give us glimpses into a bigger, more interesting story, one of the state of the American wizard culture. In 1920’s America, wizards have been driven underground, ever scared of a war with the non-magical members of society, or “no-maj" as they’re called here. It seems we yanks don’t get a word as cool as muggles. Ah well.
The bigger story involves the Magical Congress of the United States of America, sort of a police force for wizards, and a dark wizard named Grindelwald, who is apparently plotting in secret to attack the human world and kickstart the great war the Magical Congress is trying hard to prevent. There’s even a harsh anti-witch and wizard group (seen as crazy by humans, like there’s ANYTHING magical) called the New Salem Society, which is one of the most intriguing ideas within the film (scripted by JK Rowling, her first screenplay after seven Potter novels).
But even with strong ideas, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them never truly gels as a cohesive whole.
I’m not entirely sure what the direction was for this movie. Was it to be a fun, family-friendly romp with the wacky Newt looking for his lost creatures? Or was it to be something bigger and darker involving the thin-growing-thinner separation between wizards and humans, including the incredibly dark truths behind the New Salem Society?
I’m not sure I could tell you, because here they are put together in a way that doesn’t quite feel natural. The Potter films grew into their darkness, mirroring the worries and fears of growing old and learning more about the world around you. Here, they’re smashed together with little want for explanation.
Even with that - there are strong moments of CG related beauty, of incredible, heartwarming creatures created by wonderful artists and indelible moments of (as cheesy as it sounds) magic, as could only be brought on screen by a director as well versed in Rowling’s world as David Yates has been.
Performances are generally solid, with the strongest coming from supporting actors Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski, a no-maj brought into this mess, and indie-rocker Alison Sudol making her acting debut as the bewitching (heh) Queenie Goldstein, a mindreader. Their scenes, both solo and together, are the strongest heart of the film - but everyone else seems somewhat lost and looking for a moment to shine.
Redmayne’s Scamander really seems like a bystander to a bigger plot, Katherine Waterston (Inherent Vice) is somewhat bland as Scamander’s sidekick Tina, a shame given how strong of an actor she normally is. Even Colin Farrell tries to bring his veteran chops to the film, but is lost to the story as auror Percival Graves, who in a third-act-twist is rendered almost nonsensical in his act or existence.
With Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, I find myself at an odd crossroads with the Wizarding World. There are enough moments worth seeing that if you are at all a Potter fan, you must see it, but after one viewing, I’m not sure if there is enough to explore in another installment…let alone four. I fear we may have another Hobbit on our hands, but I hope that this may just be a mea culpa.
Perhaps this one is best waited on for VOD.
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them is in theaters now.
Hey folks!
Sorry about the quiet nature of this blog as of late - real life has kinda cast a pall over the fun nature of what Blast-O-Rama is designed to be, but after some time of working through things, I’m dedicated to making this site a release and a place of excitement and joy.
With that in mind, I’m catching up today with a number of movie trailers released over the past few weeks to share my thoughts (and maybe hear yours!)
I’ve been incredibly excited for writer/director Damien Chazelle’s next film since the credits on Whiplash rolled, so to say I’m pumped for this is an understatement. But when you add the fact that it’s an honest to God song-and-dance movie, complete with an incredible cast and some of the most stunning visuals I’ve seen on screen in years, you have a movie that I am chomping at the bit to see.
La La Land hits select theaters on December 9, with a full roll out on December 16. (Opposite Rogue One. Rough.)
I really loved the teaser for this film revealed during San Diego Comic Con, and arguably, this trailer for the fourth film in the DC Comics Extended Universe is more of the same. But yet, the focus on Chris Pine’s Steve Trevor gives me pause. For a movie that is supposed to really install Wonder Woman as an absolutely strong female hero, why are we giving so much time and credence to who is, essentially, her male sidekick? We’re paying to see Wonder Woman. We don’t need a dude to make us feel OK.
Wonder Woman is in theaters on June 2, 2017.
Hands down, one of the biggest highlights of The LEGO Movie, beyond the joy of, somehow, a competent film being made about LEGO, was Will Arnett’s egocentric version of the Dark Knight. Audiences loved this version enough that it looks like we’re going to be getting the best Batman movie since The Dark Knight, because of it.
Yes, it’s a family film, but there is such a deep-seeded love of the character that has come through in these trailers (including the HOLY-SHIT-I-REMEMBER-THAT-GUY choice of villains), not to mention some nice jabs at the current state of the hero in pop-culture (SHOTS FIRED AT Batman v Superman!)
I just hope this Batman movie isn’t too inside baseball.
The LEGO Batman Movie arrives on February 10, 2017.
Oh boy! I’m incredibly excited to see Luc Besson finally do a proper, high-concept sci-fi film, all these years after The Fifth Element. What we see of Valerian here is absolute eye candy, and I want to just immerse my retinas in it, but I am concerned with the one-two cringeworthy punch of Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as our leads. (Delevingne in particular, post Suicide Squad.)
Maybe we’ll be lucky, and like the trailers, the movie will be more spectacle than film, and we can just lose ourselves in the insane CG creations Besson has brought to life.
Sidenote: any of you guys ever read the Valerian comics? Worth tracking down? And how can a city have a thousand planets?
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets zooms in on July 21st, 2017.
I really, really enjoyed The Jungle Book earlier this year, so I’m not immune to the idea of a Disney live-action remake being good. That said, with all the money, cool effects, and hype behind it, the trailer for this live action version of Beauty and the Beast has left me quite cold.
There doesn’t seem to be any of the effort behind this remake - more of a 1-to—1 push to live action, leaving me cold and wondering why. Maybe there’s something more to be revealed in theaters?
Beauty and the Beast makes guests of us all on March 17, 2017.
Just 12 years (yes, it’s been THAT long) after Peter Jackson gave us an unusually lengthy remake of the greatest creature feature of all time, Warner Bros is giving us a new look at the great ape with Kong: Skull Island.
Sure, this is ultimately a movie designed to cross over with the latest Godzilla movies, but holy SHIT, this looks INCREDIBLE! From surreal monsters and an amazing cast, to whatever the hell John C. Reilly and his fellow World War II fighter pilots are doing, this looks like an absolutely loopy and ridiculous monster mash for March. I AM IN.
Kong: Skull Island reveals itself on March 10, 2017.
Unless you’re a six year old boy, chances are, you’re not a big fan of the Cars franchise. The punchline for any joke about Pixar, the series is arguably the most maligned thing they’ve done, but results in tons and tons of merchandising cash.
And now we have the teaser for the third film, which is perhaps the most shocking, grim, and surreal thing that Pixar has ever released.
Are they really going to make Cars 3 serious? We’ll find out this summer.
Cars 3 speeds into your cinema on June 16, 2017.
The pet project of master filmmaker Martin Scorsese, Silence has been in development for over 20 years. Based on the true story of Portuguese missionaries entering Japan to find their fellow missionary after his disappearance, this trailer left me somewhat cold.
Yes, this feels like a prestige film. Yes, it will probably win all the Oscars. Yes, it will be praised among many. But something feels dry and workmanlike about it all. Is this poor marketing? Or did Scorsese overthink this one? We will see this Christmas.
Silence hits theaters on December 23, 2016.
That’s all for this November trailer round-up. Agree with me? Disagree with me? Have another trailer I need to see? Sound off in the comments.
Folks, I’m quite excited for The LEGO Batman Movie.
It’s not just because The LEGO Movie was shockingly good, it’s not just because Will Arnett’s Batman is an incredible send-up of decades of Batman history, it’s because the filmmakers seem to be honest to God fans of even the most obscure bits and bobs of Bat-history.
No more is this apparent than in the newly revealed line of collectible mini figures from LEGO due in January of next year.
The lineup leaked to LEGO fansites yesterday, and was confirmed today via Twitter as follows.
Take a closer look at the header image by clicking here.
THAT is the good stuff. Between surreal Bat variants and Batman villains I never thought we’d see, I doubt you’ll get a bad pick in this blind-bagged line of figures.
Of course, REGULAR sets for The LEGO Batman Movie are coming next year too, but how great are these figures?
Unleashed to the Internet today after a massive promotional event in Japan, we have our first glimpse at this March’s long-awaited of one of the most celebrated manga of all time, Ghost in the Shell.
Following after a number of released stills (not to mention surreal, brief spots airing during Mr. Robot), the first trailer for the Rupert Sanders-directed adaptation reveals that Ghost in the Shell, if nothing else, will be a visual stunner.
It’s amazing how well the world created by Masamune Shirow has come to life, even including some of the more controversial elements of the series (such as the Major’s sexuality), but the elephant in the room remains - the questionable casting of the actors.
There’s no doubt that Scarlett Johansson is a massive superstar, and has the acting chops to bring the Major to life (just see Under the Skin for an example of what she could bring to the role), but seeing that a Japanese film based on a Japanese manga set in a futuristic Japan has only one notable Asian actor within the trailer (the legendary Takeshi Kitano as Chief Aramaki) is an absolute bummer.
Will this be enough to stop success of the movie? Probably not - but no matter how good it looks, or how good the final product is, the question will remain: what could’ve been?
Ghost in the Shell hits theaters on March 31, 2017.
If a formula works - what’s wrong with that?
If a formula works - why not break it?
These are the two rules that define, and ultimately embolden the fourteenth installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: a smug, self-centered successful rich white dude has a traumatic experience which causes much rage, anger, and ultimately a moment of clarity - to be something greater they must breakdown what came before and become a symbol of heroism and purity.
That’s 2005’s Batman Begins. That’s 2008’s Iron Man. And that too is 2016’s Doctor Strange.
Honestly, that’s what the hero’s journey is all about, but I can understand why on paper, people were dreading this film. In a structure, however, lies the ability to go farther, to bend things to your will - and that’s where director Scott Derrickson (Sinister) alongside writers Jon Spaihts and C. Robert Cargill start to have fun.
Benedict Cumberbatch of Sherlock fame is our Stephen Strange, giving serious nerd cred to what has always been one of the lesser loved Marvel properties. It’s long been said that it’s a comic that every writer has a pitch for, which really underlines the deep-dive nature of the character - bringing Doctor Strange to life is arguably as risky as Guardians of the Galaxy was just two Summer’s ago.
Stephen is a master surgeon, top of his game. Super cocky, super confident, super headstrong (it’s going to be a joy to see him mix it up with Tony Stark in future films), everything is taken away from him - including his love interest, nurse Christine Palmer (a terribly underused Rachel McAdams) - after a massive car accident.
Broken, beaten, without the use of his talented hands, and searching for a new start, Strange finds himself in Nepal, and seeking the tutelage under the Ancient One - who, it is claimed, has lead to impossible healing in patients around the globe.
You can see where this is going - the Ancient One has powers beyond our understanding, and Strange has to become a fast learner. Why? Random villain, of course! Kaecilius, played by a scenery-chewing Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), a former student of the Ancient One, who intends to bring forth an even BIGGER baddie, the dark dimension ruler known as Dormammu.
This sounds pretty boilerplate - even down to the hapless female love interest, given little to do. But remember the fun I was talking about before?
With the foundation of your standard superhero film in place, Doctor Strange is home to some of the wildest special effects seen in a Marvel movie to date, and some of the craziest storytelling yet. If you’re the type still amazed that Marvel Studios produces movies where our favorite four-color heroes congregate and collide, just wait until you see high level conversations and in-depth sequences involving the Astral Plane and (finally!) the multiverse! Battles with cities turning into literal kaleidoscopes give way to magic involving time and space, and climax in one of the weirdest, bleakest, and boldest third act sequences in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, if not blockbuster filmmaking, full stop.
That’s what makes Doctor Strange such a thrill to watch. Now that the template exists, we as an audience can accept the subversion of it…but not all is well in the world of comic book filmmaking.
One of the biggest concerns leading into the release of this film was the subject of how it was handling minorities and stereotypes. I have some good news, some bad.
Yes - the movie now takes place in Nepal instead of Tibet (possibly to avoid conflict with Chinese film audiences), and yes, the Ancient One is no longer of Asian descent. But I will be honest with you - the performance Tilda Swinton gives is absolutely phenomenal, arguably standing out more than Cumberbatch, and if anyone transcends race, sex, and countless other factors it is the surreal and alien-like Swinton. (Better her than another “mystic Asian stereotype", I feel, too. It ain’t good, it ain’t great, but it removes some pain from it.) I will say, however, I am rather bummed by how underused that Chiwetel Ejiofor is as Karl Mordo. Acting as a sidekick of sorts to Strange, Ejiofor is a brillant actor looking for his moment here. The movie seems to hint toward greater things for him, but in a movie already dealing with some minority issues, it’s a shame to see Mordo marginalized.
Doctor Strange isn’t a movie without flaws, clearly, but it is a true bold step for Marvel Studios. If you can overlook the hard decisions made, you’ll have a blast - and I cannot wait to see where Stephen Strange and his incredible powers land next.
Doctor Strange is in theaters now.
Arrival is, as it seems, a movie about an alien invasion.
But like all great science fiction, even if Arrival lands more on the the realistic end of things, the film strives to be about something bigger, something greater - and it couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
Our entry point as the audience is Dr. Louise Banks (Amy Adams). Teaching linguistics as a college professor, Banks is quickly brought in by the United States military. Why? Twelve large, alien craft have shown up in locations all around the globe. Once every eighteen hours, a door to these crafts opens up. Our goal as a society? Find out who they are and what they want.
Working alongside military Colonel Weber (Forrest Whittaker, affecting a bizarre accent which is one of the few flaws of the film) and physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner, keeping things light for the audience), Louise is fighting against the clock to not only communicate with whatever is in the ships, but work alongside similar programs around the globe, all while tension and worry builds across the world.
Much like last year’s Sicario, director Denis Villeneuve adapts Ted Chiang’s short story Story of Your Life in a way which focuses on the difficulty of the work, the struggle of the journey - but unlike Sicario, a bleak film about the fight against the drug trade - Arrival finds delight and hope in every inch moved forward.
To speak more of what happens would be to ruin the film, but the message of Arrival is strong and universal, one which we could all stand to heed to. It helps that the medicine goes down easier via the sugar of beautiful cinematography by Bradford Young (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints) and a wonderfully experimental score from JÁ³hann JÁ³hannsson (The Theory of Everything).
One final note: expect an ugly cry at the end. Bring the tissues.
Arrival is a wonderful piece of high concept drama, underlined even further by presenting a message we could all use right now. Highest possible recommendation.
Arrival is in theaters now.
Having one of the most effective teaser trailers of the year, I sat down for director Gavin O’Connor’s The Accountant with some level of excitement and anticipation.
It looked like the perfect Fall season action pot boiler, filled with an impressive cast of notable stars and fantastic character actors. And while it’s a great time at the movies - it’s unfortunately brought down a few pegs by a script that is too clever for its own good, and makes some uncomfortable moves to the theatrical representation of those with Autism.
Let me step back.
The titular accountant is Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) - a small-town CPA by day, who also moonlights as the financial cleanup man for countless worldwide criminal organizations. Growing up with high-functioning autism, numbers are his playground. And apparently, given his worldwide crime ties, so are firearms and hand-to-hand combat. Rain Man meets Jason Bourne, if you will.
This has made him the number one target for a soon-to-retire director of the Treasury Department (JK Simmons). He’s been hunting “The Accountant" for most of his career, and with seven months left, he needs to find this guy. How appropriate is it, that at the same time, Wolff decides to take on a new client: a robotics prosthesis company, Living Robotics, who’s CEO (John Lithgow) wants to find $60+ Million just before they go public.
Did you know that the world of Fortune 500 company accounting was filled with villains and the hitmen they hire? Did you know that this can lead to accountants training themselves to become living weapons with intense moral codes (like, say, Batman)?
The Accountant is a very odd and unique way to put together an action movie, but somehow it works. Maybe it’s Affleck, doing a (thankfully) understated performance as Wolff, always slightly out of step with normal people, but incredibly skilled at the things that drive his interest. Maybe it’s the solid cast, ranging from Anna Kendrick as the plucky in-house accountant at Living Robotics, to Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead) as a remarkably charismatic hitman. Maybe it’s JK Simmons, taking his standard grumby boss character and adding some depth and pathos. But somehow - the unbelievably surreal script, written by Bill Dubuque - comes to life over an engaging 128 minutes.
The Accountant isn’t a perfect movie by any means. The script is a little too insistent on tying together every loose end, as if it’s worried about any red in it’s own ledger. The idea of Autistic adults being turned into superhuman calculators (who also are living weapons) is a disturbing one, possibly an insensitive one. (But it may be closer to the truth than we’d like). But I cannot deny that I had a really great time watching what was ultimately a high-concept version of a great 90’s action film.
This isn’t a B-Movie, it’s more a B+ Movie. And with that, I say The Accountant is completely worth a VOD rental or matinee screening. Open your mind a bit, be ready for something a little unusual, and enjoy the action. It’s worth your time.
The Accountant is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon.com.
Announced late Friday afternoon, Lucasfilm officially confirmed a long-standing rumor about the Young Han Solo film, set for release in 2018:
Donald Glover (Community) will co-star as a younger version of Lando Calrissian.
Here’s the full press release from StarWars.com.
THE SMOOTH-TALKING SMUGGLER IS COMING BACK TO THE BIG SCREEN.
Hello, what have we here?
Lucasfilm announced today that Donald Glover, an acclaimed actor, award-winning writer, and Grammy-nominated artist, will be playing the part of Lando Calrissian in the still-untitled Han Solo Star Wars film, helmed by directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Glover will join Alden Ehrenreich — previously cast as Han Solo — in bringing two iconic Star Wars characters back to the big screen, but at a time in their lives previously unexplored. This new film depicts Lando in his formative years as a scoundrel on the rise in the galaxy’s underworld — years before the events involving Han, Leia, and Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back and his rise to Rebel hero in Return of the Jedi.
“We’re so lucky to have an artist as talented as Donald join us,“ said Lord and Miller. “These are big shoes to fill, and an even bigger cape, and this one fits him perfectly, which will save us money on alterations. Also, we’d like to publicly apologize to Donald for ruining Comic-Con for him forever.“
Glover is best known for creating and starring in the critically acclaimed FX series Atlanta (which had the highest premiere numbers for any basic cable comedy show since 2013), as well as for starring in four seasons of the show Community, and for his Grammy-nominated album Because the Internet, performed under the name Childish Gambino. In addition, Glover appeared in the Academy Award-nominated The Martian, and will be seen in the upcoming Spider-Man: Homecoming.
The untitled Han Solo movie is set for release in 2018.
It’s really remarkable to see the career Glover has had since appearing in the late, great Community. And while he may not be our new Spider-Man (he at least gets to be in the next one), he’s built an amazing career for himself - both as a musician as Childish Gambino, and as a creative entity on his own, with his new FX show Atlanta getting a lot of buzz (I really need to check it out).
I couldn’t be happier with this choice. Once again, Lord & Miller have found ways to make bad ideas sound good.
After a long period of hype, rumors and scuttlebutt, Nintendo has finally taken the veil of mystery off of their latest video game console.
Welcome…the Nintendo Switch.
Just as rumored, the super secret console - previously called the NX - is a hybrid home console and handheld system.
The promotional video does a fantastic job of showcasing how easy it is (at least through the magic of an ad) to play a game at home, pull the tablet-esq handheld bit out of the dock, snap on some controllers and take your game anywhere. The video seems to take a page out of the Apple book, at least in terms of instead of showcasing the tech, it’s showing how you, the consumer, will use it.
The trailer seems to show that there are multiple controllers - the snap-on/snap-off variety, a “pro" style controller - and those controllers can even be used off of the “tablet", too.
We see some juicy glimpses of some games - the new Legend of Zelda, a Mario title, and I think that was Skyrim? - but nothing was officially confirmed today, besides the release date.
The Nintendo Switch will hit shelves in March 2017. Are you hyped?
While the movie has been teased recently on an Instagram account, I’m not sure anyone expected to see the first trailer for the third standalone Wolverine film, Logan today.
Very loosely based on the Old Man Logan storyline from 2008, Logan - titled after Wolverine’s real name - is the third solo film for the X-Men character, following the awful X-Men Origins: Wolverine and the forgetable The Wolverine.
This definitely looks to be unlike any X-Men film which came before it, with a darker, more morose vibe in play here - a proper way to close out Hugh Jackman’s 16 year run as the iconic superhero.
I really dig the heck out of this trailer, and the use of Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt" is a strong choice, but I wonder if the almost complete removal of connection from the X-Men films will be a good thing (after the relative failure of X-Men Apocalypse) or will leave audiences confused…since not many know Logan is Wolverine’s real name.
Either way, this will be the most unique superhero film for some time, and I cannot wait to see what Hugh Jackman and director James Mangold (Walk the Line) have in store for us this March.
Logan hits theaters on March 3, 2017.
Oh boy, director James Gunn delivered us an embarrassment of riches today!
Next Summer, we finally get to see what Star Lord and the gang have been up to in the appropriately titled Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.
When the first film hit in 2014, it was an absolute shock of a surprise, taking obscure Marvel characters and making them a worldwide phenomenon, mixing sci-fi action with brilliant needle drops from the 1970’s.
Other studios have tried to capture the magic created by Gunn and his incredible cast, but with the reveal of the teaser poster and “sneak peek" trailer today, there’s really no outdoing the original, is there?
The teaser poster for GotG Vol. 2 is a stark black and white image showcasing our heroes - including the new additions of former villain Nebula and Star Lord’s space dad, Yondu. What I really love about it? As I said on Twitter - the poster has the vibe of the promotional photos bands put out for their second album, the one that shows they’ve grown up and matured. This has that vibe, appropriate given how crucial music is to the series.
James Gunn wasn’t just going to give us a great image, though! He also dropped this fantastic first bit of footage. It’s a teaser trailer in the true sense - no plot, none of the new cast (like Kurt Russell) - just a taste of where our heroes now exist, and it’s just enough. That final shot of Rocket and Groot is going to have everyone giddy until next May.
What say you? Are you excited? HOW COULD YOU NOT BE?!
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 arrives in theaters on May 5, 2017.
As promised yesterday, the final trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is here!
Premiered on Good Morning America, by way of corporate synergy, the hype is high for this one.
In case you’ve missed the backstory of the biggest sci-fi event movie of the year, Rogue One takes place before 1977’s A New Hope, and focuses on the team who stole the plans for the Death Star, which we all recall Princess Leia loading up on R2-D2 in the opening of that film.
The team is lead by the “rogue” Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), and includes Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), a rebel intelligence officer, Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen), a blind Force master, ex-Imperial pilot Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed), assassin Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen), and memory wiped Empire droid K2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk).
It’s a makeshift crew for a dangerous mission, and in their way is the evil, white-caped Director Krennic (Ben Mendlesohn), Darth Vader (of course), and a whole slue of Stormtroopers.
Directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla), the movie has had a bumpy road to the screen, but this December it finally arrives, and in this our third glimpse it is looking very, very good. This trailer focuses on Jyn’s motivation - between her father (played by Hannibal‘s Mads Mikkelsen), and her motley crew. This is probably the best glimpse of the film yet.
What say you, dear reader? Is the Force with this film? Or is the dark side rising?
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives on December 16, 2016.
Gonna keep this one short!
Revealed today on the weekly Star Wars Show by director Gareth Edwards, we’ve got the OFFICIAL poster for the first Star Wars Story film, Rogue One.
This poster is simply wonderful - feeling foreboding and classic, even though it’s your standard photoshop collage of the cast.
The bigger news? The final trailer for the film hits tomorrow. We’ll bring it to you as soon as we can.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on December 16, 2016.
Also from New York Comic Con this weekend - we finally got a look at the long-awaited Iron Fist series.
The fourth Netflix/Marvel jam, all on the way to the Defenders team up, Iron Fist follows Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and the recently released Luke Cage as the next series to feature a unique street-level hero.
Who is Iron Fist? Here, I’ll let him explain.
That panel is from one of my favorite comics of all time, the Ed Brubaker/Matt Fraction/David Aja run of The Immortal Iron Fist, circa 2005. And that sort of thing is why I am so happy to see this series come to life.
The trailer for the series, which just finished filming last week, is full of all sorts of butt-kicking action, but I sure hope that they remember to find the humor and heart which made Iron Fist such a compelling character after decades of being a 70’s joke.
Iron Fist hits Netflix on March 17, 2017.
This past weekend at New York Comic Con, the screams and cries of fans were finally met, as we got our first look at the sequel to 2014’s surprise action classic-in-the-making, John Wick - the appropriately titled John Wick: Chapter 2.
I absolutely fell in love with the first John Wick when I finally saw it, far too late after the fact via HBO. The film lives in such a wonderfully hinted toward universe, a secondary world where hitmen have an entire society of their own. How could I not want to see more of this?
The promotional stills started to hit - including the movie’s superb teaser poster, embedded as the top image of this post (with the full poster appearing down below) - but I have to say, this trailer kinda left me cold.
Oddly enough, this already feels kinda same-y to the first. John Wick versus a bunch of baddies.
I should’ve realized that the movie wouldn’t take too far a leap, but in the footage shown here (which admittingly, isn’t much), the only real advances are in the cast, which now includes Common and Ruby Rose.
The enjoyment of seeing Lawrence Fishburne and Keanu Reeves interact for the first time since the Matrix trilogy is nice, but is it enough goodwill to last an entire movie? I need something more here guys, and knowing that the sequel takes place just one week after the original isn’t necessarily making me think we’re seeing a huge progression.
Perhaps I’m wrong, maybe this will be the action movie to beat in 2017, but right now, my excitement is halted.
John Wick: Chapter 2 hits theaters on February 10, 2017.
After an accidental leak overnight on Facebook - which was quickly taken down, although mirrored on a number of sites - Lionsgate has turned into the skid and unveiled the first teaser trailer for their film adaptation of Power Rangers, in advance of today’s panel at New York Comic Con.
Far removed from the cheezy glory of the 90’s series, based on this trailer, the film is striking an odd mixture of The Breakfast Club and Spider-Man, but in a very grim-and-gritty way.
Maybe they’re presenting the film this way to build intrigue, but this feels like an unnecessary push of “THIS AIN’T FOR KIDS". Doesn’t this feel like exactly the wrong way to market a Power Rangers film?
Based on what I’m seeing on YouTube, maybe not.
You heard it here first, Lionsgate - you need all the blood, guts, gore and f-bombs possible to have this live up to the “true" version of Power Rangers that people have wanted for 20 years. Way to get started on the right foot.
Power Rangers hits theaters on March 24, 2017.
Oh my gosh, my inner six-year-old is BEAMING!
Revealed today via IGN, and being shown off later today at New York Comic Con is a new line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mashup figures.
This isn’t the first time that TMNT has done unique figures based on a property - I remember the Universal Monster line as a kid, for example. But this time, they’re crossing over with the pro-wrestling action of the WWE!
Four figures will be made available exclusively to Walmart in November.
The series includes:
[gallery columns=“2” ids=“21449,21451,21448,21450”]
The figures include appropriate accessories such as title belts and a chair as a weapon.
I may need these. All of these. Wow.
Speaking of Power Rangers - at New York Comic Con this weekend, the long-in-gestation film will finally get a big public showing, and in advance of it all, we’ve got some new character posters via IGN - one for each Ranger.
[gallery ids=“21439,21440,21442,21444,21441”]
I have to admit, to this point, my thoughts on this film have been mixed.
Power Rangers isn’t a super key property of my childhood (although I did enjoy watching it), so I’m not going to be claiming childhood rape if the movie is bad.
That said - the reveals so far have been a mixed bag.
On the positive side, we’ve had Bill Hader join to voice Alpha 5, Bryan Cranston signing on as Zordon, and honestly - I kinda like the Elizabeth Banks interpretation of Rita Repulsa.
On the negative side, the first teaser poster was basically meaningless, and the subsequent “Zord" posters felt like a bad Pacific Rim rip-off.
But who knows, it COULD be good. Even if they all look like weird organic versions of Iron Man.
Power Rangers hits cinemas on March 24, 2017.
If you’ve ever wanted a SUPER high-end replica of the original Megazord from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, good news, your time has arrived.
Bandai’s Tamashii Nation’s line is introducing a high-end replica version of the famous mech, including figures of all five “zords" featuring working weapons, full transformations (including the “tank" mode) and die-cast metal.
You can check out a full gallery of the toy below.
[gallery ids=“21417,21419,21420,21421,21422,21416,21424,21432,21431,21433,21427,21430,21429,21423,21418,21426,21425,21428”]
The detail for this is unreal on this 10-inch scaled figure, but the price-tag is just as rough as the figure is perfect - $300.
If you can throw the money at it, you can pre-order at Amazon.com now. The official release isn’t until June 2017, so you can start saving your pennies now.
If you’ve yet to catch up on the superb series Black Mirror, now is the time to catch up.
Sort of a The Twilight Zone for the modern era, Black Mirror is a disturbing, frightening, and sometimes darkly humorous look at the direction our lives are taking via technology - viewed through the perspective of an anthology series.
The first two seasons aired on Channel 4 in the UK, and gained a lot of traction via Netflix here in the states - so much so that they signed creator Charlie Brooker to create a third season exclusively for the streaming network.
The first trailer for the star-studded new season (including turns from Bryce Dallas Howard and direction by Pan’s Joe Wright and 10 Cloverfield Lane’s Dan Trachtenberg) has hit the web, and it’s all the tease you could want for this long awaited new run of episodes.
All six episodes of Black Mirror Season 3 will be available on Netflix starting on October 21, 2016.
While I think we can all agree that the most recent season of BBC’s Top Gear was far from optimal - I personally felt Chris Evans was a grating host, but Matt LeBlanc did great work on the show - for the gear heads who loved the show in the past, few things are more anticipated than the debut of the Amazon-exclusive The Grand Tour.
The official return to our screens of the controversial Jeremy Clarkson, the cocky Richard Hammond, and the fuddy-duddy James May hits Amazon Prime streaming on November 18th, and the first trailer arrived in the wee hours of the morning today.
The show is everything you could want, with every dollar on the screen, ridiculous scenes being met by car-related antics, and of course, the main trio’s chemistry being untouchable.
Personally, I cannot wait to watch - and rewatch - this series.
The Grand Tour airs weekly on Amazon Prime starting November 18, 2016.
While I’ve been skeptical of the sequel to Blade Runner since it was announced, I have to admit, this morning’s announcement has me very excited.
Shouted to the world via, what else, their official Twitter account, the creative team for the Blade Runner sequel announced the films official title and release date to much excitement…if also hand-wringing and concern.
Accompanied by a photo of the sequel’s director, Denis Villeneuve, in conversation with original film director Ridley Scott, original film star (and sequel co-star) Harrison Ford, and sequel lead Ryan Gossling, it’s official - the movie is now Blade Runner 2049, and will release one year from today, October 6, 2017.
Blade Runner is arguably my favorite movie of all time, so I am excited and scared for this sequel, but I’m also delighted to see it will come out 2 days after my birthday. I hope it’s a great gift.
Based on Villeneuve’s prior films - Sicario and the award-season-buzzed Arrival, I hope this is in good hands, but time will tell us….is this a Mad Max: Fury Road, or is this an Independence Day: Resurgence?
Sometimes it’s the simplest stories that can be told the best, and nowhere is it truer than with Kubo and the Two Strings.
The latest film from Laika, Kubo begins with the story of a woman fighting a raging sea. She’s trying desperately to make landfall. Why? As we find out when she washes ashore - she’s trying to protect her son, a very special boy, who lost his eye to his Grandfather…better known as the Moon King.
The film shifts to 11 years later - the boy, Kubo (Art Parkinson), works to care for his now catatonic mother, and earn money as a storyteller, waxing yarns about a heroic samurai named Hanzo. Hanzo is in search of magical armor, and faces many perils on his journey, and wouldn’t you know it…those stories are more real than Kubo ever knew.
This sets Kubo on an adventure - searching for this ancient armor, with sidekicks in the form of a grumpy monkey, named Monkey (Charlize Theron), and a cursed samurai named Beetle (Matthew McConaughey). The quest that follows is a classic heroes journey, cut from the same cloth of The Legend of Zelda and countless Japanese role-playing games (not to mention many fairy tales). But what makes Kubo standout is the confidence with which Laika tells its tale.
While on paper a family film, Kubo goes to very dark places - ideas of spirituality, death, the afterlife, love, loss, and most importantly, life after loss are explored with remarkable maturity, even if it’s as the backdrop of an adventure film.
With their two best films, Coraline and ParaNorman, Laika proved themselves adept storytellers, using the basis of a family-friendly animated film to explore deeper, more mature topics (for example, ParaNorman has some of the most striking interpretations of sadness and depression I’ve ever seen) - Kubo and the Two Strings continues this proud lineage, and I can only imagine the strong effect it will have on generations of children to come.
I realize now that I had yet to speak about the brilliance of the animation of the film, but it’s mostly because - at this point - Laika is showing off with how well they’ve perfected the art of stop-motion animation. The visuals here are breathtaking, and I recommend staying through the credits, as there is a brilliant sequence showing the real-life scale of one of the movie’s most breath-taking set pieces.
Wonderful for all ages, full of heart, depth, and brilliant artistry, Kubo and the Two Strings is a late-summer joy for all ages.
Kubo and the Two Strings is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order via iTunes and Amazon.
One of my favorite comic series of all time is Brian K. Vaughan’s run on Marvel’s Runaways.
Debuting in 2003, Runaways featured an original team of teenagers who team up and decide to become heroes of their own, when they discover during one fateful night that their parents make up the criminal syndicate known as “The Pride".
Vaughan’s version ran for two series (which you can pick up in collected form at Amazon, which I highly recommend you do - Vol. 1, Vol. 2), and then had a series of revivals…which, while featuring big name talent like Joss Whedon (post-Buffy, pre-Avengers) and Terry Moore, never really hit the same vibes as Vaughan’s pitch-perfect run.
Never the less, the comic was always rumored to be a potential movie property for Marvel, and thankfully, it will be coming to life.
Instead of being the next big Marvel blockbuster, this will be actually be going to TV, as the first production between Marvel and Hulu.
That’s right, they’re working both sides of the streaming world now!
Deadline.com got the announcement. Here’s the most important bit:
That’s right, the creators of Gossip Girl will be running away with Runaways, appropriate given the teen-based nature of the show.
Now, I’m hoping that the series will be more like the Vaughan run, and less like those that followed, and as a TV show, strike a vibe between the Marvel Netflix shows, and Hulu’s own British acquisition, Misfits.
Runaways will hit Hulu sometime in the indeterminate future.
Alright folks, the Summer movie season is almost at an end, and although I personally have a few films left to see - including Pete’s Dragon, Sausage Party (not so sure after the news came out this week about the animators), Kubo and the Two Strings and War Dogs - it’s time to start looking forward to the movies of the Fall.
In turn, here is my list of movies that I am most looking forward to this Fall.
For the sake of easy listing, I am considering the “fall” to be September 1st-December 31st, and I’ve tried to include a link to a trailer where applicable. If no trailer is yet available, I’ve linked to the wiki.
What movies are you most looking forward to? Click through to see my list.
I fell pretty hard for Arrival when its striking teaser trailer hit the web last week.
As it promised, the full trailer for the film has arrived today, and it’s everything you could want and more.
The visuals - from cinematographer Bradford Young (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints) are stunning.  The film itself seems to be a tense stunner, as one would expect from director Denis Villeneuve (Sicario).  And of course, the cast is strong, built around Amy Adams (American Hustle) as the lead.
The idea of a movie focusing less on an alien invasion, and more of the idea of the ability (or even potential) of communicating, is definitely one that hasn’t been the focus before (even if Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Contact touched on it), and it feels like Villeneuve is going to have a potential classic on his hands, just in time for him to take on the Blade Runner sequel.
The Fall movie season was already rife with potential, with a great mixture of Oscar fare and genre material, like Sully, Blair Witch, The Magnificent Seven, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, The Accountant, Doctor Strange and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, among others.
But after seeing this trailer, Arrival is my most anticipated movie of this Fall, a season where over the past few years (Gravity, Interstellar, The Martian) the idea of exploring what more is out there has taken center stage.
I just hope it lives up to the hype.
Arrival hits theaters on November 11, 2016.
As hyped all week, the new trailer for the Star Wars spin-off Rogue One has finally been revealed, after airing during NBC’s Olympics coverage.
Based in a timeline shortly before A New Hope, Rogue One is a grittier Star Wars film, and is the first to not focus on the Skywalkers - hence the Star Wars Story subtitle.
Focusing instead on rebelious Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), the movie has faced some controversy on its way to the theater, including some much fussed about reshoots.
But how is it looking now? Click play.
Just as gritty, dark, and looming as the original teaser was, I am all in on a movie that focuses on the harder battles fought alone the way.
AND HOW DOPE IS DONNY YEN?!
Overall, I feel that the movie is in good hands, with Godzilla’s Gareth Edwards behind the camera, but we’ll see if Disney/Lucasfilm can continue the momentum started with the joyous rebirth of Star Wars this past Christmas with The Force Awakens.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on December 16, 2016.
I’m not sure what it is exactly about this teaser trailer for Arrival, but ever since I’ve seen it, the movie shot up to the top of my Fall 2016 “must-see" list.
There’s something incredibly exciting, engaging, and driving in the footage we see here (even though it is - technically - a “trailer for a trailer", as I hate so much), but I have a very good feeling about this.
The cast is great (Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner), the director is great (Sicario absolutely kicked my ass), and as Interstellar and Contact have proven through the years, I am a sucker for realistic sci-fi premises.
What do you think?
And should I read the book it’s based on, first?
Arrival hits theaters on November 11, 2016.
It’s an odd time to be a fan of genre films.
Now more than ever, the release of a movie is less about the movie itself, and instead focuses on the hype train - an ever growing mixture of footage, stills, and marketing designed to make sure that if nothing else, you, gentle viewer at home, make your way to the cineplex opening weekend.
It has inspired vitriolic fandom for films years out from release, and no more is this apparent than in the fandom surrounding the DC Comics Extended Universe.
Built around two films thus far - with the third being the focus of this review - the DC Comics Extended Universe fan is a die-hard, hard core fan of what is, mostly, just a list of names of properties and dates selected for the future.
It’s this fandom that causes attacks on social media. It’s this fandom that calls for movie-criticism aggregate Rotten Tomatoes to be shut down. (Which I find odd, as isn’t Metacritic a better target? That actually scores movies.) And unfortunately, with Suicide Squad it’s difficult to separate the film from the hype.
But I will do my best with this review to focus strictly on the film, none of the hype.
Since this seems to be the litmus test upon which we’re basing reviews now - a quick clarification of my standing here: I really enjoyed Man of Steel. Thus far, I have yet to see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. I loved Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, and I would absolutely love it if there were a series of DC Comics films as vital, enjoyable and undeniable as the Marvel Studios run.
And now…onto the actual review.
Suicide Squad is an absolute, unforgivable mess of a film.
I could end it right then and there, and it’d be worth the level of effort, given how little joy the movie gave me, and how little joy it gives me to say that - but I’ll elaborate.
Set in the wake of Batman v Superman (there’s a major spoiler for that film in the beginning here), government agent Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) wants to create a special black-ops group, codenamed Task Force X. This team is made up of nothing but some of the worst of the worst, the most violent and unpredictable of villains. If they succeed on their tasks? Their prison stays each get a little shorter. If they fail? They are killed. Each mission is a suicide mission…hence, Suicide Squad.
That sounds like just a tag line for the movie, but sadly, given the bizarre, paper-thin script (I’m not sure if there’s actually a three-act structure in play here), that could also be the best summary of the plot of the film.
The movie that ensues over the next 123 minutes is a disjointed, poorly edited mess. Sequences don’t seem to play out before you logically, they hit the cool looking beats, and we move on - feeling more like a movie trailer than an actual chronological film. (It makes me wonder if the rumors of the trailer company getting the final edit are true.)
Here’s an example of what I mean. With the most minor of spoilers, here’s how the opening of the movie plays out:
HOW MANY TIMES DO WE NEED THE SAME SCENES SERVING THE SAME PURPOSE?
I don’t like to fall to the “raging blogger" stereotype, but within the first thirty minutes alone, I was absolutely frustrated with this movie. Who had final edit? Why did no one try to clear this up? How could a major Hollywood production get released that wastes so much time?
And as the rest of the film plays out, you quickly realize why: the movie - with the exception of an ultimately pointless diversion involving the Joker (Jared Leto) that could’ve been completely excised from the film with no real harm done - is built around one, very lengthy mission. The worst part? The in and outs of the mission aren’t completely explained to the cast - nor us, the audience - meaning action occurs with little to no impact or interest.
Even more insultingly, the big baddie feels like a SparkNotes version of the superhero movie playbook. There’s a glowing macguffin, cgi drones for the heroes to dispatch (in poorly paced action sequences), a big explodey bit in the middle of the city, and a giant special effects heavy to-do at the end. And the effects aren’t even that good, rendering what should be a very cool sequence where two powered-up characters collide looking like a round of Mortal Kombat on the Xbox 360.
The part that is so frustrating? Suicide Squad, with a compedent script, direction and editing, could have been great. Margot Robbie IS Harley Quinn. Questionable design choices aside, she is a fantastic translation of the beloved Batman character. Will Smith does a great job of subverting his blockbuster movie legacy as Deadshot, working well within an ensamble cast, and giving heart to the deadly hitman. Viola Davis is deadly and devilish as the heartless Amanda Waller, and even Jai Courtney is enjoyable to watch as Captain Boomerang. Instead, they’re all wasted, but not as wasted as other characters in the film - one of whom is literally killed off minutes after being introduced.
The much vaunted performance of Jared Leto as the Joker is positively baffling, as he is a secondary interest of the film, and his performance is dull at best. Channeling Jim Carrey doing an impression of James Cagney, this is not going to be going down as a Heath Ledger-like gamechanger. That said, at least he is not as bad as Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, which is possibly the worst performance I’ve ever seen of a major comic book villain, full-stop. If you can justify to me why she’s basically dancing in the last act of the film, you’re a better person than I.
Even the music pissed me off! The wrong lessons were learned from Guardians of the Galaxy, as there are countless needledrops from beloved songs, but absolutely none are relevant to the scene at hand, or become iconic within the movie themselves. They’re obnoxious and call attention to themselves.
I’d love to say that what Marvel Studios is doing is easy, but with every installment of the DC Extended Universe, we learn how difficult it is.
Suicide Squad is the best example yet of how Warner Bros has no idea what to do with its wonderful library of superhero characters. The movie is just plain bad. In no way, shape, or form should families be seeing this together (the movie is very dark, sexual, and nihilistic), and worst of all? It has made me dread future films. There are two major superhero cameos in this movie, and as opposed to in the Marvel films, where I get excited to see these characters and how they’ll interact, I was just bummed that more was to come.
In a summer of movies that have dissapointed, Suicide Squad might be the boldest spit in the face from a major studio this year.
Don’t even bother.
Suicide Squad is in theaters now. I recommend something else.
Much in the spirit of the announcement teasers seen for Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar, Warner Bros is giving us only the smallest of tastes of director Christopher Nolan’s next film - Dunkirk.
There’s a sense of forboding dread in the minute long teaser, but that’s about all I have.
Here’s what we do know so far - none of which, really, from the trailer:
Dunkirk hits theaters on July 21, 2017.
Released between 2002 and 2007, the original Bourne trilogy was very much a product of its time.
Taking the story of an amnesiac CIA assassin, and graduating turning it into a story that both answered the questions of the history of its lead, while serving as a criticism as the “do anything for patriotism" government, it was a franchise that perfectly reflected the paranoia and concern of the post—9/11 world.
Ending with Bourne’s true identity revealed in the closing of The Bourne Ultimatium, the franchise pivoted James Bond-style, with a new lead in Jeremy Renner’s Aaron Cross, yet another black-ops soldier gone wrong. But it didn’t captivate the world the way the tales of Jason Bourne did (sorry, we just don’t care about chems, I suppose?), and the world wondered: would there ever be a fourth, proper Jason Bourne movie?
Lead star Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass always said that for Jason Bourne to return, the time - and the story - had to be right. And now, nine years after The Bourne Ultimatium, Jason Bourne has hit theaters.
Time hasn’t been kind to Jason Bourne since he revealed to the world the secret CIA operation known as Treadstone: he’s now a nomad, traveling through Greece as a street fighter, living off-the-grid with his monies earned knocking out his opponents. But fate intervines in the form of Nicky Parsons (Julia Stiles, reprising her role from the original trilogy), the now former CIA hacker, who is working to continue to take down the CIA, united with a WikiLeaks-esq movement to free data across the Internet.
Parsons gets access to files that she shouldn’t - containing a new quirk to Bourne’s already tragic backstory - and like so, the movie is off to the races. It’s a battle of time, with secret CIA intel in play, as the CIA - lead by Robert Dewey (Tommy Lee Jones, in a hybrid role similar to those of Brian Cox and David Straithairn in prior installments) and his right-hand woman, the ambitious Heather Lee (Ex-Machina’s Alicia Vikander) - tries to locate, and eliminate Jason Bourne. To spice things up, the CIA has hired an enigmatic assassin named only “The Asset" (Vincent Cassel continuing his ongoing movie fued with Matt Damon from Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen) to find Bourne if and when traditional means fail, and the cat-and-mouse game begins.
In execution, the movie is, at its best and its worst, Bourne-by-Numbers.
We have countless sequences of CIA monitoring key locations from their base at Langley. Tense conversations via cellphone, ear piece and text message. Twists and turns as characters illuminate their shakey alligences. And of course, hard-nosed action-sequences with the most unsteady of cameras. You wanted another Jason Bourne movie? Congrats - you got one.
But that’s also where the biggest flaw lies. In the lead-up to this movie, both Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass indicated that if they were bringing Bourne back, it’d be for a story that needed to be told. A story of the moment. At most, the things that bind the script of Jason Bourne - co-written by director Greengrass and Christopher Rouse, better known as Greengrass’s editor - to the world of 2016 are an action setpiece set during a political conflict between protestors and riot cops, and an at-best iffy secondary plotline referencing a collusion between the CIA and a not-quite-Facebook, named Deep Dream, lead by a Zuckerberg-esq young CEO, played by The Night Of’s Riz Ahmed.
When the Bourne story ended in 2007, Moby’s “Extreme Ways" played, and it felt like a definitive closure on a fantastic film trilogy. Here, even with thrilling action and strong performances (even if Damon feels particularly reserved), Jason Bourne does not feel as vital or as needed as the original trilogy did.
But hey, this is a movie business, and we better get ready to see Jason Bourne again and again and again and again…
Jason Bourne is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order via iTunes and Amazon.
On paper, the trailer for The Great Wall isn’t all that amazing, or seems that important.
Visually, the movie is arresting - directed by Zhang Yimou, who gave the world Hero and House of Flying Daggers.
The plot seems somewhat simple, using the building of the Great Wall of China as the setting of a giant monster/fantasy film.
So, what makes The Great Wall so important?
The movie is a glimpse of a possible future of film-making.
Funded by the (now) Chinese-owned Legendary Entertainment, The Great Wall was shot in China, features a primarily Chinese cast, and is the most expensive film ever created in China.
Yes, it features Matt Damon (to court us, the American audience), and is written by no less than three people (including Prince of Persia’s Doug Miro and The Bourne Ultimatium’s Tony Gilroy), but this is a release looking to do well here in the US - yet absolutely CLEAN UP in China.
Much has been written about how major blockbuster films are making concessions to the Chinese market, which is fast becoming the biggest market for the movie industry. But what happens if, and when, a Chinese production becomes a huge hit?
Will The Great Wall be the tipping point? Will Matt Damon appear in more scenes than what we see in the trailer? Will the movie actually be any good? We’ll find out in the beginning of 2017.
The Great Wall hits theaters on February 17, 2017.
Two weeks ago today, Netflix released their latest original series to little fanfare - an eight-part thriller titled Stranger Things.
From the original trailer, we didn’t know much. It had a Spielbergian vibe, somehow scored Winona Ryder, and involved some general spookiness in a small town.
Since the release, I slowly worked my way through all eight episodes, and over the weekend, completed the series. Â With some reflection, I’ve come to say this:Â Stranger Things is not only one of Netflix’s finest original programs, not only one of the best shows of the year, but - personally - might be one of my favorite television programs of all time.
Created by The Duffer Brothers, relative unknowns to the industry (they had some television writing work before this), Stranger Things goes beyond being a Super 8-esq love letter to 1980’s cinema.  The series absolutely devours the 1980’s aesthetic, to where it grows beyond a fetishizing of what was, and into a great work that stands alongside those it clearly worships.
All of the greats can be seen here: Stand By Me, John Carpenter’s The Thing, E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Poltergeist, even anthology series like Tales from the Darkside, countless movies devoured by the kids of the 1980’s and 1990’s have been chopped, cut, and re-created to tell a new spooky tale that somehow feels as fresh and relevant for today as it would’ve in the era that it is set, 1983.
Even the soundtrack - provided by members of the synth group S U R V I V E - carries a John Carpenter-esq feel. I’ve desperately wanted to give it a listen since completing the series, and thankfully, the soundtrack is coming. I have to give credit to whoever chose the licensed tunes for the series, as well. They picked some great 1980’s songs, but even some surprise contemporary tracks, including Peter Gabriel’s minimal, orchestral take on David Bowie’s “Heroes”.
I could literally gush for hundreds of words about the strength of the cast. Decent child actors are hard to find, and it certainly sounds like the Duffers had to run quite the gauntlet to find the kids they did, but the effort was worthwhile.
From the toothless Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), to the ethereal and creepy Eleven (brit Millie Bobbie Brown), to our main protagonist Mike (Finn Wolfhard, who I am excited to see in It), these kids are the real deal. But it helps to have an incredible cast around them - The Newsroom’s David Harbour doing career-defining work as the local police chief, Jim Hopper. 80’s it-girl Winona Ryder subverting her career and growing into the worried mother after being the ingenue. Even young lovers Nancy (Natalia Dyer, who would’ve been a perfect scream-queen in the Nightmare on Elm Street days) and her boyfriend Steve (Joe Keery, looking like he could be Ben Schwartz’s brother), the perfect asshole. And who can forget Barb (Shannon Purser), the BFF who has had a cult built around her? (Seriously, check out the actress’s Twitter page. It’s crazy.)
Every episode is perfectly paced. Fantastic cliffhangers, brilliant edge-of-your seat storytelling. The title screen (and its brilliant typography) bring Stephen King to mind, and the show could’ve easily been a lost novel of his - complete with the page-turning intensity.
I cannot say enough great things about this show. You need to watch this show. If you read this blog: you will love this show. Join the Stranger Things cult.
One last note: currently, while they have yet to be picked up, The Duffer Brothers are telling the world they have an idea for a second season, a sequel to the first. I can say this - the landing is stuck SO well, I’m not sure that I want to see one.
But at the same time, I know that I’ll stay up until 3am Eastern the day the second season releases to watch it. Once a fanboy, always a fanboy.
Stranger Things is streaming now on Netflix.
Released in 1991, The Rocketeer was not a huge hit, but for those who loved it, it’s unforgettable.  A fantastic love letter to WWII pulp storytelling, and a great adaptation of the Dave Stevens comic, the movie is the epitome of underrated.
In turn, I think this is a perfect example of a property worthy of a reboot.
Sounds like Walt Disney Studios agrees, as they have begun development of a “sequel-reboot”, a’la Mad Max: Fury Road, titled The Rocketeers.
Hollywood Reporter got the exclusive, including a VERY INTERESTING reveal. Check it out:
Yeah, that’s right. A strong, African-American female pilot will be the lead here. What an awesome idea - pushing forward the franchise, while also giving a modern twist and take. I’m very much for it.
More on The Rocketeers as we have it.
I fell in love - pretty hard - with the first teaser trailer for The Accountant when it hit the web earlier this year. Maybe it was the incredibly effective use of Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place”, but it worked very well for me.
Warner Bros has revealed a second, longer trailer for the film, and it certainly gives more detail, but unlike most trailers these days, I cannot really tell you the point-to-point plot (or its resolution) from this trailer. Well done, marketers!
All and all, this looks like a uniquely cerebral thriller, and a nice non-Bat role for Affleck.
Is it too much to hope that Radiohead is used in the movie proper?
The Accountant hits theaters on October 14, 2016.
The Marvel Studios panel at SDCC is going on now, and while most things will be remaining exclusive to that panel, they did have a gift for us at home - a brand new trailer for Doctor Strange.
Featuring, finally, a look at the villain (as played by Mads Mikkelsen) and more, crazy, reality-bending action - this is looking like another gem in the crown of Marvel Studios. Awesome stuff.
EDIT: We got a new poster, too!
Doctor Strange hits theaters on November 4, 2016.
Space. The final frontier.
For 50 years now, the ideas of Gene Roddenberry have been brought to life on screens both large and small, and to celebrate the massive anniversary, we return to the Kelvin timeline for a third installment in the JJ Abrams rebooted universe - this is Star Trek Beyond.
With a new director behind the wheel (Fast and Furious’s Justin Lin), and a whip-smart script from geek royalty (Simon Pegg, who also plays Scotty, alongside Doug Jung), the third installment of this incarnation of Star Trek does something surprising and enjoyable: it scales down.
While this may be surprising, especially in an era of increasingly higher stakes in the world of multi-million-dollar blockbusters, the choice to focus on a team-based adventure (versus an extinction level event, as seen in 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness) is what gives Beyond a fresh feeling, and allows the best part of this version of the franchise to shine - the incredible cast.
Let’s keep the synopsis of the plot simple: After an amusing opening sequence (involving some intergalactic misunderstandings) - the USS Enterprise is on year three of its five year mission. Kirk (Chris Pine) is starting to feel wary about seeing the mission through, as he wonders how much of his dedication was due to an interest in the mission, and how much was due to his need to prove people wrong.
While refueling and refocusing on the next phase of their trip at the star-base known as Yorktown, the crew are made aware of a distress call from an escape pod, drifting out of a nearby nebula. The lone occupant says she is the lone survivor of an attack - and with that, the Enterprise is back in action, looking for what happened.
Unfortunately for our crew, it was an ambush, and ship and crew alike crash land on a planet - left without a working ship, contact with the United Federation of Planets, and a need to get back to Yorktown, as the orchestrator of the ambush - an alien named Krall (Idris Elba, under considerable makeup), is aiming to destroy Yorktown and its millions of inhabitants.
The film that follows is a back-to-basics adventure with a focus on the wonderful interplay and relationships found in this version of the crew. The back and forth between the dour Bones (Karl Urban) and ultra literal Spock (Zachary Quinto) is a particular highlight, making for most of the film’s laughs. But the newest addition is one of the most interesting: a survivor on the planet, a white-skinned alien named Jaylah (Kingsmen’s Sofia Boutella) - a unique rogue, who may be the key to the Enterprise’s way out of danger, while being dangerous herself.
In many ways, what makes this movie such a delight is the focus on capital-A Adventure, as opposed to CG-based sturm und drang. The casting of the first JJ Abrams film was a remarkable stroke of luck, and seeing this crew interact with each other - as opposed to countless ships blowing up - is a joy.
That’s not to say that the movie is without strong visuals, however. Certain sequences have a sublime beauty - such as the Enterprise almost skipping like a rock on a lake, during an early hyperspace sequence - and the space port of Yorktown is a visual delight, calling to mind countless Syd Mead pieces, while bending and twisting like an MC Escher painting.
Also of note is how strong the storytelling is here - while more efficient due to the smaller scale, Pegg brings his clockwork like skills of screenwriting to the world of Trek, pulling together disparate elements from the script in the end, a’la his work with Edgar Wright. Additionally, as his work in the Fast & Furious franchise shows, Justin Lin knows how to make an ensemble cast feel like a family - and he excels with the current versions of Kirk, Spock, Bones and company.
The darkest thing in the movie is the unfortunate shadow of the real world: since the last film, the world lost the gifts of the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy, and recently, the tragic young death of Anton Yelchin (who played Chekov, in this latest revision). Their shadows cast over the film, but never consume it - as this Trek film is a celebration of them, and the work they helped create.
I admit - prior to the JJ Abrams films, I was never a Trekkie - and unlike many, I enjoyed both the 2009 reboot and Into Darkness, but what I am sure of is this: Star Trek Beyond will delight you, no matter how deep into the pool of Star Trek you’ve dived.
Much how Skyfall was a brilliant back-to-basics James Bond outing to celebrate 50 years of the iconic spy, Star Trek Beyond celebrates 50 years of Star Trek by returning to what makes it great: a belief that we can unite together and do the impossible.
Star Trek Beyond is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order via iTunes and Amazon.
Sorry, Christopher Nolan - your version of Batman is no longer going to be the definitive one.
Finally hitting the web after a significant delay, the Comic-Con exclusive trailer for The LEGO Batman Movie is here, and holy hell is it funny.
Continuing on with the character where The LEGO Movie left off, this version of Batman (Will Arnett) is as ego-centric as ever, but he’s become required (by Alfred) to start actually caring for his adopted son…who, as we all know, becomes Robin (Michael Cera).
Hilarity will ensue, if the sequences in this trailer are any indication - including the way Robin picks his costume - and I will undoubtedly be there day one for this one in theaters.
The LEGO Batman Movie arrives in theaters on February 10, 2017.
After a big stunt, where lead star Eddie Redmayne gave everyone in Hall H a wand, Warner Bros revealed the newest trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them to an excited comic con crowd.
And the beasts - they are EVERYWHERE. It sounds like this is a big beast hunt, in fact - a weird hybrid of Harry Potter and PokÁ©mon, where our hero (Newt Scamander) has to search 1920’s New York for his lost creatures.
All kidding aside, this will be HUGE this November, and I’m glad to see the closer-to-final footage delivering on its promise.
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them breaks out on November 18, 2016.
I’m going to go against the grain of the Internet here - this next trailer came as a delighful surprise: Guy Ritchie’s take on the Arthurian legend - King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
Pacific Rim star Charlie Hunnam takes on the role of this version of Arthur, and much like Ritchie’s version of Sherlock Holmes, it’s a very modern, flashy, slick, and surreal take on a timeless story.
I can completely see why this wouldn’t work for some people, but I was sold on its irreverant sense of humor and style for days. My question: is this REALLY still set for a SIX FILM series?
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword gets knighted on March 24, 2017.
This is a trailer that I’ve been looking forward to - but it’s clear things are still under wraps for Kong: Skull Island.
Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Skull Island is the latest rebirth of the massive ape franchise, and it’s clear that they’re making the BIGGEST KONG EVER.
That said, there isn’t much here to go off of, besides the scale and scope, and the incredible cast (which reads like a murder’s row of some of my favorite actors), including Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, and acting’s John Goodman.
Here’s hoping the final film works out well, making Kong vs. Godzilla a total slam dunk.
Kong: Skull Island arrives in theaters on March 10, 2017.
We thought we’d seen every possible trailer for Suicide Squad, but the fans at Warner Bros’s SDCC presentation in Hall H got one more - a special “Remix" trailer, presented by director David Ayer.
Featuring a number of selections from the film’s soundtrack, Suicide Squad continues to be - of all things - the movie filled with the villains, which seems more upbeat and enjoyable, than the prior movie with the heroes.
It’s clear that Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is going to be the standout here, but this trailer made me really enjoy Will Smith’s Deadshot, and weirdly enough, Jai Courtney’s Boomerang.
I also have to give the marketing team credit - unlike other movies, where I can pretty much figure out the 3-act structure, I’m honestly not sure what the plot progression will be here…and I like that. But are they hiding something awful in the third act? We’ll find out soon.
Suicide Squad hits theaters on August 5, 2016.
Next in our cavilcade of content from Warner Bros’ SDCC 2016 panel is the first public look at Justice League.
The first team image was revealed, as seen as the header to this article, but the true excitement was in the reveal of the first footage.
It’s fun, it’s funny, it’s actually delightful - it’s everything that Man of Steel and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice weren’t.
Now, could this footage just be cut in a way to get fans on board? Sure - but considering I’m coming away from this excited, if not completely delighted, they’re doing something right.
I’m even OK with their weird choice to have two Barry Allen Flashes running around between TV and movies!
Justice League hits theaters on November 17, 2017.
The great, grand Warner Bros panel rocked Hall H at San Diego Comic Con today, and with it came a WHOLE slue of trailers.
I’ll be throwing out my thoughts on each one, and we start big with our first look at next year’s DC Comic’s adaptation - the long-awaited Wonder Woman.
Incredibly stylish (and stylized) in a way similar to Zack Snyder’s work, Patty Jenkins’ film takes us to the World War I era, as Diana, the Amazon, makes her first impact on “man’s world" - meeting Steve Rogers (played by Star Trek’s Chris Pine).
I love the colors, I love the action, I’m really starting to love Gadot as Wonder Woman, I just wish their were less slow-mo. Either way, this will be a HUGE movie next Summer.
Wonder Woman hits theaters on June 2, 2017.
Tomorrow afternoon, Warner Bros will take the stage of Hall H at San Diego Comic Con with one of the most anticipated presentations of the weekend.
It’s appropriate, then, that they released a trilogy of posters in advance, to help stoke the embers of hype and excitement leading into tomorrow’s events.
First up is a Comic Con exclusive poster for Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them. The prequel (of sorts) to Harry Potter, fans are anxiously awaiting the Thanksgiving release of the film (written by JK Rowling), and I’m guessing new footage - if not a trailer proper - will be shown.
Next, we have a poster for The LEGO Batman Movie. Following in the footsteps of The LEGO Movie, this puts us into the world of LEGO Batman, a hilariously self centered version of the Dark Knight.  I really liked the first teaser trailer for the film, and based on the stills which came out earlier this week, I think this is going to be a very cool reimagining of the character.
Also - considering iTunes Trailer’s Twitter keeps mentioning the panel this weekend, I assume we’ll be able to see a new trailer online tomorrow.
Last - but far from least - is the official teaser poster for Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot’s version of the character was very beloved, and this classy and colorful poster is sure to send a message to those fearing that the DC Extended Universe will be as bleak and dark as the Zack Snyder films which kicked it off.  This is seriously a fantastic poster.
Everything hits SDCC tomorrow, July 23rd, at 11:30am Pacific. We’ll do our best to bring you the official content that hits online.
Yesterday at the first official day of San Diego Comic Con (aka Comic Con International), the big buzz came from the Marvel Studios / Netflix panel.
Focusing on the September debut of Luke Cage, and celebrating the fantastic two seasons of Daredevil and debut season of Jessica Jones, fans were buzzing about the future of these mature series.
For those who don’t recall what those shows looked like, here’s a sizzle reel which was shown at the panel.
The big news from the panel?
Rumor became real, as Marvel Studios TV head Jeph Loeb, alongside star Jon Bernthal, confirmed that Frank Castle - better known as The Punisher - would be getting his own solo show on Netflix, following his popular debut in the second season of Daredevil.
The main focus on the panel was to hype the September debut of the Luke Cage solo series. Mike Colter looks to be doing a great job as the street-level hero (building off of his appearance in Jessica Jones), and the first official trailer hits all the right notes. We’ve got it for you here.
Luke Cage premieres on September 30, 2016.
As if it weren’t going to happen, Marvel and Netflix were pleased to announce that their hit series Daredevil would be returning in the not-too-distant future for a third season. The announcement trailer is wonderfully understated.
Please note, there is no scheduled date for Daredevil Season 3, at this time.
Arguably the series I’m most excited for (given how much I loved the Immortal Iron Fist series), Marvel finally shared footage from their next big Netflix franchise - Iron Fist.
Starring Game of Thrones' Finn Jones as Danny Rand, the teaser trailer - while short - hits all the right notes.
From day one, the Marvel/Netflix series have been built around culminating in one grand adventure - much how their bigger brothers on the silver screen came together in 2012’s The Avengers, we knew that Daredevil, Iron Fist, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage would one day unite as The Defenders.
Thanks to a brief teaser shown at the end of the panel, we now know that it will come together in 2017…presumably after Iron Fist airs.
I have to admit, it’s an embarrassment of riches coming from the Marvel and Netflix partnership. If the quality remains high, we’re all in for a treat.
My only question: Where is Jessica Jones Season 2?
Earlier today, the news stated months ago was confirmed, as it was revealed that Alden Ehrenreich (Hail, Caesar!) will play a younger Han Solo in the Han Solo film being directed by The LEGO Movie’s Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
Here’s StarWars.com with the press release:
Lets just hope that Lord and Miller have an easier time directing him than Ralph Fiennes did.
The untitled Han Solo film is scheduled for a 2018 release.
The first Star Wars Story is certainly looking to be the grimmest, if this behind the scenes footage is any indication.
Unveiled on Friday during it’s spotlight panel, Lucasfilm has revealed the official poster for Rogue One, and a lovely behind-the-scenes reel. (They also showed a new trailer, which was for the live audience only.)
The poster is absolutely tremendous, showing the primary conflict of the film, a battle on a new planet - presuming fighting for the all important Death Star plans - as the devious weapon of the Empire looms above.
The reel, however, is possibly more exciting. Striking a tone similar to the SDCC reel shown for The Force Awakens, it really underlines the gritty, on-the-ground feel that director Gareth Edwards is aiming for Rogue One, even if some people are just WAY too delighted to be in a Star War.
Even with the reports of re-shoots, I think that Lucasfilm is determined to stick the landing here. These Star Wars Story films really are the future of the franchise, proving that we can go beyond the Skywalkers and see more of a universe far, far away. I hope for the best.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on December 16, 2016.
Due in October 2017, I’m not quite sure what to think of the forthcoming Blade Runner sequel.
They have an incredible director lined up, in Sicario’s Denis Villeneuve. The cast is fantastic, pairing up Ryan Gossling as the lead with a returning Harrison Ford.
But some movies are so perfect, so fantastic, that I’m not sure that they need to be revisited.
This is going to be one of the movies I anticipate with fear and worry, but per Entertainment Weekly, the first two pieces of concept art feel right, at least.
The Blade Runner sequel, as yet untitled, hits theaters on October 6, 2017.
OK you guys - it’s finally happening. I am getting optimistic about the slate of DC Comics films.
Yes, Batman v Superman was considered a mess by the general populace (although the extended cut was apparently better, which I will find out about, and review for myself this week), but word on Suicide Squad is positive, the set visits for Justice League sound like Zack Snyder’s fixing what he did wrong, and based on these new stills from Wonder Woman, the legendary female part of the DC Trinity is in good hands.
Released by Entertainment Weekly - because what isn’t these days - these stills from the making of the film show a level of color and brightness missing from Batman v Superman, and I have to admit, Gal Gadot is growing on me quite a bit in the role.
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The question is - when will we see the movie in action? I bet it will be next weekend in San Diego. Hopefully, us pleebs at home get a taste too. Officially. Not bootlegged.
Wonder Woman hits theaters on June 2, 2017.
Comic Con excitement is in the air, and one of the most anticipated panels hitting Hall H next weekend is the return of Marvel Studios to San Diego.
Set to discuss their next two big releases - November’s Doctor Strange and May’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - Marvel has a fresh slate in front of them, not including any possible surprises.
We shared with you the new Guardians concept art earlier this week, but Entertainment Weekly also had an exclusive Strange reveal.
Doctor Strange has been kept (mostly) underwraps since its teaser trailer was revealed, but at San Diego Comic Con, more will be revealed - including the giveaway of an exclusive piece of concept art, seen below.
Created by artist Ryan Meinerding, the art will be available at Marvel’s booth, and really illustrates how commited to the look and feel of the comic character the film adaptation looks to be.
Doctor Strange hits theaters on November 4, 2016.
Since its announcement, the long-awaited third Ghostbusters film has been the source of near infinite worry and debate. After decades of aiming to continue the story of Peter Venkman, Egon Spangler, Winston Zeddmore and Ray Stanz, a new generation of ghostbusting was born instead from a reboot - a new cast, directed by Bridesmaids’ Paul Feig. Since day one, many eyes have been on this project - and finally, the 2016 edition of Ghostbusters is here.
The movie starts with physisist Dr. Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig). Working at Columbia University and seeking tenure, a blast from the past comes into her life, as a book she wrote with her estranged friend Dr. Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy) leads the owner of a haunted mansion to ask for her assistance with a particularly aggresive poltergiest. Erin - having long tossed away her interest in the paranormal - is agast, as the ghost world is everything that physics is not, and she’s worried that the publication of the book (with the brilliant title Ghosts From Our Past) will cause her to lose her tenure.
Gilbert goes to visit Yates - now continuing her studies of the paranormal alongside gadget guru Jillian Holtzmann (Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon) - and tries to get the book scrapped. Gilbert is not successful - but Yates and Holtzmann want to check out the haunted mansion. The story grows quickly from there, with a new group of ghost hunters defined (including MTA employee/New York history lover Patty Tolan - played by Leslie Jones), and a gigantic paranormal event discovered, triggered by creepy loner Rowan North (Neil Casey) - who is trying to make up for years of torment and disgust by taking over the Big Apple with countless angry spirits.
The movie which follows is a great time at the movies. Big action, big laughs, and pure blockbuster storytelling. Unfortunately - the same as with his prior hits Bridesmaids and Spy - a Paul Feig movie has been let down by its marketing, with Ghostbusters (or is it Ghostbusters: Answer the Call, as it’s titled in the end credits?) being a far greater film than advertised. The humor is filled with the great awkwardness and crass gags seen in Feig’s prior films (with a PG—13 slant), and the ghosts are incredibly freaky and well rendered. Ghostbusters in 2016 is simply a blast. Hell - they even find a way to make the Fallout Boy remake of the theme work well…in context. And only in context.
Performance wise, Wiig and McCarthy stabilize the film with new variants of their beloved film personas (pent-up awkwardness and brassy sass, respectively). The real strength of the film, however, lies in two supporting performances - McKinnon’s Holtzmann, and Thor himself - Chris Hemsworth - as the Ghostbusters hunky yet incredibly stupid receptionist, Kevin. Kevin is dumber than a box of rocks, but Hemsworth’s 100% commitment to the character makes him a comedic force of nature, full-stop. Every moment with him is full of laughs. But he is nothing - and I mean nothing - compared to the comedic tour-de-force of Kate McKinnon in this film. Her Holtzmann is the stuff that genre comedies are made of. She does more than chew the scenery, she absolutely annihilates it. She is routinely the most captivating, most funny, and most unhinged character in the film, and for Holtzmann alone, the entire reboot project is 100% worth it.
In terms of what doesn’t work, shockingly enough, it’s the moments where the 2016 Ghostbusters pays homage to the 1984 edition. Their heart is in the right place, but the callouts to the original film feel hamfisted, and the cameos (with 2 exceptions) call a little too much attention to themselves. But honestly, these do not derail the film - they just make me hope for a sequel where this new crew gets a story entirely their own. Additionally, the CG in the last act can get a little overdone and wonky. Not enough to ruin the film, but I was taken out of it a bit.
Fans wondered for decades when we’d see a new Ghostbusters - and when it arrived, they rung their hands with worry and issue. I’m pleased to say it was for naught. Ghostbusters has been given new life with a great cast, brilliant humor, and some absolutely incredible ghost effects. This is what the Summer movie season is all about.
Additional notes: my viewing of Ghostbusters was in 3D, which proved to actually be worth the upcharge for once. The movie frequently plays outside the frame, and some of the spookiness is upgraded by the extra depth of the film. Additionally, there are a number of extra scenes within the credits (including a moment that appears to have been removed from the film), and there is a post-credits scene. Stay in your seat, it’s all worth it.
Ghostbusters is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon.
I have to give Marvel Studios credit - they have done a wonderful job of keeping Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 under-wraps.
The James Gunn written and directed sequel recently wrapped up filming, and is set to rock SDCC 2016 next weekend, but a first piece of concept art has been revealed (via Entertainment Weekly, of course), and we’ve got it for you below.
The art has a lot of things to talk about. Illustrated by go-to Marvel Studios concept artist Andy Park, we’ve got our first look at Mantis (played by Oldboy’s Pom Klementieff), and it looks like Yondu and Nebula have joined up with the gang.
But what will we all be excited about? TINY GROOT.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 hits theaters on May 5, 2017.
2014’s Whiplash was one of the most dumbfoundingly strong debuts of a director in recent memory.
Beautifully shot, with an incredible cast, and an intense build-up - Whiplash garnered Oscar noms, and a well deserved win for Supporting Actor for JK Simmons.
More importantly, it put writer/director Damien Chazelle on the map.
In turn - when I heard he was moving onto his next film, I was waiting with bated breath for any details. When I found out that it was an original musical (!) starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone (!!), I was even more delighted.
Today, the teaser trailer for La La Land has hit, and it delivers on the promise such an incredible, raw, collection of talent would leave one expecting.
As beautiful as the cinematography in Whiplash was, Chazelle (working alongside cinematographer Linus Sandgren - known for American Hustle and Joy) looks to be doing the defining modern-day version of a Hollywood musical.
Scored by the original tune “City of Stars" (already available on iTunes, of course), the promise of this trailer is huge. Big names, fired-up director, incredible talent surrounding them (including JK Simmons, along with John Legend - yes that one - and Rosemarie DeWitt), this could be a very big movie this Christmas.
At the very least, the first vinyl-esq poster is lovely.
Now, if you excuse me, I’ve got a tune to whistle until it leaves my head.
La La Land hits theaters on December 6, 2016.
From its premise, no one would blame you from dismissing Swiss Army Man.
We enter the story in media res. Hank (Paul Dano), our protagonist, has been stranded on a island in the Pacific. He’s out of food and hope. So he decides to end his life by hanging.
As he stands with his feet upon a cooler, his neck in a makeshift noose, he notices a body washed upon shore. He rushes to the body. The body, belonging to Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) appears to be dead. A moment of hope turned into yet another loss for Hank. And then, that body begins to fart. A lot.
…so much so that Hank can ride Manny to civilization, powered purely by flatuence.
That’s where we hit our credits and the adventure truly begins, a surreal combination of Weekend at Bernie’s and the Nintendo classic A Boy and His Blob. The results? One of the best films of the year.
Swiss Army Man is a movie about super-powered farts, the importance of poop, and boners that double as compasses. But at the same time, the movie is about love, life, sadness, relationships, the things we do when we’re alone, and how our deepest, darkest, saddest, weirdest thoughts define us as humans. It’s life affirming and completely stupid. It’s arguably the most original thing I’ve ever seen on film.
Written and directed by DANIELS (the name for the collective of Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, best known for the video for Lil’ John’s “Turn Down for What"), Swiss Army Man is a surreal and dream-like film. Beautifully shot by cinematographer Larkin Seiple (Cop Car), the movie even has a musical vibe, with little songs hummed - or completely sang - by the cast turning into the score, a driving mixture of chants and instrumentation by Andy Hull and Robert McDowell of indie-rock band Manchester Orchestra. The movie goes at an incredible pace, with brilliant montages, surreal imagery, and some of the most frank converstations about life, love and what it truly means to be human I’ve ever seen on film. And it’s done with a probably insane man speaking to his best friend, a dead body.
I’ve honestly never seen a debut film so self assured, so smart, so brilliant and so odd. What DANIELS did here is remarkable, and now, hours removed from the theater, I keep replaying scenes and moments in my head. If you allow the weirdness to consume you, Swiss Army Man delivers.
Proper respect is to be paid to Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe. If they didn’t sell their roles well enough, the entire film would fall apart. Yet, through his conversations with Manny, you understand how Hank ended up on that island. You understand what his life was. And with Radcliffe in particular, he makes a literal corpse an incredibly alive character. Who would’ve thought in the Harry Potter years that his work would be so odd and so captivating?
Every time I go to the movies, even with the trailers I watch and the stories I read, I look to be amazed, surprised and delighted. Swiss Army Man did that and more. Simply put, Swiss Army Man is why I go see movies. Highest possible recommendation.
Swiss Army Man is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order on iTunes.
Announced today on Disney’s Facebook page, via a Facebook Live video, 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph will be getting a much-anticipated sequel in 2018.
John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) will return as the titular video-game villain with a heroic heart, alongside Sarah Silverman’s Vanellope Von Schweetz.
Co-directed by Wreck-It Ralph director Rich Moore and Zootopia writer Phil Johnson, the sequel (which does not have an official title yet) will take Ralph and friends out of the arcades and into the lands of the Internet, as noted in the first, official image for the film (below).
The first film was essentially a Toy Story for the video game world (I loved it) and expanding the scale and scope into the online world is pretty much perfect for a follow-up. Unlike many movies these days, the Ralph world is one which was begging to be explored further, and I cannot wait to see what Walt Disney Animation Studios has planned.
Now, can we get Big Hero 7, next?
The Untitled Wreck-It Ralph Sequel hits theaters on March 18, 2018.
Comics Alliance got themselves quite the collectible toy scoop today.
Last Summer, at San Diego Comic Con, pop-culture mavens Mondo showed off some new additions to their growing line of high-end toys.
One such figure? That of Ramona Flowers, as seen in (my favorite comic series ever) Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim series.
Ever since that reveal, Mondo and O’Malley alike have been quiet about the release of the toy.
We’ve seen Funko announce some movie-themed Pop! vinyl (I wasn’t impressed), but we never heard more about Mondo’s Ramona figurine.
…until today.
That’s right, the toy DOES exist, and it will be made available online for pre-order starting TOMORROW, JUNE 28 at 12PM CST (that’s 1PM EST).
Designed with help directly from Bryan Lee O’Malley (that’s his turn around sketch above), this is based on Ramona’s appearance in Scott Pilgrim Gets It Together, the fourth volume. The colors come straight from the color edition of the comic.
Ramona comes with both her trademark bat and hammer, and has translated from 2D to 3D perfectly.
There are two variants - the standard edition and the “Mondo Exclusive" edition. That “Mondo Exclusive” version is only available for pre-order for 72 hours, so you’ll want to act fast if you want that variant, which includes the Scott-in-Ramona’s-bag accessory. The standard will run you $50, with the Mondo exclusive running $55. I think I can swing the extra $5. You can pre-order it at MondoTees.com.
No indication of the exact release date, but until it hits, you can enjoy the full gallery below.
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Directed by Justin Lin, the third installment of the modern Star Trek franchise, titled Star Trek Beyond, is certainly taking risks in ways that the franchise has never done before.
This time, its the inclusion of a mainstream pop song.
Titled “Sledgehammer” (and not a Peter Gabriel cover), Rihanna provides the pretty great sounding new tune, presented alongside a new trailer for the film, as uploaded this morning by Paramount Pictures.
The more I see of Star Trek Beyond, I like it. Justin Lin is bringing a strong, familial energy to the movie (as he did with the Fast & Furious franchise), and the movie is featuring bright and strong imagery, a nice contrast to the dark destruction porn we tend to see in theaters.
Hopefully, this is the cure to what has been an off Summer, and the excitement is delivered upon.
Star Trek Beyond hits theaters on July 22, 2016.
Despite the fact that the teaser trailer first premiered.
Entertainment Weekly has a big cover-story about Rogue One this week, including confirmation that Darth Vader will be in the film, a look at the cast, and a reveal that one of the cast members in the film comes from the cult-favorite Clone Wars cartoon. (They even talk about those pesky reshoots.)
Additionally, a full gallery of new images from the film has arrived, and we’ve got them embedded for you below.
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There’s not much more to grab plot wise from the images (besides the fact that we’re clearly spending some serious beach time in the movie), but I do love the weirdness of one of the Deathtroopers holding a toy Stormtrooper.
I have to be honest - learning more about this movie only makes me more excited. A blind-Force using Donnie Yen? An angry Empire middle manager? Felicity Jones in the TIE Fighter Pilot armor? I am in.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story directed by Godzilla’s Gareth Edwards hits theaters on December 16, 2016.
UPDATE! Entertainment Weekly revealed ANOTHER six images! Enjoy.
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Like many people across the Internet, I was incredibly disappointed when No Man’s Sky was pushed back from its original release date (yesterday) to a date later this Summer (August 9).
In turn, I’ve got quite the space-exploration itch to scratch. Â If the logo of this site isn’t any indication, IÂ love spaceships, especially old school, “Enter the World of Wonder!” styled sci-fi.
While it doesn’t quite have the strange-man-in-a-strange-world feel, the new iOS title Hyperburner is helping put salve on the open wound while I wait for No Man’s Sky.
Hyperburner, designed by Patrick Cook, is a new game designed for mobile devices and PC that is a “fast-paced space flier”, it’s sort of a Temple Run, only with cool spaceships and a beautiful, clean and colorful visual style.
Here, maybe this trailer helps:
What that trailer does not show, is the really great control scheme.
Essentially, you keep your thumb on the screen, sliding to guide the ship - but if you remove your thumb, the game will automatically pause.
I’m a few levels in, and not only is this game super enjoyable, but the auto-pause feature is EXTREMELY helpful.
I can’t recommend this game enough for a taste of fast-paced space adventure. It’s exactly what a mobile title needs to be. And best of all? It’s In-App Purchase free. Spend your $2.99, and that’s it.
Hyperburner is available now on iOS, and will be available soon for Android and PC.
Is there anything harder to overcome than great expectations?
Is there anything harder than to have to follow in the footsteps of a beloved film, but more than that, to be the next installment of a legacy of beautiful filmmaking?
This is the issue that Finding Dory finds itself stuck in, before frame number one. A sequel to 2003’s beloved Finding Nemo and the seventeenth film by Pixar, the movie picks up one year after the events of Nemo, and focuses on the film’s most beloved character - Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), the blue fish with short-term memory loss. After Dory’s adventure with Marlin to find Nemo across the Ocean, Dory has settled in with life alongside her clownfish friends, but suddenly - some of her memories begin to return, of her parents Jenny and Charlie (voiced by Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy). In turn she becomes determined - she has to find her family.
On paper, the movie is an easy retread of the first. They once again travel across the sea on the backs of sea turtles, our heroes find themselves out of water, and in a man-made environment - even if this one is a more inspiring public aquarium in California - but the movie touches on a brilliant storyline, which, to my dissappointment, it quickly loses.
Pixar’s storytelling - besides drawing emotion from every audience that takes in their beautiful films - has always drawn in on using animation to discuss bigger topics. Stories about growing up in the Toy Story franchise, about love and loss in Up, how great things can come from unexpected places in Ratatoullie, the ways that humanity needs to develop and grow in Wall-E, and even the emotions that make us who we are in Inside Out; these are the tales that make their movies so much bigger, brighter and illuminating than their contemporaries in the world of animation. In Finding Dory, we see a glimpse of this: the difficulties of raising a special needs child. Dory’s short-term memory issues clearly are a space of difficulty for her parents, but they love her and believe in her. We see moments of their struggles in Dory’s scattered memories, and we feel the depth of their love later in the film - yet, I’m left feeling like an emotional catharsis is lost with the lack of connecting tissue.
That isn’t to say Finding Dory is a bad film, not by any means, but it’s this lack of illumination to a greater point that leaves this as one of the studio’s lesser films.
While the story may miss some beats, the animation doesn’t, with the Pixar team pushing their tech forward once more, mixing the character designs of the 2003 film, with bleeding edge water technology, photo realistic envronments, and yes, humans!
The returning voice cast does great work: DeGeneres is probably the most vulnerable she’s ever been on screen, even just as a fish, and it’s always great to hear Albert Brooks’ trademark style of humor in a movie theater. New characters bring great moments to the table as well, including It’s Always Sunny’s Kaitlin Olson as a whale shark named Destiny and Modern Family’s Ty Burrell as Bailey, but the real highlight is Ed O’Neill’s Hank, a grumpy “septopus". I could watch Hank hate his way through an adventure all day long.
The most interesting addition? Sigourney Weaver as Sigourney Weaver. Yes, she plays herself, as an interactive voice over played at the Marine Life Institute…which I think means that either the Nemo franchise takes place in our world, or there’s a weird Pixar version of Aliens out there. Either way, the Internet’s going to have a field day with this, and You Won’t Believe what someone thinks about it all when it’s posted about on BuzzFeed someday.
The animation remains beautiful, the sea life design enthralling, and there is an incredible action sequence at the end of the film - but without that glue, it just doesn’t hit the highs I’d expect. Finding Dory isn’t another Inside Out gem, but it’s a solid base hit, a’la Monsters University. If you’re in for another romp with your favorite fish, this is the movie for you: just don’t expect a masterpiece, just a great time at the movies.
Additional notes: There is a post-credits scene (wrapping up a loose end from Finding Nemo), and the pre-film short, Piper is the most goddamned adorable thing ever.
Finding Dory is in theaters now.
This week has already been a huge one in the world of tech, with Apple’s WWDC 2016 kicking off alongside the beginning of the 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo (or E3), and while I intend to do a wrap up of my highlights of both, I wanted to quickly write about the reveal that brought out my inner-child:
Sony’s announcement of a brand new Spider-Man game coming for PlayStation 4.
Developed by Insomniac Games (best known for the Ratchet and Clank franchise), the game appears to be a third-person action-adventure title, with incredibly kinetic web-swinging and wacky fighting, as shown in this great reveal trailer.
I’ve gone on record many times about Spider-Man being my favorite fictional character, full-stop, but some of the Spider-Man games also stand as my favorites ever, including Neversoft’s Spider-Man for the PlayStation 1, the PlayStation 2-era Spider-Man 2 (based off of the movie), and even the classic Sega Genesis title.
I’m hoping that with the big name developer behind it, this will go in the lexicon of great superhero games, and I will be watching with bated breath, every reveal, screenshot and trailer.
Now…what about that weird costume?
Spider-Man is currently in development with no release date revealed. It is currently available for pre-order via Amazon.
In 2011, Matthew Vaughn stepped into the X-Men franchise and gave it new life with the fun and incredibly enjoyable 1960’s set reboot, X-Men: First Class. 2014 brought the return of original X-Men Bryan Singer, melding the old and the new in the enjoyable 1970’s set X-Men: Days of Future Past. The story continues now in the 1980’s, with Singer again returning behind the camera for X-Men: Apocalypse, and unfortunately - the magic is completely lost.
That’s right - this installment may be the worst X-Men film yet, performing in quality below even X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X3: The Last Stand. And the worst part? It could’ve been great.
With this installment - the ninth X-Men film overall, if you include February’s Deadpool - we feature the long-awaited-by-fans film debut of legendary villain Apocalypse (Oscar Issac). And really, that’s your plot of the film. Apocalypse appears, and the X-Men have to punch him in the face. None of the nuance and interesting era integration seen in the last two films occurs here. Remember how First Class juxtaposed the birth of the Magneto/Xavier conflict with the dawn of the cold war? Or how Days of Future Past took the post-Vietnam paranoia and used it to justify the creation of the Sentinels? Yeah, not so much here. Apocalypse has risen, with his undefined power-set (besides being “ALL POWERFUL"), and we know it’s the 1980’s because the first two movies were in the 60’s and 70’s, the graphics on-screen say so, characters wear funny clothes, and there’s a mall trip. (And they’re even so bold as to use Return of the Jedi to make a joke about how bad third installments are. Not something you want to do when your own third edition is dragging the audience down.)
Sadly - this lack of justification besides “because" fills the 144 minute run-time of the film.
It’s simply put, one of the laziest large scale blockbusters I’ve seen in ages. And it’s all the more frustrating because of the potential there.
Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy have - previously - done amazing work as Magneto and Xavier respectively, but all their efforts to redefine the characters go to total waste here. They return to the basic versions of each character, loosing everything that made their versions great. Jennifer Lawrence practically sleepwalks through the film as Mystique, a shame, as much of the plot (what plot there is) is built around her growth as a character. Evan Peters’ Quicksilver, a highlight of Days of Future Past (outdoing Marvel’s interpretation of the character in Avengers: Age of Ultron) is completely wasted as well. Sure, he gets a highlight action sequence, but it just feels like a dull retread of the moment he had in the last film. Even our new cast members show potential that is never achieved: Tye Sheridan gets a great version of Cyclops’ origin, but not much else. Kodi Smit-McPhee looks and sounds wonderful as Nightcrawler, but his character’s use in this film is an absolute regression from X-Men 2. And Sophie Turner could be great as Jean Grey if she didn’t seem so removed and bored with the film.  You may note I say nothing about Olivia Munn’s Psylocke. That’s because there is nothing to say. She does little to nothing of note in the film, and literally just walks away.
Simply put - X-Men: Apocalypse is the greatest misuse of superhero storytelling and potential since The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Just pull Bryan Singer away from the franchise. Never use these screenwriters again. Start fresh. Forget an Apocalypse, we need a new beginning.
X-Men: Apocalypse is in theaters now.
Hey, I’m on vacation this week!
In turn, the site will be quiet for a few days. Might drop a movie review or two while I’m gone, but otherwise…quiet.
But I’ll be back by Monday, May 30th.
In the meantime, feel free to keep an eye on my Twitter. That’s where I usually share links and quick thoughts on nerdy stuff that grab my interest.
See you next week!
Last night, as a part of a special fan event for Star Trek Beyond (designed to both excite fans for the forthcoming film, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek property), Paramount Pictures released a brand-new trailer for the film, and we’ve got it for you below.
The third film in the “reboot" series, the movie is directed by Fast & Furious’s Justin Lin, and for many - this trailer will be a welcome sight, after the first, not too terribly well-received teaser trailer.
A very cool new poster was released, too.
Personally, I’ve liked everything I’ve seen so far. This trailer definitely is a bit slower, and focuses on some of the keystones of the Trek franchise, such as the need to explore space, and the family that is the crew of the USS Enterprise.We also get some cool glimpses of the new lead baddie, played by Idris Elba under considerable makeup, plus a few comedy beats, to underline how much of a fun time this movie will be in the theaters.
All and all, I think that Star Trek Beyond will be the movie fans have been waiting for - both longtime Trek fans, and those like myself, who only joined the franchise once JJ Abrams took over in 2009.
In a cool note - they announced that the world premiere of the film will be at San Diego Comic-Con this year on July 20th, as Paramount goes all out with an outdoor IMAX screening, which will also feature live orchestration by Michael Giacchino and the San Diego Orchestra.
For the rest of us?
Star Trek Beyond hits theaters on July 22, 2016.
In what could be a sneaky, dark horse comedy of the Summer, The Lonely Island (Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer) have finally been given the opportunity to make their own film (2007’s Hot Rod was starring, but not written or directed by them), and we get this - the surreal and hilarious looking Popstar: Never Stop, Never Stopping.
It seems to be positioning itself as a modern day This Is Spinal Tap, serving as a mockumentary about Conner4Real (Samberg) - a Justin Bieber-esq star who faces great success, then great failure.
This trailer (and the red-band one before it) is absolutely hilarious, and between The Lonely Island behind the scenes, and an awesome cast (including Bill Hader and Sarah Silverman) in front of the camera, I’m really rooting for Popstar to do well.
Popstar: Never Stop, Never Stopping hits theaters on June 3, 2016.
The worst kept secret in video gaming was finally confirmed today, as WB Games/Rocksteady have announced Batman: Return to Arkham, a single disc compilation of the PS3/Xbox 360-era Batman games, for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The game will include remastered versions of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, plus all prior DLC, but it will NOT include Batman: Arkham Origins.
Presumably left out because it was designed by a team other than Rocksteady, I feel like losing Arkham Origins is the biggest miss of the collection, as it was a great game that was at times, disabled by slower hardware.  Oh well.
The compilation will hit store shelves on July 26, 2016.
Batman: Return to Arkham is available for pre-order now.
After a day that was full of Ghostbusters discussion on the web (if you don’t know, it’s really better that you don’t bother), Sony Pictures has unleashed a new trailer for this Summer’s Kristen Wiig-starring relaunch of the franchise.
Appearing first on Twitter, this is a far, far better trailer than the first one released - dropping the nostalgia of the original teaser (minus use of the iconic theme), and focusing more on the humor of the film.
I really like the use of Chris Hemsworth (Thor)Â as their goofy secretary, and the slow walking gag at the end of the trailer is an absolute 10.
All and all, this looks like a fun, silly flick with some very impressive ghost CGI.  I’m there.
Ghostbusters hits theaters on July 15, 2016.
EDIT: If you’d prefer a YouTube link, here you go!
EDIT 2: OK, the International version might be even better. I’m getting pretty optimistic about this.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before:
DC Comics is relaunching all of their titles, and to celebrate it, the company is getting a new logo and branding.
Yes. This is pretty much exactly what they did in 2011 with “The New 52”, matched in 2012 with their current, odd, peeled-back logo.
Guess what! Everything old is new again!
Not only is their universe getting a relaunc…sorry, a “Rebirth” this month, but yes, a new logo is coming as well!
Making for DC’s 3rd logo since 2005, looking at this timeline of past logos, the new one is actually kind of a throwback, very similar to the 1972 variant:
That said - this feels like a weird re-branding move, especially when they have / have had two great logos already available, in the 1976 and 2005 variants.
Personally, my mind’s eye always thinks of the 1976 version, when I think of DC. Â I don’t think this new logo is “bad”, it just feels unnecessary, as if corporately they’re trying to say “THOSE OTHER TIMES WE RELAUNCHED? FEH! THIS ONE IS FOR REAL!”
What say you, dear reader?
The new DC Comics logo will first be seen on the cover of DC Comics: Rebirth #1, due to hit shelves on May 25, 2016.
The other day, I was talking about how excited I was for Son of Zorn, the new show from the minds of Phil Lord and Chris Miller (The LEGO Movie, 21 Jump Street).
Well, in a good twist, Fox has now released a trailer for the show, and it looks like one of the most surreal things ever aired on broadcast television.
Here’s the official synopsis, for those new to the show:
I have to say, this reminds me a lot of the classic early [adult swim] shows, like The Brak Show and Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law. I just hope it catches on - this feels like an idea that can get even more surreal over time.
Son of Zorn hits television screens during the 2016-2017 season on Fox.
We’ve had movie trailers for years. We also had teasers, which hinted towards the proper trailer.
Then, with the internet, we started getting announcement trailers, telling us when a trailer was going to be released. We usually get those for the teasers AND the proper trailers.
Now…we have trailers to tell us that a movie will be filmed.
Transformers 5 starts filming soon, and to announce it, Paramount has released a trailer to tell us the name of the film. Yes, that’s all this does.
At least this was on Instagram, where one would expect such short messages.
I’m not sure who the titular “Last Knight” is, but I do know that the new logo changes how “Transformers” is written. See?
This film continues the “second trilogy” of Transformers films, bringing back Mark Wahlberg in front of the camera, and Michael Bay behind it.
I couldn’t tell you a single thing about the plot of the last film -Â Age of Extinction - but I can tell you that it made $1.1 Billion at the box office. So expect even more of these films. Even if they’re all garbage.
Transformers: The Last Knight hits theaters on June 23, 2017.
I thought it was weird enough when Missile Command and Centipede were getting their own films, but Deadline.com is now reporting probably the strangest video game to movie transition ever…
Tetris The Movie.
Really. And not just ONE movie made around the video game built around building lines with differently shaped blocks, an entire TRILOGY of movies.
This thing honestly reads like a parody of the current movie industry.
You have a trilogy green-lit just based on the notoriety of the property, you have a ridiculous budget ($80 million), and you have it being filmed in China and prominently featuring a Chinese cast, just to take advantage of the growing Chinese film market.
The only quote about the movie? Via producer Larry Kasanoff (best known for the Mortal Kombat films, and the infamously awful film Foodfight!, a movie which was only released because the company that insured it sued to be able to release it to recoup some money on their investment):
Look - I know we live in a world where The LEGO Movie blew us away and delivered something unexpected. But…in developing a property like Tetris, which has less than zero plot to build on, maybe you should give us an inkling of why exactly this film is the backbone of a trilogy?
Why do I feel like this is just one movie-based giant shell game, with Kasanoff’s group trying to just rip the Chinese investors off for serious cash? Â Sounds like a doofy business I should get into.
Tetris The Movie will probably never hit theaters. But if it does, we will be here to make heads or tails of it.
Bless you, dear internet.
Thanks to you and your ever leaky ways, we have a whole bunch of new information about Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, in advance of its December debut in theaters.
Booksellers Edelweiss entered an entry for the film’s Visual Story Guide book, and it went live overnight, with a series of example pages, which - understandably - sent fans into a tizzy online.
We have a full gallery below (just in case the images are pulled), but it includes a full listing of our heroes and villains names (for example, Ben Mendelsohn’s white-caped villain is “Director Krennic”), images of new aliens, blueprints of new ships, and a basic confirmation that yes - Darth Vader has an impact on this film.
Check it out, and get excited!
[gallery ids=“21081,21082,21083,21084,21085,21086,21087,21088,21089,21090”]
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on December 16, 2016. Rogue One: A Visual Story Guide hits bookshelves on January 24, 2017, and can be pre-ordered here.
EDIT: Looks like the source images were removed from Edelweiss' site. Someone messed up! And now I await my C&D…
Note: this article discusses spoilers for Iron Man 3.
Much has been spoken of the recently-ended “civil war” between Marvel Studios and Marvel Entertainment.
Up until recently - Marvel Studios (the movie wing, lead by Kevin Feige) had to report to Marvel Entertainment (the comic company, lead by Issac Perlmutter). Â This led to internal conflict - which had been recently removed, as Feige now reports directly to the heads at Disney.
There’s been much online about some of the changes over the years demanded by Perlmutter (he was not into female hero movies, for example), but for the first time that I’m aware of, one of Marvel’s filmmakers pointed directly to an issue where the Marvel Entertainment heads caused issues for Marvel Studios.
Remember Rebecca Hall’s awesome character in Iron Man 3? She was pretty rad, right? Then just sort of died. That wasn’t always the plan.
According to a new interview with writer/director Shane Black (promoting The Nice Guys), Black originally had bigger plans for Hall’s character - where she would be the real villain, as opposed to Guy Pierce’s Aldrich Killian.
Why did this happen? Concerns above Feige about toy sales. Yep. Toys.
I still hold that the end result was a pretty damn solid movie, but looking back at the plot for Iron Man 3, it would’ve been such a noir-esq move for the down-on-his-luck Stark to face near death due to a scorned woman (Rebecca Hall’s Maya Hansen), then fall face first into being saved by his one true love, “his girl Friday”, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow).
Sure, we got a version of that, but this alternate read is pure Shane Black. Alas.
I think after Batman v. Superman, Warner Bros are taking a long, hard look at what they have planned for the DC Comics Extended Universe, and looking to make some strong changes.
We heard last week about Booster Gold now getting a look for his own film. Now they’re doubling down on one of their best bets so far - Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn.
According to The Hollywood Reporter’s Borys Kit (awesome name), Warner Bros is liking what they’ve seen of Robbie’s Quinn from Suicide Squad, and wish to give her a solo movie of her own.
But it won’t just be a Harley Quinn movie, oh no! This will include many other of DC’s popular female characters - Batgirl and the Birds of Prey being mentioned in particular.
Apparently it’s a similar focus to the DC Super Hero Girls line, which is currently getting a very successful merchandise push, leaving empty shelves across the nation.
This continues WB/DC’s focus on their female heroes - in stark contrast to Marvel Studios. They just finished filming Wonder Woman for a 2017 release, making them the first of the two major comic book movie universes to have a female led film.
If Warner Bros can get Harley Quinn film out before Marvel’s Captain Marvel (set for 2019), that shows they have a focus on a sorely under-served part of the comic movie fandom, and I don’t think anyone expected DC to be the more progressive of the two.
More on this film as we have it.
Remember how hyped we were coming out of Captain America: Civil War about the Black Panther movie?
I mean, we had reason enough to be excited before, with Ryan Coogler directing (after absolutely knocking Creed out of the park).  But then we had Chadwick Boseman show the world how awesome his version of T’Challa was throughout Civil War.
Hype was high. And then we found out this week that Luptia Nyong’o would be in the cast too.
And then today’s news, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter…
MICHAEL B. JORDAN IS JOINING THE CAST TOO!
Right now, we have no official word on his role, but after delivering an incredibly under-appreciated performance in Creed, having such a great track record with Coogler, and getting absolutely underserved by last Summer’s Fantastic Four, I am so excited to see what he does in this film.  Rumor is, he may be the lead villain.
EITHER WAY, THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT.
Black Panther hits theaters on February 2, 2018.
In some news that has me very very excited, Warner Bros is apparently moving forward with an all-female relaunch of the Ocean’s Eleven franchise.
Much like the all woman Expendables film, such a movie has been rumored for some time, but according to The Tracking Board, not only is the movie happening, but it will result in a bit of an Ocean’s-verse, as the film will connect to the 2001-2007 George Clooney fronted Ocean’s trilogy.
This has me incredibly excited, as two of those films are some of my favorites ever, and the idea of the franchise getting a shot in the arm has me even more delighted.
Sayeth The Tracking Board, the film will be directed by The Hunger Games director Gary Ross, and will not only feature Sandra Bullock as Danny Ocean’s sister, but will be getting the major star power of Jennifer Lawrence.
What can I say - I’m totally, completely in. Now to see if the internet revolts against it a’la this Summer’s Ghostbusters relaunch!
Well, this is a bummer.
No sooner than Warner Bros gives Godzilla 2 a new release date, which I assumed at the time was to give its director a rest after finishing Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, they’re looking for a new director.
That’s right - Gareth Edwards has left the project, looking to work on a smaller film, after the stress of two back-to-back blockbusters.
It’s a shame, as I thought Edwards brought an incredible sense of scale and realism to the project (as found in his film Monsters), but I’m still excited to see what he is working on solo.
Godzilla 2, no matter who directs it, is scheduled for a March 22, 2019 release.
I’m not sure how this movie completely missed my radar, but it looks like this Fall, Ben Affleck is going to redeem his Batman v. Superman sins as The Accountant.
Here’s the synopsis, and the official trailer, via Warner Bros:
Look, Affleck, Anna Kendrick, and JK Simmons were more than enough reason for me to want to see this.  Add a unique and interesting premise, and some Kid-A-era Radiohead, and I am frothing at the mouth for this film.
The Accountant hits theaters on October 14, 2016.
I can’t believe it -Â Pacific Rim 2 is really, actually happening.
While the road to the big screen for a sequel to the Guillermo del Toro robots vs. monsters modern classic has been a bumpy one, things started to look pretty, pretty good for the sequel, once Daredevil show-runner Steven DeKnight jumped on as director (with del Toro producing).
Now, a writer has been chosen to make it come to life.
Jurassic World scribe Derek Connolly has signed on to pen the picture.  Certainly, his experience writing giant dinosaurs fighting has prepared him to enter the realm of kaiju and jagers. Connolly has also written the script for Jurassic World 2 and the forthcoming King Kong reboot, Kong: Skull Island, so clearly, he is right for the role!
I guess I’m just sad that Guillermo del Toro will not be actively controlling the chaos this time around. Doesn’t mean it will be bad - just means it will be different.
Pacific Rim 2Â does not have a set release date at this time, but I’ll update you as I learn more.
You guys, I have to admit. I’ve been a bit of a bad nerd.
While I gave both Arrow and Gotham a chance (and they’ve done nothing for me), I’ve been hearing universally great things about The Flash and Supergirl, especially their crossover earlier this year.
Well, good news to those of you who are fans of Supergirl - the Melissa Benoist starring show will be returning for a second season!
There’s just one catch, however…it’s changing networks. Â The series will be leaving its current home of CBS, and joining the youth-focused roster of The CW. No word on any changes to the show, but many are wondering if the series budget will be cut,
Supergirl joins a very comic book heavy network, now on the same channel as The Flash, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and the Vertigo series adaptation iZombie.
Now I just hope the first season shows up on Hulu or Netflix, so I can see what all the hype is about!
Phil Lord and Chris Miller continue to create projects out of insane ideas. Clone High, 21 Jump Street, The LEGO Movie - they take things that don’t make sense on paper, and knock it out of the park.
This fall’s Son of Zorn is no different.
The high concept is basically as follows - what if He-Man, the cartoon character, had a normal, regular flesh and blood family? Â And he was kinda screwing up as the head of the household?
Yeah - they’re seeing that ALL the way through on this show, which is an animation, live-action hybrid, starring Jason Sudeikis as the aforementioned Son of Zorn.
Lord and Miller did an interview with Entertainment Weekly about it, which included some fresh images. Here’s an except:
You should read the full article. I cannot wait for this show!
Son of Zorn is set to debut on Fox in the 2016-2017 Television Season.
Ang Lee is an absolutely incredible director. But I’m a little worried about him.
Having made some amazing films, including Life of Pi, Brokeback Mountain and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, his is a name that inspires interest and provides a filmmaker’s gravitas.
That said - the trailer for his next film, the major holiday release Billy Lynn’s Halftime Walk has hit, and it looks (to me, at least) like pure, unabashed Oscar bait.
Based on the novel by Ben Fountain, the story juxtaposes the war-time efforts of the titular Billy Lynn (the debuting Joe Alwyn) alongside a halftime appearance at a football game, designed to honor the soldiers and drum up support for the war.
The footage seen here is visually, very strong, but does not feel any different from any other major, schmaltzy “soldier comes home” film, even with a cast including names such as Kristen Stewart, Steve Martin and Vin Diesel.
Really, the only appeal of the film is the remarkable techniques used by Lee, filming in 4K, 120 frame per second, in 3D.
Sure, that’s moving the artform forward, but the number of theaters that will be able to exhibit the film in that format are minimal. And I’m sure there are countless families wanting to shell out the IMAX 3D costs for a sad story of a soldier returning home.
Who is this movie really for? To indulge Ang Lee’s need to use the latest tech, a’la Peter Jackson or George Lucas? Or to give Sony Pictures a big Oscar hope?
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk hits theaters on November 11, 2016 - and right now, you can count me out.
20th Century Fox, via Jimmy Kimmel Live! has officially pulled back the hood on one of the most anticipated movies of the Christmas season - Assassin’s Creed!
Based on the hugely popular game from UbiSoft, the movie follows a new character - Callum Lynch - who, using futuristic technology, is able to experience the memories of his long lost ancestor, an assassin in 15th Century Spain.
This has the potential to be the first truly great video game movie adaptation, and I’m incredibly excited to see Michael Fassbender be the lead for a major franchise, such as this one. The trailer itself looks visually arresting, and a great translation of the popular game series (even if I haven’t played one since Assassin’s Creed II.) My only qualm is the odd use of Kanye West in the trailer.
Assassin’s Creed re-teams Fassbender with Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises) and director Justin Kurrzel, who he worked with on last year’s Macbeth remake.
In addition to the trailer above, an official poster for the film has been released, featured below.
Assassin’s Creed hits theaters on December 21, 2016.
Today, a report from Digital Music News has many in the music world raising an eyebrow and wondering about their future.
What has everyone so nervous? The end may be near for the iTunes Music Store.
According to the report - per to those nebulous sources “with close and active business relationships with Apple" - the music download business is going the way of the dinosaur.
The question is not “if" they will retire the music downloads store in lieu of their Apple Music streaming business, but when. The rumors are either an aggressive two year plan to kill off iTunes music sales, or a more lax 3-to—4 year plan of attrition.
It’s a bold plan, one that should worry music labels both large and small. But at the same time - is it that crazy of a plan?
Apple has always been a company that aims to go where the puck will be, not where the puck is. See their killing of the DVD drive. See MacBook having only one USB 3.0 port. They’re going to where the world seems to be heading - streaming, and streaming alone. Heck, Warner Music just claimed that they’re officially making more from streaming then they do from downloads.
The question is - once the music store dies, will all iTunes media follow? Not just music, but movies, tv, and books?
Think about it - how far are we, truly, from a united source for all music, video, books, etc. $10 for music, maybe another $15 for movies, $10-$15 for books?
Right now, every video content provider is trying to have their own streaming program. HBO, Starz, AMC, Showtime, Seeso, etc. - they’re all aiming to grab increasingly smaller pieces of a very large pie. But at some point, the world will want to get more for their money. And someone, or someones, will have to step in to be the Spotify or Apple Music of that type of content.
The billion dollar question is - who is going to be the one to step ahead of the curve? And who will be caught in the cold?
It’s a big transition, one that will effect consumers and content creators alike - I just hope we end up in a space that is great for both.
Update: Apple says the story is “not true”. I still feel it’s inevitable, but I guess they aren’t planning their escape yet.
Earlier today, Funko announced the latest addition to their incredibly popular Pop! Vinyl figure line…Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Based on the Edgar Wright-directed film (and not the Bryan Lee O’Malley comic series), we’ll be seeing figures of Michael Cera’s Scott Pilgrim, Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Ramona Flowers, and Ellen Wong’s Knives Chau.
The designs are accurate to the movie - although I question the choice of Scott’s outfit, as I think of him more in his Plumtree or Smashing Pumpkin’s shirt (or some variant thereof), than the button-down from the party where he meets Ramona. The drawing of Ramona clutched in his little hand is a nice touch, though.
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On paper, these figures should be an absolute layup for me. I have quite a few Pop! Vinyl figures, and I absolutely love Scott Pilgrim (having recently dubbed it my favorite comic movie of all time on the Super Art Fight podcast).
…yet, they leave me cold. Something feels off about them for me.
Maybe I’ll like them more when I see them in person, but until then, I’ll be lusting over Mondo’s Ramona Flowers figure they unveiled at San Diego Comic Con last year, with no further details announced at this time.
The Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Pop! Vinyl figures are set for a June 2016 release.
Announced in 2013, Disney attempted to bridge the gap of their multitude of fandoms and the world of video games with one defining title:Â Disney Infinity.
Over three sequels, Disney Interactive looked to meld the worlds of Disney animation and live-action, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm’s Star Wars into one cohesive gaming universe.
Following in the footsteps of the then white-hot Skylanders franchise, the game would be an entry in the toys-to-life genre - pairing excited kids wants to play the “whole game” with an infinite (heh) series of figurines, each new figure purchase unlocking new levels and playable characters within the games - while also looking pretty solid on your shelf.
They augmented the crass buy-in with Little Big Planet/Mario Maker styled level creation tools, which never seemed to really catch on, allowing players of all-ages to create their own levels to share with an online community.
On paper - it was an obvious cash cow. Video games and action figures have always done well for Disney. But apparently, they did not jump on the bandwagon soon enough, it was announced yesterday that the Disney Infinity project was being cancelled, with Disney Interactive closing its doors and Disney getting out of the console video game business entirely.
Maybe it says something about the end of the toys-to-life craze, as Disney Infinity figures have started to warm shelves alongside LEGO Dimensions and Skylanders sets.
Perhaps its a sign that cash-in games for the console world are dying off, with the industry focusing only on blockbuster, triple-A titles.
But what should be appreciated as we look back on Disney Infinity is how it did the impossible - it took disparate characters from countless popular universes, and combined them effortlessly into one beautiful, and pleasing visual style.
For me, that’s what made the game so appealing. That’s what made the figures so tempting. Each design looked wonderful, streamlining countless characters from pop-culture into one unified and clean design language.
Looking back, they really covered a bold variety of Disney properties. Sure, some made sense - like the well-timed releases of characters from The Force Awakens or The Lone Ranger - but who ever expected to see figures of Iron Fist or the cast of TRON: Legacy?
I’ve included a gallery below of some of my favorite designs. I wish I knew all the artist(s) to credit (it seems that Ian Jacobs is one of them), but as this game leaves us - it’s the look that I will remember. I hope they get amazing work somewhere else soon.
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With Rogue One: A Star Wars Story looking so good, you knew there had to be a setback. And that setback is a delay of Godzilla 2, the sequel to director Gareth Edwards' tremendous reinvention of the terrible thunderlizard for the 21st century.
Edwards' sequel - which is sure to be re-titled from Godzilla 2 Â - is now set for a March 22, 2019 release, 9 months after its original June 2018 release date.
The bonus? We won’t have to wait long to see the Big G collide with King Kong, as Godzilla vs. Kong (featuring the Kong from 2017’s Kong: Skull Island) is now set for May 29, 2020.
I really dug Godzilla when it came out, but I have to admit - I did not expect for it to kick off a full “giant monster” universe at Warner Bros.
The real shame? Warner Bros losing Pacific Rim 2 to Universal, meaning it is unlikely that we’ll ever see the Jaegers collide with these classic icons.
Guess that clash will just have to remain the battle of my dreams.
Hey, not everything that comes out of the current run of the DC Comics films may be awful!
Perhaps it’s a direct response to the world’s reaction to Zack Snyder’s Batman v. Superman, but rumor now is that fun-loving DC Comics time traveler Booster Gold may be getting a solo movie.
The report comes from Devin Faraci at Birth. Movies. Death., who is once again putting himself in the cross-hairs of DC Comics movie fans by sharing:
Zack Stentz, who has credits on movies like Thor, the new Power Rangers and Agent Cody Banks, is working on the script right now. I had heard that Greg Berlanti, the guy who runs the (tonally correct) DC TVverse is producing, and a recent appearance by Stentz on the “Fatman on Batman” podcast bears this out.
You can read more of the details there, which comes from (of all sources) a Kevin Smith podcast.
This isn’t the first time a Booster Gold movie has been rumored - last year, word was that Arrow/The Flash producer Greg Berlanti was trying to work out a buddy-cop movie with Booster Gold and his standard counterpart Blue Beetle - but hopefully, the sun will shine on this opportunity, and the DC Movie Universe (or DC Extended Universe, as they’re now calling it) will start to shine bright.
What can I say? I really want both major comic universes to start shining bright on the big screen.
More as we have it.
Earlier today, Dreamworks released to the web the proper trailer for their reboot of the classic 80’s cartoon Voltron: Defender of the Universe.
Launching on Netflix this June, the new series is titled Voltron: Legendary Defender, and looks to be a well-done relaunch of the beloved series, which featured a team of teens piloting giant lion robots that (of course) can combine into one larger robot.
This really looks great. The animation looks clean (and does not appear to be taking shortcuts, unlike say…the Batman: Killing Joke direct-to-video release), the showrunners come from modern-classics Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra, and the voice cast is full of popular nerd talent, including The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun, Flight of the Conchords' Rhys Darby, and even A Different World’s Cree Summer! It’s hard to argue against the new Voltron’s chances of success.
At the very least, this looks like a way better classic cartoon relaunch than Amazon’s Thunderbirds redux.
Now, the most important question as a grown adult who still loves giant robots, and fondly remembers hours spent playing with a giant Lion Force Voltron: where are the new toys?
Voltron: Legendary Defender hits Netflix on June 10, 2016 - with all 13 episodes dropping at once, perfect for binge-watching.
Remember on Tuesday when Radiohead delivered a new single to the world with “Burn the Witch”? They just did it again.
With just one tweet (and an Instagram tease), they’ve released yet another new song and video (directed by auteur Paul Thomas Anderson), titled “Daydreaming”.
It’s a beautiful song, matched with a visually arresting video. Just check it out already.
We still don’t know the name of the album, but the tweet and video deliver the news that it arrives digitally on Sunday, May 8th at 7pm BST.
I cannot wait.
Captain America: Civil War makes the impossible possible.
Over it’s 147 minute runtime, directors The Russo Brothers along with screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, manage to produce a film that pays off thirteen films of build-up from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, kick off “Phase 3" with a bang, and with characters throughout the world of the Avengers abound…make it a movie that is focused on Captain America.
Moments large and small from the Iron Man trilogy, the prior Captain America flicks, and the two Avengers films come to light as the superheroes we’ve come to know and love over the last eight years collide - but how do they come to blows?
While these heroes have always seemed to rub each other the wrong way (usually with hilariously sarcastic results), the story here is a very loose adaptation of Marvel’s Civil War comic series from 2006.
The Avengers have been the world’s protectors since 2012’s The Avengers - with mixed results. Yes, they saved the day in the end, but with every victory has come collateral damage. Between The Battle For New York (from the first Avengers film), the fall of S.H.I.E.L.D. (as seen in the prior Captain America installment, The Winter Solider), the destruction in Sokovia (last year’s Age of Ultron), and a mission gone wrong in Lagos (seen in the movie’s wonderful, Mission: Impossible-esq opening sequence), the United Nations want the Avengers to stop acting of their own accord, and instead submit to a document called, appropriately, the Sokovia Accords. This would turn the Avengers from an independent group of do-gooders into the weapon of the United Nations. And from there grows the split.
As we’ve seen in Iron Man 3 and Age of Ultron, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) has grown from being the first hero of the modern age to a man filled with worry and regret. He wishes to give in to the greater ambition. On the other side is Steve Rogers (Chris Evans). While America’s living, breathing icon - the events of The Winter Soldier have changed his outlook on the trustworthiness of the government, and whether or not any group should have such absolute authority. It’s a conflict that cuts to the core of our heroes, and will cut to the core of audiences. And smartly - the film never really picks a side. This will be something that fans will debate as much as our heroes do. And they do like to debate.
There’s no need to worry, action fans - the debates may start around a conference table, but they do not end there. Civil War is filled with some incredible action sequences, including stunning hand-to-hand combat, an insane chase sequence, and the long-awaited clash of “Team Iron Man" (Iron Man, War Machine, Black Widow, Spider-Man, Black Panther and Vision) and “Team Captain America" (Captain America, The Winter Solider, Falcon Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, and Ant Man) being one of the most amazing superhero action sequences ever rendered to film - finally giving the Battle for New York a run for its money. The only sequence that may outclass it? An emotionally wrenching finale, mixing one of the bleakest endings from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with some of the strongest personal stakes punctuating every punch with extra weight and feeling.
Before you start to worry - Civil War IS a film with significant weight, but the character moments that have always made the Marvel Studios films a joy to watch remain here. There are hilarious character moments - including some pairings fans will be going on about for some time, and there’s even a new romance or two in the air.
How do they manage to make this work? It certainly is assisted by the fantastic casting done to this point. We know this cast. We love this cast. We don’t want to see them hurt - or hurt each other - but we cannot take our eyes off the screen. Some how, even with the focus on Chris Evans’ Captain America, EVERY character gets a moment to shine, with Paul Rudd’s Ant Man finally playing with the big leagues, and Robert Downey Jr. doing possibly his best work as an older, wiser Tony Stark. He’s not the enfant terrible of 2008’s Iron Man anymore. And even with that - three NEW characters are added to the mix, and somehow manage to shine just as bright.
Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther is a character unlike any seen in the MCU to date. His royal past shines, as he carries himself with style and grace, and he adds tremendous gravitas to what could be a thankless role in others hands. That said - most audiences will be coming out of the theater raving about Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. I didn’t think it was possible, but Holland manages to make himself known as the PERFECT Peter Parker AND the PERFECT Spider-Man. Like I said, the impossible is possible now. You will be absolutely giddy for Spider-Man: Homecoming by the time the credits role. I also need to call out the work of Daniel BrÁ¼hl’s Zemo. His version of Zemo has been under the radar throughout the promotion of this film, but goes places no Marvel Studios villain has before - and while not the Zemo we know from comics - is incredibly effective and heartbreaking.
This time last year, fans were unsure of the end of Phase 2 for Marvel. Age of Ultron didn’t deliver exactly what we wanted - but as the Civil War has broken out, Phase 3 begins with a seismic shift of the Marvel Cinematic Universe we knew - and with an Infinity War on the horizon, I find myself aching for the next installment.
Captain America: Civil War is an excellent story, well told, that delivers for the fans and leaves you breathless for the next installment.
Congratulations, Marvel Studios. Congratulations, Russo Brothers. You’ve reached the next step of comic book movies - I’m locked in as I need to know where we go next, and that next adventure cannot come soon enough.
What if your drawings came to life?
For many of us - especially those in Super Art Fight - the result would be countless, sentient dicks.
But for some of us, we’d see our dreams come true, or amazing unreal ideas become nightmarishly real.
In the webcomic The Creators, we see a bit of both, as a group of young people discover their imaginations can come to life - with both positive and negative consequences.
The Creators has been published by Baltimore’s Michael Bracco since 2012 in print form, and 2014 online at CreatorsComic.com. Bracco is currently kickstarting a collected volume of the series - a whopping 200+ page book, and honestly - it’s how the comic was meant to be read.
The Kickstarter started on Sunday, and is aiming for a $5000 goal (just over 1/5th of the way there), and I think if you read this, you’d dig it.
You have until June 5, 2016 to make it happen. So make with the cash!
Much has been made across the Internet these past few days about Radiohead.
They’re sending creepy flyers in the mail. They’re deleting their internet presence. They’re posting teaser clips on Instagram. That’s done now.
Posted at 11am EDT today, we have the first new Radiohead song since 2011 (unless you count their unused “SPECTRE" theme) - “Burn the Witch".
Accompanied by an unsettling claymation video set in a very creepy village, “Burn the Witch" is an incredible sounding song, mixing strings and a syncopated beat. They’re pushing music forward again.
Now…where’s the album this is on? The single goes on sale at Midnight - artwork below - but I want a new full release guys!
A “low-flying panic attack" indeed.
While some would argue that the Summer movie season is a thing of the past (the massive releases of Deadpool and Batman v. Superman in February and March, respectively, certainly point to it), I’m a purist. I love the Summer movie season.
From May to August, cineplexes are filled with big time movies, and larger-than-the-norm audiences to see them. With the season starting this week with the release of Captain America: Civil War, I wanted to take a moment to list out my picks for the Summer 2016 movie season.
Since visuals do more than words, all links go to their respective trailers.
Limited releases may result in different roll-outs in your region, and some may be available on VOD. Check your favorite theaters and providers.
So, what looks good to you, dear readers? What will you be seeing this Summer? I miss anything good? Sound off in the comments.
Think of your favorite comedies of all time.
What’s the one thing they’re missing? What’s the one thing that could make them better?
If you answered: an adorable kitten, Keanu is the film for you.
The first theatrical release from comedy duo Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele - who are best known for their Comedy Central show Key & Peele - Keanu focuses on the things that Key & Peele are best at: hilarious observations on the modern state of race and masculinity, but this time…they added a kitty!
I don’t phrase it that way to demean what they do - but seriously, this cat (or cats, there were apparently seven of them) is one of the cutest creatures ever rendered on film. If you don’t fall in love with it, you may be completely dead inside.
The movie focuses on two cousins, Rell (Peele) and Clarence (Key). Rell has recently been dumped, and Clarence - who is a straight laced family man - is looking to come to his rescue. But Rell finds his salvation at his doorstep, in a kitten he names Keanu. The problem for Rell? Keanu has a history in the drug trade. Once owned by the leader of a drug cartel, Keanu is catnapped, and it’s up to Clarence and Rell to integrate themselves in the “gangsta" world to find out what happened to Keanu, and bring him back home.
The humor comes from the fish-out-of-water scenario for Rell and Clarence. Neither grew up particularly “hard" (in fact, they spend moments boasting to each other about the guys that beat them up in school), but they have to fake-it-until they make it.
The crime world they encounter is full of surreal characters - Rell’s weed dealer Hulka (a hilarious Will Forte), leader of the “Blips" (neither Blood NOR Crip) Cheddar (a game Method Man), a rag-tag bunch of gang members, and two assassins known as the Allentown Boys all come into play over the course of the film. But if the movie has a problem, it is this: it drags.
Running what should be a brisk 98 minutes, the script (by Peele and Alex Rubens) seems to be stretched a bit thin. Gags seem to go on for a beat too long, but stick the landing, making me wonder if there’s a lean, mean 89 minute version within the film. That said - it’s the chemistry and natural humor of the leads which truly make Keanu worth seeing. They carry the bumpier moments, and under the deft direction of Peter Atencio (who also directed every episode of Key & Peele), the potential for future amazing work is there. It’s just a bummer that what could have been a great film is rendered merely good due to these slower moments.
Keanu isn’t a perfect comedy, but is a great first-shot for the hopefully continued theatrical career of the duo Key & Peele. I can say with their great Comedy Central show behind them, and the big screen ahead of them, their opportunity is now - I just hope for a greater showing next time.
But seriously: that goddamn CAT! I WANNA SNUGGLE IT!
Imagine if you will - you’re a part of a DIY punk rock band. You’re traveling the United States, just trying to make ends meet. The crowds are hostile, the money is awful, but you’re trying to make your dream happen.
And then, at a sketchy show, thousands of miles away from home, you witness a murder. And it only gets worse from there.
That’s the nightmare scenario we’re placed in with writer/director Jeremy Saulnier’s latest film, Green Room, a hard nosed and brutal thriller - which may also be one of 2016’s best.
Green Room puts us in the shoes of Washington DC-based punk rock band The Ain’t Rights, as they are trying to make their way through an ill-fated Pacific Northwest tour.
They siphon gas from cars to keep their van on the road. They do interviews with college radio stations. They don’t keep a social media presence, because it’s not punk enough. They play crummy shows in crummy Mexican restaurants, when their DIY venues fall through.
But then an offer comes through. $350 cash. The catch? It’s a neo-Nazi skinhead club in the middle of the Oregon woods. Weirdly enough, that’s not a stretch - it’s just one of the truer details found within the film. Punk rock has always had a history with the world of skinheads (see Henry Rollins’ Black Flag memoir Get In the Van for some particularly harsh stories), but never before has the relationship been so violent and brutal as it is portrayed here.
After they play their set - including a rage-inducing Dead Kennedys cover - The Ain’t Rights are being rushed out of the venue. One of their members, Sam, forgot her phone. Another member of the band, Pat, runs back into the green room to get it. Within there, a girl has been stabbed - and chaos ensues.
I can’t describe more of the plot than that - but what Jeremy Saulnier has planned for audiences is an exciting, thrilling, and at times excruciating tale. Many other films have done the “just survive through this night" trope before, but the somewhat underserved setting of a punk rock club gives the movie a modern artistic edge. It certainly helps that I’ve played my share of rock venues in my other life, as I can attest to the accuracy of the arrangement of the club…although I’ve never had a run in with skinheads, thankfully.
The movie is relentless for its 95 minute runtime. Once the terror begins, the film does not let up, with some absolutely shocking moments of violence. But yet, at no point does the movie feel like it is careless or exploitative. The gore is a natural end result of the situations found - it’s not a film of Hostel-esq gore porn.
Perhaps this is helped by the fantastic performances. Our lead is Star Trek’s Anton Yelchin, as The Ain’t Rights quiet, and somewhat sappy artistic head. Arrested Development fans will be excited to see Alia Shawkat in an appropriate role, and I was shocked to see Scott Pilgrim vs. The World’s Mark Webber resurface. Pre-existing fans of Jeremy Saulnier will be happy to see Blue Ruin“s lead, Macon Blair, return as the front of house lead for the music venue, Gabriel, but the true gravitas comes from Patrick Stewart, as the villainous Darcy, head of the local skinheads. He does subtle, but devious work on screen, and absolutely rules the film.
Green Room is not a film for the squeamish, but for those who can stomach the gore, it’s an exciting and intense thriller, that I will be raving about for ages to come. Highest possible recommendation.
Let’s face it, we’re in a new age of consuming and enjoying media, and the Internet has given us a whole multitude of ways to enjoy content.
And that includes LEGAL ways - especially since I don’t pirate anymore.
But with it has come a whole bunch of different bills that we did not have before.
Between VOD services, SASS software, and other miscellany, we may be cutting the cord, but we’re also tied into different services in ways we weren’t before.
In turn, I thought it’d be interesting - in the sense of transparency, and even for my own understanding - to breakdown how many monthly services I’m now paying for.
Here’s my monthly breakdown:
For me, that’s a total of $96.84 a month - not including the amount I actually pay for Internet access.
Granted, that’s coming out of a two income home, but it really is eye-opening to see it listed out that way. Â And this doesn’t even include other ways that people are supporting content creators these days, such as Kickstarter and Patreon.
What about you, gentle reader? Sound off in the comments. Lets see what we pay for today.
With just over a month left until X-Men: Apocalypse completes the “First Class” trilogy, 20th Century Fox is pulling out all the stops to make sure they have a Memorial Day success.
…including revealing arguably one of the film’s biggest surprises in the latest trailer.
That’s right, in this movie - the ninth in the X-Men series overall, following up where Days of Future Past left off - Hugh Jackman is back as the ever-popular Wolverine.
It’s a move which is sure to move the needle for long-time fans of the franchise, but I have to say - this film has been one that has looked decent-to-good in every trailer so far, but I’ve yet to be hit with the ravenous, fanboy need to see the film.
I’ll be there opening weekend, for sure, but I really wish that Matthew Vaughn could’ve continued on as the keeper of this series after First Class.
X-Men: Apocalypse hits theaters on May 27, 2016.
Could this be the most fun movie of the Summer?
20 years ago, Independence Day was the hands down champion of the box office, and the populace, delivering a massively fun mix of alien invasion and world wide destruction.
This Summer, we’re getting the long rumored sequel - Independence Day: Resurgence - and the latest trailer hit today, looking like an incredibly fun follow up to the 1996 classic.
Really, my only problem here is the lack of Will Smith. But for some reason, I expect a surprise cameo. We’ll see.
Either way, we have Bill Pullman’s sweet hobo beard to take in the destruction with.
Independence Day: Resurgence hits theaters on June 24, 2016.
You know his name. No, not Matt Damon. No, not James Bond.
That’s right, it’s the return of amnesiac super solider Jason Bourne in the 5th Bourne film titled Jason Bourne.
It appears we’ve completely left Jeremy Renner and The Bourne Legacy in the dust (probably for the best), as the fifth film in the series - and the fourth starring Damon - puts us back with an older, wiser, yet still completely kick ass Jason Bourne being hunted around the globe.
Julia Stiles is back, but this time supporting cast (full of gravitas as always) includes Ocean’s Twelve baddie Vincent Cassel, Tommy Lee Jones (in our Brian Cox/David Strathairn role), and current it-girl Alicia Vikander joining the fun.
The Bourne trilogy was the rare series where the quality improved as the series went on, so I’m excited to see another film in the franchise, especially with Paul Greengrass behind the lens again.
Sure, we don’t have much on the plot, but who cares! Bourne’s gonna smash up Vegas! And be in a fight club! YEAH!
Jason Bourne hits theaters on July 29, 2016.
No more apparent is the goal of Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book than in its wonderful opening credits.
Rendered in a mix of 3D CG and what appears to be hand-drawn animation, the credits quickly rush us through the traditional Disney castle opening - rendered as if it were drawn in the 1960’s - into a lush, incredibly realistic jungle setting…and would you believe it? None of it. Not a leaf, not a branch, not a ray of sunshine, is real. And you’re going to have a very, very hard time convincing your eyes and brain of that.
Despite taking a low-key detour with 2014’s Chef, Jon Favreau has been quietly been building a resume as one of Hollywood’s most dependable and innovative blockbuster filmmakers. It’s easy to forget that without his hard work on Iron Man and Iron Man 2, he birthed the Marvel Universe. With Elf, he gave us a modern Christmas film for the entire family. And now, with his re-interpretation of The Jungle Book, he’s repurposed a Disney classic, retaining it’s beating heart and joyous family storytelling, while pushing cinema forward with a film that is every bit as innovative and jaw-dropping as James Cameron’s Avatar.
There’s not much to say about the story of the film - if you’ve seen the 1967 Disney animated film, you’ve seen this. But you’ve never seen it come alive in quite this way.
As the film’s credits indicate - all of The Jungle Book was filmed in Downtown Los Angeles. The only thing real and true on screen is the debuting Neel Sethi, as man-cub Mowgli. With that exception, every environment and creature is rendered in CG. And somehow, in an age where effect after effect feels artificial and false, this movie populated by talking animals feels just as real and alive as a BBC Nature documentary. Very rarely does the film enter the uncanny valley, and you are along for the thrilling ride as Mowgli looks to learn his proper place in the jungle realm and escape the claws of the villainous tiger Shere Kahn.
The film is helped greatly by an absolute murderers row of Hollywood talent lending their voices. Idris Elba voices Shere Khan with every bit of the bass in his powerful voice striking fear into young Mowgli. Bill Murray plays the laid-back Baloo, with Sir Ben Kingsley adding gravitas to his role as the protective panther Bagheera. Lupita Nyong’o again provides solid work in the CG realm as wolf Raksha, and Scarlett Johannson’s sultry tones hypnotize as the snake Kaa. Other standouts in the film include Christopher Walken’s wonderful work as King Louie (changed here to being a gigantopithecus, from the original orangutan), and the last work of the late Garry Shandling as Ikki, a neurotic porkupine.
But honestly - what stands above everything else is the incredible creations of the graphics team. From motion capture actors and green screens to an incredibly realized living, breathing jungle environment filled with animals, the Moving Picture Company and Weta Digital deserve every single bit of acclaim for making this film come to life. And in that same regard, much how Avatar became all the more immersive in the large-format realm of an IMAX 3D screen, The Jungle Book too should be seen on the largest screen available, complete with 3D glasses, to truly take in the work made by these artists.
In a realm filled with superhero films and animated films, Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book has delivered something for the entire family that pushes filmmaking forward, while retaining what made the 60’s classic so great. See it in theaters - don’t wait for home video, it won’t be anywhere near as engrossing. Give yourself up to the experience - you’ll love it.
The Jungle Book is in theaters now.
The Walt Disney Animation Studios are in the midst of their latest renaissance, and nowhere is it more apparent than in their latest release, Zootopia.
Following in the line of CG animated films from the House of Mouse which started in kind with 2010’s Tangled, Zootopia takes a very simple idea and emboldens it with incredible artistic skill and a keen eye towards a story which reflects the world which we live in today.
On paper, the story couldn’t be simpler - a small town rabbit named Judy Hopps dedicates her life towards becoming a police officer in “the big city" - the utopian “Zootopia", a city where animals of all kinds have come together in one urban populace. They speak English, they wear clothes. They have their own townships, they have jobs. They’ve completely civilized themselves. But it’s not all that Judy hoped for.
She - despite working hard and graduating as the valedictorian of her police academy class - is immediately put on the lowest rung of the totem pole, writing traffic tickets as a meter maid. Small mammals such as rabbits have never been considered in the police world, one populated by larger animals such as wolves, elephants, and cheetahs. But she quickly finds herself wrapped up with a grifter of a fox named Nick, and together, they find themselves involved in something much, much larger - that ties into an ongoing investigation into a number of missing mammals across Zootopia.
The number of films that Zootopia references - directly, or indirectly - is countless, but you’ll find elements of 21 Jump Street, The Godfather, and oddly, even Chinatown here, all covered with an adorable fur coating. But it’s this mixture of adult storytelling with a candy-coated shell that makes Zootopia such a delight to watch for the whole family. Kids will love the adorable animals - as will you - but adults will see the deeper second level to it all.
And speaking of that second layer, that adult area of depth, Zootopia also makes a very unique choice: to reflect the world of today, and not-too-indirectly discuss the modern concerns of minorities, distrust of police, and discrmination…but via animals. Disney has found the sugar to help the medicine go down, and while (in one of the few misfires of the movie), these issues are tied up in a neat, kid-friendly bow, I commend the guts to allow the movie to take such a bold direction.
Besides this frankly shocking level of depth, Zootopia is possibly the most gorgeous production to come out of Walt Disney Animation Studios to date.
While Frozen is clearly their biggest success in recent years, I found the environments of that film to be remarkably sterile, but I have no such complaints here.
Zootopia, the city, is made up of different environments for each grouping of animals, from deserts to frozen tundra to even a rainforest, all around a central hub city, and all of them are rendered in beautiful computer animated detail. It’s clear that the artists and animators had a blast here, with countless visual gags and easter eggs, and beautiful character design work that anthropomorphizes countless species while maintaining their structure, adorable noses and well lit fur.
These beautiful designs are matched with wonderful voice work, featuring great performances from Once Upon A Time’s Ginnifer Goodwin as Judy Hopps and Arrested Development’s Jason Bateman as the fox Nick Wilde. They’re teamed with a who’s-who of character actors, including JK Simmons, Jenny Slate, and - of course - Idris Elba.
I absolutely loved every frame of this film, and applaud the filmmakers for taking a timely risk with their storytelling. Beyond a great time at the movies, I hope that Zootopia can inspire conversations between parents and families for generations to come - and feel as if they’ll enjoy the road that brought them there.
Congrats Disney - your in-house animation team is officially making masterpieces of a Pixar level. I cannot recommend Zootopia enough.
Zootopia is in theaters now.
We asked for this, I guess?
In an announcement that has dumbfounded me, and most of the Internet, director James Cameron has officially announced that there will be FOUR sequels to Avatar.
We had previously heard that he had employed the services of a team of screenwriters to write three sequels to Avatar, the biggest box office success of all time, but the announcement of a fourth was absolutely jarring.
Per his announcement today, the schedule for the movies is as follows:
This is insane. The second movie will arrive NINE YEARS after the first, and somehow, we will get one every other year, and the final installment with a one year turnaround.
If anyone can pull it off, it’s the guy who made a $250 Million movie into a $3 Billion success, even with 3D that we all doubted and changed the way blockbusters are released.
But will anyone care? As has been discussed elsewhere, the movie hasn’t had a lasting cultural impact.
And even in this era of cinematic universes, doesn’t FIVE sequels somehow feel punishing?
What say you? Sound off in the comments.
Scarlett Johansson gets ready to take on another nerd icon. But not without controversy.
After many starts and stops, the live-action Ghost in the Shell movie has officially begun production, and Paramount has revealed the first image, shown above.
The film is not already without controversy, however. Scarlett Johansson (The Avengers) is starting in the lead of the adaptation of the beloved Japanese anime and manga, causing some early outrage and claims of whitewashing.
It’s an understandable concern. Her character, The Major, typically has the last name of Kusanagi - a last name not mentioned in the press release - and in turn, you’d assume an Asian, if not Japanese, actress would be headlining the film. Not the clearly Caucasian Johansson.
It’s a sticky situation, for sure. It’s awesome to see a major action film headlined by a woman, but in that same regard, it’s a shame to see the racial concerns wiped away. At the same time: why do I feel so sure that if it weren’t for Johansson as lead, the movie would not have been green-lit, let alone with (presumably) a major budget?
Things to ponder as the film gets closer.
Here’s the full press release:
The film, which is based on the famous Kodansha Comics manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow, is produced by Avi Arad (“THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 1 & 2,“ “IRON MAN"), Ari Arad (“GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE"), and Steven Paul (“GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE"). Michael Costigan (“PROMETHEUS"), Tetsu Fujimura (“TEKKEN"), Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, whose animation studio Production I.G produced the Japanese “GHOST IN THE SHELL" film and television series, and Jeffrey Silver (“EDGE OF TOMORROW,“ “300") will executive produce.
Based on the internationally-acclaimed sci-fi property, “GHOST IN THE SHELL" follows the Major, a special ops, one-of-a-kind human-cyborg hybrid, who leads the elite task force Section 9. Devoted to stopping the most dangerous criminals and extremists, Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic’s advancements in cyber technology.
“We are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot GHOST IN THE SHELL,’“ said producers Avi Arad, Ari Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver. “The city boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and a rich urban landscape that make it an ideal setting for a sci-fi action film. The crew-base in New Zealand working on the film is first class, and working with Sir Richard Taylor and the team at Weta Workshop is inspirational on every level. The people of New Zealand have been terrific partners in helping us bring this story and its beloved characters to audiences around the world and we are thankful for their continued hospitality.“
Ghost in the Shell is set for a March 31, 2017 release.
Godzilla has been reborn for a new generation. And he looks angry.
While we here in the states were blessed with a new, franchise-leading Godzilla in 2014, it’s been twelve long years since the terrible lizard wrecked havoc in his native Japan (with the last film being 2004’s Godzilla: Final Wars).
This Summer brings Godzilla Resurgence (also known as Shin Gojira), and prior to today, all we had was a simple teaser trailer…emphasis on the tease.
Today - however, we got an incredibly affective trailer, which, in a move that shows how different US marketing is from Japan, features no dialogue, but instead, some of the film’s visuals with a haunting and affecting music track…plus some trademark Godzilla roars, of course.
This looks incredible, and much as the original Godzilla in the 1950’s prayed upon atomic fears, it’s clear that this instance is using imagery similar to that seen after the 2011 Japan tsunami.
The film is co-directed by Shinji Higuchi (who worked on Gamera films previously), and Hideaki Anno (who broke anime nerd’s brains with Evangelion), so there’s a definite pedigree there.
All I can say for sure - this modern version of Godzilla looks like he’s been through Hell, and he’s now here to raise it on our cities.
Godzilla Resurgence hits theaters on July 29, 2016 in Japan. No official US release has been announced at this time.
The latest reboot for Spider-Man is definitely headed back to high school.
Last night at Cinemacon, the yearly convention where all of the major movie studios announce their forthcoming slate of films to entice theater owners, Sony Pictures confirmed one of the worst-kept rumors in film - the title of the new Spider-Man film.
That title? Spider-Man: Homecoming.
The first Spidey film headed up by Marvel Studios, Spider-Man: Homecoming will be Tom Holland’s second appearance as the wall-crawler, and his first solo film.
Details remain minimal about the film so far, but based on the title (and Holland’s age), we’re clearly returning to the high school era for Peter Parker, although it has been repeatedly confirmed that this is not an origin film.
Yesterday, word broke from BirthMoviesDeath.com that one of the villains in the film will be The Vulture, but this has yet to be officially confirmed. Either way - based on the positive buzz on Spidey’s appearance in Captain America: Civil War and with Marvel Studios in the driver’s seat - I’m excited to see what this Homecoming brings.
It has to be better than The Amazing Spider-Man 2, right?
Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters on July 7, 2017.
On the verge of Civil War, Marvel Studios has taken the wraps off of its November release, Doctor Strange.
Premiering on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the first teaser trailer for the film is just that - an extended tease - and promises one of the most unique Marvel films yet.
Feeling as if it were equal parts Batman Begins, Inception, and even The Matrix, Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Stephen Strange, and this trailer promises that Doctor Strange could be one of the most unique movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
As the second film in “Phase 3", and the fourteenth Marvel film overall, this is arguably their biggest risk since Guardians of the Galaxy, but I feel like they’ve earned it.
As a comic fan, I’ve never been the most interested (or knowledgable) about Doctor Strange (despite learning thanks to Sean Howe’s fantastic book Marvel Comics: The Untold Story that EVERY writer has a Doctor Strange story they wish to do), so I’m excited to see how the character is brought to life for general audiences.
Directed by Scott Derrickson (Sinister), Doctor Strange also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Michael Stuhlbarg, Mads Mikkelsen, and a bald Tilda Swinton.
Two teaser posters for the film appear below.
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Doctor Strange hits theaters on November 4, 2016
Our first look at the first “Star Wars Story" has arrived.
Premiering this morning exclusively on ABC’s Good Morning America, then quickly arriving online - because really, what’s an exclusive these days? - we’re getting our first glimpse of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
There is a lot riding on this film. Directed by Gareth Edwards, who gave us the 2010 indie Monsters and the awesome 2014 Godzilla reboot, Rogue One is the first “non-episode" Star Wars film, and is key to the continued success of Star Wars as a Marvel-esq franchise universe. We’ll be getting these “Star Wars Stories" between Episode releases, and it will even include the “Young Han Solo" film directed by 21 Jump Street’s Phil Lord and Chris Miller.
Starring Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything), and undoubtedly misspelled across the Internet as Rouge One, the movie takes us back to the era of A New Hope. Surprisingly, this trailer was not included on the home release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens earlier this week, but it has finally arrived online in full HD.
Here it is! (I’m sure you clicked play already.)
So, what do I think?
This looks phenomenal. A grittier, harder edged Star Wars film, with an angsty female lead? Not what one would expect from Star Wars, yet it feels perfectly Star Wars at the same time. This is the type of risk that the franchise needs to move forward. I am ALL ABOUT THIS.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story hits theaters on December 16, 2016.
I honestly feel like this could be the best movie of the Summer of 2016.
I was already sold on Shane Black’s return to filmmaking with the red band trailer when it was released last December, but now that Warner Bros has released a more general, green-band trailer, I’m feeling even more confident that The Nice Guys is the pseudo-sequel to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang we wanted ever since the credits rolled for that film.
I’m really loving how wimpy Ryan Gossling’s character is here, and I can’t recall the last time that I was so damned excited to see Russell Crowe in a movie - he seems the perfect curmudgeonly foil to Gossling’s character.
We’re missing the standard Shane Black Christmas setting, but good news - although not mentioned in this all-audiences trailer - the movie apparently revolves around the 1970’s porn industry, so we’ll get all the naughty goodness we expect from a film written and directed by the Lethal Weapon author.
The Nice Guys hits theaters on May 20, 2016. I’m there for screening #1.
Lady warriors are looking FIERCE, y’all!
Just in time for her big-screen debut in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Entertainment Weekly has another new image from the forthcoming Wonder Woman solo film.
Featuring Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman, we can also see our first glances at her’s mother, Queen Hippolyta (Gladiator’s Connie Nielsen), and her two military aunts — General Antiope (House of Cards' Robin Wright) and Antiope’s lieutenant, Menalippe (Force Majeure’s Lisa Loven Kongsli).
It looks like they’ve all been on the 300 diet, and are ready to wreck some shit, to be perfectly frank.
I recommend checking out the full article, for some additional plot details, and an interview with the costume designer, who is clearly having the time of her life.
Wonder Woman hits theaters on June 23, 2017.
The breakout character of The LEGO Movie is getting his own film next year, and our first look has arrived.
Let’s be honest - the reviews for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice have been a complete bummer. We need something to turn Bat-fans around.
Why not go to the best recent incarnation of the character - Will Arnett’s incredibly ego driven and ridiculously childish version, as seen in the remarkably great The LEGO Movie? Â Enter:Â The LEGO Batman Movie.
Our first teaser is just that, a tease, but I’m glad to see he’s keeping his music career.
No sign yet of his supporting cast, including Michael Cera as Robin, Zach Galifinakis as Joker, and Mariah Carey (yep!) as Gotham’s Mayor, but this is just odd and silly enough to love. I’m in.
The LEGO Batman Movie hits theaters in 2017.
Bad Robot has given the Cloverfield franchise new life with 10 Cloverfield Lane.
Two months ago, to the shock and surprise of the entire movie side of the Internet, Bad Robot dropped an unexpected teaser trailer in front of showings of the Michael Bay-directed Benghazi movie, 13 Hours. Depicting a woman stuck in some sort of shelter, the trailers biggest secret was revealed at the end - it was a Cloverfield movie, titled 10 Cloverfield Lane.
The long discussed, often dissected Bad Robot “Mystery Box" is in play again - eight years after Cloverfield gave new life to the giant monster film (after some surprise marketing), moviegoers have another installment of the franchise (of sorts) with director Dan Trachtenberg’s debut.
The movie puts us in the shoes of Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Scott Pilgrim). An aspiring fashion designer, we see her leave her fiancÁ© in the movie’s opening sequence. As she is driving away from the life she knew, her car is struck is struck by another, sending her flying off of the road. Michelle awakes injured in a locked room - unaware of her surroundings or situation. The door opens - and on the other side stands Howard (John Goodman, Argo). Gruff and no-nonsense, Howard tells her that a chemical attack has occurred above ground, that he saved her, and now they - along with a third survivor, Emmitt (John Gallagher Jr., The Newsroom) - must stay underground, as it is their only chance of survival.
And that’s about all the plot I am willing to discuss. The film that follows is intense, tension filled, and an absolute joy to take in. Trachtenberg has a hell of a pot-boiler here for his first film, and despite only holding three characters in one central location, is more engaging and in-depth than some of the bigger, globe trotting adventures we see hitting the cineplex these days. Characters motivations grow and change, as do our opinions of them, revelations come to light, and the scale and scope shifts all the way to the movie’s final reel, where - of course - all hell breaks loose.
Perhaps it’s the fact that I have seen this movie so close to finishing the brilliant video game Firewatch, but many moments of 10 Cloverfield Lane feel video game-y. Not to say that the movie is without merit or weight, as many critics would use the term, but instead the film feels like a well crafted adventure tale.
The more we learn about the characters, the more we see them grow, and the more aware of the environment we become, the greater our understanding of the situation is. Add the fact that there are moments of reveal and discovery, 10 Cloverfield Lane will feel right at home for those currently obsessed with the games from Telltale and other point-and-click adventures.
It’s a long way to go around it, but that’s to say that the movie is clearly created by one of the “video game generation", and it results in a suspense thriller that feels both modern and completely throwback in the same moment. Bear McCreary’s bombastic score helps sell the throwback notion, with tunes that could easily have scored some of Hitchcock’s classics.
With only three characters, 10 Cloverfield Lane could feel claustrophobic, but instead, the script (by Josh Campbell, Matthew Stucken and Damien Chazelle) allows you to learn much about each character by their actions and dialogue. No one fits a perfect mold. You’ll always be asking questions - who is right, who is wrong, and what is the real truth.
Michelle is a woman running away from her past, but is also incredibly independent and resourceful. Howard is equally fatherly and inviting, while incredibly haunting and threatening. Winstead and Goodman both get to shine in very different lights - Winstead feels like a Sigourney Weaver-esq action heroine (and I’d love to see her grow into that role), and Goodman delivers a greatest hits of his filmography, showing the warmth we loved from him in Roseanne, yet a cutting intensity. Gallagher’s Emmitt is a solid glue to the film, with an open heart and believability. He gets short thrift to his story, but provides perfect levity to the tension. Also - there’s a great audio cameo from a JJ Abrams alum. See if you can guess it. (And no Googling!)
While I walked away from the film absolutely delighted with the results, I did have some nits to pick - mostly involving the ending. Without going into spoilers, I feel like the movie could’ve ended a beat or two early. But that’s honestly the worst thing I can say.
10 Cloverfield Lane delivers incredible performances, a fantastic and intense level of tension and excitement, and rewards movie goers on the promise of the Mystery Box. Dan Trachtenberg is now on my list of directors to watch, and the Cloverfield franchise is now born as a series where anything can happen.
Action, intrigue, excitement - the new trailer for Captain America: Civil War has hit, and it’s got everything you could want…and a debut you’ve been waiting for.
Just watch the trailer first.
HOW GREAT WAS THAT?
I’m not sure what’s best:
But I think we can agree - the cherry on the superhero clashing sundae is the official Marvel Cinematic Universe debut of SPIDER-MAN, as portrayed by Tom Holland.
It’s not much, but the moment feels right. We learn Tony’s nickname for him (UNDEROOS!), he swings in, and he looks right.
In fact…here’s a closer look. Click for detail:
The costume has the MCU look and feel of practicality, but it also is very true to the Ditko look, complete with - for the first time on film - his shifting eye lenses, a touch I can’t appreciate enough in this text.
All and all, this makes for YET ANOTHER Marvel movie which I cannot wait to attend. Â There’s a new poster, too.
How are you feeling about it?
Captain America: Civil War collides into theaters on May 6, 2016.
Bustin' makes us feel good. As does this trailer.
As promised - the first trailer for the rebooted Ghostbusters hit the web right at 9am EST, and fans - and detractors - alike have flocked to seeing what director Paul Feig has cooked up for this modern re-imagining of the 1984 classic comedy.
This trailer does a good job of setting up our cast without providing the full plot (and I really wanted to see more of Chris Hemsworth’s secretary character, Kevin), but what we see does look good.
Wiig and McCarthy are showing their trademark chemistry, Leslie Jones (while feeling slightly stereotyped) is looking to have a major coming-out party as a comedic powerhouse, and Kate McKinnon is going to be the intriguing weirdo we thought she’d be from the stills. Expect her character, Holtzmann, to hit a cult status across the web by release date, if she hasn’t already.
I was on the fence of rebooting such a beloved film, but it looks like Feig’s done well here, with really cool looking ghosts, and the goofy heart of the original retained.  Add the fact that Spy and Bridesmaids are two of the funniest comedies I’ve seen in theaters in the past 10 years, I’m all in for this.
Ghostbusters hits theaters on July 15, 2016.
Last night, with thousands of people waiting on his every word, millions of people watching at home, and countless typically-cynical fans tweeting away their tears, WWE star Daniel Bryan (real name: Bryan Danielson) retired. And it has me looking back at my own relationship with professional wrestling.
Professional wrestling isn’t a “real" sport. The outcomes and characters are predetermined. Their actions decided by a team of writers, or one centralized “booker". This causes many to call wrestling fake, which, in theory it is - but the way the characters and real people behind them connect is anything but.
It’s as fake as our favorite movies and television shows, only the actors do their own stunts. Live. Without crashpads (usually.) Yes, Game of Thrones didn’t really happen, but it doesn’t stop us from investing ourselves in the lives the Lannisters and Starks. Yes, Daniel Bryan didn’t really defeat his opponents on his way to champion - but he won us over.
The intrinsic link between performer and audience is what has always gravitated me to pro wrestling. I grew up devouring it as a child, my father exposing me to the weekend televised antics of the WWF and the NWA (later WCW). I stuck with it through the Monday Night Wars, as WWF and WCW battled on the airwaves, as dozens (if not hundreds) of talented performers looked to eek out their stake of one of the most successful eras of the so-called sport.
Given my love of comedy - another performance art without a net - and what we’ve created with Super Art Fight, that started as people drawing, and grew into a colorful parade of characters in hyper-dramatic “combat", this probably isn’t too surprising to hear, but I absolutely loved it.
My friends were just as enraptured as I was. We started getting together for all of the pay-per-views, even those of the rogue, genre-redefining ECW, and then we got even deeper.
Yes, I was (along with my friends, some of whom have gone professional - or are working to become it) a backyard wrestler. But we weren’t those dumb kids you saw on 20/20 jumping off of roofs, hitting each other with fluorescent light tubes, or cutting our foreheads to bleed. Oh no. We were nerds - and in turn, our interests were more in the work of smaller, more talented guys like Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Rey Mysterio Jr. and Chris Benoit. I also really loved doing commentary, aping the styles of Jim Ross, Gordon Solie, and Joey Styles.
We wanted to know how to move like them. We wanted to know how to work like them. We wanted to talk like them. And we continued on with our interest. Watching pay-per-views and talking the weekly episodes of Raw and Nitro quickly turned into reading message boards and news sites online to get the behind the scenes info. Our roads on the Internet then quickly turned us to the world of VHS tape trading, buying blank VHS tapes, mailing them to reputable sources, and getting hours of independent or Japanese wrestling back, all to be devoured.
As time moved on, so did we, and so did the industry.
WWF purchased WCW and ECW. They dropped the F and became the WWE. And for years, in the mainstream, things were docile. There was no competition. It got boring. It got stagnant.
But if you put in the effort…it got very interesting.
The world of VHS tape trading turned to DVD-R trading. Fans, such as myself, got even easier access to show footage. And at the same time, the Internet became the way for independent promotions to make a name for themselves. And those promotions featured stars you’d never heard of.
In 2002, I went to Philadelphia, PA with my friends to head to a rec center gym. The company was “Ring of Honor". The show, just their fourth, was built around crowning their first champion. And while the card was full of names we’d come to know and love - Christopher Daniels, AJ Styles, Low Ki, the guy that got my interest the most was “The American Dragon", Bryan Danielson.
The new era of wrestler was interesting. They were fans, like us. They watched tapes, like us. They were built…better than us, but they were no longer the large, steroid fueled monsters we were used to.
Danielson was my height, but he had something special. Coming to the ring with short hair, clean faced, in white tights and boots, you wouldn’t have marked him as special. But he carried himself as someone special. He carried himself like he was important. And when the bell rang, he was amazing.
He could work a hold in a way we hadn’t seen in years. He could throw himself over the ropes with such energy and enthusiasm. He wanted to have great matches, and we wanted to see those great matches.
It was the beginning of something special.
From 2002 to 2007, I became a hardcore fan of independent wrestling. My buddies Jason, Adam, and most frequently, Mark and I (who I was already close with, due to our love of - coincidentally, indie rock) would go from state to state, weekend to weekend, seeing shows from Ring of Honor, the comic-book styled CHIKARA, CZW and others. If we could tack on music shows before and after? Sold. We’re in.
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania…if it was within driving distance, and the card sounded good? We were there. The shows we missed? We caught on DVD. We were into it. Hard.
And who was always the personification of this era? Bryan Danielson. Sure, guys like CM Punk wouldn’t be denied (and would go to mainstream fame in WWE, and is now planning to take over UFC), but Danielson was that era of indie wrestling. Danielson always had the best matches. Danielson was the measuring stick for new talent. If they could hang with him, they were going to be great…and usually, they were.
2007 was when being a wrestling fan became difficult.
2007 saw the horrible, nightmarish murder-suicide, when Chris Benoit killed his family, and then his wife. He was the guy who represented the style that indie wrestling was following in the footsteps in, a guy who I’d traded tapes and watched pay-per-views to see, but it’s that same style that mangled his body and gave him concussion after concussion. We were learning the dark side of concussions, and we learned it in one of the darkest moments in sports, probably ever.
It was hard to be a fan after that. Watching shows, following companies didn’t really feel the same. It felt off. It felt sad. So my interest went dormant. I’d read about things, sure, but watching weekly TV, trading footage…it just wasn’t worth the effort anymore.
In 2008, I had the joy of, alongside a group of amazing artists whom I get to call friends, starting up Super Art Fight. They needed a host and commentator. I - alongside Ross Nover - stepped in. How appropriate is it then, to take everything I learned from watching years upon years of footage, and apply a pro-wrestling touch to two artists drawing on a wall?
As Super Art Fight grew, my love of wrestling returned from there. I didn’t have the time, money, or energy to follow as much as I did, but I did start watching WWE again. If I was going to be helping people act like over-the-top pro-wrestlers, how could I give the right advice if I wasn’t learning from that world anymore? They had me again. I was in.
In 2010, what I thought was unthinkable happened. I had heard that CM Punk made it to the WWE - it made sense, he had the gift of gab. But Bryan Danielson, the guy who personified the era of wrestling that I loved more than anything else, had signed to the WWE.
Was he still smaller than everyone else? Yes. Was he still working matches in a way no one else would? Yes. Was he still outclassing everyone else on the card? Yes.
And his would be done.
In 2014, after four years of poor writing, including where he had a character where he was boring, a character where he danced wacky, a character where he was a “loser vegan", Bryan Danielson - now Daniel Bryan - didn’t just find himself in the WWE, no. He proved that his talents and skills could not be denied. He found himself in the main event of the Super Bowl of wrestling, Wrestlemania. And he found himself champion.
It seemed like the beginning of a new day for the WWE. Millions watched as he became champion on the WWE Network, a new Netflix-like service, where you could watch every major event streaming live (and look through the decades of catalog footage, countless pay-per-views and television episodes…who needs DVDs?). And with Bryan at the top, the WWE was now filled with talent who he helped shine a line on. Guys like Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens, Adrian Neville, Sami Zayn, and countless others, who he worked with in the indie world, and I had the pleasure of watching come up. I felt just as excited to see those guys arrive as I’m sure they felt to be atop the mountain, to be a part of the biggest company in their industry.
It felt great. But sadly, clouds would soon come. Shortly after having his Wrestlemania moment in 2014, Danielson had to walk away due to nagging injuries. His shoulder? His neck? Something wasn’t right. He tried to come back at the beginning of 2015, and again, found himself injured. Legitimately unable to compete.
Last night, Bryan had the final segment of WWE’s weekly show, Raw, all to himself. He had mentioned on Twitter earlier that he would be retiring. This wasn’t a storyline. This was anything but fake. Like one of his idols, the concussions caught up with him. But thankfully this story would not end so darkly. 9 years later, we have better testing, better abilities to spot when and where things could go wrong.
www.youtube.com/watch With his final moment, he got to share with his fans the same joy and same gratitude they had shared with him. It’s a sad moment - but one gets to recognize the greatness he had. Sixteen years in the industry he loved. He met his wife (fellow WWE star Brie Bella). He made countless fans, myself included, love his skills, his ability, and hold their breath during his amazing matches. But he has to walk away. And thankfully, it’s with his health, and his head held high.
To that, all I can say is this: Thank you, Bryan Danielson. Thank you for rekindling my love of one of my favorite hobbies. Thank you for being a class act. Thank you for showing us how one can do everything and leave happy and fulfilled. Thank you for the memories. And good luck with the next step.
Just some brief thoughts on the different movie trailers (and movie-related ads) which appeared on tonight’s Super Bowl 50 broadcast.
If you follow me on Twitter, you got versions of this, but here’s some extended thoughts - plus an easy one-stop-shop for all of the movie ads which played during the big game!
Airing during the endless pre-show to the game, these ads for Gotham City (starring Ben Affleck’s Bruce Wayne) and Metropolis (starring a subdued version of Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor) actually served as real ads for Turkish Airlines - who is the “official airline of Batman v Superman“, which is a thing I guess. Either way, this is way better than any of the actual trailers so far.
Sigh. With Deadpool hitting theaters on Friday, Fox kinda had to do the proper legwork here for the Merc-With-The-Mouth, but honestly, the more I see of the movie, the less interested I am. I have a bad feeling about this one.
Wow! This “blood relative" of Cloverfield sure does look better and better each time we see footage from it. I love that it’s just about a month until release, and we still know nothing. I am full-on in.
This teaser is short and sweet, and honestly, with the team lineup shots alone, would’ve sold people. But I love seeing little new bits like Tony Stark’s new bullet blocking glove of doom. WAY INTO IT!
Technically, we at home were just shown a brief spot telling us to then go look up this one. But I’ll save you the time and effort. Jon Favreau’s live-action take on the animated classic still looks stunning (remember - EVERYTHING minus Mowgli is CG), and I’m loving the voice work. This movie could be a huge family hit.
Bourne 5 finally has a title, and with this first look, appears to be full of crazy, crazy action. I’ve grown to really love Matt Damon with age, and I’ve always thought the Bourne franchise was pretty underrated - even if The Bourne Legacy was a less than stellar effort. But who cares? Matt Damon is back, and he’s in fight clubs and smashing up Vegas while avoiding Tommy Lee Jones. Gonna make for a fun Summertime watch.
OK, 45 seconds isn’t a lot to go on, but based on what I saw in the prior trailer, and the sheer insanity that KRANG will be in this one, this might make up for all of the sins of the first Michael Bay-produced film. But why the blue hell is Megan Fox dressing up like a schoolgirl? Strikes me as a very Don DiMello-esq move.
OK, while not for a movie specifically, how crazy is it that we now get mainstream ads which treat comic characters - especially obscure ones, like Ant-Man - with proper respect? It’s almost like getting a modern version of the classic Hostess Fruit Pie ads, but with way more awesome CG, and Paul Rudd! Best ad of the night, easily.
2016 marks TWENTY YEARS since Independence Day, and clearly we still love it, as it was referenced in a Bud Light ad this evening. That said, I’m glad to see that we’re going to make the sequel take full advantage of two decades worth of CG progress, and turn into the “giant alien warfare and destruction" skid. I expect an incredibly dumb thrill-ride.
Olivia Munn looks GREAT as Psylocke! The rest, not super surprising, but I can’t believe how comic-accurate she’s turning out to be.
So, what say you? What trailers did you love? What ads did you enjoy? Fire off in the comments.
Our first look at Key and Peele’s first feature film has finally arrived.
Looking like an homage to John Wick, Keanu is the story of a man named Rell, recently dumped (Jordan Peele), who finds solace in a new kitten that arrives at his door. Named Keanu, he is catnapped - and now, with the help of his cousin Clarence (Keegan Michael Key), Rell must work his way through the local gang world to get his cat back.
The first red band trailer (NSFW due to language), is below.
I know, this sounds completely ridiculous, but I think Key and Peele are on to something here. The trailer looks hilarious, the kitten is goddamned adorable, and I love the juxtaposition of the cat and the action. Plus, it’s nice to see Method Man getting acting work again.
Key and Peele also wrote the film, with their long-time show director, Peter Atencio, directing the film.
I hate to make a strong comparison - but the last time I remember a creative trio making the jump from the small screen to the big screen on a risky premise Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost delivered us Shaun of the Dead. I’m hoping for similar good things here.
Keanu hits theaters on April 29, 2016.
Sorry folks - we’re all going to have to wait a little bit longer for the continued adventures of Rey, Finn and Poe.
Lucasfilm and Disney broke some hearts today, as they announced that the release date for Star Wars: Episode VIII is being pushed back - from the 40th Anniversary of A New Hope celebrating date of May 26, 2017 to the new third-straight-Star-Wars-Christmas date of December 17, 2017.
There are a few different ways to look at this, so indulge me with a few different takes…
Moving Star Wars: Episode VIII just gives director/writer Rian Johnson (Looper) more time to create a sequel that we’ll all love - and now that we’ve all seen The Force Awakens, deliver on the things that we really liked…while avoiding those who didn’t. Episode VIII should just be all the better for it.
Disney really just wants to control the Christmas buying season. It’s incredibly obvious that Disney is making money hand-over-fist with the Star Wars franchise, and there’s no better way to keep fans buying merch around Christmas than by getting them excited for a new film every Christmas. (I mean, Rogue One is set for Christmas 2016, too.)
Of course - they might double down on Rey merchandise this time. Apparently they’ve learned from last time…and last time wasn’t just to avoid spoilers.
2017 is looking like a HUGE year for franchise movies. Now that Star Wars is moving to Christmas, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man Tell No Tales is taking the May 26, 2017 release date. Also moving around today - the Marvel/Sony Spider-Man reboot, coming out earlier on July 7, 2017, and the unnecessary Jumanji remake, pushed back from Christmas 2016, to July 28, 2017.
But the real time period to look at remains Christmas:
Episode VIII is now opening the same day as Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One, and looming around the corner on December 25, 2017 is Avatar 2, leading to a direct battle between bitter rivals for box office glory.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see Avatar 2 move back. Or not? We shall see.
It’s not much, but it’s something, right?
Coming from last night’s Dawn of Justice League special on the CW, we have our first look at the World War I-set Wonder Woman film.
The footage shown is little more than talking heads and some establishing shots as Geoff Johns rambles about the film, but given that the movie just started filming at the end of the year, it’s more than I had expected to be revealed at this point in the process.
Since there’s not much context to this footage, it’s hard to judge, but I continue to like Gadot in the role.
Wonder Woman arrives in movie theaters on June 23, 2017.
Get ready for a lot of Queen and a lot of villains.
As promised, the new trailer for Suicide Squad aired during the Dawn of the Justice League special, and here it is in full.
I’m not so into Leto’s Joker, but the world is going to love Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn.
Suicide Squad hits theaters on August 5, 2016.
You knew this was coming in time for the movie, right?
Announced on ABC during the Marvel’s Captain America: 75 Heroic Years TV special and confirmed by Marvel.com, Steve Rogers will no longer be the feeble old man he has been the past few years - he’s getting his powers back and returning as Captain America.
In his new series, Captain America: Steve Rogers, he’s got a new shield and a new outlook, but former Falcon Sam Wilson will remain on as Captain America as well.
Writer Nick Spencer - who is currently writing Captain America: Sam Wilson - will pen the title (both titles will exist concurrently), with artist Jesus Saiz assigned to the book. That’s his art at the top of the post.
It’s easy to believe this as a money grab to tie into the Captain America: Civil War film coming this May, but don’t worry…it’s actually to tie into the forthcoming Civil War II comic. OH BOY!
Captain America: Steve Rogers hits shelves this Summer.
Chuck Klosterman is the best, and I really cannot wait to read this.
Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs was one of the first books that made me realize that someone could write intelligently about pop-culture. And ever since reading it, I’ve devoured every one of Klosterman’s books, interviews, and so on.
So when Vulture got the exclusive reveal of his next book, you know I got the vapors.
Titled What If We’re Wrong: Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past the book is:
You can read more at the link above. Even the book’s cover is genius!
What If We’re Wrong: Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past hits bookshelves and Kindles on June 7, 2016.
Vin Diesel has the coolest career ever, right?
Like, yes, The Last Witch Hunter bombed and The Pacifier was kind of a joke, but - really, how goddamned awesome is this:
Yeah. THAT Jet Li! HELL YEAH! (And thanks for the story, Hollywood Reporter!)
Now to just explain how he’s in the 3rd xXx, after regenerating into the Second Doctor (Ice Cube) in the second film.
xXx 3: The Return of Xander Cage hits theaters in 2017.
They look as you’d expect.
Coming just hours before a special titled The Dawn of the Justice League airs on The CW, DC Comics - via a new Facebook page dedicated to the DC Films.
Seen as a whole, the image is exactly as you’d expect. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman look as they do in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, meanwhile, the first glimpses of Cyborg and The Flash don’t shock, surprise or impress, but instead look very much like their DC Comics incarnations while looking like they’d fit into a Zack Snyder film at the same time.  But we really never were worried about how they’d look, were we?
In short - I really need to see more. And maybe we will tonight. If we do, I’ll do my best to write about it.
Justice League hits theaters in two parts, with part 1 arriving in 2017, and part 2 following in 2019.
The surprisingly great Neighbors is getting a sequel this coming Summer, and the first trailer has arrived.
I was honestly shocked by how much I enjoyed 2014’s Neighbors, a raunchy comedy that had a heartfelt story about growing old wrapped with wacky adults vs. fraternity humor.
Smash cut to now, and we’re getting a sequel (because the first made a LOT of money.)
What’s different? Well, the antagonists are a sorority lead by ChloÁ« Grace Moretz now, and the married couple played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne (the first movie’s MVP) is being helped by Zac Efron this time (along with returning cast members Ike Barinholtz and Carla Gallo).
That said - this does actually look funny. Comedy sequels aren’t always a great idea, and more have failed than succeeded, but this might be a good time at the cinema. At the least, the trailer made me chuckle a few times (and hey! Hannibal Buress is back!).
OH - before I forget - that girl who looks like Jonah Hill’s sister? Actually Jonah Hill’s sister.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising hits theaters on May 20, 2016.
I have to give the marketing team for Suicide Squad this - they’re doing something different.
As any long-term reader of this site knows, I’m pretty skeptical of how Warner Bros is handling the DC Comics Movie Universe.
That said, people thus far have been seemingly far more accepting of the forthcoming Suicide Squad movie than they have of how Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is turning out.
We’re supposed to get a brand-new trailer later tonight (which, if I’m awake, I’ll post about), but I have to say, the deluge of new posters look pretty great.
They’re not your standard photoshop mess - even the one with the cast shown has a sense of style - and I honestly really like the poster with everyone’s stylized skull design.
[gallery ids=“20753,20754,20755,20765,20757,20758,20759,20760,20761,20762,20763,20764”]
Will any of that result in a good movie? Probably not. But you can enjoy the gallery above.
Suicide Squad hits theaters on August 5, 2016.
Netflix sure does look like they have another hit on their hands with Love.
Created by Judd Apatow, Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Lesley Arfin and comedian/writer Paul Rust, I’ve been anticipating the first footage of this show for some time, and I’m pleased to say, the trailer does not disappoint.
Co-Starring Rust (whom I came to love via the Comedy Bang! Bang! podcast) and Community’s Gillian Jacobs, here’s how Netflix describes the show:
With a two season commitment from Netflix, it’s clear they believe in the show - and if this trailer is proof, it’s going to be a good time.
Love hits Netflix on February 19, 2016.
Not since Summer 2007, when Bad Robot and Paramount released the trailer for 1-18-08 have I seen movie fans so surprised, shocked, and excited. So it’s only fair that it’s about a sequel - of sorts - to Cloverfield.
Remember that amazing 1-18-08 teaser? If you don’t, here’s the trailer that had everyone wondering if a Godzilla reboot or Voltron movie was coming…
Well, last night, during the first screenings for 13 Hours, the Michael Bay directed Benghazi movie, Bad Robot and Paramount had another surprise under their sleeves. It immediately broke Twitter, and lead to a number of phone shot cam versions hitting the web.
At shortly after 3am Eastern, Paramount uploaded a proper version of the trailer to the web.
So - what is 10 Cloverfield Lane? How did this get made without any of us knowing?
Let’s first look at JJ Abrams' official statement about the movie, provided to Collider:
OK, so the sequel may not be a direct one. It’s a “blood relative” - so a related idea in some way. But how did we miss such a thing being made?
Simple. You call it something else.
At one point called The Cellar, and another point called Valencia, the movie was described in the press as follows:
Well, now we know that the girl (Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) is being held captive by John Goodman (Acting’s John Goodman), and a bearded John Gallagher Jr. (The Newsroom) is there too.
Is the “terror” outside the monster from Cloverfield? We’ll find out in a few months, as the movie releases in March.
10 Cloverfield Lane hits theaters on March 11, 2016.
Just in time for the 50th(!!!) anniversary of the 1966 Adam West-starring Batman television series, LEGO has announced a jaw-droppingly elaborate and complex set featuring that era’s Batcave, Batcopter, Bat-Bike and yes…Batmobile.
You can view a full gallery - and the official YouTube video - of the set below. It comes with 9 mini figures (including, appropriately, a mustachioed Joker), and crazy levels of detail, including a WORKING BAT POLE.
[gallery ids=“20736,20713,20714,20715,20716,20717,20718,20719,20720,20721,20722,20723,20724,20725,20726,20727,20728,20729,20730,20731,20732,20733,20735,20738”]
If you have the expendable income, this set can be yours for just shy of $270.
Courtesy of the official YouTube page for the Academy Awards, a VFX video for Star Wars: The Force Awakens has hit the web.
I was really gobsmacked to see how many shots were in camera, and how many elements were digital. HINT: not all the ones you’d expect.
Basically, JJ Abrams did here what George Lucas and ILM did with the original trilogy. No wonder it felt so goddamned good to watch.
UPDATE: Here’s a mirror!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ5zQw6ZFqA&feature=youtu.be
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is in theaters now.
As rumored for months, but confirmed today by Marvel officially, we now have a fantastic choice for director for Black Panther…
Chadwick Boseman will star in “Black Panther" after debuting as the character in the upcoming Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War,“ in theaters May 6.
After seeing Creed this past weekend and absolutely loving it, I could not be more excited to see Ryan Coogler continue to reap the benefits of his skill and talent.
Marvel might be onto something with this whole superhero movie thing. Maybe. Shame we’ve still got two years to go.
2015 was a year of cinematic rebirth for major franchises. With Fury Road and The Force Awakens, the Mad Max and Star Wars films were reborn for a new generation to appreciate, with timeless installments delivered to the joy of filmgoers. With that said, having now finally seen it - the strongest rebirth this past year may’ve belonged to Creed.
Technically the seventh installment of the Rocky franchise, Creed focuses on the story of Adonis “Donnie" Johnson (Michael B. Jordan), the bastard son of legendary Rocky Balboa nemesis and friend Apollo Creed. Johnson was born shortly after Creed’s death in the ring, and after going between foster homes and juvie, is adopted in Los Angeles by Creed’s wife, Mary Anne (Phylicia RashÄd).
Johnson gets to grow up with the benefits of his father’s legacy - but it’s that very same legacy which he cannot shake. So he dedicates himself to the sport of boxing, moving to Philadelphia. It’s here he decides to approach his father’s greatest opponent, Rocky Balboa (a returning Sylvester Stallone) to train him.
Creed is a movie about shadows. Johnson is looking to fight his way out of his father’s shadow, while Balboa - now in the Mickey role - is lost in the shadow of his legacy, with his wife Adrian and best friend Paulie now passed. It’s the setup for the fight of their respective lives, both literally and figuratively.
The movie that follows is incredibly enthralling. I’ve never been into boxing, and the majority of my exposure to the Rocky franchise has been one of cable television edits, but I absolutely fell in love with this movie. You feel every bump, bruise, loss, victory, sadness and celebration.
Part of why this movie works so well is the incredible casting. Michael B. Jordan has been an actor-on-the-rise for years now, and his hype comes to fruition here, as a hothead who wants to be the best he can be, and cement his own legacy. But the true triumph is in Stallone’s performance, a late-career defining role. While the Expendables franchise may have allowed him a chance to celebrate his action hero past, Creed gives Stallone a chance to be vulnerable and alive. All the word of awards is worthwhile, as this late-in-life Balboa is an incredible piece of work, and one to hang a career on. Additional credit goes to Tessa Thompson, who plays Donnie’s love interest, Bianca, a singer-songwriter that has a ticking clock of her own to worry about.
Creed also serves as the coming out party for co-writer/director Ryan Coogler. Re-teaming with the star of his debut, Fruitville Station, Coogler brings a deft hand of direction to the film. Each fight is masterfully shot and edited, and you can feel the crowd, feel the electricity, and feel every shot. It’s incredibly electric to watch. The brilliant direction is matched by a powerful score from Ludwig GÁ¶ransson. It’s not easy to follow in the iconic footsteps of Bill Conti, but GÁ¶ransson delivers a score that harkens back to the franchise’s best moments, while adding a modern edge. This is a soundtrack you’ll be revisiting, for sure.
The experience of watching Creed is one that is hard to truly describe. Incredibly enthralling, it’s a roller coaster of emotion, but you - like the films leads - feel the fight and drive to succeed along with them. This must’ve been what the original Rocky felt like 1976, and 40 years later, Creed delivers as - hands down - one of the best films of 2015. I cannot recommend it enough.
Creed is in theaters now, and is available for VOD pre-order on Amazon and iTunes.
Something cool for Inside Out fans: what would happen if you cut out the “Inside" scenes?
Turns out they still work out pretty great. University of Utah film student Jordan Hanzon put this together after a Reddit discussion, and it really shows how well thought out Pete Docter’s film was, working both “inside" and “outside".
Inside Out is available now on DVD, Blu-Ray and VOD (iTunes, Amazon).
Much of the press of Quentin Tarantino’s new film is about how he wants you to see it, not so much what you’re going to see. But I’m happy to say that once the lights dim and the movie begins - The Hateful Eight is one of Tarantino’s strongest (and harshest) films.
Set shortly after the Civil War, The Hateful Eight starts as the story of two bounty hunters. The first, Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson) is looking to bring the bodies of three outlaws to collect his earnings in Red Rock, Colorado. Unfortunately for him, he’s stuck in a brutal Wyoming blizzard that’s only going to get worse. His luck picks up when a stagecoach crosses his path. Inside that stagecoach? John “The Hangman" Ruth (Kurt Russel). He’s also heading to Red Rock, looking to see that his alive prisoner - Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh) - hangs for her crimes. They strike up a deal, with Warren paying Ruth for his troubles, ensuring easier passage to Red Rock.
On their way to Red Rock, the storm intensifies, so too does their carriage load, as they come across Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), who claims - to Ruth and Warren’s skepticism - he’s the new sheriff in Red Rock. As the storm gets even worse, the crew decides to stop in Minnie’s Haberdashery, a local lodge, where they find an even more motley crew. It seems Minnie left to visit her mother, leaving Bob (DemiÁ¡n Bichir), a Mexican worker; Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), Red Rock’s new hangman; Joe Gage (Michael Masden), a cowboy; and Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern), a former Confederate general. They’re all stuck in this cabin for the next few days. The blizzard is too strong. And no one can trust anyone else.
In an odd twist, Tarantino’s second western adventure (following D’jango Unchained) in many ways is similar to The Thing. It’s an intense disagreement among angry men where, clearly, multiple parties are not telling the truth. Taking from his incredible opening scene in Inglorious Basterds, Tarantino writes the movie with deft control of intensity. On paper, this is just a room filled with actors speaking to each other. In delivery, it’s an intense, dark, rage-filled film plastered with incredible performances.
Every actor in this film gives their all - Kurt Russel bringing his best John Wayne to the film, Samuel L. Jackson monologuing as only he can, Tim Roth delivering the world’s greatest Christoph Waltz impression - but the one who shines above all? Jennifer Jason Leigh. For the first two thirds of the movie, Leigh’s role is thankless - one of brutal physical humor. In the end? She might be the most vile and unstoppable of the crew.
As one would expect from Tarantino, The Hateful Eight is full of his tropes: chapter titles, unique chronology, a fetishistic love of old-school credits, in-depth discussion of race, brutal violence. But it somehow rises above much of his prior work by focusing only on human relationships. The film may last 3 hours, but it zooms by due to the incredible construction of each conversation and conflict. It’s been said that this film could work just as well as a play, and I’d love to see it hit the stage: it’s arguably Tarantino’s finest work as a writer.
One additional note: I had the luck of seeing the film in the 70mm Roadshow edition. If you can see it this way, I can’t recommend it enough. Touches such as the musical overture from Ennio Morricone really set the stage for the film, and having an honest-to-God program in hand made the screening feel like a premium experience. Is this why the audience I saw the film with was so respectful, with little conversation and no cellphone use? Perhaps. It’s amazing what happens when you can treat the theatrical experience as a privilege. It’s also worth noting that the extended 70mm frame did add to the film: it added an incredible sense of geography and depth. While many conversations were one-on-one, you could see what each of the remaining “eight" were doing in the corner. By the end, I felt like I could describe every nook of that room.
While by no means an uplifting holiday experience, The Hateful Eight delivers what Quentin Tarantino has done best since Reservoir Dogs - unique characters, incredible dialogue, and a film going experience that only he provides. Absolutely recommended - especially if you can see it as the Roadshow.
The Hateful Eight is in theaters now.
It looks like Disney is continuing their run of winning CG animated films with the latest trailer for March’s Zootopia.
Having absolutely won me over with the “sloth trailer" (which I saw at my Star Wars: The Force Awakens screening), this next movie from Walt Disney Animation Studios appears to continue the hot streak of great movies they’ve had since Tangled, including Big Hero 6, Frozen and Wreck-It Ralph.
I never thought I’d say this, but recently, I’ve been anticipating some Walt Disney Animation Movies more than Pixar. Shock of shocks, right?
Also - how great is Idris Elba as a Buffalo police chief?
Zootopia hits theaters on March 4, 2016.
If you missed this over the Holiday break, you’re not alone: Christopher Nolan is gearing up for his next film.
Revealed by Variety on Monday:
Sources tell Variety that Nolan will direct “Dunkirk" from his own original screenplay as his next project. Insiders say the yet-to-be cast unknowns will lead the cast, but that Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh and Tom Hardy are in talks to join the ensemble.
Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner and wife, Emma Thomas.
Coming off of original films such as Interstellar and Inception, it’s interesting to see Nolan tackling concepts as seemingly mundane as yet another World War II movie. Sure, the film being shot in IMAX and 65mm format will add a unique visual flair, but on paper, I’m left scratching my head as to why this project gained Nolan’s focus.
That said - it’s very early, and I’m sure we’ll have a better idea once the first footage is revealed.
Dunkirk hits theaters on July 21, 2017.
By the hoary hosts of Hoggoth! Benedict Cumberbatch is looking AMAZING as Doctor Strange!
Revealed yesterday by Entertainment Weekly - and promptly breaking the internet, in the best way - are these first look images from this November’s Marvel Studios release, Doctor Strange.
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Arguably the biggest gamble yet by Marvel to take the leap from the comic page to the silver screen, these images of Sherlock“s Cumberbatch are sure to quiet down any doubters, as this is probably the most accurate visual transition, since Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark/Iron Man.
That said - much like Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man, Marvel has an uphill battle with general audiences here. Strange has never been a big name character, nor an overwhelming favorite in the comics world. (Full disclosure, I, a huge nerd, actually consider Doctor Strange one of my blind spots.) But I think we’ve learned at this point to not doubt what Marvel can do. They’ve been unstoppable thus far, and the wise bet is not AGAINST them.
Doctor Strange is in theaters on November 4, 2016.
This Christmas, nerds everywhere were waiting for a special gift from the jolly man in the red suit.
No, not Santa Claus - DEADPOOL! And he delivered, giving us not just one, but TWO new trailers for his forthcoming film, hitting theaters this February.
With two flavors for audiences young and old, it’s very clear that this R-rated take on the fourth-wall breaking hero will be heading straight for the crass humor. That said, it’s definitely the most delighted that Ryan Reynolds has appeared on screen in ages.
I’m hoping that the humor isn’t as simple and obvious throughout, but seeing how Deadpool interacts with other characters (like the WAY obscure pull of Negasonic Teenage Warhead!) gives me some hope. What say you, gentle reader?
Deadpool hits theaters on February 12, 2016.
Last Summer, out of the blue, Radiohead became a front-runner to be the musician(s) picked to perform the theme for the then-upcoming James Bond film, SPECTRE.
As we all know, the final nod went to fellow Brit Sam Smith…but what if Radiohead really was in the mix? Could such a thing exist? A Radiohead performed James Bond theme?
On Christmas, we found out it was indeed true.
Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke took to Twitter on Christmas with a special gift for fans of both the rock band and the super spy, linking to a free download of “Spectre” hosted on Soundcloud, their unused theme song.
Sounding about exactly as you’d expect from a Radiohead James Bond theme, it’s equally sad and bombastic…and personally, I prefer it to Sam Smith’s theme, even if Smith’s sounds more “Bond-y”.
That said, the Radiohead version DOES sync up pretty great with the opening credits of the film.
SPECTRE is still in theaters now. Radiohead is currently working on their ninth album, with no release date announced.
32 years after Return of the Jedi, and 10 years after Revenge of the Sith, director JJ Abrams does what we thought impossible and, alongside Disney and the new Lucasfilm, restarted Star Wars for a new generation.
This is The Force Awakens.
Appropriately set 30-some-odd years after the events of Jedi, The Force Awakens thrusts us back in to the galaxy far, far away. The war between the Rebels and the Empire ended, but clearly set another conflict into motion. It’s a story that sends us into new planets, new scenery, and appropriately, with new heroes.
Much like 1977’s A New Hope, The Force Awakens is built around a trilogy of heroes. We have Finn (Attack The Block’s John Boyega - affecting an American accent), a young man who wishes to be something better than he is in this world, but scared of the outcomes. We have Poe Dameron (Ex-Machina’s Oscar Issac), a cock-sure, cool as a cucumber pilot. And most intriguingly, we have Rey (newcomer Daisy Ridley), a desert scavenger, looking for adventure and carrying a mysterious past. You’re going to love each one the same way you did Han, Leia and Luke - even though they don’t fit the expected archetypes. Each captivates the screen, and their chemistry is fantastic.
But what’s smart - if not expected - is how these characters fit into the existing universe. To add weight to the proceedings for the new generation of fans, and act as an entry point for fans of the existing saga, we get to catch up with our old favorites: Han, Chewie, Leia, C—3PO and R2D2. Harrison Ford is the most engaged he’s been on-screen in decades as an older and wiser Solo. Clearly, he found something here that he’d been missing. Carrie Fisher looks great and adds appropriate gravitas as Leia, and of course, Chewie and C—3PO add the necessary comic relief (that is, when BB—8 - who is sure to be your new favorite droid - isn’t stealing the show.)
Where the movie takes a different turn is with our villains, or as they’re called now - The First Order. Lead baddie Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is much like his custom lightsaber: fractured and unstable. Anyone who has seen his work on Girls probably knows that Driver can play creepy, gross and evil, and he does it well here. Domhnall Gleeson’s Admiral Hux seems to be a modern day Grand Moff Tarkin, but he gets to chew all kinds of scenery, as a gloriously old-school style baddie.
To say much more would go into spoiler territory, and I promise you - I won’t. But I’m pleased to say that beyond the shadow of a doubt, The Force Awakens is the Star Wars movie you’re looking for. Feeling like an incredible comeback album from one of your favorite bands, JJ Abrams delivers for Star Wars what he did with the 2009 Star Trek reboot - a fresh, energetic rejuvenation of a beloved franchise. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer - and if the sold-out opening night crowd response was any indication, leave the theater absolutely jublient.
Every single frame is filled with love. The “worn-in" reality of the Star Wars universe is back, beautifully juxtaposed with the stark nature of The First Order’s Nazi Germany meets Apple aesthetic. Creatures both practical and CGI fill the screen (and the CGI is beautiful, with two motion-capture based characters delivering bleeding edge tech so great, you forget they’re not real.) John Williams delivers the trademark Star Wars sound. All the classic wipes and transitions are to be found. The “Abrams Lens Flare” is there, but thankfully under control. There are also some great cameos and easter eggs throughout - you’re going to be looking everywhere during the many times you see this movie in the theaters and, eventually, at home. Â It’s an absolutely stellar 136 minutes of whiz-bang adventure.
After the prequels ended, fans never really knew if the Star Wars they loved would return, or if it did, what shape it would take. Thankfully, with The Force Awakens, it returns in a form to be beloved by fans both old and new. While the last thing the Internet needs is another article ranking a film series, I’ll be so bold as to suggest that The Force Awakens hangs with the original trilogy in quality. Thank you, JJ.
Now bring on Episode VIII.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is in theaters now.
Character posters have arrived for the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot!
Coming off of yesterday’s promo image, a series of character posters - one for each “buster” - have been scattered across the web.
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Luckily for you, I gathered them all together in the above gallery.
They all look slick, fierce and ready to take out some ghosts!
I definitely think we may get a teaser trailer WAY soon. Here’s hoping like Spy and Bridesmaids, Paul Feig delivers another great comedy.
Ghostbusters hits theaters on July 15, 2016.
These posters are better than the last trailer!
Released online yesterday, Warner Bros has unveiled three brand-new character posters for Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. Showcasing individual looks at an armored-up Ben Affleck as Batman and a rage-filled Henry Cavill as Superman, the real highlight is the individual poster for Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman.
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I’ve been skeptical of how Gadot is going to turn out as Wonder Woman, but I have to be honest - this is her best look yet. She looks great in this poster, and I’m starting to believe she may be the best part of the film.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on March 25, 2016.
Kate McKinnon looks like the coolest, right?
Shared all across the web yesterday, starting with this tweet from Ghostbusters fansite Planet Ghostbusters, is what is being called the “first official image" from director Paul Feig’s female-lead Ghostbusters reboot.
Now, I’m gonna question that sentence, considering Feig himself had revealed an image of the team previously, but it doesn’t hide the fact that - honestly, this looks good.
Melissa McCarthy is playing the buttoned up nerdy type (who I will imagine falls into rage), Kate McKinnon is channelling a Real Ghostbusters era Egon and is just effortlessly cool, Kristen Wiig is looking straight badass, and Leslie Jones looks like, simply, that she will mess you up.
I’m way into it. But when should we expect a teaser trailer?
Ghostbusters hits theaters July 15, 2016.
I guess everyone is excited about Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Airing during last night’s The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy and his house band, The Roots (a fact that is still odd to me, all these years later) reinterpreted the classic Star Wars theme song - along with some of the more popular themes - in acapella style.
The Brady Bunch style video also includes some cameos, and is a great way to start your morning.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters this Friday, with early screenings Thursday evening. The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon airs weeknights on NBC.
Remember when trailers were little more than a glimpse at a film? Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them remembers.
Another big-time trailer released just in time to (possibly) be attached to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Warner Bros teases us all with our return to JK Rowling’s wizarding world in Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them.
That said, there isn’t much here. Clearly, there are monsters (which we do not see), clearly, there is magic, and the 1920’s New York setting is a unique one, but besides that and a glimpse at Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston in costume, that’s all you’re getting. That’s OK, they have almost a year.
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them hits theaters on November 18, 2016.
Paramount wanted a big time, fun action Star Trek film to get some of that Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy audience. Looks like Star Trek Beyond will be that film, if it’s first trailer is any indication.
Hitting the web earlier today after a German-language leak, our first glimpse at the third installment of the rebooted Trek franchise, as directed by Fast & Furious' Justin Lin and scripted by Simon Pegg and Doug Jung, is definitely not your standard Star Trek film.
We’ve got explosions, we’ve got quips, we’ve got crazy alien makeup, and yes…BMX RIDING KIRK!
From what I’ve seen on social media today, long-time Trek fans are pretty miffed by the results, but personally? I think this will be a super fun sci-fi romp, a’la 2009’s reboot - sorely needed after Star Trek Into Darkness went dark and retreaded Wrath of Kahn. Heck, we’ve even got a reprise of Beastie Boys' “Sabotage”, a “classic rock” song which scored Young Kirk’s joyride in the first JJ Abrams film.
I think Star Trek Beyond is going to be a nice shot in the arm for the franchise, and future trailers will pan out to this being a great bit of blockbuster filmmaking. But based on fan response so far: is the path to a Billion Dollars one made of broken dreams by Paramount?
Star Trek Beyond hits theaters on July 22, 2016.
All those who expected the Independence Day sequel to look good - raise your hand? Yeah, not many of you.
I know I certainly wasn’t one of them - but today (ahead of its official premiere in front of Star Wars: The Force Awakens), 20th Century Fox has released the trailer for Independence Day: Resurgence, the sequel to the 1996 alien invasion blockbuster.
I am dumbfounded to say how actually great this looks. It’s very, very clear that Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin understand exactly what made Independence Day so great, and are taking it to the next level here. Considering how awful their Godzilla was, I can’t say I expected this.
Most of the cast is returning - with Will Smith a very noticable hold out, who I can’t wait to see how they write around - but this looks like some big, dumb, explosive Summer fun. Basically, exactly the type of thrill ride you want when you throw down the cash at your local cineplex. I am, shocking even myself, really looking forward to this after this trailer.
As a bonus? Check out the The War of 1996 site created to detail the world in the twenty years since the original film. It’s actually a fun bit of alt-reality fiction.
Independence Day: Resurgence hits theaters on June 24, 2016.
OK, Saturday Night Live, you got us.
Airing last night during the episode hosted by Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth (promoting the movie I refuse to see due to my drowning fears, In The Heart of the Sea), SNL absolutely nailed the world of adult Star Wars toy collectors with this ad designed for fans ages 6…and way up.
And honestly, it’s not wrong - even speaking as a nerd who has a few Force Awakens action figures himself. But let’s all remember the key: if we’re gonna be nerds, let’s go full force…let’s open those packages, yeah?
Laika has created some beautiful movies thus far, but it appears their fourth film may be their most stunning - if the first teaser trailer for Kubo and the Two Strings is any indication.
A teaser in every sense of the word, this first glimpse indicates that the stop-motion house will bring their same sense of style and beauty to Asian culture, as they did a young girl’s nightmares in Coraline, the paranormal in Paranorman, and a bunch of lovely trolls in The Boxtrolls (a film I still need to see).
Not due in theaters until late next Summer, Kubo is high up on my list of must sees for 2016, and with a stacked voice cast including George Takei, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Rooney Mara and Ralph Fiennes, clearly, others are looking to be a part of something special.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Kubo and the Two Strings hits theaters on August 19, 2016.
Woefully underappreciated during it’s theatrical release, I finally had a chance to check out The Man from U.N.C.L.E. on VOD over this weekend, and I have to say - we all really missed out.
Directed by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes), after a long and ardous trip to the big screen, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is an incredibly stylish retro spy flick. Starring Henry Cavill (Man of Steel) as CIA agent Napoleon Solo, the film takes our sly agent and places him in an unheard of situation in the Cold War - teaming with a Russian agent, Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer, he of Winklevoss Twin fame in The Social Network).
Why the cooperation between the USA and Russia? Nazi’s of course. Solo and Kuryakin are chosen to protect Gaby Teller (Ex-Machina’s Alicia Vikander). Teller is the daughter of an ex-Nazi scientist turned American informant, Udo Teller, who is in too deep with the Vinciguerra’s, a wealthy couple who intend to build a nuclear weapon to assist the remaining members of the Nazi party.
But, really - who cares? It’s all about the action and style in this fun, flighty romp of a movie. (And honestly, I had to look back to be able to recite that level of the plot. Even the cast seems apt to just go along for the ride.) What The Man from U.N.C.L.E. really is, is an excuse for Ritchie and his cast to have some 1960’s era, super cool looking, super cool sounding spy fun, and with that in mind, the movie completely succeeds.
Running a brisk 116 minutes, we move from stylish set-piece to stylish set-piece, slowly down only to take in scenes of 1960’s era Europe (beautifully shot by cinematographer John Mathieson), and enjoy some dry laughs from witty dialogue, provided by Lionel Wigram, who co-wrote with Ritchie. It’s all set to a wonderful score by Daniel Pemberton, and is sure to leave you feeling delighted.
This isn’t a movie that re-defines spy films, nor is it one that will last long in your brain, but it is one that you’ll have a blast with. Sure, the ending is a little overblown, but the ride there is so delightful, it’s hard to be bothered.
Available on VOD, DVD and Blu-Ray now, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a good time of a movie worth taking in. If you want something fun for a breezy weekend watch, this is the one to check out. Enjoy.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is available now on VOD (iTunes, Amazon), and on DVD or Blu-Ray.
The X-Men franchise has been a mixed bag of films, but has been on a hot streak since flashing back with 2011’s First Class.
This May, the mutants enter a stacked Summer of superhero films with X-Men: Apocalypse, and the first trailer is here.
I’ll admit, what we see here is pretty decent, and I’m very into Oscar Issac’s Apocalypse, but the rest just feels…off.
One of the strengths of First Class and Days of Future Past was the relationship of James McAvoy’s Charles Xavier and Michael Fassbender’s Magneto, which appears to be lost here, and it’s quite clear that Jennifer Lawrence is just completing her contractual commitment as Mystique, as she doesn’t even appear to be bothering with the blue makeup this time around. Shame, as she’s usually such a highlight.
There’s also the question of how the timelines work now. Following First Class and Days of Future Past, we get the 1980’s-era here in Apocalypse, and in turn, a new Jean Grey (Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner) and new Cyclops (Tye Sheridan), and new Storm (Alexandra Shipp, love the mohawk), among others - so do X-Men, X2 and X3 just not exist anymore?
On the positive side, Rose Byrne is always a welcome vision, and McAvoy is rocking the cue-ball look.
It’s a mixed bag so far, and the trailer doesn’t really impress, but based on the strength of the other two films of this trilogy, I am in. Will that be enough to counter Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Captain America: Civil War? We shall see.
X-Men: Apocalypse hits on May 27, 2016, just in time for Memorial Day.
One of my favorite movies of all-time, full stop, is Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
That’s why I’m so gosh darned excited to share with you the first trailer for Shane Black’s next film, The Nice Guys, due to hit theaters next Summer.
Filling a similar vein to that of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, The Nice Guys is story built around two odd characters brought together to solve a mystery.
Russell Crowe stars as Jackson Healy (who seems to be a man you go to when you want to send a message), Ryan Gosling stars as PI Holland March (who seems to be a total screw up), and if this trailer is any indication, a red-band edition filled with bad language, gore, and even a little bit of nudity, everything goes terribly wrong in a great way. Would you expect anything less from Shane Black?
In short - I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS MOVIE! (It’s also nice to see KIm Basinger get work again.)
The Nice Guys hits theaters on May 20, 2016.
Overnight, on an episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Ben Affleck revealed the new trailer for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
And oh man, is it weird. And spoiler-filled.
I’m not sure who decided that we needed to have the whole plot of the movie revealed to us, but sure enough here we are.
If I have it correctly, the beats of the movie are:
It doesn’t look all bad. The action looks impressive, as we’d expect from Zack Snyder, and I do continue to like Ben Affleck’s Batman, but I’m iffy on the rest. Superman seems like a big blue jerk, the whole thing feels SUPER dour, and the Zod/Doomsday thing feels like one plotline too many.
That said - I can’t wait for Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor to take up ALL the scenery. At least he’ll grab more of the screen than Clark’s glasses. Jesus they’re huge.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on March 25, 2016.
In 2011, director Jonathan Levine (The Wackness) teamed with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen to bring us the phenomenal cancer dramedy 50/50. This holiday, they’ve re-teamed to bring us The Night Before, a Christmas-themed story of three friend’s holiday tradition - and while it’s not anywhere near as great as 50/50, it still resonates as a heartfelt, raunchy Christmas comedy.
The Night Before gives us the 15th year of an annual tradition - long-time friends Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Issac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have always spent Christmas Eve together, a bond created after Ethan’s parents died. Now, the gentlemen are older and wiser - Issac’s about to be a father, Chris is a big-time football player, and the time has arrived for one last blow out.
I wouldn’t blame you if after seeing the trailers for The Night Before, you considered it a Christmas-themed offshoot of The Hangover. In some ways it shares a similar DNA. There’s raunchy humor, there’s drugs, there’s absolutely ridiculous situations. But what is truly surprising is the weight and heart of the film. Without spoiling too much, the film adds necessary depth to the three friends. You can figure that from the origins of their holiday tradition, Ethan, Issac and Chris have bigger things on their mind, and they really do - and the movie handles each bump and bruise with surprising maturity, even if its then tempered with a dick or weed joke.
A key to the film is the chemistry, and thankfully, our three leads have it. Rogen and Gordon-Levitt continue the great relationship they had on-screen in 50/50, and Anthony Mackie shows strong comedic chops here - it’s nice to see him in a comedic role, and I hope he gets to shine in another soon. They’re surrounded by a great supporting cast, as well, including Workaholics’ Jillian Bell as Issac’s pregnant wife, Lizzy Caplan as a lost love of Ethan, and even a nice role for Broad City’s Ilana Glazer. The real surprise of the film? Michael Shannon, as Mr. Green - a surreal yet prophetic weed dealer, who seems to have a bit more depth to his role (hint: it’s very A Christmas Carol.) It was also great to hear Tracy Morgan doing the narration for the film.
You won’t be calling The Night Before the year’s greatest comedy, or an absolutely blow away time at the movies, but it delivers in spades as a holiday film worth revisiting, with a bared, filthy heart.
Overnight, Marvel Studios gave fans around the globe a reason to be thankful - the offical premiere for the trailer for Captain America: Civil War.
Hitting Jimmy Kimmel Live and then the internet shortly thereafter, I’m very pleased to say that Civil War continues in the Marvel Cinematic Universe tradition of taking the name or concept of a classic Marvel story and working it to fit the framework of what they’ve built over an incredible thirteen films.
Directed by the Russo Brothers, Civil War also seems to be doing the heavy lifting of being more a sequel to Captain America: The Winter Solider, and less a third Avengers film, if you can believe it. What’s even more damning for their Distinguished Competition? Because we’ve seen these characters grow together, laugh together, and become a team together, the stakes seem higher with lines that may feel melodramatic otherwise - like Tony’s “I was your friend".
It really separates the Caps and Iron Men from the Bats and Supermen…
Captain America: Civil War its theaters on May 6, 2016.
After the smash success of 2012’s Skyfall, marking 50 years of James Bond, director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) and star Daniel Craig reteam for Spectre.
Serving as Craig’s fourth outing as Bond - and the first invoking the namesake terrorist group which perplexed Bond in the classic films - the stakes are high. Does the film match the heights of its pedigree? Is Spectre another Bond classic?
The answer: Not quite.
Striking to pull together the continuity of the prior films (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall), the movie kicks off with an absolutely brilliant sequence in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead celebration. Bond is following up on a lead left to him by the now-deceased M. Of course, in the fashion set by Daniel Craig’s version of the spy - the action sequence ends in a ragged harsh way, bringing heat upon MI—6.
It couldn’t be a worse time for Bond to bring scrutiny to MI—6 and the 00 Project, as the British Government is looking to shut it down, instead focusing on an all encompassing drone and surveillance project, called 9 Eyes, lead by the cocky Max Denbigh (Sherlock’s Andrew Scott).
Officially grounded after the Mexico City mixup, Bond - in traditional Bond fashion - chooses to go rogue and follow the lead of M, following a trail of mysteries and death, all pointing to a mysterious group…SPECTRE.
The movie that follows, unfortunately, has one of the worst sins a world-trotting spy film can commit…it’s not terribly engaging.
The movie has all the right ingredients: Christoph Waltz as the mysterious leader of SPECTRE; two incredible Bond Girls in the beautiful (and appropriately aged!) Monica Bellucci and the sultry and independent LÁ©a Seydoux; the wonderful MI—6 supporting cast of Ralph Fiennes’ Mallory, Rory KInnear’s Bill Tanner, Ben Whishaw’s Q, and Naomie Harris’ Eve Moneypenny; even Dave Bautista is an awesome henchman as Mr. Hinx - but Spectre never really gives any of these elements the environment within which to deliver. The action sequences (beyond the amazing Mexico City opener) never feel exciting - just that they’re happening, and we’re seeing them.
Spectre isn’t all bad. The score, by Thomas Newman (also returning from Skyfall) is great. The opening credits sequence is beautiful and surreal (and vastly improves Sam Smith’s theme in context). The cinematography is lovely, another feast for the eyes - this time by Her’s Hoyte van Hoytema. Heck, even for as much as the Craig continuity can drag down Spectre at times, pulling in classic Bond tropes are the moments where the movie is at its most fun.
I truly went into Spectre wanting an exciting, engaging, and beautifully shot spy film. Unfortunately, the one I got was beautiful - but never got into high gear. The movie does a wonderful job of tying up the Craig Bond legacy. Perhaps this is the time to lay his run to rest. Spectre isn’t awful. It’s not terrible. It’s not horrible. It’s just OK.
Spectre is in theaters now.
When painting a portrait, the artist is giving the eventual viewer an impression of its subject within a moment of time. We do not see all of their heights, nor all of their lows. We do not see all of their sadness, nor all of their triumphs. It’s not their best days, it’s not their worst. It is a moment preserved.
Based (loosely) on Walter Issacson’s book of the same name - Steve Jobs, written by Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network) and directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) is not a bio-pic proper. It is a portrait - and as a viewer, it’s a heck of a one to take in.
Steve Jobs is a divisive character in history. Many laud him as a genius, but just as many call him a prick. But it’s difficult to deny his place in history. This review was started on an iPhone, finished on a MacBook. And I’m sure countless other articles about Jobs and this film will have Apple products used in them somewhere. His driven vision has defined the current age of computing - and appropriately, Sorkin and Doyle have decided to give us a version of the man that may not be accurate to history, but instead is accurate to his legend.
It’s not far fetched to say that this movie has as much truth in it as Sorkin’s The Social Network did to the realities of the creation of Facebook. But it uses the real life story to build a portrait of a difficult man trying to create an uncompromised vision, no matter how many compromises they make along the way. The three act structure is used to show Jobs at three key moments of his life - the unveiling of the Macintosh in 1984, the reveal of the NeXT computer in 1988, and the ascendance of Apple in 1998 with the reveal of the iMac.
Almost like a technology based version of A Christmas Story, in each era, Jobs is met with the ghosts of his past. His loyal partner, Woz. His tormented programmer, Andy Hertzfled. His father figure, Apple CEO John Sculley. His estranged ex-girlfriend, Chrisann, and the girl that may be his daughter, Lisa.
These are the prisms that we view Jobs through. With the always quotable, always moving Aaron Sorkin dialogue, we see relationships change and florish. Moments go from tense to sad. Sad to hopeful. Anger to genius. And every moment is captivating.
It’s odd to speak of the “plot" of the film, as ostensibly, there isn’t one. These are scenes from a man’s life, and while interstitial montages help explain the passage of time (of note, seeing the classic Simpsons “Eat Up Martha" scene on the big screen was surreal), we just get to live in these moments.
Steve Jobs delivers its cast an absolute feast of acting. Seth Rogen is wonderful and heartbreaking as the teddy bear-esq co-founder of Apple. Jeff Daniels brings his The Newsroom gravitas to John Sculley. And Kate Winslet gives a fantastic performance as Jobs’ “work wife", Joanna Hoffman. But none of it would work without the amazing connective tissue of Michael Fassbender’s performance as Steve Jobs. He is an unbearable prick, an amazing genius, and incredibly captivating every minute he’s on screen. You will rarely love and hate a performance as strongly as this one. It’s incredible work from an incredibly underrated actor.
Special kudos must go to the intelligent production process of the film - to give the movie’s eras each a unique feel, each segment was shot on different film stocks. 1984 in 16mm, 1988 in 35mm, 1998 in digital. Its an inspired move that pays off wonderfully - a phrase that can describe many elements of this unique bio-pic.
While Steve Jobs is just a collection of moments, its an enthralling one. Electric performances and elegant direction combining into an engaging film. You can quibble on the history, but the legend of Jobs - as presented here - is one that will live on, in a movie you won’t soon forget.
Steve Jobs is in theaters now.
Believe it or not, for as much of a nerd as I am, I never really got into the role-playing world of Dungeons & Dragons, or the card collecting bonanza of Magic: The Gathering.
While I love to read, watch, and play through stories of mystical worlds and incredible powers, when it comes to these two staples of the fantasy fandom, I found the gameplay difficult, intense, and far more in-depth than I was willing to partake in.
That’s where Mana War comes in.
Currently being Kickstarted, Mana War is a deceptively simple card game. Very akin to a deck of basic playing cards, Mana War simplifies the concepts of fantasy into five basic suits - Sun, Water, Fire, Rock, and Leaf - with 10 of each. The card set then comes with directions for four, easy, pick up and play card games, which you can then play with groups as small as two, or as many as six players.
This is where Mana War is such a clever game. In my time with a pre-release copy of the card set, the most seasoned and least traveled of game players were at an equal playing field - giving the fantasy feel for veterans of countless board and card games, while providing an open accessibility to those newer to the ever addicting world of traditional games.
Further more, with such a simple deck of cards, Mana War is designed to be used in countless house games, or perhaps as a nice addition to your current role playing games.
The KickStarter itself runs through November 19th, 2015, and a copy of the game can be backed for as little as $10. If you’re looking for a unique card set to spice up your game night, Mana War is the way to go.
NOTE: A pre-release copy of the game was provided for this write up.
Tonight, as promised, during Monday Night Football, the final trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiered as servers everywhere crashed as tickets went on sale.
As somewhat expected with a JJ Abrams film, the trailer is still keeping many things under wraps, but it does set the stage for three of the major motivations for this post Return of the Jedi world.
We have Rey, a desert scavenger caught up in something greater than she anticipated.
We have Finn, a Stormtrooper gone rogue, hoping to be something more.
We have Kylo Ren, leader of the First Order, looking to finish the job that the Empire…and more importantly, Darth Vader started.
From the bits of dialogue we get from Han Solo, it sounds like that Jedis and the Dark Side are the stuff of legend. And on December 18th, we get to see it rise again.
60 days to go.
With Alien and Blade Runner, director Ridley Scott came of age, giving us visions of space and the future that were nightmarish and bleak, respectively. Now, over thirty years later, Scott has returned to the realm of sci-fi, and instead delivered us a vision of adventure, human ingenuity, and most importantly - hope. This is The Martian.
Based off of the 2011 novel by Andy Weir, The Martian takes place in the not-too-distant future. A group of NASA astronauts, lead by Commander Melissa Lewis (Jessica Chastain), are part of a mission to Mars - the Ares III. This mission includes living on the surface of Mars for an extended period of time, and collecting samples of the red planet’s surface. During their mission, a strong sandstorm arrives - causing the crew of the Ares III to need to abandon the planet early - and in the chaos and confusion of the storm, astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is killed. The surviving five members of the mission set course for a return to Earth, traumatized by the loss of their friend and cohort.
The twist? Mark didn’t actually die. And now, he has to find a way to keep living.
A tale of survival and adventure, a’la Robinson Crusoe or the Tom Hanks favorite Cast Away, we see Watney do his best to survive on the planet Mars - doing everything from learning how to repurpose their Mars base as a greenhouse (to grow food), to discovering how to re-establish contact with NASA back on Earth. It’s an engrossing, science filled romp, which keeps the tone light, as Watney, a natural smart-ass, keeps a video journal of his experience on Mars - ultimately to keep himself sane (and keep the audience entertained). His story is then quickly juxtaposed with the NASA - and eventual worldwide - response to his survival on Earth, and the shocked response of his fellow Ares III crew members. The film is equal parts small and large scale, hilarious and serious, adventure filled and introspective. It also probably has the most appropriate use of a PG—13 “fuck" ever.
The script by Drew Goddard (The Cabin in the Woods) is quick-witted, smart and engaging, giving Ridley Scott an incredible canvas to build upon. Unlike 2012’s Prometheus, The Martian gives Scott a clear story to work with, and he wears the optimistic glow of the story well. Shot in the Wadi Rum in Jordan, the movie is beautifully photographed by Dariusz Wolski (Pirates of the Caribbean), and enhanced with just enough CGI to give it the proper “other worldly" feel.
The cast is an absolute murderer’s row of actors. Anchored by Matt Damon, whose natural charisma is an incredible asset in what is at times a one-man show, the cast shines all around, including Jeff Daniels (using his The Newsroom gravitas as the director of NASA), 12 Years a Slaves Chiwetel Ejiofor as NASA Mission Director, Kristen Wiig almost going against type as the head of NASA PR, Donald Glover (Community) as a quirky astronomer, and the crew of the Ares III, which includes the aforementioned Chastain, Tumblr favorite Sebastian Stan, House of Cards’ Kate Mara, the always enjoyable Michael PeÁ±a, and Norwegian actor Aksel Hennie. I’d be remiss if I didn’t make special mention of Benedict Wong, primarily known for his British television work, who is absolutely fantastic as the put-on-upon head of the JPL, and Sean Bean, who has probably the most self-referential scene of his career. Really, if there was any complaint for me, it would be the underuse of Halt And Catch Fire’s Mackenzie Davis as Mission Control satellite planner Mindy Park. She’s a captivating presence on the show, and given the character’s importance within the source material, it was a shame to see the role lessened.
The Martian completes a psuedo-trilogy of space exploration films the past few Falls at the cinema. 2013 brought us the Capital-I-Intense Gravity, 2014 the Capital-I-Important Interstellar (which also gave us Matt Damon stranded in space), and this would be the Capital-I-Intelligent installment. True to the novel, The Martian is about process and effort, trial and error, and the scientific process. But for a book that was very jargon heavy, the prose came across even better in translation, as the efforts of Watney to keep hope (and himself) alive on Mars are streamlined for audience understanding and appeal. Fans of the book will notice that certain third act elements were cut, and ultimately make the film more palpable, making for a great adaptation.
The Martian supposes a world with greater interest in space exploration, one where the world’s governments can work together, and most importantly, proper planning, hard work, and intelligence can trump any adversity. It’s an incredibly optimistic vision from a director, whom at times, has brought us some of the bleakest. And as an adventure light years away from home, The Martian is a captivating cinema experience, and one of the year’s - if not the decade’s - best films.
In short, The Martian is why I love movies. Highest possible recommendation.
The Martian is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order via iTunes.
On October 4th, 2000, I turned 16 years old.
I was a junior in high school. I was crazy in love with my first real girlfriend.
But what I wanted for my birthday - more than anything else - was a copy of Radiohead’s new album, Kid A.
I had stayed up late, the Sunday before. Our local alternative rock station, the legendary WHFS 99.1, was one of many stations simulcasting a “world premiere" of the new Radiohead album. Being able to lay in bed, listening to the new Radiohead followed by a live west coast edition of Loveline? What more could a teenager want?
While reception in my bedroom was spotty, what I was able to hear absolutely melted my brain. While Radiohead hadn’t done much for me with their first two albums - I felt “Creep" was overplayed, and I thought that “Fake Plastic Trees" song was whiney - I fell head over heels for OK Computer, mostly on the strength of the epic, chorus-less single “Paranoid Android", and its Liquid Television-esq animated video.
I remember catching pieces of Meeting People Is Easy on MTV, surprised to find a band so miserable at the height of their fame. Their lives seemed dark, difficult, muddied. Little did I know what they intended to release onto the world.
My interest piqued, my parents knew the one thing I really wanted for my birthday was a copy of that album. They were surprised. I was a gamer, a toy collector, a comic collector. Of so many options, what I really wanted was an album?
I came home from school on my birthday, and wrapped with a lovely card (and alongside a Subway 12" Turkey Sub, my favorite meal at the time…why I remember this, I have no idea.) was this album. Kid A.
Its artwork was stark. Even the packaging was unique. A glossy black edge to the CD case at the side. I quickly slid open the plastic, ran into my room, and placed the album in my mid-range teenager stereo.
10 tracks*, 49 minutes and 57 seconds later, I wasn’t the same listener.
Again and again and again I replayed that album.
I shared it with my then-girlfriend, I’m not sure if she loved it as much as I did, but I could tell she knew the CD had a very special place for me.
The brilliant introduction of “Everything In Its Right Place". The warm ambience of “Kid A". The thumping bass and cacophony of horns of “The National Anthem". The loss and abandonment of “How to Disappear Completely" - I’m sure my teenage brain loved it. The calm ambience of “Treefingers". The nervous and driving guitars of “Optimistic" - the only song “safe" enough for radio play. The sea of sound of “In Limbo". The frantic dance feel of “Idioteque". The way “Morning Bell" came up on you from behind. The coda of “Motion Picture Soundtrack".
It was unlike anything I’d ever listened to before. It was oblique, it was difficult. It was like joining a secret club and being able to hear the future. This must’ve been what it was like for my parent’s generation to hear The Wall.
There was so much smoke and mirrors around the band, around this album. The excitement, the impact - I’m not sure if I had felt anything like it before, and I’m pretty sure I’ve been chasing it in music ever since.
Before Kid A, I’m not sure I fell in love with an album as a statement - as opposed to a collection of songs. The closest that I had come was the fall prior, with the 1999 release of Nine Inch Nails’ The Fragile - an album I loved, but like with most double albums, felt like there was too much to digest.
Now - 15 years on - it’s amazing how much the album still feels alive to me. It’s not a snapshot of the past as so many are to me, but its still a driving image of the future. I can hear the bands I’d later fall in love with - the ambience of Aphex Twin and Tycho; the important, delicate guitars of The Appleseed Cast and Explosions in the Sky; the mystery and theatricality of Arcade Fire. But even still, it blows me away that an album of such permanence came alive in my time.
When I think of albums that changed the world - they’re all before my time, the aforementioned The Wall, The White Album, countless others. But Kid A was made by real, living breathing people still making music today in my time. And every second of it still holds up as a moment of genius.
I’m not a person who considers this Radiohead’s peak. If pressed, I find In Rainbows to be their best album, but there’s no doubt that Kid A changed my perception of music as art, in a way that will never happen again.
When now in this world would we be shocked by an artist’s departure and change? When now would we as an audience hold our breath and be surprised by what a band has in-store for us? Hell - I still remember, almost a year later, only then discovering the hidden second booklet behind the disc holder. Hundreds of listens later, Radiohead’s Kid A was still surprising me.
And today - 15 years later, as I stream it through Apple Music - it still grabs my attention in the way a 16 year old me was drawn in.
Happy Birthday, Kid A. You grow greater with age.
*Not including the untitled, brief, hidden track.
I’m not sure if it’s old age, having regular income, or what, but I’ve made the decision to stop pirating media.
And maybe, just maybe, none of us have an excuse to anymore.
I’ll never forget the first time I used Napster. A literal universe of music accessible at my fingertips. Type in a song, an artist - and BOOM! - a wealth of audio riches descended upon me. And it was so easy, and on my cousin’s Cable internet connection, incredibly fast.
I’d be lying if I said that Napster wasn’t a key part of a teenaged-me’s argument to his parents about why we needed to upgrade from Erol’s dialup to the new, blazing fast Comcast cable internet.
As soon as we had it, I was hooked, downloading Weezer b-sides and rare demos alongside the cool weird songs I saw videos for on MTV 2 (Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song", “Clint Eastwood" by Gorillaz, “Hellbent" by Kenna). I was very much a product of my time - and soon enough, seeking out songs and listening to MP3s was my favorite hobby.
Napster begat Audiogalaxy, with its amazing recommendation engine (I still miss it so!). When Audiogalaxy died, we moved to Kazaa, with its countless mislabeled songs and surprise porn. From there, SoulSeek and eventually torrents. And once we had torrents - the veil was off.
Pirating music? That was easy.
Bring on the DVD-rips of movies, cams of things yet to hit home, renamed ZIP and RAR files containing fresh JPEGs of every comic that just hit the shelves, cracked software downloads (because I just needed the full Adobe suite.) My iPod (which cost me a pretty penny in the early 2000s) was chock full of pirated albums. I burnt DVD-Rs, and made copies for my friends. All those super elite, double-hush-hush torrent sites? You bet I have logins.
But what I noticed all along was I was closing myself in on two sides.
I thought myself an “ethical" pirate - I tried to make an effort to buy the things that I had tried and loved. This lead to owning hundreds of DVDs and Blu-Rays, buying CD’s which I’d just re-rip and add back to iTunes, stacks upon stacks of comic book trades which I’d crack open briefly, to realize - “Oh yeah…“ - I had read that.
All the while the stacks of properly purchased goods grew, so too did the gigs and gigs of pirated content. It was less that I sat down and watched, read and enjoyed - it was more a hit-list filling up my hard drive. Did I have it? Did I not have it? Had to pick it up. Had to queue the download. Had to be ahead of the tide.
Something in the past year changed for me.
Maybe it was turning 30. Maybe it was reading that damn KonMari book and realizing that I was just cluttering up my life with things I’d eventually get to enjoying, while not properly supporting those who made it in the first place. Maybe it was working for three different software companies in my career and realizing how much every purchase effects people.
Or maybe it was the realization of how much we all have accessible at our fingertips, at a fraction of the cost of what it used to be.
The early days of piracy for me were an extension of an angsty teen wanting to have access to the things he wanted to enjoy.
I have regular, easy, broadband, HD, crystal-clear access to the things I want to enjoy - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And it’s an embarrassment of riches.
Apple Music gives me all the songs I’ve ever loved and the new ones that grab my ear for $15 a month. (I share a family plan with my wife.)
Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime bring me most of the TV shows and movies I could ever want to see for less than $10 a month each. If I didn’t already have HBO Go through my Internet deal, I could just nab HBO Now for $15 a month to get those shows and movies, too. And I probably will, when Verizon FiOS inevitably betrays me.
I track the movies I want to see and haven’t via Letterboxd, and those I can’t find on Hulu, Netflix or Amazon, I can rent digitally for less than the cost of a movie ticket via iTunes (yeah, I’m an Apple guy through and through). And I don’t need the disc - how often do I really re-watch them anyway?
The only sticky part? Comics. Marvel has its Marvel Unlimited plan (which I really need to sign back up for - even if the comics are on a 6 month delay), which is great for someone who wants to read everything - or nearly everything.
Sadly, DC Comics and Image Comics don’t have anything similar (yet?). But if there’s stuff I really love? There’s Comixology, or an entire universe of incredible retailers that can help me find what I miss out on, now that I’m not downloading every book this week every week.
But I feel good about paying for the content I love. I try to create content myself these days - sure, most of it is free on YouTube or iTunes, but we ask people to pay for live shows…and there’s really nothing quite like realizing that people want to support your work with their hard-earned dollar.
Maybe that’s the greatest realization I’ve had - and why I never balk when an iOS developer asks for $5 for a new software update, or an independent movie producer politely asks fans to not pirate their work.
Every exchange we make with our dollar is a vote for more of this - all the blogs and the tweets in the world will never hold more sway than that.
I’m Marty Day, I’m (almost) 31 years old, and I’m not a pirate anymore.
You can do it too. You’ll feel better. Promise.
The 2015 edition of the Baltimore Comic Con hit my dear Charm City this weekend, and with a press pass in hand, I made it to one of the country’s best, pure comics shows going today.
Here are my thoughts from the show floor.
Last year, for the first time in its existence, Baltimore Comic Con officially expanded to a three day format. Typical for anime conventions, but not so typical for comics shows, the decision was met with some skepticism by attendees and vendors alike. The relative slowness of that first ever Friday seemed to point to the skeptics being correct.
At the 2015 edition, however, a tide seemed to turn, as attendance appeared to have grown year over year on Friday (at least from the vendors and staffers I was able to speak to), as did sales, for those who made the effort of being available the extra day. It will be interesting to see if the growth pattern continues in 2016. Saturday will always be the “peak" day for a convention, but I’ve seen some shows have Fridays which eclipse their Sundays, which would be impressive for Baltimore Comic Con.
One of the parts that didn’t seem to work in the 2014 edition of Baltimore Comic-Con was the Artist’s Alley section, which seemed under-trafficked, confusing in layout, and unsatisfying to its vendors. I’m pleased to say that the 2015 edition appeared to reverse this trend. The foot traffic within Artist’s Alley was frantic, with the isles filled with attendees checking out creative works from artists of all levels. Word from the majority of artists I spoke with was that 2015 was consistent with prior years for sales, if not improved, and hopefully the greater exposure to the attendees will result in a more healthy Artist Alley moving forward. It was really great to see - and props to the particularly ambitious woman who decided to buy an Artist’s Alley booth to serve as her Avon sales booth!
The comic book vendors have always been the life-blood of comic shows, and Baltimore Comic Con was no different. And based on the majority of foot traffic being centralized to these vendors, clearly, that’s what people are there for. But - I do have my nit to pick.
I cannot keep count of the number of vendors designed the exact same way, with the exact same product, with zero signage or unique layout to differentiate them. You have your wall of “key issues" at premium prices, your long boxes, your wall of Funko POP! Vinyls, your stacks of key trades, and your cheap trades, made up of the titles Diamond Distributors clearanced out that year. And the layout and selection is almost universally the same.
As an attendee, this isn’t entirely awful, as you know that if you are looking for one thing, and someone snaps it up, you can just go to another booth and find it. But on the whole, this leaves the majority of the show floor feeling repetitive and same-y. And given that many of the booths don’t do the best job of pushing their shop’s signage, it becomes hard to recommend a particular vendor.
This isn’t true of all vendors, of course - stores such as Captain Chuck’s Comics and Third Eye Comics did a strong job of making their booths stand out, but they’re just a handful of the whole.
I’m reminded of one of the most effective booths I’ve ever seen. At Awesome Con in Washington, DC, Fantom Comics had a simple, minimalist booth. They had a banner, and they had a smaller selection of trades…but they were books that the staff on hand loved, believed in, could talk up, and immediately sell you on. It was great - as opposed to the hunt and peck process of an average comic booth, I wanted to engage with the staff and learn (and buy) more.
Maybe I’m a unique attendee in that regard, but I feel like a more streamlined and focused experience could result in greater returns for these vendors…and make me more likely to remember them and return to them in future years, as opposed to having them get lost in the hive.
Going to a lot of anime conventions with my side-gig at Super Art Fight, you get used to a certain type of convention goer. Anime conventions skew younger, so you get a lot of teenage angst from its attendees. At comic shows, the audience skews a bit older, which actually results in an easier, more accessible experience for attendees. I was particularly surprised to see how self-policing the sections with the comic guests were. Fans got arranged into queues around booths, and if new people joined, they quickly acclimated to the “law of the land". It was refreshing and nice to be a part of.
While I was the first to admit that the 2014 edition of Baltimore Comic Con needed some work, the 2015 edition showed that the efforts by the convention paid off. The shift to three days was successful, and given the special place in the heart of the industry the convention has (a major retailers event occurs in the days leading up to the show, and Saturday night hosts the Harvey Awards), I think the convention will continue to grow as one of the best “pure" comics shows going today.
While you can probably do the entire show floor and have a good time in one day, it’s a heck of a day for a fan of 4-color adventures, and I give it a strong recommendation. Baltimore Comic Con 2016 is set for September 2—4 of next year.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a press badge for my coverage of this event.
Just wanted to take a brief moment to feature a really rad mobile game here on the blog - HoPiKo.
I decided to check out the game based on Apple making it an “Editor’s Choice" this week, and based on my time with the game so far, I cannot recommend it enough.
The plot of the game is simple. A virus strikes the insides of a video game system (which is in NO way a Nintendo Entertainment System), but one of the HoPiKos that makes the games work escapes, and now it’s up to him to defeat the viruses. (Virii?)
The gameplay is deceptively simple. Hold, aim and let go, and send your hero from platform to platform, until you can break a viral cage to save your fellow HoPiKos. This gets very complicated, very quickly, due to some GENIUS level design.
Developed by indie studio Laser Dog (who brought us Alone, previously), the game features a charming retro pixel style, matched with a fun, charging chip tune soundtrack. The game is fast, furious, fun, and addictive. And for just $4, with no IAP, it is 100% worth it.
HoPiKo is available now in the iOS App Store and in the Google Play Store.
Universal Pictures has released a new trailer for their big Fall awards hope, Steve Jobs - and the movie continues to look fantastic.
Steve Jobs had a less than easy road to the big screen, having at once been under the purview of Sony Pictures, with David Fincher directing and Christian Bale rumored to star, but the movie was finally made by Universal Pictures, with the great Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) behind the lens.
Written by Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network), the movie has been on my “must-see" list for some time, and word from early film festival screenings has been incredibly positive. Sorkin is a writer whose work I’ve mostly enjoyed - minus, say, the last season or two of The Newsroom - but as The Social Network showed, Sorkin does great writing leads whose flaws mirror his own…as opposed to creating new characters that unfortunately start to spout his own rhetoric.
Michael Fassbender looks to be acting his ass off in this movie, playing the late Apple leader, and similarly strong appears to be the performance of Kate Winslet, starring as Joanna Hoffman, a member of the original Mac team and the NeXT team. I personally can’t wait to see Seth Rogen stretch his legs a bit as Steve Wozniak.
My biggest concern is the unique format of the movie - it’s built around three phases of Steve Jobs’ career, namely, three press conferences, including the unveiling of the original Apple computer, and the unveiling of the first iMac. It’s more of a play than a film in that regard, but with such captivating talent working on it - I can’t imagine the final product being anything but mesmerizing.
Steve Jobs hits in limited release on October 9, 2015, with a full national release following on October 23.
It’s amazing the things which can enter the crossfire of a Hollywood misunderstanding. Sometimes, it’s the movies you want to see the most.
In an article discussing the already troubled adventure to the silver screen for the latest attempt to revive the King Kong franchise, Kong: Skull Island, The Hollywood Reporter dropped an absolute heartbreaker of a bombshell.
Yep! Due to a pissing match between financing studio Legendary Pictures, and their former distribution partner Warner Bros (who really wants to bring King Kong in to build a universe around the revived Godzilla franchise), and Universal Pictures (who stepped in as Legendary’s distributor, which has resulted in a mixed bag of hits and failures), we may see Legendary working again with Warner Bros….which puts Pacific Rim 2 in a world of limbo.
Goodness, between news like this, and the end of the Silent Hills project over at Konami, this has not been a great year for Guillermo del Toro.
At least we have Crimson Peak coming in October.
Folks - earlier this week, I was given beta access to a piece of software that is going to be extremely controversial and disruptive to the way the Internet works. But with what we’re getting, the trade off is completely worth it. What happens from here is for the rest of the Internet to decide…but until that occurs, let us embrace the disruption of Purify, a new content blocker app available soon for iOS.
Today brings the release of iOS 9, the long-awaited new update to Apple’s operating system which powers the millions of iPhones and iPads used daily by an incredible number of users.
Say what you will about Apple - perhaps they “perfect" more than “innovate", perhaps they have too frothy a fanbase - but the fact is, their devices have become the way for countless people around the world to access the web, and access the web regularly. It’s where people get their news, read social media, read blogs and generally become one with the world wide web.
At the same time - the web is in a state of flux. The relationship between content consumer and content creator has been a troubled one for ages. The internet is ostensibly built around the idea of dramatic amounts of information available at your fingertips, absolutely free (minus your Internet bill, whether cellular or coaxial). To keep providing readers free content, the eyes of the viewers are exposed to countless ads. These advertisers pay for the exposure, which keeps the flow of content coming in. But now - more than ever - users don’t want to be exposed to ads.
Ads track what we do from site to site. Ads get in the way of our content. Ads try to figure out who we are, what we want to do, and how we can best be sold. In a post-Snowden world, this worries people. And more than that - these ads, and the scripts and trackers that support them - are bloating the web at unreasonable proportions.
Having been an avid internet user since the late 90’s, I’ve seen countless ads types. Banner ads, flash ads, whatever that old IGN process was which resulted in a giant ad for Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes to “crash" through the screen with a sound clip of Michael Clarke Duncan yelling “BOW YOUR HEAD". (That certainly showed my tracks during some bleary-eyed late night IGN reading as a teenager. Sorry, Mom.) But as frustrating as those were, we grew out of them. For a bit. Google ads showed us the way. Simple, contextual advertising that you could see, not be distracted by, and move on, if you wanted.
For a while, that was great…but that was the problem. You could ignore it. And with an age of growing readerships, but declining revenue, websites are doing anything and everything they can to keep the lights on and the sites going.
I’m not the first to discuss this. Some people much brighter than I have written about this, such as The Verge’s Nilay Patel (who oddly puts the blame on the browsers themselves?), known tech blogger Marco Arment, Apple super fan John Gruber, iMore’s Rene Ritchie, and even The Guardian had a hot take on it.
We’re in an age of declining attention spans, limited mobile bandwidth, and a want to serve content and advertising at an even kiel.
So how do you solve it? If you’re Apple - you make the decision to allow content filtering applications for Safari in iOS 9.
Purity - the main reason why I write today - is developed by the same person who took over the open-source ad-blocker UBlock. And based on my time with the software, it could not be more simple, more elegant, and more delivering of what the mobile web should be.
Check out this YouTube video showcasing the difference.
The clutter, the noise, the distraction of the modern web experience - gone. All that’s left is brilliant and simple content.
Installation and usage could not be more simple. Download the app from the app store, and..that’s really it. Load times, dropped. Page sizes, nullified. Your privacy, retained.
Want to whitelist a site to ensure they get the advertising dollars from your exposure? Tap the share-sheet icon in Safari (like you’re sharing to Twitter or Facebook), and there will be a button for Purify, where you can whitelist the domain.
They’ve even shared graphs on their Twitter account, showcasing real differences in load times between sites without a content blocker, and with a content blocker. (Crystal, referenced there, is a rival to Purify)
I’ve seen it myself. I’ve experienced it myself. And honestly, I can’t imagine my phone ever not having this app on it. It - like TweetBot and Reeder before it - will grow to define my iOS usage. And because it is so easy, because it is so simple, and because it shows the inelegance of the current model…content creators should be excited, and very, very scared.
We live in an age where people are cutting cords, not wanting to watch ads on TV, not wanting to be marketed to at all times. And now, with apps like Purify, the phone will be another battleground lost.
At some point, we as content absorbers must find the proper balance with the content creators…but so too must the creator with its audience. Thankfully, with an app like Purify, the power is back on the side of the audience. Now, it’s time to see what develops next.
Purify will be available later today in the iOS app store. A beta copy of the software was provided for testing, but this article was written without any request from the developer.
Hey folks. Been a while. Life is happening - but let’s talk about what we’re all here for. Nerdy things.
Like - for example - today’s release of the first official teaser trailer for The Jungle Book. Check it out below.
Already you know that there’s some heat on this movie. There’s Jon Favreau behind the camera, with his first blockbuster motion picture since Cowboys & Aliens, hoping to get his mojo back that he gained when he launched Iron Man and the Marvel Cinematic Universe proper. (That reminds me, I still need to see Chef.)
You’ve got a major list of voice actors, making the animals come to life. Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johannson (who I felt like might be a little bit distracting in this trailer?) - even Ben Kingsley signed up for this.
Now get ready for the surprise. Everything - except Neel Sethi, the boy playing Mowgli - is CGI.
Yeah. Stunning stuff, right?
This could be an Avatar level leap forward for tech, melded with a Disney classic. I can’t wait to see it for myself.
The Jungle Book hits theaters on April 15, 2016
You guys, I am REALLY excited for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Today’s articles and new photos courtesy of Entertainment Weekly aren’t helping with my calm, that’s for sure.
I’d imagine that there are many of you out there who are trying to remain spoiler free, so for you, I will gladly share the new images below. We’ve got images of Rey, Finn and Poe, BB—8’s tied up in a net, there are cool aliens, the First Order looks WAY amazing, and C—3PO has a new arm? They’re all awesome, and that’s what counts.
[gallery ids=“20489,20490,20491,20492,20493,20494,20495,20496,20497,20498,20499,20500”]
But for those who want to know more, there are a few articles from this week’s edition of the magazine (the Fall Movie Preview) which go a little more in-depth on Episode VII’s journey to the screen.
We’ve got…
Hopefully this gets you as excited as I am. It’s going to be a great movie going Christmas.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18, 2015.
Arguably the game I’m looking forward to most this holiday season, Star Wars Battlefront just got even bigger with this new “Fighter Squadron Mode” trailer, released today during Gamescom.
I was pretty sold on the game with DICE’s reputation, the stunning gameplay trailer from E3, and the positive reactions to the Alpha test.
This new footage today, showcasing the intense TIE Fighter, X-Wing, and even Millennium Falcon battles you can have in the sky, just sold me this game as the ultimate Star Wars gaming experience.
You can be like me, and pre-order today. I can’t wait.
Star Wars Battlefront hits shelves on November 17, 2015.
While neither is the exact trailer premiered at San Diego Comic Con last month - which received such a positive response that fans chanted for it to be played a second time - not just one, but two edits of the Deadpool trailer have hit the web, for you to be able to watch a million, billion times on your own devices.
So, what do I think?
The movie looks completely over the top, ridiculous, fowl-mouthed and insane. Basically, it’s everything that a Deadpool movie needs to be. Will that resonate with general audiences? I have no idea - but for comic fans, who are used to the Merc with a Mouth’s non-stop quips and penchant for extreme violence, this looks to be the movie to redeem Ryan Reynolds after the hard 1—2 punch of X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Green Lantern.
Also, in case you missed it, here’s the Trailer Trailer. Yes, a trailer for the trailer. It’s worth watching to see how natural Reynolds is in the role.
Deadpool hits theaters on February 12, 2016.
Who would’ve thought that the fifth installment of a franchise could be interesting or vibrant?
Certainly the folks behind Fast & Furious, which catapulted to new heights with 2011’s Fast Five. The fifth installment of the Tom Cruise lead Mission:Impossible franchise doesn’t quite hit that level of awesome - but since its rebirth in M:I—3, this spy franchise continues to be great - and the newest installment, Rogue Nation, delivers as some late-Summer entertainment.
On paper, the plotline for Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation sounds like a very very weak sequel idea. You know how we love the IMF? THERE’S AN EVIL VERSION. And their name? Just The Syndicate. It’s your basic played-out story. Take the hero, give it the inverse. But thankfully, Rogue Nation (under the script and direction of Jack Reacher’s Christopher McQuarrie) uses this trope of a concept as a launching point, resulting in a film with some of the most intense and hard nosed set-pieces the franchise has hosted yet.
Want to see Tom Cruise legitimately ride the side of a plane? No problem, that’s before the credits. Want to see a tense and well choreographed sequence in an opera house? Done. How about a crazy underwater infiltration bit, where super spy Ethan Hunt has to hold his breath an inhuman amount of time? YOU GOT IT! And that doesn’t even include the car chases and hand to hand combat. In short, it’s another globe-spanning, action-filled romp.
Some old favorites are back, including Simon Pegg’s Benji, Ving Rhames’ Luther, and - even though he did nothing for me in the last installment - Jeremy Renner’s back too. Eh.
Making it fun are the newbies, including Alec Baldwin as a CIA head who wants to take down the IMF (they’re too risky!), and an enigmatic British agent, played by Rebecca Ferguson.
Honestly, Ferguson is the movie’s secret weapon. She’s an incredibly capable, total bad-ass of an agent. And thankfully? They never resort her to a love interest. She’s enough to make you hope that they’ll finally bring back a female IMF agent for a second go around. Why Paula Patton couldn’t be in this one is beyond me, but the creators would have to justify that one.
If Rogue Mission has any flaws, it’s a MacGuffin filled third-act, full of double crosses, triple crosses, twists, turns, and - naturally - a flash drive. That, and the lead bad guy was someone I could never take seriously, continuing a legacy of less-than-stellar big bad’s in the Mission: Impossible franchise, with the notable exception of Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Yes, it’s not as great as Ghost Protocol, yes, the third act isn’t the best, but between the awesome work of Rebecca Ferguson (who I really want to see more of), and some absolutely thrilling, mostly practical action sequences, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is just what the end of Summer needs - a thrilling great time entertaining you in an air-conditioned theater. Check it out.
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order on Amazon and iTunes.
In a move that shouldn’t surprise many - especially considering that it recently overtook The Avengers to become the 3rd highest-grossing movie of all time - Jurassic World is getting a sequel.
Universal Studios announced yesterday that Jurassic World 2 or Jurassic Park 5 or whatever they decide to call it will hit theaters on June 22, 2018.
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard will return as leads, and the script is going to be co-written by Colin Trevorrow (who directed Jurassic World) and Derek Connolly (who wrote Jurassic World). No director is selected as of yet, and if rumor holds true, Trevorrow will be busy at this time.
In short, Universal is doing everything they can to ensure that the same team is reunited to hopefully recapture the magic of this unexpected massive success.
As much as I enjoyed Jurassic World - and I did - I can’t help but feel like this extreme level of success was lightning in a bottle. And I’m not really sure what plot threads we need to pick up from. I suppose Life, uh, will find a way…again.
[caption id=“attachment_20465” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] I will post this any opportunity I get.[/caption]
At the very least - how about we just combine massive successes and give us Jurassic World 2: Fast & Furious 8?
There is a whole lot to love about the new SPECTRE trailer.
Daniel Craig’s fourth appearance of James Bond appears to continue the thread from Skyfall, giving us a beautiful and stylish adventure, which also ties together James’ past.
I cannot wait to see Christoph Waltz as the main Bond villain, and this new trailer underlines how SPECTRE will be full of the action, awesome set pieces, and cool gadgets we’ve come to love from the franchise.
SPECTRE hits theaters in the UK on October 26, and in the US on November 6, 2015.
On paper, this movie sounds like an awful idea, but with it’s latest trailer…I think I actually want to see American Ultra.
Maybe it’s because I really enjoyed Adventureland and want to see Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart on screen again. Maybe I’m just happy to see Topher Grace get work. Maybe Max Landis (the screenwriter) won me over with “Wrestling Isn’t Wrestling".
All I know is, next month, I think I’m gonna give American Ultra a shot. I just hope it winds up more The Bourne Supremacy and less Pineapple Express.
American Ultra hits theaters on August 21, 2015.
After a rather lengthy development process - which resulted in the removal of the original director, and a shift from a Summer 2014 release date to a Thanksgiving 2015 bow, Pixar has finally taken the covers off of The Good Dinosaur.
Sure, we had a teaser trailer earlier this year, but this is the first true footage we’re seeing of the movie.
Starring a dinosaur named Arlo, along with his pet human, it’s a unique take on a “boy and his dog" adventure, while also exploring the idea of what would’ve happened if dinosaurs never become extinct.
The effort in the animation truly shines here, as Pixar delivers some of the most realistic and lush scenery they’ve ever produced (seriously, watch this trailer in HD if you can), and while that can be odd, juxtaposed with the stylized look of Arlo, I cannot wait to see the adventure Pixar has in store for us this Thanksgiving.
Heck, maybe we can get two good dinosaur movies AND two good Pixar movies in one year!
The Good Dinosaur hits theaters on November 25, 2015.
Serving as both Judd Apatow’s most reserved film as a director, and Amy Schumer’s coming out party as a comedic powerhouse, Trainwreck is anything but. A film that is equally smart, funny, and filthy, Trainwreck is one of the best comedies of this decade.
Written and starring Amy Schumer, the stand-up best known for her Comedy Central series Inside Amy Schumer, Trainwreck is the perfect encapsulation of Schumer’s comedic voice. Mixing elements of her sexualized stand-up work with Schumer’s real life story, Amy plays “Amy", a writer for a men’s magazine titled S’Nuff, lead by an editor played by a completely unrecognizable Tilda Swinton. Amy was taught at a young age by her father that “monogamy isn’t realistic", which has lead to her current situation, where she has many a one-night-stand, but never allows herself commitment.
That’s in stark contrast to Amy’s sister (played by Brie Larson), who is married (to a husband played wonderfully by Mike Birbiglia), acts as a step mother to a rather odd stepson, and has a baby on the way. If that wasn’t enough, her father (Colin Quinn) has MS, and Amy just got assigned to interview this hot shot sports doctor (Bill Hader), who may also be the first person Amy allows herself to fall for.
The “trainwreck" that ensues is a perfect mix of what Judd Apatow has brought us in his prior films - love, filth, gross-out moments, incredibly sexual dialogue - but it has been sent through a strong female prism, with Schumer’s voice coming through loud and clear. It sounds like a TV ad cliche, but this really is the strongest female lead comedy since Bridesmaids. It’s a shame it’s taken this long for something so true to hit the screen since, but by allowing painful moments to linger (as seen in This Is 40, Funny People, and Knocked Up), the laughs provided in the script register even louder, a thunderous response to the difficulties that life present us.
Trainwreck is a film that allows Schumer to be showcased in full. She’s filthy, she’s feminine, but she’s full of heart. And it’s also nice to see Apatow get out of his comfort zone, with a cast that contains none of his regulars, but is full of New York based comedic talent. And hey! It’s almost under two hours! The comedy is so strong here that it even shines with the random sports cameos. In an SNL-esq turn, some of the biggest laughs come from the world of sports, with LeBron James playing an amazing version of himself, WWE’s John Cena playing a musclebound ex of Amy’s, and a legendary sportscaster mocking himself and his legacy with particular gusto.
With Trainwreck, Amy Schumer really has arrived. And with a film with so much heart, I can’t recommend it more. See it with someone you love.
Trainwreck is currently in theaters, and is available for pre-order via iTunes and Amazon.
Announced way, way back in 2006 alongside the announcement that Marvel was going to be producing its own movies, starting with Iron Man, Ant-Man has had a long and storied road to the big screen.
We’ve seen a beloved comic actor take the lead, we’ve seen a cult-favorite leave the director’s chair, and now, nearly a decade later, Ant-Man has finally hit the screen. The result? One of the strangest, most imperfect, and yet most fun Marvel Studios movies just yet.
Much like last year’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man is a character who grabs a shrug, if not a series of jokes, from the general public. Yes, he’s just a hero who shrinks to the size of an ant (for now, at least). Yes, that is “lame". No, I don’t know why we’re supposed to take him seriously in a world populated by Super Soldiers, Thunder Gods, and Androids. But I’ll be damned if the movie doesn’t make a great argument for it.
Starring Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, our hero for the film, Ant-Man takes Scott, an excellent thief, but a less than stellar human being, and absentee father - and inserts him into a story of family and corporate intrigue.
The Ant-Man suit and technology was developed by Hank Pym (Michael Douglas). Pym originally developed the technology for SHIELD, but decided to spin off on his own, after seeing a want to use the technology en masse, creating an entire series of soldiers. Decades later, Pym is mostly retired, with his company controlled by Darren Cross (House of Cards’ Corey Stoll) with Pym’s daughter, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lily) as Cross’ right-hand woman. After years of research, Cross has finally cracked the code for Pym’s shrinking technology - called Pym Particles - and is intending to sell it to the military market as the “Yellowjacket". Obviously, this won’t stand so Pym and his estranged daughter Hope, approach Lang with becoming the Ant-Man to steal the Yellowjacket suit and destroying the technology once and for all.
That’s right - much how Marvel’s Phase 2 gave us Superhero Movies as Conspiracy Films (Captain America: The Winter Solider), Superhero Movies as Lethal Weapon Homage (Iron Man 3) and Superhero Movies as Space Opera (Guardians of the Galaxy), Ant-Man presents us with a Superhero Movie as Heist Film. And for the most part, the movie works.
Ant-Man engrains us with all sorts of families - Scott’s ex-wife, her fiance, and his daughter Cassie; Hank Pym, Hope, and her late mother - but the strongest bond (and where the most laughs are found) are with Lang’s erstwhile family of fellow thieves, portrayed by Michael Pena, rapper TI, and David Dastmalchian. Michael Pena in particular shines as the incredibly bright and friendly Luis, whose gift of gab results in brilliant Drunk History-esq retellings of how he received the tip on different heists.
These storytellings are an example of the engaging techniques used to tell the story. We have really great training montages, we have these flashbacks, and of course, all of the amazing sequences shot when Scott is shrunk in the Ant-Man suit. For better or worse, however, these great sequences remind us exactly of what the film is missing: Edgar Wright.
It’s a shame to say - especially as Peyton Reed does a tremendous job in sticking the landing on what appeared to be a doomed project - but Wright’s fingerprints can be found all over the final project, especially in the unique way Ant-Man’s story is told. The end result is admirably well done, but results in a movie that hits a B-grade, when it could’ve been an A. This missing feeling, in addition to a script and plot that doesn’t really serve the character of Hope van Dyne as well as it could’ve, strikes the movie down from what it could’ve been. Perhaps this feeling will subside as the movie ages, but it stuck with me in the theater, and I couldn’t shake it.
Those gripes aside - Ant-Man is still a tremendously fun time in the theater. The movie has a lot of heart, and the script work by Paul Rudd and Anchorman’s Adam McKay results in many solid laughs. In terms of the Marvel lexicon, I’d place it aside Thor in terms of making a seemingly inaccessible character incredibly fun - but it’s also just as slight, compared to the highest highs of this ongoing cinematic universe.
A mixture of Ocean’s Eleven, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Iron Man, Ant-Man isn’t perfect - but it is a heck of a fun time at the movies.
NOTES: I saw Ant-Man in 3D. While completely unnecessary, it does enhance the sense of scale for all of the “micro" scenes with the character.
Ant-Man is currently in theaters, and is available for pre-order on Amazon and iTunes.
Summer 2015 has been a remarkable season of franchise rebirth.
As much as movie fans may deride it, the fact of the matter is - the current state of the movie industry relies on franchises or known properties getting the masses into theaters. For the most part, this Summer, it’s worked out. The seventh Fast & Furious movie is one of its best, and is the biggest yet. We’re twelve movies into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Long time favorites Mad Max and Jurassic Park have been reborn with revitalized installments for new generations.
Unfortunately, Terminator Genisys is not going to join the list.
A lifeless installment that is somehow a prequel, sequel and reboot all-in-one, Genisys aims to be something-for-everyone, and delivers nothing-for-anyone for 125 dull minutes.
Terminator Genisys attempts to handle the Terminator franchise much how Jurassic World handled the prior Jurassic films - recall the good, ignore the bad. In shades of 1984’s The Terminator, future freedom fighter John Connor (played here by Jason Clarke), battling robotic baddies Skynet, decides to send his right-hand man, solider Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect his mother, Sarah Connor (Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke) from a time-traveling T—800.
The twist this time? Without describing the MAJOR spoiler (which is actually covered in many, many trailers), when Kyle arrives in 1984, waiting for him is a T—1000 (Lee Byung-hun) - you know, like in Terminator 2: Judgement Day! And that T—800 that showed up in 1984 originally (played here by a CGI Arnold Schwarzenegger)? He’s stopped by a HEROIC T—800 (flesh and bone Arnold Schwarzenegger) - you know, like in Terminator 2: Judgement Day! - and he’s OLD! Like the real Arnold is now! And even weirder?! Sarah Connor’s a gun carrying bad-ass! Like in Terminator 2: Judgement Day! And, uh, the T—800 is kind of her dad.
That’s right, due to some weirdness when Kyle Reese was sent into the past - which finally explains what exactly former Doctor Matt Smith is doing in this movie - we’ve got ourselves a BRAND NEW TIMELINE!
Lets step back for a second. To give ourselves a fresh slate (and start a new trilogy, the studio hopes), the filmmakers here have decided to freshen up the timeline for new audiences, but to understand it, you need to have seen the prior movies (which will confuse the new audiences), but we keep the old movies relevant for the original Terminator audience (who, by this point, are facepalming due to the ridiculous number of changes).
Terminator Genisys is a movie that commits those cardinal sins of plotting and more!
Over the next two hours, you get…
The worst part is? Everyone here deserves better. Almost everyone, that is. Jai Courtney remains the human equivalent of dishwater, and ruins his second franchise, so he can stay among the muck. Emilia Clarke is fantastic on Game of Thrones, but never once feels right in the role of Sarah Connor. It probably doesn’t help that while she’s portrayed as the Judgement Day styled badass, she mostly just is a damsel in distress. Jason Clarke was great in Zero Dark Thirty, but brings nothing of what made him so captivating there. Even Arnold is turned into a joke, with his aging being regularly referenced (to where sometimes, I just felt bad for the guy), and his T—800 mostly serving as comedic relief.
Honestly, the only person who seems engaged is JK Simmons, who has the film’s most intriguing role (again, one who would be a spoiler if I explained further). The minute he exclaims his exasperation at the “GODDAMN TIME TRAVELING ROBOTS" earns every bit of admission - and the movie promptly manages to never again reach that height.
Action sequences occur regularly and are mostly competent, but are delivered with little feeling or gusto. I’m not sure if that’s the script or directions fault, but fingers could be pointed in either direction - sorry, Alan Taylor, you deserve better than this.
As the fifth film in the franchise, Terminator Genisys marks the tipping point of the Terminator series - there are now officially more bad Terminator movies than good ones. Maybe bad isn’t even the proper term - Terminator Genisys isn’t offensively awful, it’s just incredibly unengaging. And that may even be the bigger sin.
With hints of a sequel dropped in the mid-credits sequence, I have a sad message for Paramount: I won’t be back.
Terminator Genisys is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order on Amazon and iTunes.
Pixar as a studio has always produced great films - but their best have always presented a unique skew on things we take for granted.
How can toys be alive? What do bugs do that’s so great? You’re old - you can’t be an adventurer! No way a robot can feel. The worst thing in a kitchen? A RAT!
With their latest release, Inside Out, the animation studio once again gives importance to something we take terribly for granted - our emotions, and how they define our actions, and ultimately who we are. The result? An all-time classic, and their best film in years.
Set mostly within the confines of the head of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, Inside Out is the story of our emotions, personified by Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Disgust (Mindy Kahling) and Anger (Lewis Black). These emotions have worked as a group to guide Riley through her life, but after her parents decide to move from Minnesota to San Francisco, things start to go terribly wrong for Riley - not just because the move is tough for her and her family (it sounds like her Dad’s working for a startup gone wrong, from what little we hear), but because she’s growing up - and when you grow up, as we all know - or learn - your emotions go haywire.
In this instance, the emotions go haywire when the prior balance in Riley’s head - Joy running the show, is thrown into chaos. Sadness decides to become more of a part of the picture. The dysfunctional work relationship between Joy and Sadness breaks bad, and in an incident involving the transportation of memory orbs from “Headquarters" (where the emotions work), to Long Term Memory (where memories are stored), Joy and Sadness are removed from Headquarters and are left on a journey to return some control back to Riley.
On paper, it’s your standard road trip sort of film - an unlikely duo trying to get from Point A to Point B, and learning to work together along the way. But in that trademark Pixar way, Inside Out subverts these expectations as a canvas to discuss something greater, to discuss how emotions drive us.
There are incredible set pieces, including a brilliant sequence through abstract thought, hilarious gags about how jingles get stuck in your head, the confusion of facts and opinions, and even why some memories persist and others fade away. But the most incredible part is how it speaks to a universal truth in humans. We all have Joy, Fear, Disgust, Anger and Sadness. And every moment of Joy is tinged by Sadness. It’s what makes us, well, us. And it’s an incredibly freeing moment to realize that everyone you know is in the same boat.
One of the coolest moments of the movie is actually just as the credits roll - we see the teams of emotions running all sorts of characters lives. You see that beneath it all we’re the same. We struggle, we work hard, and within each of us, there really is an adventure that we’re trying to conquer. It just so happens that Inside Out shows it to us through the lens of an 11-year-old girl.
In recent years, Pixar films haven’t had the same flare they did in the past. While I enjoyed both Brave and Monsters University, you cannot deny that they were slighter entries in the Pixar filmography. With Inside Out, director Pete Docter, who brought us Monsters Inc. and Up previously, gives us possibly the best film that Pixar has yet released. A remarkable moment in animation, viewers young and old will relate to the internalized struggles turned dramatic here - and as all great films wish us to do, we’ll find a universal truth inside us all.
Inside Out is an incredible achievement, a remarkable film, and one I’ll be thinking about for years to come. At the very least, I know that I’ll be wondering which of my emotions is in control.
Additional Notes
Inside Out is in theaters now, and is available for pre-order on Amazon and iTunes.
I preface this write up with a proper admission - I am a full-on Apple fanboy.
Ever since I got my first iPod in 2005, I’ve been horribly, wonderfully addicted to the unique combination of well designed hardware and brilliantly simple services as designed by the team in Cupertino.
I’ve owned 3 separate iPhones (3GS, 4S, 5S, and I’ll be getting the S-Cycle version of the 6), 2 MacBooks (a mid 2007 white plastic MacBook and an early 2011 MacBook Pro, which I hope to replace with a high spec MacBook Air in the not-too-distant future), and even an iPad (which ultimately I decided was not for me, as iPhones get bigger and more powerful). I haven’t owned an Apple TV yet, but I’m sure I’ll replace my Roku with one when it dies.
That’s not just me rattling off these cool things I’ve owned. That’s me trying to underline how much I’ve enjoyed Apple’s products to date.
It probably comes as no surprise then, that on June 30, when Apple Music went live, I was frantically refreshing the Software Update button on my iPhone to be the first to get the new iOS update and welcome this new streaming service to the world.
Apple’s long-awaited rebranding of what was once Beats Music, absorbed when they purchased the giant headphone maker last year, Apple Music is their attempt at conquering the emergent music streaming world, currently dominated by Spotify, with Rdio in a somewhat distant second. Arguably, Pandora is up there, but as more an Internet radio service, and less an on-demand streaming service, they’re sort of their own tier.
As someone who once held major OPINIONS (yes, all caps) about music, I figured that Spotify was going to be that which ailed me when it came to music listening and discovery. Having once held dozens, if not hundreds, of gigs of music generated from my own CD collection, the growth of MP3 blogs, and membership to a hush-hush super-double-secret music torrenting site, how could I not be all in on a service like Spotify? Almost the entire catalog of recorded musical history, at my fingertips?
For a while, I was complacent, but somewhere, some how, Spotify never clicked for me the way I intended to. I “starred" albums and tracks I loved. I threw myself into the spotlighted playlists. I never really dug the track-or-artist based radio, but I definitely gave it a college try. Eventually, I weaned myself off of my collection of music. Backed up by iTunes Match, I was living the all-streaming lifestyle.
But then, complications took hold with Spotify. The apps became slower. A long awaited visual re-design took ages to come to both iOS and OS X (let alone the split between iPad and iPhone). Then there was whatever the Hell was the shift from “starred" music and “My Music", where your previous library lived in a playlist, while any new additions were moved to a separate library.
Suffice to say - while I kept paying my $10 a month - I really wasn’t happy with Spotify. I started going back to my collection on iTunes, and keeping two programs available - iTunes for favorites, Spotify for discovery. It just felt overdone and clunky.
June 30th, that changed for me. My Spotify subscription was cancelled. And I think quite a few people will be making the same change.
Apple Music is a hybrid product in many ways, but the combination it provides is so great, and perfectly built into my devices, that I don’t know that I’ll be able to do without it.
What makes Apple Music so great? Let me tell you:
Honestly, these past few days with Apple Music are the most fun I’ve had with music since I was a super-opinionated teenager/early-twenties listening to poorly-ripped MP3s on Winamp while regularly seeing shows at Ottobar. I’ve re-lived old favorites, discovered new albums I absolutely love (like Awake by Tycho), and I just can’t stop! Â Hell, they’ve even got hundreds (if not thousands) of music videos available too! I even found both of Radiohead’s From The Basement performances, in full! [1] [2]
And what’s even better, is that this is baked into my devices, I don’t need to worry about downloading an extra app, or how well/poorly it’s going to work. On my Mac and iPhone, this just works, and that’s what I’ve come to know from Apple. I can even just ask Siri to start playing songs or albums. It’s like living in the future.
This isn’t to say that Apple Music is completely perfect, however.
The iOS integration is stellar, but the desktop integration could stand to be smoother, especially on Windows (which I use at work, and feels clunky, but hasn’t iTunes always felt like that on Windows?). There are still some things missing from the Apple Music library, such as high-level hold outs like Prince and The Beatles, but I’ve been able to find pretty much everything I’ve been looking for - including stuff Spotify did not have. Also, the integration of non-Apple Music content has been wonky within the iCloud Music Library. I’ve experienced slow-loading of songs that aren’t also on Apple Music, and I’ve seen quite a few examples online of people who’s entire libraries have been screwed up. And in some ways, iTunes on the desktop is just showing its age. It could really use a revamp, a’la the shift from iPhoto to Photos earlier this year, streamlining the product and making it friendlier to all.
In short, it’s hard not to enjoy Apple Music. They’ve given the world a three-month free trial, and after working things out payment-wise with labels, they’re even going to payout the artists. And I think those three months will be key. Getting millions listening - and millions providing feedback - means that in three months, when we get the next iOS and OS X updates, Apple Music will probably be even BETTER by the time we have to start paying for it.
And I know that I’ll be sure to gladly pay that $15 a month. After all, I have a family now.
The Jurassic Park franchise - while beloved, doesn’t exactly have the greatest of batting averages. While it started with one of the greatest action-adventure films of the 90’s in 1993’s Jurassic Park, the installments which followed have been less than stellar, 1997’s flawed The Lost World: Jurassic Park and 2001’s abysmal Jurassic Park III.
Fourteen years later, Universal Pictures has brought us a fourth installment of the dinosaur franchise, and I’m very happy to say that while imperfect, Jurassic World is an absolute theatrical thrill ride, and a joy to watch…even if it doesn’t stand up to analysis afterwards.
Set twenty-two years after the original film (and apparently ignoring the events of the two sequels), Jurassic World sees the dream of the late John Hammond realized. Funded by billionaire Simon Masrani (Irrfan Kahn), Jurassic Park has become the full-blown “Jurassic World", an immense theme park located in Isla Nubar. Overseen by Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard, not Jessica Chastain) the park has been an incredible success - but attendance has started to stagnate. In turn, the park, alongside genetic manipulation partner InGen, decides to develop a brand new dinosaur - a fierce creature called an Indominus Rex.
Of course, since this IS a Jurassic movie, things go terribly wrong - and it’s on the same day that Clare’s nephews, Zach and Grey (Nick Robinson and Ty Simpkins) are in the park! Our only hope? Ex-Navy dinosaur trainer Owen Grady (Chris Pratt, who continues to have the coolest career path ever), who, along with his team of trained raptors look to stop the I-Rex and save the day before thousands are killed!
The stakes are high - and thankfully for Summer movie fans, the action completely delivers. Jurassic World, perhaps more than any other installment in the franchise, is build entirely around incredible dino action, and each set piece is more and more fun, silly and ridiculous than the last. You’ll pop out of your seat, you’ll laugh, and you’ll cheer as Pratt and co battle their way through sheer paleolithic pandemonium.
The movie isn’t without its bumps and bruises of course - certain characters feel completely inessential to the film, and there are a good two or three plotlines that are left open or unresolved. Heck, even the main cast isn’t as fleshed out as the cast of the original film, with most actors admirably filling the shoes of different archetypes, such as “Alpha Male", “Overworked Strong Female", “Cool Older Brother" and “Weird Younger Brother". The notable exception to this is New Girl’s Jake Johnson, who plays a Jurassic Park fanboy who also doubles as one of the park’s operators in a sarcastic, silly version of Samuel L. Jackson’s role in the original Park.
In other films, this archetype heavy structure would be a problem, but it may be a part of the overall meta-commentary of the film, which seems to point a finger at movie audiences thirst for sequels from frame number one. “Corporate felt genetic modification would up the wow’ factor.“ is a quote which probably describes both the movie-making process for Jurassic World and the plot-line here, but even with that self-awareness, Jurassic World excels as a thrilling, Summer romp.
Director Colin Trevorrow may only be making his second film with World, following the quirky-indie film Safety Not Guaranteed, but he proves as a solid not-quite-Spielberg here, with the movie feeling large in scope, but personal in nature. You can really feel the majesty of the park in each shot, and you are thrust into the fear of our heroes when things break bad.
Starting with many corporate sponsors, a little bit of back story, and then a whole bunch of excitement, Jurassic World fits perfectly as an amusement park ride of a movie. The film may not be as great as Jurassic Park was (the movie even seems to agree with this idea during its third act), but it’s certainly worth taking a trip to.
Jurassic World is in theaters now, and is already available for pre-order on Amazon.com and iTunes.
On paper, Tomorrowland was a film designed and built for, well, me.
Directed and co-written by Brad Bird, who after The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol is one of my favorite filmmakers, and set in a retro-future full of jetpacks, jumpsuits and beautiful angular buildings (an aesthetic I love, if the rocket in the Blast-O-Rama logo isn’t clear enough), the movie seemed to be checking off every box on my personal checklist.
The trailers had been mostly mysterious, a tale of a young girl and a pin, and a world beyond ours. But how did the final film turn out? I absolutely loved it.
Teenager Casey Newton (Under The Dome’s Britt Robinson) is our entry into the world of Tomorrowland. Living in today’s world (or one of those “not-too-distant" futures), Casey laments what our world of wonder has become. She lives near Cape Canaveral, where a NASA launch site is about to become dismantled - putting her father (Tim McGraw) out of work, and ruining her childhood dream to see the stars. She’s hit with the same ideas in school - the world is ending, war is imminent, we’re screwed, we can’t do anything about it. But even with all of that she wants to know simply - “How can we fix it?“ Then one day, fate intervenes as she discovers a mysterious T-shaped pin - that when she touches it, shows her an amazing world beyond anything we thought possible.
Cut from the same cloth as last year’s Interstellar - although a more optimistic part of it - Tomorrowland is an adventure about achieving something more, achieving greatness. In the vein of Disney live-action classics like Return to Oz or the Amblin Entertainment films of the 80’s, it’s a family friendly journey grounded with realistic characters, even in the most ridiculous of situations.
Tomorrowland sends us as far back as the 1964 World’s Fair, in as beautiful locales as Paris, France, and into the darkest parts of a wall-to-wall filled sci-fi toy shop. It’s a film peppered with jetpacks, robots of different shapes and sizes, and a cranky George Clooney, playing a recluse inventor with a very special connection to Tomorrowland.
Above all else, Tomorrowland serves as a call to action of sorts. We’re in a dark, cynical world - reminded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week about how everything is dying, the Earth is irreparable, and war is at our doorstep. But what the film asks - between incredibly fun action sequences, beautiful imagery, and another fantastic score by Michael Giacchino - is what could we be if we decided to push forward and make the best world we can, even with adversity breathing down our neck?
Brad Bird has been dealing with this sort of storytelling over his past films - The Incredibles showcasing why those who are special should be allowed to indulge their abilities, Ratatouille showing that anyone has the ability to be special - but Tomorrowland acts as a call to action of sorts. If we can all be greater, why aren’t we? And it’s that intense optimism that enveloped me during Tomorrowland.
Yes, the movie isn’t perfect - there’s some third act problems, and some questions I had weren’t well addressed - but even with those issues, you have a movie that captivated me for every one of its 130 minutes, with a great cast, stellar performances, and amazing imagery. If you can’t fall in love with a film as a character glides through a retro-futuristic city on a homemade jetpack, you may be a little dead inside.
Be accepting of the movies flaws, and let it take you away. Touch the pin and see Tomorrowland. You might just want to make for a better tomorrow.
Following in the footsteps of such classics as Blade Runner, Ex Machina sets us into another exploration into what Artificial Intelligence could do to humanity, and what it says about our wishes to create.
With a small scale focus - just three characters, one major set - Ex Machina gives us three unique perspectives from which to view this question - Creator, Creation, User.
The user in this case is Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson), a programmer for “Bluebook", a search engine company, chosen via lottery to visit the company’s CEO, Nathan (Oscar Issac). Nathan is, of course, the Creator. Using all of the input data from Bluebook - user searches, images, microphone data from cellphones - he’s attempted to create a new form of A.I.. The creation? That’s Ava (Alicia Vikander). Ava is Nathan’s latest revision, and it’s up to Caleb to serve as the prompt for the Turing Test, a test which determines how believable an A.I. is.
The movie takes us through Caleb’s testing process - day by day, going deeper and deeper, learning more about Ava and the complexity of her consciousness. This is all as Nathan watches and observes, looking to improve Ava with each step.
What follows is a mediation on everything from morals, to sex, love, humanity and the effects of creating something so close to humanity that it may as well BE human.
That said - the movie’s biggest strength is the movie’s biggest flaw. It mediates, it never judges. It shows, it never tells. The big questions are asked, but few are answered. Perhaps this is the intent of writer Alex Garland (of 28 Days Later fame, who is making his directorial debut here), but I can’t help but feel a bit empty in the end.
The movie remains captivating, even through to it’s somewhat predictable third act, and that’s very much due to the incredible cast. Domhnall Gleeson feels just right as Caleb, amazed to be selected for such a key task. Oscar Issac’s Nathan is the perfect “brogrammer", mixing his beers and coding with intense workouts. But without Alicia Vikander’s Ava, it’d all be for naught. She is incredibly captivating every moment she’s on screen - humanized enough to be believable, but maintaining enough distance in her performance to be perceived as robotic. It’s a risky role, but she carries it well.
Ex Machina may not have the answers to some of the biggest questions about Artificial Intelligence, but in asking the questions it does, the results are a captivating film you cannot ignore. If you enjoy sci-fi of a more intimate, subtle style, you’ll absolutely love it.
Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the most delightfully insane, action packed and downright enthralling movies I’ve ever seen. A very, very high bar has officially been set for Summer 2015.
The first Mad Max film in thirty years (since 1985’s Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome), it may be surprising to hear that Max himself (portrayed by Tom Hardy, filling the iconic shoulderpads of Mel Gibson) is not the hero of this story.
Instead, the movie is more the tale of Imperator Furiosa, a one-armed, facepainted bad-ass (Charlize Theron). Furiosa is a driver for the War Boys, one of the cults that have taken over the post-apocalyptic desert that is the world. Under the guise of a gasoline collection trip, Furiosa hops in her war rig and seeks to remove the “Five Wives" - five young “queens" (read: sex slaves) betrothed to the War Boys leader, the horrific King Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Byrne) - from their plight and take them to freedom.
How does Max get involved in this mess? By being in the wrong place at the wrong time. At the beginning of the film, Max (having PTSD visions of poor decisions in his past) is kidnapped by the War Boys, and due to his having a universal donor blood type is quickly strapped to the sickly Nux (Nicholas Hoult). Nux becomes one of the many War Boys sent in pursuit of Furiosa, complete with his personal blood bag (Max) attached by a combination IV-drip and chain.
What follows is one of the most unbelievable action films I’ve ever seen. Essentially a two-hour chase sequence, Mad Max: Fury Road is a glorious cacophony of fire, spikes, explosions, wheels, speed and insanity. Full of surreal sights (such as a truck made up of speakers, with a full set of war drums in the back, and a guitarist performing in the front - why YES, the guitar DOES shoot flame), jaw-dropping stunts, and some of the best action choreography ever put to the big screen, Fury Road puts countless films to shame.
And who would’ve thought the source? Director George Miller, now 70 years old, returns to the franchise that made his career after fourteen years of false starts. You may believe that focusing on the Babe and Happy Feet franchises (plus a short-lived trip into doing a Justice League movie, cancelled days before production began) would’ve made Miller soft with age, but here, he drops the mic, essentially asking the rest of the action filmmaking world “Can you top this?“
Dialogue is relatively sparse through the film, our characters sketched more by their actions than their words, but it works across the board. Seeing Furiosa become an incredible leader is just as effective as seeing Max’s transformation from a distrusting wild dog to a proper hero through the course of the film. Even the Five Wives (portrayed by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Riley Keough, ZoÁ« Kravitz, Abbey Lee, and Courtney Eaton) get subtle arcs of their own, where in other films, you’d expect them to be painted with the same brush.
What’s really interesting? For a movie set in a dying world, Mad Max: Fury Road contains amazing life in every frame. You can tell the film was a concept artists dream, with incredible costumes, memorable creatures, horrific versions of humanity and stunning landscapes filling the screen.
Fury Road re-defines the Mad Max franchise for a new generation while setting a new bar for action filmmaking to come. It’s art as blockbuster entertainment, and I can’t wait to watch it again and again. See it immediately.
Since his return to films from the world of politics in 2013 with The Last Stand, movie fans have been waiting for Arnold Schwarzenegger to get a role he could sink his teeth into.
While far from being the most original film, I’m happy to say that Maggie gives Arnold a chance to showcase a side of him we’ve never seen - and the movie is all the stronger for it.
Coming off of the current wave of hot zombie properties such as The Walking Dead, Maggie takes a smaller, more intimate approach to your standard “virus hits, zombies appear” world.
Feeling much like the world found in the hit video game The Last of Us, Maggie enters us into a world where the zombie outbreak is still somewhat fresh - and the virus still being studied. Farmers are burning their crops to prevent contamination, and those who are found with the virus are being put into quarantine to be studied.
Schwarzenegger plays Wade - a strong, stoic father. His teenage daughter Maggie, played by the Academy Award nominated Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), finds herself bitten after she runs away from home. And with the clock ticking until she turns, he decides to take her into his farmhouse until things get worse.
From that description alone, you can see that the scope is smaller than even the most inmate of recent “zombie outbreak” films. In this instance, the trope of becoming one of the undead could be seen as an allegory for any number of illnesses - but ultimately, the movie focuses on the idea of a strong man losing his daughter to a disease he can’t prevent.
Performances across the board are reserved, yet strong. But it’s really Schwarzenegger who surprises. Playing subtle (which has never been his forte), you’re more amazed by seeing the pain and intimacy of his performance than any of the explosions found in his recent filmography. Yes, the characters presented in Maggie seem to be loosely written ideas, but it gives Breslin and Schwazenegger the freedom to explore and own each moment.
First-time director Henry Hobson, combined with first-time writer John Scott 3, give Maggie a heavy, depressed feel, which weighs over every frame. The movie is rarely horrific, but a sense of dread and sadness is felt throughout.
Maggie isn’t a movie that’s going to win awards, or going to blow you away, but it’s a film that captivates for each of its 95 minutes. A showcase for a different Schwarzenegger than we’ve known before, if you give the movie the time - it will draw you in.
Maggie is currently available on VOD via iTunes and Amazon Instant Watch, and is in select theaters.
This week is “upfront” week, where the networks show off their new programs to gain advertisers, and in turn we’ve been getting a lot of new trailers.
For the most part, the slate of new shows coming to television for the 2015-2016 season left me cold. Honestly - that’s been true of me with television lately, anyway. Yes, the great shows are better than ever, but the shows I really make time for are few and far between. Basically - if it’s not an original show on HBO or Netflix, I really haven’t been watching it regularly.
My hopes were dashed after watching the preview for Fox’s Minority Report adaptation, which did nothing for me. But ABC’s new The Muppets show? This looks GREAT.
Yes, they’re aping the docu-series feel found in The Office, Parks And Recreation and Modern Family, but it just feels so right for these characters - who, even as puppets, still feel more alive than the casts of the majority of shows on TV.
I’ll be watching the heck out of this on ABC this Fall. Anything grab you for the 2015-2016 season?
This post contains spoilers for Avengers: Age of Ultron. Proceed at your own risk.
The Age of Ultron arrived just one week ago with record-setting box office both domestically and abroad, but Marvel Studios isn’t letting up, revealing early details on the Phase 3 kick-off, Captain America: Civil War, and the Phase 3 finale, the epic, two-part Avengers: Infinity War.
The third Captain America installment is starting to look like an Avengers film in its own right, with Marvel releasing the official cast list and synopsis earlier today.
What do we know? From the plot listing, maybe not all that much:
We know coming out of Age of Ultron, Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) aren’t exactly seeing eye-to-eye, and based off of the comic book story where Civil War gains its title, we’re going to see the split built around these two iconic heroes.
That said - there are a lot of heroes scheduled for this film. We have Cap’s team of New Avengers: Black Widow (Scarlett Johannson), Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), War Machine (Don Cheadle) and Vision (Paul Bettany). Also scheduled for the film? Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, Sebastian Stan returning as Bucky (also known as the Winter Soldier), the debuting Black Panther (played by Chadwick Boseman), and as we learned earlier this week, Emilly VanCamp returning as Sharon Carter (last seen in The Winter Soldier), and Martin Freeman in an unnamed role.
Villain wise, Frank Grillo returns as Brock Rumlow (I think we’ll see him as Crossbones here), and Daniel BrÁ¼hl has been all but confirmed as playing legendary Marvel villain Baron Zemo (I believe he’s the “new and nefarious" villain listed in the official logline.)
What’s really cool? This press release also confirms two unexpected additions to the cast - Paul Rudd as Ant-Man (who makes his debut later this Summer), and William Hurt returning as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt" Ross, which may make for the first time the MCU has openly referenced The Incredible Hulk since the film’s release in 2008.
It’s a lot of things to balance, and honestly - I’m thinking this is going to be more Civil War in name, than Civil War in action. I don’t think Cap is going to die, but I do think we’re going to see a schism between our heroes…a schism that puts Tony and Steve face to face, and allows the movie to focus on their conflicts, with everyone else popping up in essentially cameo roles.
I could be wrong, of course, but I feel like that Marvel has to be calling this Captain America: Civil War instead of Avengers: Civil War for a reason, besides making for a Captain America Trilogy. That said, we’re going to be seeing a lot of characters pulled off the table for about two years, as Marvel looks into new heroes like Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and someone named Spider-Man to fill the Avengers void between Civil War and Infinity War.
Speaking of Infinity War, things are moving forward with the next Avengers installment, going the Harry Potter/Hunger Games route of wrapping up the series in a massive two-part installment. We already knew that the Russo Brothers, who directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier and are directing Captain America: Civil War would be in the director’s chair(s) for both Infinity War installments, which will be filming back to back, Lord of the Rings style, but today brought two other bits of news.
First and foremost, writers Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely - who have written all three Captain America films - will be writing the script for both parts of Infinity War. Additionally, to help emphasize the massive scale of Infinity War, both films will be the first shot completely using a new IMAX Digital Camera. We’ve seen many blockbuster films shoot sequences with the traditional IMAX film cameras - with Christopher Nolan pushing the boundaries of what can be done with them in movies like The Dark Knight and Interstellar, but Infinity War will be shot front-to-back using this new IMAX/Arri Digital Camera. We’ll first see the skill of these cameras in Captain America: Civil War, as “select action sequences" will be shot for that film using this new technology.
It’s a huge, epic time for Marvel Studios, and they’re going all out to stick the landing. Say what you will about Age of Ultron - I had a great time with it myself - but you have to admire what Marvel Studios is doing here. They promised that they’d deliver a proper comic book experience in movie theaters, and they’ve succeeded - massive crossovers and all.
Captain America: Civil War hits theaters May 6, 2016, with Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 hitting on May 4, 2018, and Avengers: Infinity War Part 2 bringing it all together on May 3, 2019.
With the first Star Wars movie in over a decade hitting theaters later this year, Lucasfilm and Vanity Fair did everything they could today to keep fans at a fever-pitch for the 2015 Star Wars Day.
Star Wars Day - chosen as May 4th due to the wonderfully awful pun “May The Fourth Be With You" - has been a great day for fans of the sci-fi saga. Heck, even a few years ago, the amazing new trailer.
What better way to keep the audience interested than by revealing new images and character details via Vanity Fair? Slowly dripped throughout the day, fans were enamored with every detail. Following similar profiles by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz done for the Prequel Trilogy, the May 2015 issue of Vanity Fair will feature a full profile on the film. To drum up interest, new images, info, and even a behind the scenes video was released throughout the day.
[caption id=“attachment_20352” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] “Chewie, there are other people in our home."[/caption]
First - we had the fantastic cover for the issue, featuring Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) alongside the new cast members of Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley) and rolling droid BB—8 (BB—8).
Phase two hit later in the wee hours of the morning, with some behind the scenes footage shown in a brief video, embedded below.
Then - just in time for prime morning surfing - six brand new images from the making of the film were released, including a look at Rey on her speeder, Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac) getting out of his X-Wing, a maskless Kylo Ren flanked by the new generation Snowtroopers (revealed as Girls’ Adam Driver), a look at Lupita Nyong’o performing motion capture - eventually being alien pirate Maz Kanata, an incredible wide-shot of some of the practical (!) aliens from the film, and a lovely “family" shot of the brain trust behind The Force Awakens.
[gallery ids=“20356,20355,20353,20354,20357,20350”]
It all came together at 4pm today, with the reveal of the other main villain for the film - dubbed by fans as the “Chrometrooper" after her appearance in the latest teaser, Game of Thrones’ Gwendoline Christie is confirmed as First Order officer Captain Phasma. She looks super intimidating.
[caption id=“attachment_20351” align=“aligncenter” width=“442”] Very shiny. Very cool.[/caption]
If that all wasn’t enough - while not from Vanity Fair - word broke late this evening about the second Star Wars Anthology film. Director Josh Trank (Chronicle) left the project this past weekend, but worry not - the movie will be about bounty hunter Boba Fett. So yeah, they’re going to make all the money.
Star Wars The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18th. The untitled Boba Fett film is currently set for a 2018 release.
You know what? I don’t hate this.
Sunday evening, Suicide Squad director David Ayers took to Twitter to once again reveal a characters look - or in this case, MOST characters looks for “Task Squad X", also known as the titular team with a death wish.
To my shock? The costumes are mostly pretty sensible and in line with the existing characters.
[caption id=“attachment_20341” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] Click for a full-sized image.[/caption]
From left to right, we’ve got Adam Beach as Slipknot, Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Karen Fukuhara (down below, kneeling) as Katana, Joel Kinnaman as Rick Flagg, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Will Smith as Deadshot, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Killer Croc, and Jay Hernandez as El Diablo.
Definitely a better collection of costumes visually than the nightmare (literally and figuratively) that is Jared Leto’s Joker. Katana looks great, as does Captain Boomerang. Killer Croc may be too small but is otherwise A-OK, and I’m surprised at how subtle and decent Harley Quinn looks! The real surprise? Will Smith NOT being the man in front.
Congrats, Ayers. You’ve got my attention.
Suicide Squad hits theaters on August 5, 2016.
UPDATE:Â Thanks to Will Smith’s Facebook, we’ve got an official look at him in his mask as Deadshot. Still not bad. Although I wonder what that text around his neck says.
In 2012, Marvel Studios did the unthinkable. Building off of five successful superhero films, they set a bar that countless studios have been chasing ever since with the multi-billion dollar success of The Avengers. It was a joyous celebration of all things comic book and superhero. We were no longer seeing an adaptation of our heroes, we were seeing them become real.
How did Marvel celebrate? By subverting their own brand. The next four films - “Phase 2", as it was dubbed by fans and the studio alike - took an established formula and mutated it, by creating unique mash-ups with other genres. Iron Man 3 brought Shane Black into the Marvel fold, who gave us a Tony Stark adventure more akin to a version of Lethal Weapon with endless robot suits. Thor: The Dark World mashed up classic fantasy with far-out sci-fi imagery, topped with a Portal-esq ending. Captain America: The Winter Soldier somehow took one of the most classic heroes in the Marvel lexicon, and made him a paranoid part of modern society with tastes of 70’s political thrillers and The Bourne Identity. The biggest surprise? The success of Guardians of the Galaxy, a cosmic adventure that took obscure characters, surreal humor, and a classic pop soundtrack and made it an inescapable joy.
Each film of “Phase 2" became a success because it tried to not be a comic book. It tried to be more.
Now, Phase 2 begins to close by returning to the peak, with Avengers: Age of Ultron. And how does Marvel celebrate? By making the most “comic-book-y" film ever rendered in live action form.
Avengers: Age of Ultron is an issue #2 in the comic world. We have had our heroes established. We understand their relationships. And now it’s time to dig deeper, go further, and stack complication upon complication upon complication. It’s a messy mixture to balance, let alone carry, but some way, some how, Joss Whedon (returning as writer and director from the first Avengers film) found a way to make it happen.
It’s an absolute struggle to try to piece together every single through-line of plot here - ESPECIALLY without spoilers. There are many masters served, with references to pretty much every single Marvel Cinematic Universe film to date. It can be exhausting, and the movie isn’t really interested in slowing itself down to make sure you keep up. But that’s the point, isn’t it? This is part 2Â of the Avengers, part 11 of the MCU - you’re either in or out at this point, and if you’re in…you have quite a bit to enjoy here.
The action sequences are over-the-top and joyous. The quips are plentiful and quotable. Every character gets their moment to shine - even ones who you may not expect to see - and our new additions in the Maximoff Twins, superhuman speedster Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and magical spell-maker Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) are fantastic additions to an already incredible, ever-growing ensemble cast. Fans may worry about Pietro (or as comic fans know him, Quicksilver) paling in comparison to how he was seen in last Summer’s X-Men: Days of Future Past, and thankfully Marvel went in a different direction with this version, with some elements making this version able to live on its own. Olsen does strong work as Wanda (also known as the Scarlet Witch), with the appropriate angst and distance the character requires at this state of her heroics career.
Fans would also be delighted to hear that the three heroes without their own franchises - The Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye - really get to take center stage. Or at least as close to the center as one can be in such a packed stage. Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye gets some amazing growth and additions to his character - sorely needed after his relative non-presence in The Avengers - and while some differences may bother fans of the character, there’s no doubt that Renner is the heart of the film. He gets the best line of the movie to boot.
The biggest surprise? The humanity found in our robotic villain. Dark, ruminating, and always ready with a quip, Ultron (James Spader) is a shadowy echo of his “father", Tony Stark. I didn’t expect so much life out of this destructive AI, and speaking of life - JARVIS (Paul Bettany) is seen in ways that we never expected to see him before, adding some of the films most memorable moments.
I cannot begin to fathom the weight of putting together Avengers: Age of Ultron. The Avengers was a once-in-a-lifetime movie event. Anything that Marvel Studios chose to do as a follow up wouldn’t be able to touch the feeling of seeing our heroes assemble for the first time. But what they were able to accomplish, while sowing the seeds of Phase 2 and planting the seeds for Phase 3, is a rousing and enjoyable adventure filled with faces and characters you know and love. Action, adventure, drama - and yes - romance come together for a pure, uncut line of blockbuster entertainment that goes straight for your veins.
It’s not The Avengers. It can’t be. But Age of Ultron knows what it needed to be, and it delivers in spades. Now bring on the next installment.
Last night, director David Ayer - who is helming the 3rd film of the DC Cinematic Universe, Suicide Squad - took to the Internet to celebrate the Joker’s 75th Birthday and give fans a glimpse of the film’s main villain: Jared Leto’s Joker.
It’s not what we expected, that’s for sure.
Taking the archetypical version of the Joker and mashing him up with, I dunno, I suppose Lil’ Wayne?, has resulted in this new vision of the Joker for the modern age.
[caption id=“attachment_20323” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] He’s not quite sure how magnets work.[/caption]
You know, I understand the logic - they want to remove the character from the Ledger interpretation (which in and of itself was a wilder, more extreme version of the classic Joker look), but I can’t help but feel like this version is too far. The tattoos (including the way too on-the-nose “Damaged" on his forehead), the grill, all of it just screams desperation, and decidedly makes the look dated as soon as it appears.
I think this image is a perfect example of what Warner Bros is getting wrong with their DC Comics movies. Marvel Studios takes their rich history of characters and simplifies them to make them work for greater audiences. Based on Man of Steel, the trailer for Batman v. Superman, and now this image of Jared Leto’s Joker, it’s clear that the goal isn’t to create lasting interpretations of these characters, but instead take the DC Universe and jam it into a more extreme, darker version of the source material.
Thus far, from what I’ve seen across the web, the fan response has been anything but optimistic, with many jokes being made at the expense of the character and the look. That, of course, should be taken with a grain of salt, as anyone who wants to Google far back enough knows that fans hated the announcement of Michael Keaton as Batman for the 1989 Tim Burton edition and the announcement of Heath Ledger as Joker in The Dark Knight. This felt different to me, however. Jared Leto is coming off of an incredible, transformative performance in Dallas Buyers Club. If I could see anyone going the distance as the Joker, it’d be him. But instead, we’re given this version, which - visually at the least (as we haven’t seen footage) - is an absolute joke.
Maybe I’m wrong - God knows I’d like to be optimistic (and honestly, that’s been a goal here at Blast-O-Rama, to be more optimistic about the culture I consume) - but right now, this feels like such a dramatic misunderstanding of the characters and the universe they’re interpreting, that the movies can’t help but leave long-time fans disappointed. It’s decisions like these, I feel, that left Man of Steel a $700 million dollar movie instead of a $1 Billion dollar movie. And I think we’ll continue to see DC’s films chase the tail of Marvel’s, until they get the point.
I’m now really scared about how they’ll present Harley Quinn.
Jared Leto’s Joker will be seen next Summer in Suicide Squad, due in theaters on August 5, 2016. Unless, of course, he gets a surprise appearance in Batman v. Superman.
You can’t say that DC Comics isn’t trying, folks.
They’re building a cinematic universe. They’re refreshing their comics. And now, after much demand, they’re building a girl-centric brand - but I’m wondering if it’s more problematic than positive.
Yesterday, DC Comics officially announced its DC Super Hero Girls initiative, coming this Fall. It will include books, toys, TV specials, direct-to-video animation - everything you’ve come to expect from a massive multi-media push.
[caption id=“attachment_20315” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] The DC Super Hero Girls, in full.[/caption]
Lets first address the positive - they’re finally embracing female fans. After so much backlash (which really came up after Young Justice was cancelled, due to not selling enough “boys” toys and having a strong female fanbase), DC is heading to where the puck is - and will be - and is aiming to get female fans interested early. Hopefully with these fans growing up and picking up female-positive books like the current run of Batgirl and the forthcoming Black Canary.
That said - I have some concerns (which, by my own admission, as a boring white male, probably aren’t going to be as well phrased as those from an actual female). This feels like a pandering move in some ways.
You have your Burger King Kids Club-esq expansion to go deep and push diversity (Katana and Bumblebee have been in obscurity for ages - which hopefully changes here). You have a very Disney Princess-esq redesign of the characters, which subverts the strength of many of these characters (I do really like the Harley Quinn re-design though). Heck, even the name bugs me a bit.
In many ways, this feels like when Nerf made its female-centric line, or when LEGO created LEGO Friends. It’s nice to see them admit that there’s a proper female fanbase, but why do they have to say “Oh, the ‘normal’ thing? That’s for BOYS. Here’s your GIRL version.”
Like I said above, however - if this leads to a greater accessibility and interest for the world of comics, and DC is smart enough to keep producing books to interest their growing female fanbase, this can be a great thing. I’m just cynical of their goals, and wondering how much of this is a genuine outreach, and how much is pandering. Â But hey, in this regard, they’re batting better than Marvel these days.
We know that Marvel Studios is moving full steam ahead with their Spider-Man movie due in 2017 (there’s even a list surfacing of possible leads - Spoiler: Bunch of White Dudes!), but what else does Sony have up their sleeve?
Possibly the best idea for a Spider-Man movie in ages.
Announced yesterday at CinemaCon - which is a convention for movie theater owners, not another of the many pop-culture conventions that exist - Sony is moving full speed ahead with an animated Spider-Man film helmed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, they of 21 Jump Street, The LEGO Movie and Clone High fame.
Here’s the official press release:
On July 20, 2018, Phil Lord & Christopher Miller the directors of The Lego Movie, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and 21 and 22 Jump Street, are taking Spider-Man back to his graphic roots with the first-of-its-kind animated Spider-Man feature, it was announced today at CinemaCon by Tom Rothman, chairman of the Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group. The film will exist independently of the projects in the live-action Spider-Man universe, all of which are continuing.
Lord & Miller are masterminding the project, writing the treatment and producing the film.
As previously announced, Spider-Man will next appear in a live-action Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Sony Pictures will thereafter release the next installment of its $4 billion Spider-Man franchise, on July 28, 2017, a live-action film being produced by Kevin Feige at Marvel and Amy Pascal, who oversaw the franchise launch for the studio 13 years ago. The animated film from Lord & Miller, dated July 20, 2018, has Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Pascal also serving as producers.
Really, my only concern? This is the first Lord and Miller project that sounds like a GOOD idea on paper! As I say like a broken record about them, their entire career has been built around making amazing, absurd pop-culture masterpieces out of absolutely awful ideas. And in this instance - we have Lord and Miller working on something that I’m excited about just from a few paragraphs!
We’ll see how it comes together. I know that I’m waiting with bated breath. It’s not often that some of my favorite creators get to work on my favorite fictional character of all time. There are so many things to consider - the visual style, the sense of humor (this will undoubtedly be the most quippy on-screen Spider-Man yet), and also how self-aware the movie is - given how Lord and Miller do their projects, anything with the troubled history of Spider-Man films is probably on the table for skewering.
The as yet untitled Spider-Man animated film hits theaters on July 20, 2018.
The road to the third Star Trek installment has been a bumpy one, but with a writer, director and release date set, we’re inching ever closer to seeing the latest adventure featuring Kirk and crew on the big screen.
How much closer? It sounds like we have an official title set for the film.
According to TrekMovie.com, a leading website for all things Star Trek related, the third film will be titled Star Trek Beyond. According to their sources within the MPAA, the title was officially registered recently, indicating that this is likely the title for the next movie, due next Summer.
This continues the “no colon” trend found with Star Trek Into Darkness, and speaks to the rumors of the new installment being more exploration focused, as opposed to the more Earth-bound installments since JJ Abrams relaunched the franchise in 2009.
With Simon Pegg co-writing the film with Doug Jung (Dark Blue), and Fast & Furious director Justin Lin taking over from Abrams (who is staying on as a producer), I feel confident that the third Trek is in good hands, and I hope that this third film - titled Beyond or not - will be the 50th Anniversary gift Trek fans around the globe have been waiting for.
Star Trek 3 - or Star Trek Beyond hits theaters on July 8, 2016.
Based on the fan response I’ve heard since its release just about two weeks ago, there’s no denying - Daredevil is an absolute hit.
The first of five series heading to Netflix from Marvel Studios, I wondered if we were going to see AKA Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist and The Defenders on Netflix before they ever considered a second season of Daredevil. Good news everyone! A second season is now set for 2016!
Marvel announced the good news yesterday on their website. Now, while a second season of Daredevil is good news - there’s a slight bummer attached to the announcement. Season 1 showrunner Steven DeKnight will not be with the show, with Doug Petrie (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,“ “American Horror Story") and Marco Ramirez (“Sons of Anarchy") taking over as showrunners.
Petrie and Ramirez worked on Season 1 alongside DeKnight, so they’re at least keeping the show “in the family", so hopefully we won’t see too much change.
Daredevil Season 2 will hit Netflix in 2016.
Thus far, the marketing for Tomorrowland has been cryptic, to say the least.
With glimpses of a retro-futuristic world based on the Disney park attraction, George Clooney, and a magical pin, moviegoers haven’t had too much to hedge a bet on - besides the good name of director Brad Bird (Iron Giant).
That changes today.
With trailer #3, we see all sorts of crazy action that the movie has in store for us. I now feel like I’ve seen so much more, but still know so little about this crazy sci-fi film hitting this Summer. And isn’t that really cool, and REALLY REALLY REFRESHING?
I was sold on Bird and Clooney. Now I have more ammo to arm my movie crazy friends with. I am all in on Tomorrowland.
Tomorrowland hits theaters on May 22, 2015.
As promised over the weekend, the new, full trailer for Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World is here, and it certainly looks like that everything that CAN go wrong, WILL go wrong in the June release.
Remember everything that Richard Hammond and company were worried about in Jurassic Park, about the terror that could’ve happened if the Park were open to the public? Yeah - that looks like what happens in Jurassic World, with the terror magnified by the addition of a corporately mandated genetically modified dinosaur called the Indominus Rex, which not only is larger and seemingly more deadly than a T-Rex…it’s smarter too.
Jurassic World looks to be full of the intense dinosaur action we’ve come to know from the franchise, and with Chris Pratt as our wisecrackin' entry point, I have hopes that it’s going to be a highlight of the Summer.
Jurassic World hits theaters on June 12, 2015.
Sometime tomorrow, we’re supposed to get a brand new trailer for Jurassic World. Jurassic World, the fourth film in the Jurassic Park franchise has long been pegged to be one of the biggest films of Summer 2015 (even after a god-awful clip surfaced) - but you know that Hollywood can’t just have us wait on a new trailer right? Hence THREE NEW POSTERS!
These posters come to us from the magic of Twitter.
Friday gave us a look at Bryce Dallas Howard starring down at the Indominus Rex, the genetically enhanced “evil" dinosaur of the film.
Saturday brought us a poster of the Mosasaurus - that’s the one you see chowing down on a shark in the first trailer.
But Sunday saved the best for last - as we have Chris Pratt and his Raptor Squad - or as they forever shall be known, the Chris Praptors.
Can the trailer match up to the awesome of Sunday’s poster? Probably not. But we’re hoping for the best. See you tomorrow with the details.
Jurassic World is unleashed to theaters on June 12, 2015.
With just about 24 hours to go until the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice IMAX Event in movie theaters across the country, director Zack Snyder has taken to Twitter to give fans another special sneak peak.
This time? It’s a look at two new posters for the film (one Batman, one Superman), which I assume will be free giveaways at the theaters.
[gallery ids=“20282,20283”]
The street-art feel of the posters is certainly a unique one to take - I doubt that this will be the feel for the marketing of the film proper - but I like the unique feel for these giveaways. We’ll have to see tomorrow night if fans get anything else at these events as well. I’d love to hear about some exclusive Wonder Woman or Aquaman footage.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters March 25, 2016.
One of the biggest question marks this Summer is the latest adaptation of the classic Marvel comic series Fantastic Four. After two mostly forgettable installments in the mid—2000’s, Fantastic Four is being rebooted under the eye of Chronicle director Josh Trank, and today, we have a new preview of the film.
The first trailer definitely grabbed my attention, applying a darker, Cronenberg-ian body horror feel to the classic superhero tale. I’m not sure what separates this from other films where I feel a dark interpretation misses the mark - but from what I’ve seen so far, this unique adaptation of the story of Mr. Fantastic, The Human Torch, The Invisible Woman and The Thing is a revised version I really want to see.
Today’s trailer gives us a closer look into how the cast interacts. A practical “who’s who" of young Hollywood, we have Miles Teller (Whiplash) as Reed Richards, Kate Mara (House of Cards) as Sue Storm, Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station) as Johnny Storm, and Jamie Bell (The Adventures of Tintin) as Ben Grimm. I really like what we see of them in this trailer, including the awkward exchanges between the brainy Reed Richards and the super-cool Johnny Storm.
The X-Factor? The very brief glimpses of Doctor Doom. Once again, Doom takes the stage as the villain of the film, and Doom is a character dying for an awesome movie interpretations. The version presented in the two prior Fantastic Four films was awful to say the least, so the bar is low - let’s hope they can excel far beyond it.
If you’re looking for a closer look at the “new" Fantastic Four, a poster was released today as well, showcasing the leads in all their glory - including a very, very rocky version of the Thing. Â It’s kind of a Photoshop disaster, but on the whole, I like the feel of their suits.
Fantastic Four releases on August 7, 2015.
Yes, even MORE news coming out of Star Wars Celebration.
You thought new trailers for The Force Awakens and Rebels Season Two were enough? Lucasfilm says PSSH to you! As we now have the first, concrete information on the first “spin-off" film, Rogue One, directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla).
Collider has probably one of the most in-depth write-ups of the panel, which was one of the few to not be live-streamed this weekend.
While fans didn’t necessarily walk away with all of the information, what was shared is certainly enough to whet fans appetites (myself included), and justify the idea of a new Star Wars film every year.
Among the tidbits worth referencing:
Additionally, a brief proof-of-concept teaser, and some concept art were shown. The only versions of each online at the time of this writing are fan-shot, and none are really what I’d call “great", so I’m abstaining from posting them.
Any way you slice it - Rogue One is sounding like it’s on the right track.
One small bit that concerns me - director Josh Trank, who is set to direct a 2018 Anthology Film, was NOT at the panel as originally announced. More on him in our next post, but given some rumors about him through the Fantastic Four production process, this leads me to start worrying. I loved Chronicle, Fantastic Four looks great, and I have strong hopes for a Trank-directed Star Wars - but a last minute bail out due to illness? It sounds like they had an hour worth of panel set without him, so something sounds…off. Lets hope for the best.
Star Wars: Rogue One hits theaters on December 16, 2016.
Yesterday at Star Wars Celebration the focus shifted from the epics coming to the big screen to the great work being done on the small screen, as fans got their first look at season two of Star Wars: Rebels.
I have to admit - I didn’t make my way through all of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, having just watched the first two seasons. They were well executed, for sure, but they focused on a timeline (the prequels) that I was pretty much done with - even as an admitted prequel apologist.
I’ve been meaning to get caught up on what I missed via Netflix, but I’ve heard even more wonderful things about Star Wars: Rebels, the new series that takes place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope airing on Disney XD. I’ve caught a handful of episodes, and all indications are that it’s a great, fun series taking place in an uncharted part of the Star Wars mythos.
With the new trailer that premiered this weekend, however? I’m definitely in.
You’ve got James Earl Jones returning as Vader, returns of some fan favorite characters from The Clone Wars, and an overall vibe that now that Dave Filoni and team have laid the groundwork, Season Two is going to really make Rebels something special. They also unveiled some very, very cool artwork for Season Two, appearing below.
There’s no set airdate for the new season of Star Wars Rebels (word is a Summer premiere, followed by the season proper in the Fall), but I now know I’ve definitely got to get caught up on iTunes or something.
Earlier than expected, Warner Bros and DC Comics have whet the appetites of fans around the world with the release of the first teaser for 2016’s Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Set as the second film of the DC Comics Cinematic Universe, following 2013’s Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman’s teaser was originally linked in the wee hours of Friday morning. An off-the-screen, cellphone-filmed capture subtitled in Portuguese, the bootlegged trailer gained millions of views well in advance of the official release (originally set for Monday, April 20). As of Friday evening, they’ve given us a proper, HD release, and unfortunately, the outlook is not so great.
After watching the bootlegged trailer on Friday morning, my feelings about the film were not so great. Seemingly responding to the criticisms of Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman appears to mix elements of The Dark Knight Returns, pitting a grizzled Batman against Superman. The reasoning? How reckless and destructive Superman was in the Battle of Metropolis.
While a smart way to directly address vocal fans who disliked how Man of Steel handled Superman (and a great way to add Batman, and Lex Luthor to the mythos), I can’t help but feel a crushing level of darkness from this teaser. And I’m not sure that’s the tone you should set for Superman.
The Nolan Batman films did a fantastic job of balancing realistic elements with a dark edge, while delivering exciting superhero adventures. What we see in this teaser feels like the worst lessons were learned from those films.
Not all here is bad, of course. Ben Affleck’s Batman looks great - and I could get into the voice modulation (safe money is that being due to the armored suit). The first indication of Jeremy Irons’ Alfred, via a voice-over sounds good. I’m just not sure I’m all that into Superman as “Alien Jesus", a misunderstood miracle worker.
Let the records show - I was a big fan of Man of Steel - but this brief glimpse of what Batman v. Superman is aiming to be isn’t building me confidence in the DC Cinematic Universe. That said, there’s a long road until March, and as Ant-Man showed us on Monday - a bad teaser can be overcome.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on March 25, 2016.
As promised, Star Wars Celebration has brought us a new trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and well - it’s pretty much perfect.
Cast members new and old, the new faces of evil, the new empire, crashed Star Destroyers, all sorts of amazing sights fill the 2 minute teaser.
I am beaming with joy. Star Wars truly IS home.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits on December 18, 2015. The countdown is on now more than ever.
Note: The photo at the top of the post came from the panel earlier today, and features (left to right), Po Damerin (Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis), Rey (relative unknown Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega, Attack The Block). They look as great as the film does.
Hours before the opening panel at Star Wars Celebration, where many believe JJ Abrams will share a brand new trailer for the 7th Star Wars film, The Force Awakens (that’ll be streaming here), a number of images of promotional art from the film have leaked across social media.
The fun started with the first official image of the new Stormtroopers, found in the program guide for the convention this weekend.
Then, came the motherload - 5 new images of the villains from the film.
I’ve seen five so far and pulled them together for you in one post. Â These look like the types of images that you’d see make up the cheap posters sold at a Walmart or Target, are the basis for t-shirts, or other items like plates and so on.
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Never the less - it’s a clear look at some of the antagonists for the film, which based on rumors are the masked Sith Kylo Ren (he with the unique lightsaber, played by Adam Driver) and a “Chrometrooper”, played by Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones).
Undoubtedly, we’ll know more in a few hours. This is all very exciting.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18, 2015.
Late last night, director Zack Snyder took to the Internet - as he seems to do lately - and made another fan-frothing announcement for Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
What did he have in-store for us this time? A video announcing that the trailer is coming - this Monday, April 20th.
More than that, however - in a move that somewhat confuses me, they’ll be having free screenings of the trailer at IMAX theaters around the United States on Monday as well.
Yep. Free screenings of a trailer. Which means that video is a teaser of a teaser trailer which you have to go see physically?
Hey - I love movie trailers. I love special events - I’m very excited for the livestream from Star Wars Celebration later today, which is rumored to have the first broadcast of a new trailer from The Force Awakens. I even went to “first screening" events for Avatar and TRON Legacy.
But here’s the big difference in my eyes - the hype versus the delivery. Celebration will bring us “just" a trailer, but we can just watch it from our homes streaming. The Avatar and TRON events featured a look at significant footage from each film, also showcasing specific projection techniques (Avatar’s 3D was a big question at the time, and needed a real world demonstration.)
Shy of WB doing something really cool for fans - like a giveaway or something - what is the benefit of heading to the theater for a 2 minute trailer, which will (if they’re smart) be online right after in HD quality?
Like so many WB / DC decisions, it baffles the mind. Even as they’re making good ones, they find ways to make other decisions that just don’t make sense.
Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on March 25, 2016.
So, yesterday afternoon, Bungie officially announced the latest expansion to their massive multiplayer online shooter Destiny, titled House of Wolves.
Due for a May 19th digital release, the announcement was matched with a really cool new cinematic trailer, seen below.
Now, the bummer of this is that it basically marks - I assume - the end of the first Destiny game, as this is the second of two expansion packs offered in the “season pass” sold to gamers.
At this point - how do I feel about Destiny? As the game that sold me a PS4, I’ve had a pretty enjoyable time with it - even though my stats, as a level 25 Hunter, would indicate I’m not the most hardcore of players.
That said, I - and many others - have felt similar frustrations with the game’s somewhat limited story mode leading into one giant grind fest. Yes, this is how most MMOs work, but I suppose I was looking forward to more of a Halo with HUGE online component, less a World of Warcraft with shooter elements.
Destiny has been a very fun game for me, and I’ll be joining the (far more leveled up) hordes on May 19th to play House of Wolves. But I’ll say that I’m even more excited to see how Bungie handles Destiny 2 - and I hope that it has a more significant story mode than Destiny did.
This certainly is a unique promotional tactic.
We’ve been making fun of Terminator Genisys for a good while here at Blast-O-Rama.
With some AWFUL promotional shots hitting the web, and the silly unique spelling of the title, I hadn’t been too onboard with the movie. But then the first trailer hit and honestly? It didn’t look too bad.
Behold today’s new trailer. Or don’t, because I’m pretty sure it SPOILS A GIGANTIC TWIST IN THE MOVIE.
Like, I’m amazed this got out. This would be like The Sixth Sense pushing that Bruce Willis was the dead guy, or calling the movie The Crying Game Is When You Find Out That Lady Was Actually Male All Along.
But I’m also left asking one other bit…where the Hell is Matt Smith?
All this said, despite now knowing WAY TOO MUCH, I know me. I, like you, gentle reader…will see Terminator Genisys in theaters on July 1st.
It can’t be as bad as Terminator Salvation. R-right?
Arguably the Marvel Studios movie with the most troubled road to the big screen, Ant-Man sneaks in this Summer as the final Phase 2 movie for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and as a pallet cleanser between the serious 1-2 punch of Avengers: Age of Ultron and the Phase 3 kickoff Captain America: Civil War.
A brand-new trailer has hit the web today for Ant-Man, and honestly - it seems pretty fun. This is a pretty significant step up from my reaction to the first teaser trailer (a decided ‘eh’), and shows that at the end of the day, director Peyton Reed, writer Adam McKay, and co-writer/star Paul Rudd may have found the good stuff even after Edgar Wright departed the film.
I have to say, I love how every major “superhero movie beat” the film isn’t afraid to get silly or irreverent. I do wonder, however - is the toy train gag too silly for audiences to want to come in droves?
We’ll find out on July 17th, when Ant-Man hits theaters.
I’m not sure when exactly it happened (probably around 2011’s Fast Five, thanks Dwayne), but the Fast & Furious Franchise quickly became a serious guilty pleasure of mine.
Since moving from a street racing-based franchise to an Avengers-esq gathering of franchise heroes with a touch of Ocean’s 11-style high-end heisting, I haven’t been able to escape these films. Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6 mark two of the most insanely enjoyable action movies of the decade so far, so it goes without saying that I - like many others of you - was very much looking forward to Furious 7 for Summer 2014.
Unfortunately, however, life had another plan for us all. With the tragic - and ironic - death of star Paul Walker in a high-speed car crash during a production break, Universal Pictures, and the film’s cast (lead by star and producer Vin Diesel) had to take a long step away from the film, and really decide if they wanted to finish it - and also - if they could finish the film.
Furious 7 finally hit theaters last week, and I’m pleased to say that while the final film doesn’t entirely hit the highs of Fast Five and Fast & Furious 6, the end result is another insane action film, filled with heart as it sends off one of its key players.
Set shortly after Fast & Furious 6 - which in and of itself is sort of followed by Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift, the third film in the franchise - Furious 7 thrusts us into the world of Deckard Shaw (action legend Jason Statham). Shaw is the brother of Owen Shaw - the villain of the last installment - who is out for revenge, aimed directly at Dominic Torretto (Diesel) and his makeshift “family”, the stars of this franchise. He kills off Asian racer Han (as shown in the post-credits scene of Fast & Furious 6), he puts Hobbs (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) in the hospital, and is aiming to take the rest of the crew out.
This of course worries Dom, as he is obsessed with two things: cars, and the protection of his “family”, which has become a bit more official with his sister Mia’s (Jordana Brewster) involvement with ex-cop Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker). The two even have a child now, which means that Brian can’t quite get called into as many insane adventures anymore. Add that Dom’s love interest Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) is still dealing with the amnesia she had when she came back from the dead - yes, that’s a thing - and Dom’s got a lot on his plate this installment.
This plot - somewhat straight forward, pitting Dom vs. Shaw in a battle to protect everything he knows and loves - is further complicated with three additions: (1) a shadowy government organization lead by “Mr. Nobody” (Kurt Russell), who wishes to have Dom help them find (2) a hacker named Ramsey (Game of Thrones' Nathalie Emmanuel), who is being held captive by (3) a terrorist group lead by Mose Jakande (Djimon Hounsou), who wishes to have control of an observation software called the “God’s Eye”, which allows the user to monitor every and all camera, cellphone communication and satelite to track anyone in the world. They tie this together as Mr. Nobody offering Dom the chance to easily find Shaw in return for completing the rescue mission, but as you can see - it’s three additional plot points that muddy a pretty straightforward story.
Perhaps this is due to the off screen tragedy - with the movie only half complete at the time of Walker’s passing, director James Wan (Insidious), Vin Diesel and writer Chris Morgan worked hard to pull the movie back together and deliver something that both came together and and served as a farewell to Walker’s character.
For the most part - they succeeded.
The action remains intense and insane, featuring the same eye-popping stunts and mind-bending physics fans have come to expect in the franchise. Since the shift of the franchise after Fast Five, Furious 7 again delivers an Avengers-esq gathering of leads who do the impossible. The action peaks somewhat early with a jaw dropping smash-and-grab sequence where the team aims to rescue Ramsey, which involves a mountain side race, mounted turrets, a giant armored bus, and (of course) a group of cars being dropped from an airplane. Wan, who is new to the franchise, shows himself an adept director of action, shooting very unique hand-to-hand combat with dizzying camera work, but has the steady hand to allow the vehicular action to breathe, letting fans take in how crazy the creators of this franchise are to do what they do with (mostly) real cars completing the stunts.
I could mention a few flaws of the film, namely that with Han and Giselle gone (and Hobbs sidelined), the cast doesn’t feel as “fun”, and how new additions Tony Jaa and Rhonda Rousey basically just serve the film to star in some visceral fight sequences (which in Rousey’s case, may be best - she’s an incredible fighter, but not so great at the line reads…still love you, girl!). But the fact is, in the face of incredible adversity, Wan, Diesel and the entire Furious family pulled this film together. Sometimes it definitely feels held together by gum, spit and hope, but it remains another immensely enjoyable installment in arguably one of the finest franchises going today.
Besides, Furious 7 deserves all of your money for finally proving one thing: Iggy Azalea causes PTSD.
Furious 7 is in theaters now.
Believe it or not folks, we’re now at our fifth Mission: Impossible movie, but considering - much like Fast and Furious - the franchise really only got started “late”, with the JJ Abrams directed M:I 3, this is technically the third part of the Bad Robot trilogy - Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation.
Placing the IMF (the returning Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg, plus new female spy Rebecca Ferguson) against an “Anti-IMF” called the Syndicate, it looks like another world spanning action romp filled with insane stunts.
While I think Christopher McQuarrie is a step down from Abrams and Brad Bird as a director, this looks like an absolute blast - and clearly Paramount agrees, moving it up from it’s original Christmas release date (and away from Star Wars) to a late July bow.
Besides, this movie has a FLUTE GUN. Flute gun!
Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation hits theaters on July 31, 2015 and tickets are already on sale!
There aren’t many words for this.
Someone went “Hmm, Adam Sandler, Kevin James, that little dude from Game of Thrones, and the guy from Frozen fight 1980’s video game characters? HAVE $200 MILLION DOLLARS!*”
I…yeah. The CG looks incredibly well done, and with Chris Columbus (Home Alone) in the directors chair, you have to believe that the movie will be - at worst - competent, but…I think I need to lay down.
Pixels hits theaters on July 24, 2015.
Yesterday, the official James Bond Twitter unveiled the teaser poster for SPECTRE, the 24th 007 film, due this November in theaters.
Showcasing a stark image of Daniel Craig as Bond, what really has everyone talking is his swanky turtleneck.
So the question is…
You make the call. In the meantime, here is a gallery of a few alternate versions of the poster.
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SPECTRE arrives in the US on November 6, 2015.
Way, way back in the year of our lord 2011, DC Comics attempted to jumpstart their slowing comic business by relaunching their entire universe, in an event called The New 52.
While DC’s never strayed away from rebooting their universe in the past (see every single crossover with Crisis in the title, or the 90’s classic Zero Hour), this was certainly the most dramatic, tossing out pretty much all of the existing continuity and picking and choosing the pieces they liked the most to move forward. It was jarring for readers both old and new, but it certainly grabbed headlines. Heck, I tried to review every one of them.
That said, here we are, almost four years later, and not much has changed for DC Comics. Clearly - they feel the need to do something about that.
Even with a major Geoff Johns/Jim Lee pairing on Justice League, the needle didn’t move very much for the #2 publisher of comics. There were solid runs on stalwart titles (Geoff Johns’ run on Superman, Grant Morrison’s Action Comics, the stupendous run of Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo on Batman), unique books that no one read but should’ve (Jeff Lemire’s Animal Man), and - as one would expect out of fifty-two new comics published every month, a lot of filler. Many books that targeted the same old DC Comics reader, just with a new splash of Jim Lee designed paint and a #1 on the cover.
That said, over the last year, two books in particular started to move the needle, both from the Batman franchise. The incredible Batgirl reboot, a more modern-day take on the popular heroine, combining whip-smart writing from Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher with brilliant art (and a brilliant, realistic redesign) from Babs Tarr, and the Harry Potter-esq Gotham Academy, written by Brenden Fletcher and Becky Cloonan, with gorgeous art from Karl Kerschl.
What makes those books great? They dare to be bold. They take risks. Even with the heights of some of the aforementioned comics in the New 52 (the Zero Year storyline in Batman is an AMAZING retelling of Batman’s early years), they never strove to be as unique as Batgirl and Gotham Academy have been - and the fandom for each title has grown.
So, what has DC decided to do? Start again. But in a…possibly good way?
This June, DC Comics will be relaunching their comic line. For the month of April and May, a company wide crossover, titled launch an entire line of DC Comics films (a’la Marvel Studios). When they get back to normal in June, it’s a brand new day.
What’s really exciting, however, is that THIS time, DC seems to be paying attention. What’s working will stay. What isn’t is going away. And they’re looking to cultivate unique voices and develop comics in the “Batgirl style", such as a new Prez comic with a funky robot lead and a Black Canary series (featuring art from Hawkeye artist Annie Wu) placing the classic hero as a leader of a rock band, among others.
It’s a really bold move - and one I applaud. However, it may not all be roses.
Why? Because - apparently - it’s time to redesign everyone again. Many iconic DC characters will once again get a new coat of paint.
As opposed to Jim Lee re-designing everyone (NOW WITH MORE ARMOR LINES!), we definitely look to be in quite a re-imagination for some iconic heroes, and they ain’t all as good as Batgirl.
First up is Batman. Showcased earlier this week by Comic Book Resources, this new look for the Dark Knight debuts in June’s Batman #41 from Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo. And apparently he’s gone CRAZY with the armor.
Look, I’m not entirely pleased with this idea visually - he looks like Chappie for goodness sake - but with a track record of making good on interesting ideas for almost four years now, I’m going to give Snyder and Capullo the benefit of the doubt here. I just hope there’s a good explanation for Batman having a gun.
Verdict: Too early to say.
Nerdist got to premiere the new look for Superman today, premiering in Action Comics #41, and I’m not entirely feeling it. Yes, the New 52 armor was kind of egregious, but this may be too simplistic for Superman. It’s got elements of Connor Kent as Superboy, The New 52 look from Action Comics - but in a cool touch, a very 1940’s-esq Superman shield.
Verdict: Makes for easier cosplay, but just doesn’t feel “Super".
Oof. Where do I begin here? Premiering in Wonder Woman #41, we have this…armor.
I realize, we probably want Wonder Woman to have a less revealing, more female-empowering costume for this age. But did you really have to let David Finch crap this out and call it good? I almost feel bad for Hitfix for getting this as their exclusive.
ESPECIALLY when you have a superior look for Wonder Woman in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, or you could just re-use the absolutely stellar armored look designed by Cliff Chang. Instead, you have this look that would’ve been bad in the 1990’s.
I suppose it could always be worse.
Verdict: Wonder Woman deserves far, far better.
Topless Robot also got to premiere some new costumes thanks to some exclusive cover reveals today, but these are a bit more minor. Green Arrow gets some sweet swooshy pants starting in June’s issue #41, and The Flash gets a new look that seems to be a sweet spot between his New 52 look and what we see on the CW TV series.
Verdict: Breaks even.
I know, this turned into superhero fashion police, but lets be honest…in comics, you’re far more likely to judge the book by its cover(s).
That said, I actually believe in DC Comics here. I want to believe they’re learning the right things from the success of Batgirl and Gotham Academy, heck even from what Marvel’s Marvel NOW has done - give us solid books that move our favorite characters forward that look as good as they read, and we’ll gladly come back every month.
Please, DC. Make me want to come back every month.
Believe it or not, franchises can continue on despite disappointing results.
While I’d be the first to admit that Tron Legacy had more looks than brains, I did enjoy it when it hit theaters back in 2010. I’m not sure the rest of the world felt the same, however, with a 51% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and “just" a $400 Million box office - which while sounding impressive, is versus a nearly $200 mil budget, making it a not-so-huge success.
Never the less, Disney apparently believes in the series enough to give it a third try, as word on a third films production came today from VanCityBuzz, a local to Vancouver blog.
According to the blog - who, as far as I could tell, would have no reason to make this up - production begins on October 5th for what they dubbed Tron 3, with Garrett Hedlund appearing once more as your stoic hero, and director Joseph Kosinski behind the lens.
One certainly hopes an adept screenwriter is involved in the film as well - as both Tron Legacy and Oblivion have unfortunately proven - Kosinski can deliver incredible visuals, but without a script, his movies feel adrift. At the very least, I hope for more Olivia Wilde as Quorra - the best part of Legacy on many, many levels.
More on Tron 3 as we have it.
It took a few trailers to do it, but with the official release of the latest trailer for Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out, it’s looking like the computer generated animation studio made like Stella, and got their groove back.
Premiered earlier today online, this latest trailer gives a bit more of the scale and scope for the film. Not just quite Herman’s Head turned into an animated family film, Inside Out seems to also take the Monsters Inc. approach - but to our dreams, imagination, and emotion.
Nice to see Amy Poehler continue her run of absolutely joy-filled characters here, literally playing Joy.
(Also, broccoli on pizza isn’t too bad at all.)
Inside Out hits theaters on June 19, 2015.
Netflix has released a brand new trailer for their next big TV series - Marvel’s Daredevil.
Set to be the first of five Marvel Comics-based series for the streaming Internet service, this trailer focuses on the villainous Kingpin, portrayed here by Vincent D’Onofrio (Law & Order: Criminal Intent). That said, we do get a longer look at Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock - including some brief legal action, and of course, the copious amounts of violence that give the series a TV-MA rating.
While this is definitely the darkest project to come from Marvel Studios so far (clearly mixing and matching parts of Frank Miller and Brian Michael Bendis’ runs of the comic), the trailer shows promise, indicating that Daredevil may be more of a House of Cards for the network, as opposed to say, a Hemlock Grove. Personally, I can’t wait for the Iron Fist series, so this is just a lot of foreplay for me.
Daredevil Season One premieres on Netflix at 12:01AM Pacific, on April 10, 2015.
You know what the Summer 2015 Schedule needs? A solid, unpretentious disaster movie.
That’s what San Andreas looks to be, and with Dwayne Johnson starring, alongside a cast of great actors (Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Paul Giamatti), this looks like it could be a fun matinee worth checking out. Here’s the new trailer released this morning.
This isn’t going to be an award winner, it’s not going to be the best thing you see all Summer, but lately, I’ve been craving a Twister/Day After Tomorrow style romp with lots of crazy CGI and a charismatic lead.
San Andreas could be that movie. I hope.
San Andreas hits theaters May 29, 2015.
Yesterday afternoon, Deadline.com broke news that promptly made the Internet roll its eyes. But some details that arrived later made it sound not quite so bad.
Mike Fleming Jr. over at Deadline announced Sony Pictures new development company called Ghost Corps. The purpose of Ghost Corps? Spearheaded by Ivan Reitman and Dan Akroyd, Ghost Corps will be bringing us a full Ghostbusters cinematic universe. Starting with the “Female Ghostbusters” starring Kristen Wiig, followed by a Channing Tatum starring, Russo Brothers (Captain America: The Winter Soldier) directed second film.
Not a huge shock, given the Marvel-fication of franchise filmmaking these days (EVERYTHING’S GOTTA BE A UNIVERSE! EVERYTHING!), but with certain quotes, everything sounded…well, awful. From the way the article is written, the second film in the series - a “male-centric” version of Ghostbusters, following the female fronted Paul Feig film, made the movie sound like they were kowtowing to the fedora set who complained on Twitter.  Plus, when you use words like “branded entertainment”, it really makes one wonder if quality is the goal above filmmaking.
That said, Devin Faraci at Badass Digest did his due diligence, looking further into the story, and the actual goals sound…far less bad?
From his report, the second film in the series isn’t so much male-centric, as it is intending to star Channing Tatum and real life friend Chris Pratt as the leads. The other leads could be female as well. Additionally, Ghostbusters is more a catch-all for fun, supernatural comedy-action films.  With awesome leads in the front, awesome directors behind the camera, and less shady goals in mind - I can be far more interested.
Not surprisingly, this is then supposed to lead into a third film where the Wiig and Tatum camps team up, and then funnel into an eventual fourth film, which would be a prequel - but would not - yes, not - relate to the original 1984 Ghostbusters or its characters.
Look - I’m still not the happiest camper about this “Universe”. I still believe it may be too much spinning out of too little. But if this means I get a fun Kristen Wiig comedy AND a Channing Tatum/Chris Pratt buddy action movie out of this? Might be worth it after all. Stay tuned.
In my eyes, our greatest hope for a truly wonderful, original film this Summer is Tomorrowland.
Yes, while it’s technically based on a Disney theme park attraction, it’s infusing a story and history to the attraction that never existed - sure to make it stand our among the sequels and remakes across the June-August time frame.
Even with me greatly anticipating some of those movies (Avengers, Mad Max, etc.), Tomorrowland has me excited specifically for everything that I don’t know about it. The first teaser trailer was about as perfect as teaser trailers can be, and this new trailer - just released yesterday by Disney - shows just a bit more to delight, but still is clearly keeping the movie’s secrets held tight..
I admit, I’m a softy for a “retro-futuristic” world, and I’ve been in George Clooney’s pocket since Ocean’s 11, but I think this movie is going to surprise us all this Summer.
I’ve seen critics and friends alike online question the movie, feeling like these teasers still haven’t shown them something big - but I almost wonder if that’s the point? These teasers remind me of those for movies like E.T. or Jurassic Park. Just enough to sell me the ticket and get me in the door.
With Brad Bird behind the camera, I know that the final film is sure to delight me. I guess I just worry how many of us will make the jump into the theater.
Tomorrowland releases on May 22, 2015.
Held hostage by a Twitter hashtag, the new trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron hit the web today thanks to Marvel Studios, in advance of it’s television premiere tomorrow during American Crime on ABC here in the US.
Full of pathos and destruction, it’s clear that the stakes are higher than in the original Avengers, and there are tons of little moments that are sure to make fans delight (myself included). Whether it’s a world weary Ultron in a throne, or a number of team assembling images, or Thor definitely asking if “that’s all you’ve got?!” there’s a lot to be excited about here.
Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1st, 2015, with early screenings on Thursday, April 30th.
I’m pretty sure this is an example of the ideas pushed in The Secret coming true.
Right around last Christmas, District 9 and Elysium director Neill Blomkamp posted some super interesting concept art onto his Instagram feed.
Prefaced with an image of an Alien Queen - like from Aliens - Blomkamp immediately excited and let down sci-fi fans.
Now, it seems the tide has turned.
Possibly due to the amazing amount of fan response to the incredible concept art, which included a look at an Older Ripley, a Scarred Hicks, and I think the dudes from Prometheus, Variety reports - and Blomkamp confirms - that he will be working on a new Aliens film.
With no release date currently set, Ridley Scott is working with Blomkamp as producer on the movie. Blomkamp, whose next film is Chappie, due out in March, clearly has a unique feel to his films, and may be the shot in the arm that the series needs. At the least, I expect a Superman Returns-esq retcon of a number of sequels.  The movie is set after Prometheus 2, which is still in production.
If you take anything away from this gang, it should be this - put your awesome out into the world. You never know what may happen.
It seems that if you’re a superhero movie fan these days, it pays to be a night owl. On the East Coast, at least.
Late last night (1am Eastern, 10pm Pacific), Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice director Zack Snyder took to Twitter.
Echoing the reveals of the Batmobile, Ben Affleck’s Batman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, Snyder decided to use the social network to reveal his version of another DC icon - Aquaman.
Portrayed by Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones), this first look at the new Aquaman is pretty much exactly as you’d expect. It’s Khal Drogo as Aquaman through a Zack Snyder filter. Honestly, it kinda reminds me of the 1990’s look, albeit with both hands present. That said, I’m not sure if I’m going to take this version of the character saying “I AM AQUAMAN" like a bad ass seriously. Just an odd name for a hero, especially juxtaposed with that look.
The question for me - however - is this: “Unite the Seven.“? It’s written The Social Network style across the image, and used as the hashtag in the tweet.
Is that a call out instead to the Justice League? We’ve got Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman - with The Flash, Green Lantern and Cyborg on the way. That’s seven. Could Snyder have more reveals coming down the pike?
It’s a Marvel phrase - but stay tuned, true believers!
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is set for a March 25, 2016Â release, with Jason Momoa starring in a solo Aquaman film on July 27, 2018.
Our pals at Warner Bros have hooked us up again with some sweet sweet swag - want a copy of LEGO Justice League vs. Bizarro League on Blu-Ray? We’ve got one to give away! Read on!
Use the awesome Bizarro name generator in the app above, and reply to this post with your Bizarro name. Make sure you include your real email address in the comment, as we’ll randomly select one commenter to win the flick on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack!
Hurry up - we close comments on Thursday, February 26th! Good luck!
EDIT: Congrats to our winner - Rob Simmons!
It’s really very little to go off off, but the official James Bond Twitter account - @007 - just revealed the first official still of the fourth Daniel Craig James Bond, the twenty-fourth overall -Â SPECTRE.
We’ve got snow, a jumpsuit, cool glasses. And that’s all I got. If it’s your jam, they also released a new Behind the Scenes video.
Still hopin' it’s as good as Skyfall.
SPECTRE hits theaters on November 6, 2015.
Who the hell knew that Henry Cavill was so damn likeable?
Sure, I really like him as Superman, but if this first trailer for The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is any indication, Cavill has a load of charisma that we’ve yet to be able to take in as movie going audiences.
Directed by Guy Richie (Sherlock Holmes), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is based on the classic 1960’s TV show, and looks to rejuvenate the brand in a similar way to how Richie did with the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes films. Starring Cavill as the lead CIA operative, Napoleon Solo alongside The Social Network‘s Armie Hammer as Illya Kuryakin, a Russian spy, the movie looks light, fun and super stylish.
Basically, it’s going to be the perfect movie after a whiz-bang Summer of movies including Avengers, Mad Max, and countless others.  This will be the perfect after dinner mint movie.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. hits theaters on August 14, 2015.
I really don’t like being super negative, but the trailer for the new Cameron Crowe movie, Aloha, has hit and…I’m not sure if I’m just watching it the wrong way, or if it’s really not good.
I really enjoy Cameron Crowe’s movies - Say Anything, Almost Famous - but so far, Aloha seems almost like the world’s most subtle Cameron Crowe parody.
Perhaps it’s a really poor trailer, but with an amazing cast, including Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Bill Murray, Rachel McAdams, and Alec Baldwin, the way it’s cut and structured couldn’t feel more cookie cutter. The only way it could be worse is if characters were literally explaining their roles. “I’m the hard luck smart ass trying to get his life straight.” “I’m the young ingenue who teaches you to love again!” “I’m the old guy who inspires you to greatness!” “I’m the one who got away!”
Perhaps I’m being too cynical. We’ll find out when Aloha hits theaters on May 29, 2015.
A dark-horse candidate for one of my most anticipated movies of the summer, the first trailer for the Amy Schumer written and starring/Judd Apatow directed Trainwreck has hit the web in both general audiences and red-band forms.
In Trainwreck, Schumer stars as the lead, a role that seems to turn the standard Judd Apatow tropes on their head - this time, it’s a restless woman who can’t commit and has a stable man (Bill Hader) come in and change her life. That’s intensely simplifying the plot portrayed, but it’s refreshing to see a director like Apatow become self-aware and work on a project that is the opposite of his norm.
The trailers look hilarious, with the witty yet raunchy writing Schumer has become known for with her stand up and Inside Amy Schumer, and holy crap, what casts - Vanessa Bayer getting a chance to step out of the SNL spotlight, Brie Lawson getting a nice supporting role, and of all people - Lebron James and John Cena looking hilarious?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_yfdk_jSN8
I feel like Bridesmaids comparisons will come out regularly for this movie, but honestly, it just looks like a great, solid comedy. And while I’m one of the few who loved both Funny People and This Is 40, it makes me very happy to see Judd Apatow shaking things up.
Trainwreck hits theaters on July 17, 2015.
The impossible is now possible.
Overnight, while many fans slept (including myself), Marvel Studios announced something many fans and industry pundits alike thought would never happen - the Spider-Man franchise is returning home.
Yes, that’s right - per the press release at Marvel.com - Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios have reached a deal to continue the Spider-Man movie franchise under the creative view of Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, starting with a brand-new Spider-Man movie on July 28, 2017.
We’ll see the new Spider-Man in action before then, however, as the press release also indicates that he will appear first in a new Marvel film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Some quick back of the napkin math tells me that the movie will most likely be Captain America: Civil War - since it definitely wouldn’t be Doctor Strange or Guardians of the Galaxy 2 - making Civil War an absolutely HUGE film, featuring Captain America, Iron Man, and the respective debuts of the new Spider-Man and Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther.
Really, my only complaint about the situation so far? The awkward way the press release describes the transition: “Sony is bringing Marvel into the amazing world of Spider-Man.“ You just know that there had to be some severe back and forth about how to phrase the transition, but we all know, it’s an addition of Spidey to the MCU, not MCU to Spidey. But I digress…
The Wall Street Journal goes a bit more in-depth on the announcement - understandably, as they were the first to share the prior discussions between Sony and Marvel, which leaked during the Sony hack. Among the details discussed by the WSJ, this new Spider-Man will indeed appear in Captain America: Civil War, and it will be a fresh start for the character, as Amazing Spider-Man franchise lead Andrew Garfield will be recast.
Personally, I think that’s a shame, as Garfield has done incredible work from both sides of the character, but has been let down by the disappointing scripts for both Amazing films. That said, Andrew Garfield is an incredible actor as shown via his turns in The Social Network and the Red Riding Trilogy, so I think we’ll continue to see great work from him.
Some fans have wondered if this will be a relaunch staring Miles Morales, the new Spider-Man of Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Universe. While I can certainly understand the excitement - I believe when you buy out McDonalds, you focus on the Big Mac, not the McNuggets. You go with what brought you to the dance. Marvel Studios gets to redefine the classic Peter Parker character for a new generation while gaining access to the most successful superhero franchise ever.  That said, I could absolutely see Miles eventually hitting the big screen, or even new things such as the newly popular “Spider-Gwen”.
How should Marvel approach this new Spider-Man? If there’s any justice in this world, IN MEDIA RES. While the response to the film was mixed (I liked it!), 2008’s The Incredible Hulk showed us that you can do a fun and proper superhero movie without focusing on retelling the origin. Do it over the opening credits if you must, but how cool would it be if the movie started - very simply - “You know who I am. I’m your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man!”
Obviously, this has shaken up Marvel Studios plans for Phase 3 quite a bit.  I’m sure fans will be just fine with the shift, but a number of previously announced Marvel films now have new release dates. Thor: Ragnarok, originally set for a July 28, 2017 release, has been moved to November 3, 2017. Black Panther has been moved from November 3, 2017 to July 6, 2018. Captain Marvel has moved from July 6, 2018 to November 2, 2018. Finally, The Inhumans has moved from November 2, 2018 to July 12, 2019.  The Phase 3 slate continues to be a gutsy mix of sequels and new films for lesser-known properties, but with Spider-Man in the mix, it looks stronger than ever.
Back in 2008, Marvel Studios proposed the impossible - a series of superhero films culminating in The Avengers. We said they were crazy then, and they proved us wrong. We thought that we’d never see Spider-Man mix it up with the MCU. We were wrong. I can’t wait to see what we’re wrong about next.
Hey, Chris Pratt!
You’re already married to a movie star (Anna Faris), you’re on one of the best comedies on television (Parks & Recreation), and you were the lead in two of the best movies of 2014 (The LEGO Movie and Guardians of the Galaxy) - so how are you going to follow that up?
If Disney has their way? By making you Indiana Jones.
Yep, that’s the rumor from Deadline.com today, saying that Disney is working hard to relaunch the Indiana Jones franchise much how they have Star Wars, and the person they’re considering to take over the fedora and whip is none other than Pratt himself.
I know that previously, Bradley Cooper was rumored to be the next to follow in Harrison Ford’s footsteps, but considering Pratt’s Star-Lord seemed to be the venn-diagram of Han Solo and Indiana Jones (with a touch of excited fanboy), I don’t think he’s a bad choice by any means.
I do wonder, however, with Jurassic World coming - which could lead to sequels - another Guardians of the Galaxy due soon, and rumors that the Guardians could be a part of the future Avengers sequels, can Pratt sign on? Considering Disney owns Marvel AND Lucasfilm, I’m sure they can move anything around the way they want…but he is just one man, and I don’t think we want to see Chris Pratt get played out.
Color me optimistic but cautious on this news.
Literally decades of rumor and scuttlebutt came to an end today, as we officially have a new, third Ghostbusters film.
No, it’s not Ghostbusters 3, as Dan Aykroyd has sworn for years would be coming (the idea of which, thankfully, seemed to pass along with Harold Ramis last year) - it’s the all-female Ghostbusters reboot, as helmed by director Paul Feig (Bridesmaids).
Many had wondered if Feig’s interpretation - featuring a new generation of paranormal investigators - would end up stuck in the same development hell as Aykroyd’s many ideas, but with a well-timed tweet, Feig has confirmed his cast, and now, a few hours later, we have the official release date as well.
For those not familiar with the actresses pictured, this seems to confirm reports that the new foursome battling the spirits of the undead are Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), Melissa McCarthy (The Heat) and current Saturday Night Live cast members Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones.
This marks the first time Feig and Wiig have worked together since the career-making Bridesmaids, and a huge moment for the careers of McKinnon and Jones, who have been making names for themselves in Studio 8H the past few years. I’m particularly excited to see McCarthy working with Feig again, as she seems a bit lost on film without him, resulting in the subpar comedies Tammy and The Identity Thief.
That said, if the rumored script details posted earlier today at HitFix are true, the movie has a long way to go, in my eyes. The flick sounds a bit too tied to the past - and it could hurt this new Ghostbusters if it’s dripping with nostalgia. I especially question the choice of hopeful casting for the villain.
Never the less, the movie is on the right foot with the perfect mix of comedic actresses - two names, two on the verge. Lets just hope the final flick sticks the landing. They’ve got two and a half years to do it.
Ghostbusters hits theaters on July 22, 2016.
After an unusually high amount of smoke and mirrors, 20th Century Fox has decided to drop the curtain of mystery surrounding their reboot of the classic Marvel Comics series, Fantastic Four.
Directed by Josh Trank - who last gave us the incredible first-person superhero tragedy Chronicle - this is clearly a very different version of Marvel’s First Family. The first teaser hit the Internet earlier today, and while it doesn’t give us much (as a proper teaser trailer should), what’s there is incredibly intriguing.
The teaser strikes a stark tone, in line with the movie’s rumored “body horror” approach towards Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben’s journey into mystery. I mean, when it comes down to it, their powers are the result of chemical mutations of their bodies - so the ability to take a dark angle is pretty clear. You can also see shades of the Ultimate Fantastic Four run from the early 2000’s. You might also recognize the score from the BBC series Broadchurch.
Fans have been waiting for something substantial to come from the Fantastic Four camp since the movie finished filming last Summer. Rumors have flown about the film, including many pointing toward the movie being a troubled production, and Fox even wanting to replace Trank.
That said, what we have in this first teaser trailer has raised my intrigue and interest - even if I really cannot say for sure if I feel the movie will be good or not.
Josh Trank and writer Simon Kinberg also spoke recently with Collider, taking on much of the rumors and fan fears - and between his statements in the interview, the buzzworthy cast (including Whiplash’s Miles Teller, House of Cards' Kate Mara, and The Wire’s Michael B. Jordan), and the strong tone of this teaser - Fox’s Fantastic Four reboot may be one of the movies to watch for the Summer.
Fantastic Four hits theaters on August 7, 2015.
You ever find yourself wondering what would happen if a group of high philosophy majors decided to write an action film?
Congratulations - your nightmarish movie is now a jarring reality thanks to Luc Besson, and it’s called Lucy.
Lucy is the latest sci-fi action film from the mind of Besson, who gave us some all-time greats with The Professional and The Fifth Element. Sadly, Lucy is not one of those movies.
Lucy stars Scarlett Johansson (Lost In Translation) in the titular role, an American party girl in Taiwan, who due to the actions of her sleazy boyfriend, becomes an on-the-spot drug mule, for a group of local gangsters. The drug? An extremely powerful synthetic called “CPH4". This drug - explained to us by overwrought voiceovers from Morgan Freeman - allows one to gain control beyond the average 10% of one’s brain. Nevermind the fact that this theory of only having 10% control of our brain is hooey - it’s time to make ScarJo a superhero and beat up a bunch of Asian baddies with her mind powers!
The film that follows is one of the most hamfisted action flicks I’ve ever seen. While there are some admirably solid action sequences, the movie strives for an incredible sense of awe and importance which is never earned. It shows you recurring sequences of sped-up stock footage to underline already-obvious imagery, and stark check-ins of how much brain power Lucy has gained (40%, 50% and so on), so that even the most dim of audience members can go “oh, cool - I understand what you’re saying, Mr. Filmmaker!“.
It’s a shame to see Johansson wasted here, same with Freeman. Both seem to be brought in on their prestige alone - Johansson for being the current hot lady bad-ass in demand (showing Besson’s long-running taste for strong female heroines, established with La Femme Nikita), and Freeman for…I dunno, sounding really good in voice over. Johansson’s basically reduced to a body and a lifeless voice, running off countless instances of rambling, important dialogue. The only actor who seems to get a fair shake from the film is Choi Min-Sik’s Mr. Jang, who does an admirable job of channelling Gary Oldman’s Norman Stansfield from The Professional.
I think my issue with Lucy boils down to this - the movie tries to be smarter than it is, and never truly jumps into the realm of the campy action romp it could be. Clearly there’s an audience for a strong female action movie - the history of the Hunger Games franchise shows it, as does Lucy’s fantastic box office - but I just wish that Lucy were the film that its pedigree lead me to believe it could be.
As it stands - it’s in the pile of self-important sci-fi super powered actioners, more in the vein of forgetful flicks like Push than a true franchise starter. A secondary rental at best, I don’t recommend Lucy unless you’ve blown through your other choices, or are an easily-wowed teen.
Lucy hits DVD and Blu-Ray on January 20th, 2015. It’s currently available on VOD (Amazon, iTunes).
After glowing reviews upon its initial release, a series of Golden Globe nominations (and wins), and a slue of Oscar nominations, what I’m about to say is probably overdone and trite but never-the-less true.
Boyhood is an absolutely wonderful piece of filmmaking, and possibly one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.
Much has been written of this unique project, spearheaded by writer/director Richard Linklater (Dazed & Confused). Originally starting filming in 2002, Linklater and his crew, including actors Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, chronicled the fictional coming-of-age story of Mason Evans, Jr., from ages 6 to 18. Of course, what makes the film stand out is how this was accomplished - by filming new segments every year, between 2002 and 2013.
It’s hard to write about Boyhood without addressing its unique production process, but in that same regard, it’s the unique style of production that gives the film its weight and its heart. We see Mason Evans Jr. grow from a small boy to a young man, and experience - just through small moments that lead to a greater whole - his successes and adversity in life. This is framed by moments of interaction with his divorced parents - the aforementioned Arquette and Hawke - which guide his life and the man we see him become.
At no point, however, does the film become gimmicky. The passage of time in the hands of a lesser director would be indicated by overt title screens - a “one year later" or “2004" graphic - but instead, we’re left to use context clues from the films soundtrack, imagery, costuming and haircuts to determine the length of time between segments and scenes.
Running a hefty 2 hours and 46 minutes, Boyhood somehow never feels long. You feel like you live these moments through Mason’s eyes, and go on the roller coaster of his life alongside him. You cheer for the good times, you get sad at the tough times, and you feel the same beaming pride of Hawke and Arquette as their son goes from Young Boy to Young Man.
As the product of a divorced home myself, perhaps there are elements of Boyhood that ring truer and deeper than they would for others - but I can safely say that I’ve never felt more in-tune with a film than I have this. I’ve lived that life, I’ve seen those moments, I’ve felt those feelings, and the birds eye view is enthralling and captivating.
Acting in the film is wonderful, with Ethan Hawke as the trying-his-best screw up absentee father Mason Sr., and Patricia Arquette doing incredible work as Mason’s mother, Olivia. Every award she’s been nominated for has been well deserved - you feel Olivia’s strength and growth through the film, ending up with one of the strongest female roles I’ve seen on film in some time. The true revelations, however, are Ellar Coltrane and Lorelei Linkletter (Richard’s daughter) as Mason Jr. and his sister Samantha, respectively. I cannot imagine the difficultly of casting someone of single digit age through to adulthood, but in each, they grow into confident actors. Either could be actors to watch for years to come.
Boyhood is a movie whose production story may be greater than the simple one it presents on film, but the 12 year risk paid off. Highest possible recommendation.
Boyhood is currently available on Blu-Ray, DVD, and VOD (Amazon, iTunes).
For fans of movies, 2014 was an amazing year.
While there were some high profile issues (The Interview), movies that didn’t live up to their billing (The Amazing Spider-Man 3), or movies that were just plain bad (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) - we were amazed by films that either had a tremendous backstory (Boyhood), movies that shouldn’t have been as great as they were (The LEGO Movie), or movies that even the most devout fans doubted (Guardians of the Galaxy).
In short, it was a great time to enjoy film.
2015 looks to be just as amazing, and to give us a taste of the flicks we’ll be flocking to, I wanted to do this breakdown of the movies I believe will be worth seeing next year. I’ll link trailers where applicable.
All dates are from the Wikipedia “2015 In Film" Page and are subject to change
January 2015
January 9th: Taken 3 C’mon - there’s no chance this movie will be the traditional meaning of “good", but if you don’t want to start your 2015 by watching Liam Neeson kick peoples asses, I don’t know that we can be friends.
February 2015
February 6th: Jupiter Ascending Originally set for a Summer 2014 bow, this film from the Wachowski Brothers (The Matrix, Cloud Atlas) is sort of a sci-fi Snow White, with Channing Tatum as a wolfman of some variety. Critics have disliked the Wachowski’s last two movies, but my complete enjoyment of them tells me I may be one of the few defending this movie in 2015.
February 13th: Kingsman: The Secret Service Another 2014 film pushed into 2015, Kingsman is directed by Matthew Vaughn, who looks to take another less-than-stellar Mark Millar comic (in this case, The Secret Service), and make it a great film, a’la Kick-Ass. This has already had a number of screenings, which have described the film as a brutal, modern take on the James Bond spy genre. I’m hoping this is as good as the first Kick-Ass, and not as bad as Kick-Ass 2.
February 20th: Hot Tub Time Machine 2 I enjoyed the first film a surprising amount, and I think the addition of Adam Scott to the cast could help the flick - but lets be honest, no one was screaming for a sequel here.
March 2015
March 6th: Chappie The latest film from Neill Blomkamp (District 9) looks to be a surreal tale of a police robot turned soft. Decidedly more in his wheelhouse than the less-than-warmly received Elysium, Blomkamp could win sci-fi fans back with this quirky looking film.
March 27th: Get Hard It’s two of the biggest comedic actors in the world today - Will Ferrell & Kevin Hart - in a prison comedy together. I can’t think of any prison comedies that have worked, but this will probably be HUGE either way.
April 2015
April 3rd: Furious 7 Since the soft-reboot of Fast Five, the Fast & Furious franchise has become one of my favorite guilty pleasures. Pushed nearly a year ahead after the tragic death of Paul Walker, the first trailer shows that the seventh installment looks as great (and ridiculous) as ever. Is it too much to ask that they end the series here?
May 2015
May 1st: Avengers: Age of Ultron There doesn’t even need to be words here. You’re reading this site? You’re seeing this. This movie will be HUGE.
May 15th: Mad Max: Fury Road Honestly, I just wanted an excuse to watch the trailer again. The first Mad Max film in nearly 30 years, Fury Road looks to be one of the most insane action films to ever be contained to the silver screen. A dark horse candidate for movie of the summer.
May 15th: Pitch Perfect 2 The first Pitch Perfect was a surprise joy, and the sequel looks to continue where the first left off. Let us now all submit ourselves to Anna Kendrick, blockbuster movie star.
May 22nd: Tomorrowland Brad Bird’s latest, Tomorrowland, has been shrouded in secrecy from day one, but with the release of the first teaser trailer, the film looks to be a sci-fi fantasy joy. If you haven’t watched the teaser yet, do so - and enjoy the goosebumps.
May 29th: San Andreas THE ROCK FIGHTS AN EARTHQUAKE. THE ROCK FIGHTS AN EARTHQUAKE. HOW YOU GONNA EFF WITH THAT?
June 2015
June 12th: Jurassic World How people disliked this trailer is beyond me. Jurassic World is looking like an absolute blast of a film, mixing Jurassic Park nostalgia with modern-day blockbuster filmmaking. Plus, y’know, the Chris Praptor Posse.
June 19th: Inside Out The first of two Pixar films this year, Inside Out may have a touch of Herman’s Head, but looks to be a great original film from the amazing animation team.
June 26th: Ted 2 I’m a bit ashamed to admit how much I enjoyed Ted. You have me for the sequel, McFarlane. Don’t make me regret it.
July 2015
July 1st: Terminator: Genisys The title is stupid. The first promo photos were awful. But that first trailer? Not too bad. Could either be an interesting re-birth for the franchise, or a movie that fans bitch about forever. But they said that about Terminator Salvation too, and we seem to have mostly forgotten about it.
July 17th: Ant-Man How do you follow Guardians of the Galaxy? With an even LONGER shot. Ant-Man has never been a beloved hero, even in the pages of the comics, and yet, here we are with a film about to launch. Better known at this point for its director troubles, Ant-Man has an amazing cast - but is that all the movie will be known for? We’ll see.
July 17th: Trainwreck Take comedy director king Judd Apatow. Take reigning comedy queen Amy Schumer. Combine in a film. It’s a combination that I have to see for myself. After all, I’m one of the few people who loved Funny People AND This Is 40.
July 24th: Pixels Described as Ghostbusters meets 1980’s Arcade Games, I’m not exactly proud to have an Adam Sandler movie on my list (despite just defending one), but I have to see how this turns out - if only for how amazing Peter Dinklage looks.
August 2015
August 7th: The Fantastic Four While this is pretty clearly not going to be the Fantastic Four we’re used to, the cast is made up of some of my favorite young talent going (Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Miles Teller), and after Chronicle, I’m willing to see any movie Josh Trank wants to make.
August 14th: The Man from U.N.C.L.E. I have absolutely no reverence for the television series that this movie is based on, but from the first image, released just yesterday, I am all in. A super stylish retro spy flick from THE man in British crime films, Guy Ritchie, starring Superman and the Winkelvoss Twins himself? $12 is yours, movie theater.
September 2015
Nothing. So far.
October 2015
October 16th:Â Crimson Peak I don’t know about you, but a victorian era horror film from Guillermo Del Toro is exactly how I want to spend my Halloween.
November 2015
November 6th:Â SPECTRE The revived Bond franchise continues with Daniel Craig’s fourth appearance as James Bond. Yes, the Sony leak told us the script needs work, but with Christoph Waltz as the main villain, I have to see this if only to see if Waltz can chew up an entire IMAX-sized screen with his infectious evil joy.
November 20th:Â The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 I admit, I haven’t seen Part 1, yet, but based on how much I’ve enjoyed the first two installments of the dystopian JLaw franchise, I know that I’m going to have to finish the set.
November 25th: The Good Dinosaur The second Pixar movie of the year (holy crap we get TWO!), The Good Dinosaur has had a rough road to the big screen, but considering the last time one of their movies had a directorial replacement, we got Ratatoullie, I think this going to work out just fine.
November 25th:Â The Martian Ridley Scott directing one of the coolest books I’ve read this year? All in.
December 2015
December 18th: Star Wars: The Force Awakens Indie auteur JJ Abrams returns to his mumblecore roots with this film about family, hope, life and laughter.
December 25th:Â The Hateful Eight I don’t like me a western. I do like me a Quentin Tarantino movie. This ticket was bought before I even knew the title.
December 25th:Â Mission: Impossible 5 I’ve really enjoyed pretty much EVERY installment of this franchise, and I’m willing to bet the 5th time will be no different.
That’s twenty-nine movies that I already am looking forward to next year, and that’s not including movies that I haven’t seen trailers for yet, movies that blow people away at Sundance this year and get Fall releases, or any other surprises. It also doesn’t include the 2014 movies that I haven’t seen yet and will in 2015. (You can look at my Letterboxd account for that.)
It’s going to be a good year in movies. I can feel it.
What are you most looking forward to? Sound off in the comments.
What an odd few weeks it’s been in the world of movies.
For those who have been under a rock, let me try to summarize what has happened. There are far better timelines and such out there, but hey, maybe one of you is using Blast-O-Rama as your resource. If so, thank you, and I worry for you.
Back on November 24th, Sony Pictures was hacked, by a group calling themselves the Guardians of Peace.
Apparently of North Korean origins (the US is saying so for now), the hack was in retaliation due to the Seth Rogen/James Franco starring The Interview, a movie where a talk show host (Franco) is tasked by the US Government to kill North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
This was a massive hack, which not only shut down all of Sony Pictures electronic operations, but resulted in a massive leak, which has produced everything from a number of movie screeners hitting the web, to extremely personal business email exchanges, to interesting projects in the works (such as a Sony/Marvel collaboration over Spider-Man, or a surreal Jump Street/Men In Black cross over).
In turn, it’s been a very odd time to be a movie fan. For every piece of information that grabs your eyes (YAY! MARVEL’S GETTING SPIDEY!) there’s bits that are sleazy and uncomfortable.
It brings to mind many questions about morals and ethics. Some have written far better missives about this process (looking at you, The Verge), and honestly, I’m not sure where I sit on the issue myself.
I love hearing about movie news and rumors…but the way this information came out, it makes me feel wrong for knowing what I know now. Did I need to know that Paul Reiser really wants a new Mad About You DVD Set? Did I need to know Sony Pictures head Amy Pascal is a racist?
And then, this week, things went above and beyond.
A new message emerged from the Guardians of Peace this week, threatening any and all theaters that “dared" to show The Interview. September 11th was invoked. Combined with a rumor of a “Christmas Gift", I can see why theaters decided to back out of showing the film. We can thank The Dark Knight Rises for their worries and concern.
The Interview, a movie I was interested in seeing (what can I say, I enjoyed This Is The End) - but by no means I considered an important, necessary work of art - became the center of worldwide panic.
Do we think this is what at all Rogen or Franco were thinking when they worked on this, along with Evan Goldberg?
I think its doubtful. Look at similar sophomoric political comedies like Team America or Hot Shots, look at honest to God classics like The Great Dictator. Movies have always taken shots at much higher targets. It’s the purpose of creative acts - to express a perspective on the world.
And I think that’s why Sony’s ultimate decision today, to completely bury the film, has me so concerned. Has me so bothered.
The Interview was by no means going to be an incredible, Academy Award winning piece of cinema - but it was one group’s creative outlet, their art, however you may roll your eyes at it. And today, a company decided it was best to bend to the whims of those who wish to strike fear, and snuff out the flame of creativity.
It feels weird to get so worked up about dick and fart jokes, but what can I say, I have a special place for them.
Maybe this increases the infamy of the movie - doing something that the Hackers didn’t want, making more people want to see something they “shouldn’t”. In that same breath, however -Â I’d never call myself super patriotic - but this move does not feel appropriately “American". We’ve censored something because it makes people uncomfortable. This could be the beginning of less gutsy, interesting filmmaking…especially as studio’s interests head internationally.
That’s why I’m hoping someone else steps in where Sony wouldn’t. Grab the rights to The Interview. Bring out the dumb comedy. VoD, iTunes, Amazon - you have my money. I need the laughs after this anyway.
Mad Max: Fury Road has had an incredible journey to the big screen.
In development since the 1985 release of Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, and with over two years of post-production (the movie completed its original filming in December 2012), this long-awaited fourth installment of the post apocalyptic saga finally hits theaters in May 2015. To get you excited, a second trailer has hit…and it is absolute freaking art.
Starring Tom Hardy as the titular Max, with Charlize Theron as Furiosa, writer/director George Miller appears to have completely outdone himself.
The movie has been described as one gigantic, long chase sequence, and it looks to be an action film fans dream. It’s hard to put into words the intensity and scale of the action presented in this trailer.
This may be my most anticipated movie of Summer 2015. This looks incredible.
Mad Max: Fury Road hits theaters on May 15, 2015.
Marvel themselves confirmed one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood, today - the I’s have been dotted, the T’s have been crossed…
Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) will be the lead in Doctor Strange.
Ending a long running rumor mill that has placed actors as varied as Jacquin Phoenix and Jared Leto (wrong universe, I guess?) in the red cape, Cumberbatch will be casting the mystic arts.
From the official press release…
Cumberbatch’s Strange is the second major casting for “Phase 3" of the super successful Marvel Studios films, following the casting of Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther, who will debut in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War before being featured in his own solo film. This marks the latest nerd franchise for the hyper-popular Cumberbatch, who has padded his Sherlock appearances with parts in the Hobbit Trilogy and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness.
Doctor Strange, directed by Scott Derrickson, will hit theaters November 4, 2016.
It really could look a lot worse.
Today, as promised, Paramount Pictures has unveiled to the world the first proper look at their reboot of the time-traveling robot franchise with Terminator Genisys.
Despite the horrible title, despite the horrible promotional photos, this doesn’t really look…all that bad?
Perhaps the conglomeration of bad things surrounding this film acted as a pre-emptive salve, but Genysis (I hate writing that word) looks like a potentially fun mashup of The Terminator and T2: Judgement Day with modern actors and what is - at least at this stage - really awful CGI. I do kinda like Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor.
Jai Courtney will continue to be a thing no one cares about, however.
Terminator Genisys will probably be worth a matinee at best, when it hits theaters on July 1, 2015.
As promised, today in London, EON Studios let it rip and revealed all the major details about the new James Bond film, known up until today as Bond 24.
Fans of the franchise are going to freak, as the latest edition is titled…
SPECTRE.
That’s right, the evil terrorist organization featured in the Classic Bond films, starting with Dr. No is finally back. (Spectre, for those who forgot, stands for SPecial Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion.)
Skyfall director Sam Mendes returns to direct SPECTRE, and Daniel Craig again plays Bond for his fourth go-around. Additionally returning are Ralph Finnes as M, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Ben Whishaw as Q and Naomie Harris as Moneypenny.
As for the new cast members, our new Bond girls are LÁ©a Seydoux (Blue Is the Warmest Color) as Madeleine Swann and Monica Bellucci (The Matrix Reloaded) as Lucia Sciarra.
Sherlock fans will be excited to hear that Moriarty himself, Andrew Scott, will be joining the cast as Denbigh.  As for the bad guys? Ex-WWE/Current Guardian of the Galaxy Dave Bautista will be playing Mr. Hinx (I guess he’s a bad ass henchman), and praise the Gods, Christoph Waltz will be Oberhauser…who just has to be a cover for Blofeld, right?
Production on SPECTRE begins on Monday, and of course, there’s a sweet new car in play - a brand new Aston Martin, the DB10.
If that wasn’t enough, an awesome teaser poster was revealed, and is featured below.
For more details on SPECTRE, check out the official James Bond Twitter, or watch this embed of the press conference.
SPECTRE hits theaters on November 6, 2015. After the massive success of the fantastic Skyfall, I have to believe this will be one of the biggest films of the year. I can’t wait.
Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment are working hard to take the comics movie crown away from Disney and Marvel Studios, and the next part of their connected universe is moving forward proper, with the official announcement of an absolutely star-studded cast for Suicide Squad.
Director David Ayer (Fury) is taking the lead for the film, which seems to share really only the title and the general concept from the team, while being closer in tone (and cast) to the 2011 reboot of the comic series, complete with Harley Quinn.
The movie places a number of super-villains under the control of the US Government, with their focus on doing the jobs too extreme for the government, in exchange for shortened jail time.
What makes this theatrical version of the Suicide Squad different, however, is the first-time inclusion of one of the biggest DC Comics villains of all time.
Here goes…your theatrical Suicide Squad is…
Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) as The Joker
Will Smith (Men In Black) as Deadshot
Tom Hardy (Inception) as Rick Flagg
Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street) as Harley Quinn
Jai Courtney (A Good Day To Die Hard) as Boomerang
Cara Delevinge (Anna Karenina) as Enchantress
This is clearly a HUGE cast, with some bold choices.
Clearly, DC is not worried about legacy, as they go with the Oscar winning Jared Leto stepping into the purple suit of The Joker, with Heath Ledger’s interpretation still echoing through fans minds. Will Smith in what is typically a masked role will be interesting to see, if only to see if they cover the face that for years and years, sold tickets worldwide. (Also, a nice easter egg, as Will Smith kinda started us on the road to Batman v. Superman) Robbie gets a big time role as Harley Quinn, and I’m sure Hardy will do just fine post Mad Max, even if we’ll all be lamenting that he isn’t still Bane. I have no feelings about Delevinge, but goddamnit, why do we keep trying to make Jai Courtney happen, Hollywood?
Word is that DC is looking to Suicide Squad to be closer in tone to Ocean’s 11, which explains the star heavy cast. Apparently the stars will shine even brighter, as Jesse Eisenberg is said to be reprising his role from Batman v. Superman as Lex Luthor, and the strong taskmaster of Amanda Waller is said to be circled by either Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, or…get this…Oprah Winfrey.
Of the DC Comics films in progress from Warner Bros., Suicide Squad already sounds like a better result than the introduction-heavy Batman v. Superman, but time will tell if this is the beginning of a rivalry with Marvel, or a second round knockout.
Suicide Squad starts filming this April, and hits theaters on August 5, 2016.
Today, as promised, Lucasfilm made Black Friday a little brighter with the official release of the first teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the seventh installment of the Star Wars saga.
Due in December 2015, this will mark the first film in the Star Wars series since Revenge of the Sith in 2004, and acts as a sequel to 1983’s Return of the Jedi.
The trailer went live today via Apple’s trailer page, but has also been mirrored on YouTube, and we have it embedded for you below.
The teaser is just that, with an emphasis on tease. It’s just enough imagery to make a Star Wars fan go nutty. You get a glimpse of Attack The Block’s John Boyega in a Stormtrooper outfit, future-nerd-queen Daisy Ridley on a new-school speeder of some sort, an adorable orbed droid, the newly re-designed Stormtroopers (that leak was REAL!) our new big Sith baddie (with a weird broadsword style lightsaber), and in the money shots, new X-Wing and Millennium Falcon sequences!
It’s going to inspire hours of nerd debate and joy, and really, that’s all we need. Star Wars is back, and looks to be in the right hands with JJ Abrams.
Now to watch it thirty more times.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18th, 2015.
I realize that the given way to make money these days in Hollywood is to take an existing thing and try to do a new spin on it…or just continue it with countless sequels. I don’t blame them - so far, it’s made a lot of money.
Released yesterday, the first trailer for Pan is Warner Bros.' attempt to re-birth the Peter Pan mythos, with a prequel, showing Pan as a young boy, teamed with a super handsome James Hook, battling…Blackbeard, apparently?
The casting is star driven, with Hugh Jackman going for camp with his version of Blackbeard, and the world continuing to try to make Garret Hedlund (Tron Legacy) happen, as he seemingly tries to do a bad Daniel-Day-Lewis-in-There-Will-Be-Blood vocal impression as Hook.
All and all, it looks like they’re trying to mix Burton’s Alice In Wonderland with Harry Potter and calling it a Peter Pan film.  I wonder if they’re going to show us how and when Peter becomes an asshole and feeds his buddy Hook’s hand to a crocodile?
The x-factor possibly in their favor is Joe Wright, who built his name on British weepies like Pride & Prejudice, Attonement and Anna Karina, but he’s also responsible for the awesomness that was Hanna, so it could be good.
Either way, Pan is shooting for (at best) second behind Hook as best Peter Pan re-interpretation, and so far, all it has going for it in my favor is Rooney Mara’s Tiger Lilly. And even that’s a conflicting bit of white-washing.
Pan hits theaters on June 26, 2015.
A tip of the hat to Universal Studios here.
With a countdown set ending at 9pm Thanksgiving Night, fans everywhere were jittering with anticipation for the first Jurassic World trailer. We even watched a 15 second glimpse millions of times, for goodness sake.
Instead, the marketing gods smiled upon us and delivered the new trailer to us today. And it looks marvelous.
Go ahead, click play below.
I’m not sure what I love the most - how Jurassic World is a literal theme park, how the movie retains Jurassic Park’s wry eye of satire (look at those smartphones), how the cast is stacked with solid character actors, how wonderfully know-it-all Bryce Dallas Howard’s geneticist seems, or how Chris Pratt seems like a way-better-at-his-job Muldoon, I just know it seems awesome.
Oh wait, I know the best part…
[caption id=“attachment_19949” align=“aligncenter” width=“499”] Thanks, Tumblr.[/caption]
Some people on the Internet have been complaining already about the film involving a genetically modified dinosaur, but it just continues the series’ obsession on whether or not Man should play God.
Besides, if after a trailer that fun, all you can do is pick at it, you don’t deserve to like movies.
Jurassic Worlds first trailer told me everything I need to know: it’s going to be a rip-roaring good time at the cinema. And on that alone, I’m in. Good freakin’ job, Colin Trevorrow.
Jurassic World hits theaters on June 12, 2015.
Since 1995’s Toy Story, the computer animation geniuses at Pixar had been a run that can only be described as genre defining.
I was 11 years old when Woody and Buzz came into my life, and the results were nothing short of defining. I became obsessed with movies. The in’s and out’s of their creations. These amazing characters, so richly detailed, were made from computers?
I had always been an inquisitive child, interested in learning as much about things as I could - but I think it was Toy Story that made me a true film nerd. I could tell you as much about Tom Hanks and Tim Allen as I could John Lasseter. And for many many years, Pixar delivered movies that amazed me.
I remember Monsters, Inc. tugging at my heart strings with the adorable Boo. I remember when Toy Story 2 spoke to me as a toy collector at the time, while also showing that sequels can improve on the original. I remember The Incredibles being everything I’ve ever wanted out of a movie, from an amazing score by Michael Giacchino, to being a Silver-Age superhero film that my Wizard-addled mind could only dream of. I remember the amazing short films that came before each movie, packed away in the DVD extras. I remember the shared tears as my family and I watched Toy Story 3 together on Blu-Ray one Thanksgiving.
They were the movies I could talk about and share with anyone - from my film nerd friends, to my parents, to little cousins. You knew that if you paid for your ticket to a Pixar film, you’d be guaranteed an impeccable movie experience.
The less said about the Cars franchise, the better. (I know, kids love it.)
The peak? The amazing three film streak they released from 2007 to 2009. Three films created in the time period where they didn’t know if they were going independent, or staying with Disney. The brillance-out-of-chaos production of Ratatoullie which mixed rats, food and criticism. The apocalyptic yet uplifting Wall-E which warmed our hearts with an adorable robot, while questioning what we’ve done (and may do) to our planet. The love-lorn adventure of Up, mixing some of the saddest animation ever with the bold thrills of pulp - to see what lives BEYOND THERE! I don’t know that there’s been a gutsier trio of films made by any studio or creative force back to back, especially under the guise of “family entertainment".
They’ve been praised, heralded by animation aficionados as one of the greatest studios ever, spoken in similar tones of the masterworks created by Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli. They’ve made billions at the box office. They’ve been imitated by other studios such as Dreamworks and Warner Bros. Animation.
…But I worry the sterling reputation has been tarnished, and may not shine again for some time. Since 2011’s Cars 2, something has been off about Pixar. And I’m not sure if - or when - it will turn around.
Cars 2 marked the first instance of audiences turning against the computer animation giant. Is it coincidence that Cars 2 was the first Pixar film in production after the Disney merger (where Pixar head John Lassiter became the overall Disney Animation lead)? Perhaps. But it is here where things have started to come apart. Cars 2 was the first Pixar film to get a “Rotten" certification from Rotten Tomatoes, and while what followed isn’t what I’d call “bad", it’s clear that things aren’t right in Emeryville.
2012’s Brave, while a decent movie, was clearly undermined by creative issues behind the scenes. While Brave was not the first Pixar film to undergo significant changes during the production process (see the conversion of Toy Story 2 from direct-to-video to theatrical production, or the transition of directors on Ratatoullie), Brave was the first instance where the Pixar magic started to feel strained. It’s clear that the removal of director Brenda Chapman hurt something. Re-watching the film now, Brave is still enjoyable, but doesn’t have that emotional drive of the rest of Pixar’s work. It entertains, but doesn’t go for that second level that sticks with you. It was as if they took the elements of the movie that remained and tried to make the best of what they had.
2013’s Monster’s University was an enjoyable film for sure, poking fun at college comedy tropes mixed with some memorable new monsters, but it never justified its existence. What reason was there to tell another story with the Monsters, Inc. gang? I still can’t tell you. I’m entertained, it’s funny, but again - it never hits that Pixar sweet spot, where art and intelligence combine into one incredibly human film, made with the latest technology.
Heck, it’s even been difficult to be a Pixar director, as Andrew Stanton (Wall-E, Finding Nemo) was left holding the bag when Disney’s John Carter adaptation was a bomb…despite being a pretty fun movie (with input from Pixar’s Braintrust, no less).
2014 marked the first year since 2005 without a Pixar film.
Due to the intense creative issues with The Good Dinosaur (yep, another director replacement), a movie that proposes the idea of what would have happened if dinosaurs had never been wiped out, Pixar decided to sit a year out.
And in doing so, it’s revealed the breadth of the world of animation around them.
Yes, Dreamworks is still courting the second-tier with films like Madagascar 3 and Dr. Peabody & Sherman, but they’ve shown they can be as effective as the big lamp studio with franchises such as Kung Fu Panda and How To Train Your Dragon. Warner Bros. Animation blew us all away with this year’s The LEGO Movie (although that’s a bubble that may get pushed to the bursting point), and perhaps in the most stinging bit of reality - Walt Disney Animation showed back up to reclaim it’s crown.
With John Lassiter firmly implanted as lead, Disney is back on top, with the incredible back-to-back performance of Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen (which is the highest grossing animated film of all-time) and this Fall’s sublime Big Hero 6.
What’s a Pixar to do?
In their favor, they’re firing back in 2015 with not just one, but two original films.
June 19, 2015 brings Inside Out, a new film from director Pete Docter, who gave us Monster’s Inc. and Up. Seemingly a CG version of Herman’s Head, the movie personifies the emotions of a young girl. The voice cast, including Amy Poehler and Bill Hader is promising and the artwork looks great. I will admit that the first trailer has me a bit worried - is the footage of Pixar film’s prior supposed to remind me of the good times, or set up Inside Out as the heir-apparent?
November 25, 2015 will bring an all-new, all-different version of The Good Dinosaur. Now under the watchful eye of first-time director Peter Sohn (a Pixar artist who was the inspiration for Up’s Russell), the Los Angeles Times ran a piece on the considerable reboot of the film this week, which directly inspired this post. It sounds like the film is in a better place. Pixar’s pulled great movies out of this process before, and I am hoping for the best. Maybe I’ll be eating every one of these words come the end of next year.
What’s hazy, though - is the extended outlook for Pixar. Sadly, after these two unique films, we’re looking at MANY, MANY sequels.
Cars 3, The Incredibles 2, Finding Dory, Toy Story 4.
Yeah, Cars prints money, but isn’t the Planes franchise doing everything Disney needs it to? Sure, we’ve wanted an Incredibles sequel for years, but what if it’s awful? What did Finding Nemo leave unanswered? Yes, the Toy Story sequels have been wonderful, but why tempt the fate?
The only other original project discussed for the future is known currently as Untitled Pixar film about DÁa de los Muertos. In development from director Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), we haven’t heard much about the movie since its announcement in 2012. I certainly hope the release (and relative meh reception) to The Book of Life hasn’t hurt this film. It could be amazing.
Current Pixar head Edwin Catmull has stated that he intends to have Pixar work on “1.5" films a year. Original films every year, sequels, every other year. Right now, all I see is sequels, and I need to have the hope that the Pixar that wowed me with Toy Story, made dreams come alive with The Incredibles and floored me with Ratatoullie, Wall-E and Up still exists.
I want to believe in the Pixar name again.
Tim Burton’s Batman was a life changing experience for me. I was 5 years old in 1989, and as a young comic book fan (Batman and Spider-Man being my favs, even now), the movie absolutely broke my brain.
Yeah, I can watch it now with a more critical eye and see how “off” it was for a Batman movie and what not, but that movie was a defining experience. I can watch it now, 25 years later, and spout off entire sequences of dialogue. I lived for that movie as a kid.
Unfortunately, the best option we had as a kid for a Batman action figure (which - of course - IÂ needed), was this guy, from Toy Biz. I remember being so happy getting him for Christmas in 1989. Countless fruitless searches at Woolworths, K-Mart and other stores paid off, no more searching through pegs of Bob The Goon!
Toy Biz was still relatively new in the world of action figures. Made off of a modified Super Powers mold, I remember their early figures feeling cheap, with paint that would easily flake off. Not really the best look for a defining character of my childhood.
I mean - Batman needed to be a part of all of my childhood play scenarios, but his figure was not so great, and didn’t really stand up, especially that weird grappling hook belt. I’m pretty sure I lost his grappling hook gun almost immediately. The Batmobile was pretty cool though, even with its crappy plastic “cocoon”.
Less than a year later, Kenner took over the Batman license starting with the Dark Knight Collection line. At its center piece were two fantastic Batman and Joker figures. The “Crime Attack Batman” figure was absolutely perfect, and everything I had wanted as a kid - even if it wasn’t screen accurate. I’m pretty sure this guy is still in solid condition somewhere at my parent’s house - although I definitely lost all of the accessories.
Since then, however, there have been many many Batman action figures, but very few that have been what I’d call “movie accurate” for the ‘89-styled Bats.
Last year, Mattel made a solid attempt at 1989 Batman figure as a part of their “DC Multiverse” line. However, the small scale and relatively high price turned me off. At least it had a masked and an unmasked version.
Enter NECA Toys.
NECA, over the past decade (roughly) has been the defacto replacement for what MacFarlane Toys was in the late 90’s and early 00’s - the source of high quality pop-culture based action figures.  They’ve done many lines, including horror characters, Aliens, Predator, those awesome Pacfic Rim figures, and they even own Kid Robot now.
As a part of their ongoing “Classic Video Game” line, which featured characters like Jason, Freddy and Predator based off of their NES games (complete with retro boxes and limited color palettes), NECA blew everyone’s mind with a figure based on the Nintendo Batman game.
Look at it! If it weren’t colored so odd, it’d be a perfect Keaton-era Batman.
Sadly, said NECA, their agreement only allowed them to release it specifically in that colorway.
Or…did it?
Yesterday, NECA officially unveiled - and put up for sale - a very special edition of the new Batman 25th Anniversary Blu-Ray. I’m not sure how they convinced Warner Bros. to make it happen, but the combination of NECA’s screen perfect Batman figure and a Blu-Ray have sold so fast, they temporarily broke the eBay listing.
That’s right, you can get this figure and Blu-Ray combo (with it’s amazing Toy Biz homage packaging) for just $30 on eBay. The combo ships on December 9th, just in time for Christmas.
I think I know what I want under my tree this year. Even though I already have Batman on Blu-Ray. 5 year old me deserves it.
I came into the original Pitch Perfect not out of protest, but - I guess out of a sense of loyalty.
My lovely, long-suffering fiancÁ© Sam asked me to see it with her. I cause her to see many of the massive nerd films and Hollywood blockbusters that I talk about at length on here, and while she enjoys some (if not most), I know that there are those she does not care for. And one day, that came to roost.
She wanted to see Pitch Perfect.
All I knew about the movie going in was that I hated the film’s poster and that the plot sounded like Glee-light.
In the movies favor? It starred the delightful Anna Kendrick, who had grabbed my attention with her turns in 50/50, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and Up In The Air. I think I owed Sam for seeing Looper earlier that week anyway - even though she ended up loving it. (She has heart-eyes for Joseph Gordon-Levitt.)
Lights go down, movie goes up, and to my shock, the flick was fantastic. It could have been a generic, trope filled mess. Instead, with a witty script, incredible casting, and one of the best soundtracks from a film possibly ever (SUCH GREAT MASHUPS!), I loved every single minute.
…it didn’t hurt that one scene was basically Super Art Fight with a capella.
It seems like the rest of the world seemed to agree, as Pitch Perfect went on to be a surprise hit, generating $113 Million worldwide on a $17 million budget. It made a star of Rebel Wilson, and increased the notoriety of Ms. Kendrick (who even scored a Billboard hit with “Cups".)
Pitch Perfect has gone on to be quite the favorite in our household - with literally dozens of rewatches on Blu-Ray - and this May, Pitch Perfect 2 hits theaters. It may be the only movie rivaling Avengers: Age of Ultron as a Summer 2015 most-wanted between my to-be wife and I.
And today, we have the trailer.
Pitch Perfect 2 takes the Mighty Ducks approach, and takes our lovely group of singers - the Barden Bellas and throwing them into a Worldwide tournament. Some elements look great! (David Cross? OH SNAP.) Some look…less than great. (SURPRISE! The Germans are the villains because Germans.) But I’m excited to see what may come out of this. The scale certainly appears to be bigger on this one. Helps to have a larger budget, right?
Perhaps Pitch Perfect was a Bring It On moment - a surprisingly great movie coming out of a hackneyed premise. Sequels to great comedies are few and far between. With the first film’s producer Elizabeth Banks making her directorial debut here, I have to think she wants to stick the landing. Lightning can strike twice. I just know that - I may never admit it - but I’m going to be the one pushing my fiancÁ© to see this one opening weekend.
Pitch Perfect 2 hits theaters on May 15, 2015
The Superhero film - like any genre - has its formula.
A steady three act structure. Act 1, we set the tone and characters. Act 2, something doesn’t go right for our hero (or heroes). Act 3, it all comes together, evil is defeated, and good continues to win the day.
So - when the structure is so solid, how do you approach it?
If you’re Disney - it’s with excitement and heart, and that’s on display in their latest release, Big Hero 6.
Loosely based on a Marvel comic (pretty much only the character names and vague concept are ported over here), and set in a made up city called San Fransokyo (it’s like if Blade Runner went right), our lead protagonist is a young teenage genius, Hiro Hamada. Hiro is incredibly bright, but lacks focus, wasting his skills on underground robot fighting. His brother Tadashi, however, is working hard in the robotics wing of San Fransokyo University - with his prize creation being Baymax, an incredibly friendly robot focused on healthcare and well-being.
Hiro and Tadashi live with their aunt, with their parents dying at a young age. Like any good Disney movie, it’s probably not a spoiler to say that Tadashi doesn’t stay in the picture for very long - and as a villainous mystery ensues, Hiro - alongside the wonderful mix of personalities that made up Tadashi’s fellow robotics students - quickly wind up in the world of superheroics.
We’re clearly coloring in the lines in Big Hero 6, but what makes the movie shine is the palette that directors Don Hall and Chris Williams use to shine. From incredible action sequences (a flying scene is equal parts How To Train Your Dragon, Kiki’s Delivery Service and the opening of Futurama), inspired voice work (Damon Wayans Jr. is a delight, as is Maya Rudolph as Aunt Cass, and comedian TJ Miller as burn out fanboy Fred), and absolutely beautiful design, as every inch of San Fransokyo shines, from small details like Hiro’s awesome robot clock to the blimps that shine high above the city. Â I especially love how the movie actually bumps convention at times, too, with science ruling the day, and the most bad-ass character being female (complete with a catchphrase of “Woman Up!")
The movie’s not-so-secret weapon, however? Baymax.
Voiced by 30 Rock’s Scott Adsit, Baymax is one of the greatest creations in the modern Disney lexicon. Huggable, hilarious, and with a silicon heart of gold, you can’t take your eyes off him. The film’s trailers may have taken the shine off of some of his antics, but Baymax represents some of the best physical comedy ever rendered in CG. The acting of Adsit also somehow brings an indelible warmth to Baymax’s robotic voice, which just adds to the love he clearly forms in the audience. There will be a lot of Baymaxes under Christmas trees this year.
Yes, the movie does eventually fall into the same “rush to the end" trap that all superhero movies do. Yes, you can see the twists and turns coming from a mile away. But when a movie nails a formula so hard, it’s difficult to not enjoy every single minute of it.
More Wreck-It Ralph than Frozen (although Ralph is still the better movie), Big Hero 6 continues the Walt Disney Animation Studio renaissance started with 2010’s Tangled. It’s a fun, exciting movie for animation fans of all ages.
Now, if you don’t mind, I have to figure out which Baymax I’m going to buy off the Internet.
Additional Notes: I saw Big Hero 6 in 2D, so I cannot speak to the film’s 3D quality. With the 3D being rendered natively from the computer generated files, it’s probably pretty good - especially the flying sequences. The film is prefaced by a brilliant short, Feast, which will tug at your heart-strings, particularly if you love dogs. Oh, and stay through the credits…especially if you’re a superhero fan.
This December, Peter Jackson brings his tales of Middle Earth to a true end.
After three amazing Lord of the Rings films, and - thus far - two installments of The Hobbit, thirteen years of films come to an end with The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.
Warner Bros. released the final trailer for this third Hobbit film, and it is - as one would expect, epic.
Sure, no Smaug. Sure, barely any of the titular hobbit. But it’s hard to not have an incredible sense that a major chapter of filmmaking has come to an end.
Perhaps The Battle of the Five Armies will continue the upward trend of the Hobbit films. The Desolation of Smaug was a significant improvement on An Unexpected Journey, and while I continue to believe The Hobbit could have been told in just one film - this trailer does a lot to revive the spark for Middle-Earth I once had.
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies releases December 17, 2014.
It’s been a very unexpected day from Walt Disney Pictures.
First, Lucasfilm (which they own) announced the official title for the next Star Wars movie - The Force Awakens.
Then, earlier this evening, Pixar surprised us all by announcing…
…Toy Story 4.
That’s right - in Summer 2017, seven years after the remarkable third installment of the Toy Story series (which perhaps is the only great “threequel"), former Pixar head and current Walt Disney Animation Studios head John Lasseter (Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Cars) returns to the directors chair and brings us a fourth adventure starring Woody and Buzz.
Described as a “love story", the story was drummed up by Lassister and fellow Pixar veterans Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo), Pete Docter (Up) and Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3) and the script will be written by the surprising duo of Will McCormack and Rashida Jones. Yes, as in Parks and Recreation actress Rashida Jones. They last teamed as the script writers for the indie-flick Celeste And Jesse Forever.
Disney’s official fan site, D23 has the full story, including this key quote from Lasseter:
I have to admit - I doubted the possible quality of Toy Story 3 and we ended up with one of the most emotional films of all time. Â Don’t make me regret believing in you, guys.
Can Pixar bring back the magic? Or is this another instance of sequelitis? We’ll find out when Toy Story 4 hits theaters on June 16, 2017
…The Force Awakens.
Announced today with a confirmation of the completion of principal photography, I’d expect we’ll get a full press release and what not shortly.
Certainly indicates we’ll be seeing more Jedi in the new trilogy, yeah?
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 18, 2015.
Ambition is a hard thing to fault.
That’s the phrase that’s been bouncing through my head since last night’s screening of Interstellar, director Christopher Nolan’s latest film.
Ambition not only seems to be the drive of the filmmaker here, but also the film itself. Â Set in a not-too-distant future where the Government has been disbanded, most of our crops have died off, we’re constantly dealing with toxic dust clouds, and schools teach that the moon landing was faked - so as to reduce the aspiration to go beyond our dying planet - the status quo of Interstellar is a heavy one. And unfortunately, one we may be heading into ourselves.
But even in the times of darkness, there is the spark of humanity, the inspiration to do more. In the film, our great hope lies within Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a widowed father of two. One of NASA’s last great pilots-in-training, Cooper’s plans to see the stars were ended abruptly, thanks to a combination of a bad test flight, the end of NASA’s funding, and the loss of his wife. Now, alongside his father-in-law Donald (John Lithgow), he tries to make ends meet as a Farmer, raising his children Murphy (Mackenzie Foy) and Tom (TimothÁ©e Chalamet), while growing one of the only crops left - corn.
Time is running out - and after a surreal message thanks to the magic of gravity - Cooper soon finds himself back in the world of NASA, following the audacious hopes of Professor Brand (Michael Caine), piloting mankind’s last hope - a spaceship headed directly into a wormhole, with the goal of finding an inhabitable planet for all of humanity on the other side.
It’s heady, heavy material - as one would expect with a tagline of “Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.” Â And over it’s nearly three hour run time, Interstellar goes farther into the world of space exploration and the good and bad of humanity than any film in recent memory. Christopher Nolan, who directed, produced, and co-wrote the film (alongside his brother Jonathan Nolan, who originally wrote it for Steven Spielberg) has always been a director who aims to match blockbuster stakes with an imbued intelligence with each of his films. Â It’s not the average director who decides to set a heist film in a dream, focus on a magician’s deadly rivalry, or set an entire film in reverse order, and Interstellar follows in Christopher Nolan’s path to mix pop art with high-minded film-making.
Interstellar, partially a brain child of theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, can sometimes sway under the weight of deep discussion of physics, time, and relativity (it’s as if Nolan is addressing those who felt Inception didn’t explain enough), but it is the films basis in these concepts - alongside universal human concepts such as love, legacy, survival, and the sins of the father - that adds incredible import to every scene and every sequence.  Before you worry that the film is TOO heady - the movie is full of stunning sci-fi landscapes, tense action sequences, and some of the coolest robot sidekicks ever (which somehow never feel crass or overdone). Mixing both of these worlds makes the movie stronger, and sure to leave a lasting impact with audiences.  The adventure lasts across generations, and even for as long as it is, you never feel bored or disengaged. There’s a sequence in the second act that feels a bit tacked on, but pays off strongly - proving that if you give the film the time, it will deliver in spades.
Each element of the film is an incredible treat. The cast produces stunning work for the most part - a verifiable who’s-who of names (with strong performances from Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain), including some name actors that I didn’t expect to see in the film. The cinematography is stunning (coming from Hoyte van Hoytema, filling in for Nolan’s usual go-to, Wally Pfister), the CGI work is jaw dropping, and Hans Zimmer has produced perhaps his greatest score ever.
Does the movie succeed completely at it’s goals? Perhaps not. The film has an absolutely surprising third act, with shades of 2001, that never quite reaches the lofty heights of that film-defining classic. But at the same time, it may be better to admire a film for reaching just out of it’s grasp. With Interstellar, Christopher Nolan may have aimed for Kubrick, but landed at Spielberg - and that may not be a bad thing.  The film is one that will stick with you for sometime to come, reverberating in your head for ages.
I’ve always been fascinated with space. Fascinated with our place in the universe, and the audacity and the ambition to rise above and see beyond what is in front of us. As I walked out of Interstellar last night, I looked in the sky and found myself looking again with that child-like awe. Not many films can do that for me. This is something special.
Go see Interstellar. See it on the biggest screen you can find. Look forward to debating it with friends for years to come. This is more than a movie - it’s an experience you absolutely must be a part of.
Following the tragic death of actor Paul Walker, Fast & Furious 7 - now titled Furious 7 (continuing the strangest naming convention in film series history) - has had a long and hard road to the screen.
This weekend, the first trailer for the James Wan-directed film has hit the web and it’s honestly everything a fan of the Fast & Furious Franchise could want.
Primarily focusing on a high-stakes breakout sequence featuring one super powered bus full of baddies and four cars featuring our car-crazed heroes, the Furious 7 trailer gives fans the positive first impression they need heading into the April 2015 release.
What’s interesting is how much the Fast & Furious franchise has changed from a car stunt based series to one based on characters and mythology, in fact, there seem to be a number of NON-vehicle related action sequences in this one!
I applaud the marketing team from not avoiding sequences showcasing Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner, and while this may end up being the final part of the long-running series, Furious 7 is looking like it delivers on the promise made with the soft-reboot of Fast Five - crazy action, amazing vehicles, and above all - family.
Furious 7 revs into theaters on April 3, 2015.
Man, oh man. The reboot of the Terminator franchise is NOT getting off on the right foot.
Earlier today, Entertainment Weekly unveiled their two special edition covers featuring the cast from the beginning of the new Terminator franchise - the unfortunately titled Terminator: Genisys.
Let’s have that title sink in for a minute, yeah?
Ok. Bad. Now, get ready for it to be even worse.
The franchise looks to be serving many masters with the cast of this reboot, which aims to be everything Terminator Salvation wasn’t.
We’ve got big time geek leads, such as Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke as Sarah Connor and Doctor Who himself, Matt Smith as a mystery character. To please the studio, we’ve got Jai Courtney (who you may recall the awful A Good Day to Die Hard) as Kyle Reese and Zero Dark Thirty’s Jason Clarke as a future John Connor.
And then, we got to see the images.
Hoo boy. That’s what the studio and magazine agreed were the best images? Clarke looks bored. The costumes look like bad cosplay. And if Matt Smith is supposed to - at all - look like a bad ass, well, someone failed miserably here.
Perhaps I’m being too harsh. Sometimes, great movies have awful publicity photos.
Surely, the plot can’t be awful, right? Let’s see what the accompanying article has to say…
Yep, that’s right. The T—800 is now Sarah Connor’s daddy. Guess they’re going with the old adage of “If you CAN do anything with time travel, you SHOULD!“
You can read more of this awful sounding write up on EW.com.
Terminator: Genisys ruins your childhood on July 1, 2015.
EDIT - 8:07am, October 30, 2014
Four more awful promotional photos have surfaced online. Oh man.
Emilia Clarke, I had such high hopes for your career…
I have to admit - real life (and Super Art Fight gigs) have had me more behind the ball than usual when it comes to seeing the latest and greatest movie trailers.
This weekend, though, I got back out to the movie theater - seeing Gone Girl, which was great - and alongside the movie, I saw a trailer that knocked me on my ass…the first trailer for Bradley Cooper’s American Sniper.
American Sniper has been a passion project for Cooper for a few years. I recall him talking about it on the press run for Silver Linings Playbook, and I think Steven Spielberg was attached to direct at a point, too.
Clint Eastwood eventually settled into the director’s chair, and as this first trailer (or more accurately, extended clip) shows, the final film is going to be intense.
Bradley Cooper has become an actor that, to my surprise, always delivers. Between Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle, he’s an actor I now give extra attention to, and American Sniper definitely jumped up on my “must see” list.
This makes three movies I now want to see on Christmas Day - between the absurd humor of The Interview, Disney’s attempt at bringing Into the Woods to the big screen, and now American Sniper, there’s going to be something for everyone.
American Sniper hits theaters on December 25, 2014.
Now, that is more like it.
Aired during last night’s episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC here in the states, fans were treated to a new extended clip from Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Shown originally to fans at San Diego Comic Con back in July - and shown again at a Marvel Unlimited event at New York Comic Con earlier this month - the clip shows Steve, Tony, Bruce and the gang enjoying themselves at Avengers Tower, as everyone tries to pick up Mjolnir - Thor’s hammer.
It’s a fun, light scene that provides the witty banter and enjoyable back-and-forth that Joss Whedon is known for, and made The Avengers such a joy back in 2012. Of course, the party is quickly ruined, but it’s good to know that the final film will match its epic tone with Whedon’s trademark wit. I mean, why else have him write and direct it then?
Nice to see Rhodey’s going to be in the movie too. You get that Avengers money, Don Cheadle!
Thanks to Marvel’s official YouTube channel for the link.
Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1, 2015.
In a move akin to how Apple handles a new iPhone announcement, Disney and Marvel Studios took to the stage of the El Capitan Theatre today before an audience made up of the enthusiast press, filmmakers, comic book writers, and some very lucky fans for a “very special announcement.“ And it’s safe to say - they delivered.
Coming less than a week after the surprise leak of the Avengers: Age of Ultron trailer - ruining ABC’s plans of airing it during this week’s episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. - Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige took the stage and announced, in its presumed entirety, the plans for Marvel’s Phase Three.
It was a move similar to Warner Bros’ shocking announcement of a full slate of DC Comics based films earlier this month, but handled very differently. More on that later.
But first…
Phase Two expanded the universe, providing greater character integration and giving Disney multiple mega hits in Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The Winter Soldier - and shockingly, Guardians of the Galaxy.
May 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron brings Phase Two to an end (leaving the Paul Rudd starring Ant-Man in some sort of Phase limbo), but it looks like Marvel’s most exciting days are ahead of them.
Confirming one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood - Feige announced that after Age of Ultron, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is getting its own taste of the 2006 Marvel Comics crossover Civil War, complete with Captain America and Iron Man serving as the two sides of the conflict.
I think this may actually be one of the bigger risks in the Phase Three line-up, in a series of shocking and bold choices.
The title seems to be rather foreboding, with Ragnarok being the Norse God apocalypse. I wonder if this will be Thor’s last stand…
I don’t want to say it was passing the torch, but there was a great moment where Boseman was announced by Feige, and he was invited to share the stage alongside Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. The message was clear: Black Panther stands just as tall as anyone else in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Also, how cool does this concept art for the movie look?
[caption id=“attachment_19681” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] Click to Enlarge[/caption]
There is no official word on who will be playing Captain Marvel (presumably based on the Kelly Sue DeConnick run) at this time. Speculation currently places Edge of Tomorrow’s Emily Blunt as the front-runner, having flirted with Marvel Studios in the past, having nearly played Black Widow and Peggy Carter in Iron Man 2 and Captain America: The First Avenger respectively.
Is this how Marvel Studios is putting the hurt on the X-Men franchise (currently tied up over at Fox)? Is this going to be how Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch aren’t mutants? Stay tuned, true believers.
It’s clear that this will be an all-encompassing battle of the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Inhumans, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Ant-Man and Doctor Strange, tossing all of the toys into one big Infinity Gauntlet fueled sandbox. In turn, it’s hard to blame them to take the Harry Potter/Hunger Games route of splitting Infinity War into two parts.
What will be most interesting is who shows up in what films.
Prior to his Civil War deal, Robert Downey Jr. was only signed for Avengers: Age of Ultron and Avengers 3. As mentioned above, Helmsworth is signed for a third Thor and two Avengers films (including Age of Ultron). We know that Chris Evans’ deal to play Captain America is running out (but…weirdly enough, Sebastian Stan’s deal as Bucky/The Winter Soldier is quite longer).
It’s the type of conversation that results in deep nerd talk, somewhere between fan-fiction and the contract talk of industry magazines like Variety. I’m sure we all have our theories as to what happens (mine puts Thor in a Gandalf The White scenario), but the fact is, over the span of one hour, by simply announcing titles and dates, Marvel Studios officially marked the world’s calendars for the next five years. And we’re all very excited.
…but didn’t we just do this song and dance a few weeks ago? With the other guys?
Today’s press conference showed what Disney/Marvel Studios has in spades over Warner Bros./DC Entertainment - planning and heart.
Looking over the slate of films announced by Warner Bros through 2020 - does it feel like there’s a plan? Does it feel like there’s a thought? Or are they picking names and dates out of a hat and seeing what sticks?
I get it - WB needs something now that Harry Potter is over and The Hobbit is almost completed. But who’s pulling it together?
It speaks a deafening volume that Marvel chose to present their slate of films in a celebratory way - in front of the press and its fans, but DC’s movies were announced during an investor’s conference call.
I love when competition inspires the best out of both sides, but right now, DC hasn’t even had a chance to throw a punch, and the battle is looking lost.
Marvel is firing on all cylinders, with 10 amazing movies under their belt, a TV show that has (so I’ve been told) gotten better, and with more amazing series coming (Agent Carter and the Netflix slate of Daredevil, Iron Fist and others). And what’s better? They all connect. You don’t need to follow the TV series to enjoy the films, but if you do? The whole thing lights up like a Christmas tree.
DC got off to a rough start with Man of Steel, seem intent to jam pack Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice with as many heroes as we can tolerate, and seem to be handicapping their growing slate of successful TV series (Arrow, Gotham, The Flash, and Constantine) by releasing films that completely disregard them.
What does it say to the fan of The Flash, who 4 seasons in will find that the guy on the big screen playing him has nothing to do with the one they love on the small screen? It tells the fan that they’re not considered. That they’re just another cog in the machine. A number to be reported on a conference call.
DC has an incredible history of amazing characters. Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman and their kind should make amazing movies. But they need passionate people supporting them. Â Marvel Studios doesn’t have access to Spider-Man or the X-Men. Look at what they’ve accomplished.
DC can fight this war if they want. They just need to see where their advantage is. Until then? Marvel continues to reap the benefits of the world they’ve built.
Ever since fans received their first taste of Avengers: Age of Ultron back at San Diego Comic Con 2014 in July, fans have wondered when any footage would leak.
Would we see a surprise trailer attached to Guardians of the Galaxy, a’la the teaser on Captain America: The First Avenger? Nope.
Would a fan sneak a camera into the New York Comic Con screening of that same San Diego Comic Con footage? Apparently not.
In something amazing in this day and age of constant leaks, whether from films or from the world of technology - Disney/Marvel Studios seemed to keep the footage under their control, with a planned official trailer premiere for Tuesday, October 28th, on ABC, during an airing of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The world had other plans, however…
At about 7pm Eastern last night, a decent - but not high quality - version of the International trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron hit the web. Quickly, Disney dispatched cease and desist notices to any and all websites hosting the pirated trailer.
But then…they did something incredibly forward for a major movie studio. They gave in and released the trailer (along with the above teaser poster, reminiscent of the original Avengers teaser poster)Â just under a week early.
Well folks, the Age of Ultron is here, and it looks fantastic.
Ultron, voiced wonderfully by James Spader, looks like a remarkable threat. The direction and composition looks worlds better than the first film (tip of the hat to the new DP, Ben Davis). The stakes look global - as opposed to the first, which focused on New York. The use of “I’ve Got No Strings” is remarkably effective and creepy. And…was that Andy Serkis? Who the hell is he playing?
Oh, and of course - OH MY GOD THE HULKBUSTER ARMOR IS FINALLY REAL.
It’s going to be a long six months until Age of Ultron hits.
You can speak to the burnout of all of the comic book movies that are come and gone, but this trailer speaks to an incredibly important key - good movies are good movies, regardless of the genre.
Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters April 24, 2015 internationally, and May 1, 2015 here in the USA.
Earlier this week, the Internet was all abuzz, as Variety published some massive news for fans of the Marvel Studios movies, announcing that Robert Downey Jr. would be appending his deal with the studio to add another film beyond Avengers: Age of Ultron and The Avengers 3. However, it wouldn’t be a fourth Iron Man as everyone expected…it would instead be Captain America 3, as the film wing of Marvel Comics attempts to bring a version of the 2007 series Civil War to the big screen.
Understandably, die hard fans, both of the comics and films rejoiced, as did the bank account of the Downey family, as he’s walking away with $40 Million.
While the news has yet to be confirmed by Marvel themselves, we’re all generally running with this information as fact - similar to the delay between the trades confirming Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch’s appearance in the Avengers sequel, and Marvel’s official announcements. One could argue that this is precisely the type of announcement that could have been saved for, example, San Diego Comic Con 2015’s Marvel Studios panel - since the 2014 edition shows that while they may announce many release dates in advance, they wish to focus on what’s immediate as opposed to far away. Is that actually a solid plan? Look no further than yesterday’s announcement from Warner Brothers, unleashing their entire DC Comics Movie Universe film slate through 2020.
That’s right - after picking a batch of release dates earlier this year, Warner Brothers issued a press release announcing every single DC Comics film through the rest of the decade - along with dates for 3 more LEGO movies, and an entire Harry Potter prequel trilogy.
In case you missed it, the movies announced are…
I’d like to officially say at this point that I was wrong.
Last April, I took WB/DC to task in text (and I’m sure they cared!) for their seemingly half-assed efforts to push towards a DC Cinematic Universe. I wanted them to start announcing movies and dates and showing a plan.
Be careful what you wish for, right?
With some minor exceptions, such as the out of the blue Suicide Squad film (which I feel like is going to be based on the Batman related New 52 edition, not the classic 1980s series) and the inspired casting of Dwayne Johnson in Shazam, this feels like such a random mishmash of choices to make films.
Perhaps I over-estimate the minds at Marvel Studios, but it always strikes me that Kevin Feige and crew pick and choose each piece of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as if they’re putting together a jigsaw puzzle, deciding how each new element will add to what’s been presented before. Meanwhile, the Warner Bros/DC picks seem to be what happens when a kid is given an assortment of random LEGO pieces.
I don’t think the DC Universe will work with four films as done through the eyes of Zack Snyder (and yes, I enjoyed Man of Steel). I don’t think Cyborg is an interesting character that people will want to see. I don’t think that a solo Green Lantern film is a wise idea - even with the nine year buffer between this proposed film and the Ryan Reynolds bomb. Heck, announcing a brand new version of The Flash as the latest version is no more than two weeks old? That just puts a countdown clock on the TV version. Suddenly, Agents of SHIELD looks like a good idea…
I understand, competition is hard, and maybe Warner Brothers wanted to have a great showing to their shareholders as they start to make some very difficult financial cuts - but when you miss the opportunities to promote your films in the right ways (this would have been a killer farewell to New York by DC Comics at NYCC last weekend), you look like you’re just treading water.
All of that said - it’s early. We’ve had one film. Warner/DC could stick the landing. But as it stands, the war movie fans will care about will be between Iron Man and Captain America - not between Marvel and DC.
I know who I am - I’m going to be there for all of these movies day one, but as it stands, they feel like an obligation, a box being checked - not a moment of excitement. Make me wrong Warner Brothers.
Taking it in on a bleary-eyed Monday morning, the sum of the New York Comic Con weekend ended with not so many HUGE movie announcements (although, obviously, Tomorrowland’s reveal stole the show), but instead - a number of HUGE comic book announcements, almost all of which came from Marvel Comics. Appropriate, as they call NYC their home.
The announcements ranged from the incredible end game for Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers run - a multiverse spanning return for the Secret Wars; a big push on female creators and characters, including series for Spider-Gwen and Silk, plus a “Women of Marvel” month of covers; and no brainers such as a new Scott Lang focused Ant-Man series, just in time for the Paul Rudd starring movie adaptation.
But perhaps the biggest surprise was this - a brand new series for Hawkeye, starting in March 2015.
For those who have been out of the comics game, Hawkeye is currently one of the most beloved titles in comics. Written by Matt Fraction, with a rotating art team including David Aja and Annie Wu, Hawkeye has blown audiences away with its brilliant art and irreverent writing.
Hawkeye has earned countless Eisners (the comics equivalent of an Oscar), become somewhat of a Tumblr meme (the kids love the Hawkguy), and has become one of those series like a Bone, Saga, Sandman or Y: The Last Man which just serves as perfect gateway book for people who don’t really love comics. Simply put, each issue has felt like strategically packaged perfection - even with its somewhat erratic shipping schedule. Heck, the down-to-Earth approach for Hawkeye has even rejuvenated other Marvel series, with a number of characters getting similar off-the-wall, auteur based reboots, including Black Widow, The Punisher and Moon Knight.
The series is currently set to wrap up completely with Issue #22 in December of this year, and now Marvel has a rather difficult decision on their hands.
On one hand - Hawkeye is one of the first string Avengers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, spoken of in similar tones to Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow and Captain America. They’d be crazy to not have a new Hawkeye series in stores for when Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters next year.
On the other -Â Hawkeye proved how great big two comics can be if they’re handled - well, anything but like a big two comic. Currently, many Marvel titles have brilliant creative teams…most of the time. Many titles get solicited with big time pairings of writer and artist, which are quickly changed after the first arc, as artists - providing more detail than ever - are shuffled behind the scenes to only doing the first arc and the third…or in some cases, replaced never to be seen again….except on covers. It’s made the process in falling in love with a series even harder - especially as solicitations can change up until release date. (David Brothers wrote a far better story than I could muster on it back in 2012.)
Despite all of this - however, Fraction’s Hawkeye was allowed to exist “as intended”. Issue release dates have slid, due to Aja’s intricate art, but brilliantly - as the story provided a shift to the West Coast - MICA-alum Annie Wu was brought in to handle the LA portion of the story, giving it an appropriate unique feel.  One can wonder if these delays and shifts added to Matt Fraction’s leaving of Marvel Comics, as he’s now purely independent, setting up shop at Image Comics for titles such as Sex Criminals and the forthcoming ODY-C - but the fact is, Marvel brilliantly let this team do what they do best: make great comics.
With this re-launch of Hawkeye in March 2015, Marvel has selected a brilliant team in writer Jeff Lemire and artist Ramon Perez. Lemire has been producing incredible work as an independent writer and artist (such as the Vertigo title Sweet Tooth, and indie books such as The Underwater Welder), and has proven himself an excellent hired gun over at DC Comics, where he lead the New 52 reboot of Animal Man to incredible heights. Ramon Perez may not be a name you’re familiar with, but you will be - especially if you read his beautiful adaptation of Jim Henson’s unproduced screenplay Tale of Sand.
Much like Fraction and Aja, these are picks of auteurs - incredible artists working in the comics medium, hopefully combining for greatness. The future looks great for Hawkeye under Lemire and Perez, but as a fan of what came before - I worry of the shadow they will be producing the book under.
This series will be launching with a new #1, a great sign as a fresh start, being allowed to develop in its own world. But as Lemire speaks in his interview with Comic Book Resources of reverence for what came before - he also speaks of using this series as a direct follow-up, continuing the tales of both Clint Barton and Kate Bishop.
I just hope that they aren’t left being a pale imitation, it’d be a horrible waste of incredible talents - and as we’ve seen with Brian Wood’s less-than-stellar taking of the reigns of Moon Knight after Warren Ellis left earlier this year, a poor continuation leaves fans with a bad taste in their mouths.  Or, in an even worse twist of fate - the first arc for Lemire and Perez blows us all away, but Perez gets bumped due to the length of time his art takes…and here comes Hawkeye Vol. 2…from Jeff Lemire and Greg Land.
Marvel’s playing with fire here - and come March 2015, we’ll see if this new era of Hawkeye burns brightly, or just leaves fans feeling burnt.
After months of teasing and silence, Disney has officially given fans across the globe their first look at the forthcoming film from director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) and writer Damon Lindelof (Lost) - Tomorrowland.
Much has been kept under wraps about the film. Heck, for a time, people thought Bird and Lindelof were working on a new Star Wars film. Instead, this is an all new sci-fi property, built around Walt Disney’s original concepts for Tomorrowland.
Revealed first during a panel at New York Comic Con yesterday (which came complete with a surprise George Clooney appearance!), here is your first look at the film.
I’d go so far as to say that this is one of the most effective teasers I’ve ever seen. The movie has hints of Harry Potter with it’s entrance to a world only the “special” can see, and George Clooney at his most inviting - but how cool is it also that a large, original tentpole sci-fi film has a teenage girl as the lead?
I’m in love with the brief, fleeting glimpses of Tomorrowland itself, a beautiful future-by-way-of-the-1950’s world…complete with JETPACKS.
My brain cannot stop firing synapses of the incredible possibilities of this movie. And what’s better? They’ve barely shown me ANYTHING. The mystery box remains full of mystery, and I am very in.
Tomorrowland hits theaters on May 22, 2015.
Hey guys! This week, I’m moving into a new apartment, which means my non-work hours are pretty much going to be packed…while packing.
In turn, Blast-O-Rama is gonna go quiet for about a week or so.
Be back as soon as I can, guys! Thanks!
Let it be known that sometimes, illegally leaking footage* to the Internet leads to good things.
After fans worldwide went nutty over leaked test footage for a Deadpool movie last July, it certainly seems like film executives were listening.
Why? Fox has announced that on February 12, 2016, a Deadpool movie will finally be released.
Director Tim Miller (who was involved with said footage) is still attached to the movie, while rumored star Ryan Reynolds - and the hoped for R rating - have yet to be confirmed.
Stay tuned, this one could get interesting.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Guys, I love my Kindle Paperwhite.
I probably don’t read on it nearly enough, but hands down, it’s the best E-Reader I’ve ever used.
Battery for days, a great backlight system, easy to read E-Ink screen…
…but what if they decided to make one even better?
I’m not really sure if it’s worth $200, but Amazon’s new Kindle Voyage is their attempt to perfect the E-Reader.
It’s got a higher resolution screen, it’s thinner and lighter than ever, easier “page presses”, an adaptive front light - hell, the screen has even been textured to feel like paper.
If you’re willing to pay the $80 difference, and really love to read - The Kindle Voyage may be the E-Reader for you.
Hands down, my most anticipated film for the Fall is Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar.
Discuss the pros and cons of The Dark Knight Rises all you like (I’d be the first to admit it hasn’t aged great), there are few large scale filmmakers quite like him anymore, and to see his epic sized filmmaking imbued with a sense of urgency and optimism with the galaxy spanning Interstellar has me chomping at the bit to see more.
These new posters certainly don’t help.
The first (above), subverts the view we had of the official one-sheet, this time planting Matthew McConaughey’s Cooper firmly on Earth, gazing above.
The second (below), however, truly unleashes the scale of the film, with a look at a beautiful cosmic event.
I truly hope Interstellar is as beautiful as the trailers have made it feel. I’ll be sure to make the efforts to see it on as large a screen as I can.
Interstellar hits theaters November 7.
Source: Yahoo!, Wired
Briefly: To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Ghostbusters, Krispy Kreme will be home to two special edition marshmallow filled donuts.
Available in Ghostbuster and Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man varieties, look for them at your local Krispy Kreme starting September 29.
Source: Variety
This weekend marks the first ever MondoCon, a two day celebration of all things nerd culture, in Austin, TX.
Featuring Mondo’s eye for awesome content, not only will there be amazing panels and screenings, but also - naturally - some limited edition swag. I, of course, am very jealous of those who get to go.
Never the less, one of the coolest items was announced yesterday, a limited vinyl release of the score for Shaun of the Dead, as composed by Daniel Mudford & Pete Woodhead.
This marks the first time ever the score has been released, which is a shame, as I’ve felt it’s a rather underrated element in the cult-classic film.
Covered by the artwork by Jock which was also released as a poster, this is sure to be a coveted item for fans of the Cornetto Trilogy.
If you can’t make it to MondoCon, don’t worry, it’ll be available starting October 7 online. The tracklisting appears below.
Due later this month, Funko proves again that there is no license they cannot make more adorable by placing it in their Pop! style, with a new E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial line.
Featuring E.T. himself, a Reese’s Piecesnondescript orange candy bag carrying Elliott, and a flower carrying version of Baby Drew Barrymore, these are the perfect gift for the Spielberg fanatic in your life. Check out all three figures below.
[gallery ids=“19574,19573,19572”]
Source: Funko
While the price makes it for the richer fanboys in this world, First4Figures has put together a very very cool statue for fans of the classic video game franchise Mega Man.
Limited to a combined 1425 units world wide, the statue comes in both a standard ($200) and limited edition ($230), with the limited edition having the advantage of very very cool LED lighting.
Either way, it’s a perfect interpretation of how Mega Man appeared in most of the promotional art for the game. Maybe if this sells well enough, we can get a statue of the awkward US version from the game box of the original Mega Man!
Look for the statue to be available in the beginning of 2015, with pre-orders available now.
Source: First4Figures
The surprise 2014 SDCC announcement of a King Kong-prequel, titled Skull Island from Legendary Pictures surprised many - especially since no one even knew such a thing was in production.
Well - the movie is officially moving forward, as a star and director have been signed.
Sure to excite fangirls everywhere, Loki himself, Tom Hiddleston (Thor: The Dark World) has joined the film as its lead.  Directing the film is a left-of-center choice, Jordan Vogt-Roberts. Vogt-Roberts put himself on the map last year with the great comedy The Kings of Summer, but clearly is on the radar of studios for bigger films, as he is directing a Metal Gear Solid adaptation for Sony. This is probably a similar move to Universal’s pick of Safety Not Guaranteed director Colin Trevorrow to take on Jurassic World. Have someone with chops with actors, and let the action be handled by a proper second unit.
Skull Island hits theaters on November 4, 2016.
Source: Deadline
Having made his name with the brilliant, before their time shows of Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared, Judd Apatow is returning to television with a brand new series for Netflix.
Titled Love, the series was co-created by Apatow, alongside Brooklyn Nine-Nine writer Lesley Arfin, and series star Paul Rust (I Love You Beth Cooper). Co-headlining with Rust will be Gillian Jacobs of Community fame.
The series “follows Gus (Rust) and Mickey (Jacobs) as they navigate the exhilaration and humiliations of intimacy, commitment, and other things they were hoping to avoid.” Or, your standard Apatow relationship exploration.
What makes this very interesting is that Netflix has already committed to two seasons - Season 1, running 10 episodes, and Season 2, running 12 episodes.
Jacobs will first return to the Yahoo! exclusive sixth season of Community, but Love looks to premiere in 2016.
Source: Deadline
Very cool news coming from Deadline.com last night - Matt Damon (Elysium) and Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips) will be re-teaming for another Bourne film.
This would mark the fourth Bourne film for Damon, and his third teaming with director Paul Greengrass, who directed The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatium previously.
Interestingly, the new series of Bourne films, which started with Jeremy Renner in 2012’s The Bourne Legacy will continue, with Renner and director Justin Lin (Fast Five) still signed. So now this franchise has become two.
Look for the new Damon/Greengrass Bourne flick on July 16, 2016.
Source: Deadline.
Disney has released the official plot synopsis for Avengers: Age of Ultron, the final part of Marvel Studios' Phase Two, and from the sounds of things - Ultron is entirely Tony’s fault.
Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron" stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision. Avengers: Age of Ultron is once again written by Joss Whedon, and hits theaters to a rabid audience on May 1, 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Tsj_wTJkQ
I’m only slightly ashamed to admit how much I’ve enjoyed the Hunger Games franchise, especially when compared to the books. But as always, all things must come to an end.
LionsGate has released the first proper trailer for the first half of the final installment of the trilogy (how’s that for confusing?!), and as you can see JLaw and company are in a full on war with the Capital in this one.
Looks like a decent flick to me. What say you, gentle readers?
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 hits theaters on November 21.
Awesome UK magazine Empire is taking a good long look at Christopher Nolan’s latest movie, the space-exploring adventure Interstellar for its November issue.
They’re keeping mostly mum about what to expect the issue - with almost as much secrecy as the film - but they released the subscriber exclusive cover today, and I can’t stop looking at it.
Featuring lead character Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) on an alien planet, the image was apparently picked by Nolan. And it’s really really cool.
The November issue of Empire hits newsstands on September 25th, and we should expect to see the “proper” cover, early next week. Interstellar releases November 7.
Source: Empire.
Edit: Â Apparently this image is also now serving as the official one-sheet poster for the film, below.
Good morning and hello, Internet! The end of the week is finally here (YAY!) and so is your final Daily Blast of the week (BOO!).
What do we have on tap today? Let’s take a look…
At the top of the post: Here’s your final poster for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. It’s a bummer, after a really great, unique campaign, the final poster sure does feel like the prior two…and probably the next one also.
- Resident Evil fans get hyped: here’s a new trailer for 2015’s Resident Evil Revelations 2.
See you on Monday, nerds!
Good morning and hello! Sorry for the missed edition yesterday. Real life happened.
Man oh man, I am tired today. Lots of Destiny playing last night. In case you’re wondering - I have a Level 8 Hunter. Very fun game so far - I especially love the social elements.
Anyway, that’s not what we’re here to discuss! We’re here to talk Nerdy News! And that’s what we’ll do! Because this! IS YOUR (Batman heavy)Â DAILY BLAST!
In today’s edition:
At the top of the post: Zack Snyder has released a photo of the new Batmobile from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, after Instagram photos leaked from the set. You can click it to view a WAY bigger version. It reminds me quite a bit of the new Batmobile in the Batman: Arkham Knight game.
- LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, like so many other games, is getting a DLC Season Pass. At least the bonus characters look pretty awesome. Sadly, I doubt Dark Knight Rises Bane will talk…
That’s all for today. Have a wonderful Thursday!
Folks, I’m an unabashed Apple fan.
Ever since I got my first iPod, I’ve been in love with the way they make products. My personal computer has been some variant of MacBook since 2007, and my phone an iPhone since the iPhone 3GS.
So - like many others - I watched Apple’s press conference yesterday, and while they introduced two great looking phones - and what could be a revolutionary payment system - I felt like the long anticipated Apple Watch didn’t really do it for me.
Let’s summarize what was shown, and my thoughts on each.
iPhone 6 & iPhone 6 Plus
As the Internet fortold, there are now two new members of the iPhone family - one with a 4.7" screen (a’la the Moto X), and another, the “iPhone 6 Plus”, with a 5.5" screen (a’la the LG G3). Ultimately, this is what you’d expect from a new iPhone - faster internals, thinner, lighter - but with the left field addition of a larger model, there are some interesting questions one has to ask. At least personally - as someone with an iPhone 5S and a getting long in the tooth iPad 3, I’d been considering upgrading my iPad to an iPad Mini in the future - should I now just condense into a bigger phone? This is the sort of fragmentation we’d never seen before from Apple, but caters to the current phone market. Honestly, either should be a great device, but it will be interesting to see which version sells more. Also interesting - the 32GB model is out, with the 3 variants now 16GB/64GB/128GB, making for the first 128GB iPhone. (Just as the iPod Classic gets phased out, no less…)
Apple Pay
This is actually - in my eyes - the most interesting bit of the Press Conference. Apple is, starting with the iPhone 6 (and…the other device I’m about to talk about) pushing NFC Payments. What this means is, roughly, you’ll be able to scan your credit cards/bank cards into your phone, and use your phone to pay for items. Meaning - no more wallet bulk. This - given the intense amount of retailers and banks they have supporting it - could be an absolute game changer for how we pay for things. Sure, Apple isn’t the first to do NFC, but they’re an 800 Pound Gorilla who can make other companies conform, and we’re seeing it with an impressive 220,000 stores ready to go with Apple Pay day one. Personally, I will wait and see how the privacy/security concerns pan out, but this could be the beginning of something new and big for Apple. Especially as they get a cut of each purchase.
Apple Watch
Revealed with Tim Cook bringing back the classic Steve Jobs line of “One More Thing…”, Apple finally gave the world what they’ve been expecting for some time - their first wearable device. Following in the footsteps of the AndroidWear push by Google (which, depending on which side of the spectrum you’re on, may have been inspired by rumors of Apple’s entry into the wearable space), the Apple Watch is designed as a wrist based device to connect you to your phone, handle payments, etc.  Unfortunately - that seems to be just about it. Similarly to the AndroidWear devices, I’ve yet to see a smartwatch - including Apple’s model - that has yet to address the reason of “Why?” With a specific focus on fitness, Apple could be crashing down on the Fitbits and Nike Fuels of the world - but with the incredible pricing, starting at $349 - I’m personally not seeing how the device will become as important or essential as a smartphone or tablet. And that goes for any smartwatch. Get the price into the $100-200 range, and we’ll talk…but until then, this is a rich man’s toy - and I can’t see myself ever needing one.
….also they gave away a U2 album…
What did you think about Apple’s announcements yesterday? Will you be grabbing an iPhone 6? Rockin' the Apple Watch on your wrist? Sound off in the comments.
Happy Tuesday! Happy Destiny Day (PSN: Blast-O-Rama)! Happy New Apple Thingy Day! Happy 15th Birthday to one of the best video game systems ever!
How are you? Hope it’s well. Never the less, it’s time for your favorite round up of all things nerdy across the web - your DAILY BLAST!
In today’s edition:
At the top of the post: That makes it clear, in the preview of October’s Thor #1, the oath on Mjolnir has changed forever! Or at least until Avengers: Age of Ultron hits in May 2015!
-Â Minority Report’s Television version is headed to pilot. Set after the 2002 Tom Cruise film, the movie teams a precog with a female detective. Together: they solve future crimes!
- Street Fighter II fans have their own meal now, as official “Dhalsim Curry” has been released in Japan. Word on the street is it’s very spicy.
-Â Batman: Arkham Knight has it’s release date, hitting PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on June 2, 2015. In addition, two pricey special editions have been announced, a “Limited Edition” (including a cool steelbook and Batman statue), and a “Batmobile Edition” (same as the “Limited Edition”, but with a Batmobile instead of a Batman statue).
Music
See you later today as we try to wrap up all the Apple announcements into a tight bow. If we can. Otherwise, see you tomorrow for another Daily Blast!
Hello dear Internet friends, and a happy Monday to you! I hope you had an enjoyable weekend - I sure did, spending a solid Saturday at Baltimore Comic-Con, and catching up on some comics to read and video games to play.
We’re back with you as usual with your round up of the nerdy news worth knowing - the Daily Blast!
In today’s edition:
At the top of the post:Â That adorable plush Mega Drive (or as we know it in the US, the Sega Genesis) goes on sale at this year’s Tokyo Game Show. I sure hope it becomes available here in the States.
That’s it for your Monday! Have a great week, and we’ll see you back here on Tuesday for another Daily Blast!
[caption id=“attachment_19466” align=“aligncenter” width=“600”] Image Courtesy of Eric Mesa[/caption]
Disclaimer: In the interest of full disclosure, I attended Baltimore Comic-Con this year as a member of the press. In turn, my badge was comped. No other perks were provided by the convention to me.
For the third time this year (following the My Little Pony focused Brony Con, and the Anime loving Otakon), Baltimore was home to thousands of fanboys, fangirls and intensely costumed fans as the Baltimore Convention Center was home to the 15th Annual Baltimore Comic-Con.
Started in the year 2000 by local comics retailer, Marc Nathan, Baltimore Comic-Con is considered by many - including those vending - as one of the last “pure” comic book shows. The number of celebrities attending were minimal, and instead the focus was simply on pure funny books. The celebration of the 32 page monthly issues or 100+ page tomes that have come to life in record-setting films and fan-favorite TV shows were undeniably the focus of this show, as it has been from the first edition.
What made the 2014 edition of Baltimore Comic-Con edition so interesting, however, was one thing - scale.
For years, Baltimore Comic-Con could easily be seen as the “other” geek show for the Charm City area, hiding in the intense shadow of Otakon, the United States second largest Japanese animation convention, and the largest on the East Coast. In turn, Baltimore Comic-Con has been allowed to slowly grow, and flourish. I’ve attended roughly every year since 2007, and this was definitely the biggest yet, with the aisles filled and a dramatically increased number of vendors and artists selling. Having missed the 2013 edition, Baltimore Comic-Con 2014 felt like a convention of a dramatically larger scale - with both its pros and cons.
With the shift to the Pratt and Howard Street lobby (as opposed to the Charles Street lobby), Baltimore Comic-Con started to feel a bit closer to Otakon. The registration point was found at the top of a lengthy stairwell, the main show floor filling the same gargantuan halls filled by Otakon for their Dealers Room and Artist’s Alley respectively. There even seemed to be an increased amount of cosplayers.
It’s hard to begrudge Baltimore Comic-Con for its growth - but from my understanding in speaking to attendees and artist vendors, and based on some of my personal experiences - there are still some key issues to address.
1. Grabbing the Interest of Newer/Younger Fans: We’re in a very unique time for comics. While none of the titles I’m about to list currently represent the top 10 in comics, books such as Matt Fraction’s Hawkeye and Sex Criminals (and the Marvel ilk that seems to follow his tone, such as She-Hulk and Black Widow), the Boom Studios books such as Lumberjanes and Adventure Time, and DC’s forthcoming books seemingly designed to only grab these new fans like Gotham Academy and the Batgirl reboot, all have one thing in common. They’ve grabbed brand new readers attentions and gotten them into comics, something thought impossible for most of the 2000s.
Currently, the only conventions that seem to cater to their interest are shows such as NYC’s MOCCA, or Rockville’s SPX (coincidentally next weekend). While Baltimore Comic-Con DID have a significant and well attended presence from Boom! Comics, that seemed to be it from the “new crowd” of comics.
Perhaps this was an example of the show being hurt by Cincinnati Comic-Con occurring at the same time. A quick glance at the guest list for that show indicates that many of these hot talents were lost. Looking at the Baltimore Comic-Con guest list shows many legendary talents for sure, but not many with current hot books or significant buzz - besides say, Greg Capullo (current artist for Batman) and Mark Waid (writer of Daredevil).
2. The Entire Artist’s Alley Situation: The Artist’s Alley is always a difficult situation to address. On one hand, you wish to give artists who are looking to make a break or support themselves independently a showcase. On the other, at roughly every show, it feels like a gigantic meat market. This year was rougher than most, as with the Alley’s increased size, searching for specific artists was incredibly difficult due to a lack of signage or navigation, helping fans find their favorite creators. Instead, one was forced to navigate every single row to find the tables they were looking for.
Perhaps this increased foot traffic - as I did receive reports that traffic was at record levels for the Artist’s Alley section - but I could very easily see people becoming bothered with finding the proverbial needle in a haystack, and hitting their breaking point after the 50th loud shill from an artist who they’ve walked by. (Pro-Tip: Don’t yell about your comic to the people who walk by. Let them engage you. Anything else is tactless.)
Additionally, word came to me from multiple sources that even with increased foot traffic, sales were stagnant or below prior Baltimore Comic-Cons in the Artist’s Alley, indicating to me that something isn’t quite working for these hard working artists.
3. The Lack of “Events”: It’s no secret that the world of comics is built around two events: San Diego Comic Con and New York Comic Con. That said, as a staple of the industry you’d expect some sort of buzz to come out of the show. Even with a programming slate filled with panels hosted by Marvel and DC Comics talent, the largest announcement of the show came from Boom! Studios (a new Frank Cho title) - or by accident, from the mouth of Greg Capullo (the end of his run on Batman). What has made Baltimore Comic-Con a dead-zone for the big two? Heck, where were Image or Dark Horse?
Sure - fans had add-ons such as a VIP meet and greet on Friday night, or the ability to attend the Harvey Awards (which feels a bit like the Golden Globes of Comics, if the Eisner is the Oscar), but there seemed to be a lack of buzz coming out of the show. Even the much requested addition of a Friday open to the show seemed to fizzle out, with many attending (and vending) indicated to me that the day was “a waste”.
I realize, much of this write up has been negative, and I didn’t attend it to be. Instead, I feel like this year was the first time that Baltimore Comic-Con truly felt growing pains. Even with that, everywhere I looked, fans were smiling, and having a great time. Heck, I had a great time just walking the floor, something I haven’t been able to do for ages.
But as the nerd monolith of Otakon heads to DC in the next few years, Baltimore Comic-Con has an opportunity to step into some hefty shoes, becoming THE Baltimore event to attend. The show has had a wonderful mom-and-pop feel for years, but this is now the time to become one of the greats. I just hope they don’t let the opportunity pass them by.
Hello and Happy Friday, folks! I hope you’re looking forward to the weekend as much as I am! Baltimore Comic-Con is here this weekend, so I’ll be covering that (look for my thoughts from the floor on Sunday), but before we get there…
It’s time for a Daily Blast! This is a big one today, and our first written with WordPress 4.0! Which reminds me, it’s time to find a more permanent skin for this site…
In today’s edition:
At the top of the post: These beautiful Star Wars prints come from artist Matt Ferguson, and are being offered as a timed release by Bottleneck Art Gallery. Buy them before 11:59pm on Sunday, September 7th, and they are yours!
- Little Big Planet gets a free-to-play endless runner when Run SackBoy! Run! hits PS Vita, iOS and Android in October.
See you back here on Monday!
Hello and welcome to your Thursday edition of the Daily Blast, the best roundup of all the nerdy news you need to know on the net!
In today’s edition:
At the top of the post: High-quality images of the forthcoming LEGO Ultimate Collector’s Series Slave 1, from Star Wars, have surfaced.
That’s it for today! See you tomorrow for your Friday Daily Blast!
Hello and welcome to your Wednesday Daily Blast! Hope your week is going well.
In today’s edition:
At the top of the post: Released on Monday, this Simpsons inspired “Frink Laboratories” print by Dave Perillo is pretty awesome.
-Â How To Train Your Dragon 3 is getting an extra year of training - the film will now be coming out on June 9, 2017. That reminds me, I still need to see the second one.
Ta ta for now! See you tomorrow with another Daily Blast!
Good morning, all! I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend.
Mine was pretty good - got to kick back, relax, and enjoy some gaming (The Last of Us on the PS4) and movies (The One I Love, which I reviewed here).
Never the less, we are all back in the saddle today, including us, your pals at Blast-O-Rama as we embark on another…DAILY BLAST!
In today’s edition:
At the top of the post: Although I’m sure they’re expensive, these new WBR (World’s Best Robot) figures from 3A Toys look amazing!
That’s it for today! See you on Wednesday!
This past holiday weekend, I sat down and did something I don’t regularly get to do (but I should do more often), rent a movie off of Amazon and just lose myself between my couch and my HDTV.
The selection on Sunday night was The One I Love, a movie currently in select theaters, but rentable on Amazon and iTunes. The trailer grabbed me - as we featured in a Daily Blast - and I had heard great Sundance buzz on the film, and I’m pleased to say it was an absolute surprise.
The One I Love focuses on a young married couple - Ethan (Mark Duplass, who you probably recognize from a million and one indie films) and Sophie (Mad Men‘s Elisabeth Moss). They’ve hit a rough patch on their marriage, and have been seeking counseling from a couples therapist (a wonderful cameo from Ted Danson). Their sessions have been unproductive, so as a last ditch effort, the therapist sends them to a weekend retreat, to work on themselves and each other. To describe the rest would ruin the film for you, but not all is as it seems in this resort. Ethan and Sophie are forced to face the flaws in their relationship in ways they never expected, and their bond is tested in the most unique of ways.
Running a breezy 91 minutes, The One I Love marks the directorial debut of Charlie McDowell, and it is a confident first film, wonderfully shot and edited (with a rather unique score, provided by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurrians). Duplass and Moss have tough roles here, but live up to the task of carrying the film with only their performances to support them. In lesser hands, the movie could feel cheesy, overdone or even ridiculous. With fantastic acting talent in Duplass and Moss, the film - and it’s unique situations - never feels out of the realm of believability.
Some how, by taking unique steps, The One I Love is one of the most refreshing, enjoyable and honest takes on romantic relationships I’ve ever seen, and I cannot encourage you view it more. Just don’t spoil it for anyone, yeah? Make an evening of it, and order it on VOD today.
Holy crap, you guys. Remember when I complained about the seeming lack of news earlier this week?
Apparently Thursday was the dumping grounds, as I have a LOT of stuff for you today.
In your week ending edition of the Daily Blast, get ready for…
At the top of the post: That awesome Batman poster for New York Comic Con this year comes from the pen of Francis Manapul, the current artist (and co-writer) ruling it on Detective Comics right now. The New York Post has more.
- Assassin’s Creed Unity - the PS4/Xbox One AssCreed game - has been pushed to a November 11th release. Still no female characters.
-Â Comic Book Resources got a look at more of Marvel’s action figure cover variants for the month of October.
That’s it for today! See you on Monday!
Almost there gang! It’s another Thursday as we head toward the end of the week - and with the dawn of the new day comes…a new DAILY BLAST!
In today’s edition of the Daily Blast:
At the top of the post: Behold! Our first look at Riley, the girl who’s emotions are personified in Pixar’s big release for next Summer -Â Inside Out.
- Empire has new images from Avengers: Age of Ultron. Nice coat, Hawkeye!
- Looks like Steve Carell (The Office) will be starring in a new Looney Toons live-action film, titled Acme. I sure hope it’s about the place where Wile E. Coyote gets all his cool shit.
-Â Newsarama has a first-look at a few of Marvel’s Action Figure variant covers for the month of October.
- Nerdist.com got an exclusive look at XKCD’s next book, a collection of the What If blog, run by creator Randall Monroe.
See you tomorrow for the FINAL DAILY BLAST OF THE WEEK! (so sad.)
Happy Wednesday folks! Excited to nab your comics for the week?
In today’s Daily Blast…
At the top of the post: That’s one of the many unused Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) designs featured over at /Film. Goddamn that movie was almost UGLIER.
-Â LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham is officially set for a November 11, 2014 release.
- Comic Book Resources got a great interview with writer Matt Fraction as he’s ready to say farewell to his fan-favorite run on Hawkeye. Gonna miss that book something fierce.
Smell you later, NERDS! See you TOMORROW!
Hola! A very happy Tuesday to you! And we continue our week here with the most important of daily columns, the one and only Daily Blast, a distillation of all the nerdy news bits you may need to know!
On tap today: A spoliery new Guardians of the Galaxy toy, cats running a restaurant, JK Simmons yelling, and Amazon bought something that Google wanted.
All that and more - in today’s Daily Blast!
At the top of the post: Looks like Jeremy Renner may return as Hawkeye in Captain America 3…
That’s it for today! See you tomorrow!
Good morning and a happy Monday to you, dear reader!
I hope you had a great weekend! Evidently the entire world did, as it was a very quiet weekend for nerdy news, so - I’m sorry, but here’s a less stacked than usual Daily Blast for your Monday. I blame the Simpsons marathon.
I expect like, Episode VII to leak today or something, based on how quiet everything was. Never the less, enjoy, and read on.
At the top of the post: Amazingly, this story took two years to break. Apparently, during the filming of The Dark Knight Rises, Tom Hardy took it upon himself to crash a wedding while dressed as Bane. My wedding will - officially - never compare.
See you tomorrow for more Daily Blast action!
Hello and Good Morning! Welcome to your Friday edition of the Daily Blast!
Sorry about missing yesterday, real life job duties called, and I was unable to get an article out, but hey! You get a double sized one today.
In today’s edition - amazing info filled posters, the coolest Adam West and Burt Ward toys ever, LEGO’s beautiful new headquarters, and one of my favorite actresses may be working with one of my favorite directors.
It’s all that and more, in today’s Daily Blast!
At the top of the post: Nerdist.com got an exclusive reveal of art from the forthcoming Info"¢Rama exhibit, featuring art collaborated upon by Tom Whalen and Kevin Tong - who you may remember some from amazing Mondo posters. This show is all about beautiful posters that also double as infographics. It’s a really stellar idea. Check it out!
- HELL YES! Jennifer Lawrence is rumored to be in talks to star in Quentin Tarantino’s next, The Hateful Eight, due next year.
- Are you ready for pre-cog CSI? Minority Report is being developed into a TV series by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television production company.
That’s it for this week! See you back here on Monday!
Happy Wednesday to you, dear readers! It’s time once again for your favorite round up of all things geek - the Daily Blast!
In today’s edition, we’ve got Marvel and DC movie news, a weird movie team-up, and a farewell to a great series of books. Read on and enjoy!
At the top of the post: There’s our first look at Paul Rudd as Scott Lang (who clearly has been through some shit) in Ant-Man, thanks to USA Today.
-Â Heads up, Cornetto fans! Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg are discussing a new movie together! Sure, it’s probably FAR from ready, but…they have a title!
-Â Star Wars Rebels is officially set for an October 3rd Debut on Disney XD, with regular episodes starting on October 13th, with new episodes every Monday following.
That’s all for today! See you tomorrow with a brand new Daily Blast!
Good morning and hello, its time once again to get the low down on all things nerdy and awesome - it’s your Daily Blast!
That said, today’s a very special day for me, and you’ll understand why with the video at the top of the post, which I explain under the cut.
At the top of the post: See that? That’s the first episode of the long awaited Super Art Fight web show, which is hosted/commentated by me, alongside Ross Nover. We’ve been working on this show most of the year, so to see it finally live on is REALLY goddamned cool, and I hope that if you’re a follower of this site - and not necessarily one of Super Art Fight - this is what makes you cross the line into awesomeness. Enjoy!
-Â /Film has an exclusive look at Gallery 1988’s next pop-culture art show, Squares 4 Squares, featuring the always fun art of Dave Perillo.
-Â ESC Toy, Dennaton Games, and Devolver Digital have combined forces to KickStart a high-end 1:6 scale figure of Jacket from the indie video game hit Hotline Miami.
See you tomorrow! And watch yourself some Super Art Fight!
Hey folks! Did you miss me?
It’s good to be back from vacation. Seems like quite a few things happened while I’m gone, so today’s Daily Blast is all about hitting some of the high points I missed while I was gone, while maybe spotlighting some news you missed. Either way, it’s good to be back.
At the top of the post: Seems like IndieRevolver.com sure put themselves on the map this week, with a LOT of Star Wars: Episode VII leaks. I’ll spare you the super spoilery ones, but it looks like we’ve got a legit look at the new Stormtrooper helmets, which look DOPE AS HELL.
- Twenty-Four by Thirty-Six is a forthcoming documentary ALL about the creation of movie posters, and if this teaser is any indication, it’s going to be a must watch.
Good to be back folks. Be back tomorrow with another Daily Blast, including some awesome Super Art Fight news!
Hey gang!
Just a heads up - I am on vacation, and in turn, Blast-O-Rama regular updates will be suspended until Monday, August 18th.
If MAJOR news breaks, I may drop in with some thoughts, but otherwise, I’ll be enjoying a rare bit of time off.
Stay awesome, readers!
Happy Thursday, folks! Yesterday was a pretty big day of nerd news, with a whopping NINE DC Comics movies dated - but not officially announced. Some other things happened as well, though, so I’ve gathered them up for you in the pool skimmer of the internet known simply as….the Daily Blast.
What do we have today?
More movie date changes, the awful title of the new Terminator film, an EVA the price of some people’s salaries, and the worst typo ever. Read on, gentle reader!
At the top of the post: Based on last week’s Hawkeye #19, geek shirt retailer WeLoveFine has a new Hawkeye shirt written in sign language, with the proceeds going to the Signing Time Foundation.
- Kingsman: The Secret Service (based on Mark Millar’s The Secret Service) is moving back from it’s original September release date, to a February 13, 2015 release.
Be back tomorrow for your Friday Daily Blast! Enjoy your day!
That was fast.
No sooner can the nerds start debating Marvel vs. DC in the theatrical realm, than DC announces nine release dates for as yet untitled movies. Considering Marvel Studios did something similar just before Comic Con, I suppose this is the way things are now.
The dates in question:
Source: Variety
In an absolutely unexpected move - and perhaps, a sign of the times - Warner Bros. Pictures has announced that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice will be releasing earlier, moving up to March 25, 2016 from the original May 6, 2016 release date.
While fans may be excited to see the big DC Comics crossover movie hitting theaters two months early, this is a remarkable blow against the film - or at least the studio’s perception of it.
Previously, Batman v Superman was to open on May 6, 2016. This date was also selected by Marvel Studios to serve as the release date for Captain America 3, pitting two major superhero films against each other on the same weekend.  Perhaps because of the MASSIVE $94 million opening of Guardians of the Galaxy, featuring B-List Marvel heroes in a time during the summer where films typically do not open huge, Warner Bros has made the call to move away from a Marvel Studios film.
In some eyes, this may make fans and pundits alike question the quality of the film - surely, WB believes that the movie is better than Marvel’s offering, correct? But perhaps this is hedging a bet - director Zack Snyder has a great track record with March releases, having opened both 300 and Watchmen to great success in that month.
For whatever its worth, last week I took a poll of my friends, if they would be seeing Captain America 3 or Batman v. Superman first, and Captain America 3 won handedly.
Source: Variety
Hello and a very happy Wednesday to you, dear Blast-O-Rama readers!
I hope the day has greeted you well, and as all days go, a new Daily Blast is here!
It’s a jam-packed midweek edition, full of all sorts of big news.
What do we have today? A major Fall video game has been pushed back, a classic children’s novel is getting a Disney adaptation, EVERY MOVIE is getting extended editions, and it’s never been easier to order pizza. Get ready for that and more, in today’s Daily Blast!
At the top of the post: Shooting has completed for next Summer’s Jurassic World, so director Colin Trevorrow decided to take to Twitter to share some old bones.
-Â Funko’s releasing a second line of WWE Funko Pop! Vinyl figures, and I’m not sure which one is the best…Daniel Bryan with his crazy beard, or the pitch-perfect “Macho Man” Randy Savage…
Now, if you excuse me, I’m gonna tap my way to some pizza. See you Thursday, nerds!
A good Tuesday to you! Hope you and yours are doing well this fine day.
As always, I’ve sailed the unruly seas of nerdy news to bring you the bits you need to know for the best damn daily roundup there is, the Daily Blast.
On the docket today: Bioshock’s going small, Resident Evil is getting more pretty, we’ve got the best gift for the Hulkamaniac in your life, True Detective Season 2 is heating up, and so so much more! Grab your gun! IT’S GO TIME!
At the top of the post: That awesome Voltron poster comes from the digital pen of the always colorful Signalnoise, who will be releasing it as a collaboration with Acidfree Gallery this Friday. You know you want one.
- Deadline.com has a long (kind of rambling) update on the Spider-Man franchise over at Sony. It sounds like we’ll be getting a female lead film (Spider-Woman? Black Cat?), and in something to make the kids of the 1990’s stoked - the Venom film is currently titled Venom Carnage.
Be back tomorrow with another roundup of the only news worth knowing. Have a great Tuesday!
Happy Monday everyone! How many times have you seen Guardians of the Galaxy so far?
Today is our first Daily Blast of August, and there’s some fun news bits that came out over a mostly quiet weekend.
What’s on tap? An amazing Marvel video montage, Saga artist Fiona Staples does Thor, and the first good idea I’ve heard for a new Ghostbusters yet. Click through to read on!
At the top of the post: Now that Guardians of the Galaxy is officially out, Marvel feels comfortable enough officially releasing an image of the mad titan Thanos from the film. Thanos is motion captured and voiced by Josh Brolin (No Country for Old Men).
- Bridesmaids director Paul Feig is being courted by Sony to direct a new Ghostbusters movie. Instead of a Ghostbusters 3, however, this would be a psuedo-reboot, featuring a new, all-female team of paranormal investigators. I really, really like this idea.
See you tomorrow, gang!
Happy August everyone!
Yes, I realize this means that Summer is starting to wind down, but at least we have one of the coolest movies of the year to see today, right? I mean - seriously, you’re all going to see Guardians of the Galaxy, right? Because WE loved it.
Anyway! In today’s week ending Daily Blast, we’ve got shark donuts, movie trailers, Garfunkel and Oates, and…somehow, a movie sequel I didn’t even realize was happening. How rare is THAT? Read on, gentle soul.
At the top of the post: Getting right ahead of the Guardians hype, Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow has tweeted a new image of Chris Pratt, who is also the lead in next summer’s Jurassic World.
That’s it for today! See you Monday. And go see Guardians already!
My biggest regret of my screening of Guardians of the Galaxy was that this trailer wasn’t attached to it.
With every new trailer for Interstellar it becomes more and more apparent that Christopher Nolan is working on something truly special, and it remains true with this latest clip.
I love the visions of space and other worlds shown here. I love the scope. And above all, I love the hope that radiates from it.
Interstellar hits theaters November 7. I’m now counting the days.
Before the Marvel Studios credit even shows, Guardians of the Galaxy showcases one of the most heart-wrenching scenes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, paired with one of its most incredible images. From then forward, we are thrust into the trustworthy hands of director James Gunn (Super), who over the course of the next 122 minutes throws us into a film mashed up of the greatest parts of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, Blade Runner, Star Wars, 1980’s culture, superhero films….and it’s all matched with an absolutely incredible soundtrack full of some of the greatest songs of the 1970’s.
Gunn has assembled a ridiculous pastiche of pop culture touchstones and time-tested genre filmmaking, while creating something truly unique and original. An absolute late-Summer delight, I cannot recall the last time I’ve been so happy walking out of a movie theater.
The story of Star-Lord, a.k.a. Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) - a character who, don’t worry if you’ve never heard of him, even the other characters of this film haven’t -Â Guardians of the Galaxy is a DEEP cut in the Marvel Universe. While the concept of the team originally appeared in the late 1960’s, the film is based off of a newer version of the team who only came about in 2008 - making them some of the newest kids on the Marvel block. Even the most well-versed fans would be hard pressed to tell you who they are - they’ve never been best sellers, they’ve never been idols to millions. And it’s this almost underdog nature which personifies the film.
Quill is an absolute screw-up - an Earthling who was brought into space as a young child, after the death of his mother from cancer - he makes ends meet stealing things around the universe and selling them to the highest bidder. After an attempted heist of a particularly fancy orb goes awry, he finds himself in jail - and quickly fast friends with a gaggle of misfits, including the deadly assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the equally as deadly Drax the Destroyer (WWE’s Dave Bautista), and the just as deadly walking-talking raccoon and walking-talking tree duo of Rocket and Groot (the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel, respectively).  Of course, that orb has something very important in it (something longtime Marvel fans would be very excited to see), and this leads to this new group crossing path with a group of baddies (including Amistad’s Djimon Hounsou and Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan) lead by Kree alien Ronan the Accuser (a nearly unrecognizable Lee Pace).
You can figure out the beats and paces from here, I’m sure, but what makes the movie so remarkable is the film’s incredible heart. Every moment is full of incredible pep and energy, sometimes moving left when you expect it to move right, touched off with great humor and wonderful music selections. Gunn (who wrote and directed the film) is clearly having fun here. From his Troma roots to his wonderful independent films, you can tell he’s longed to make a movie like this - of a surreal, galaxy traveling family coming together to bring about mirth, mayhem, destruction and laughter - and Guardians of the Galaxy delivers non-stop.
Acting wise, this movie is Chris Pratt’s coming out party. Having made many including myself bowl over in laughter with his performance as Andy on Parks and Recreation, Guardians allows Pratt to take center stage as a lead hero, and holy hell is he ever ready for it. This is Bruce Willis in Die Hard level surprise. Saldana and Bautista do solid work as Gamora and Drax, with Bautista as the bigger surprise, but the real joy (besides Pratt) is in Rocket and Groot. A masterful mix of beautiful computer generated imagery and wonderful voice work (even if one guy only has to say three words…repeatedly), they truly stuck the landing here. You will fall in love with a tree and raccoon, and believe them to be as real as anything else on screen. It’s beautiful work that, if it doesn’t win a Special Effects Oscar, someone has lost their mind at the Academy. In 12 years we’ve gone from Gollum in The Two Towers to this, and virtual actors have never seemed so great as they do here.
With Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel finds themselves at the beginning of a new franchise (the movie thankfully indicates that they WILL return) - but just as well, finds themselves at the TENTH film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Few studios have had the track record that Marvel Studios has had (Pixar and Studio Ghibli may be the only two closest, I believe) - and while some bumpy roads may lie ahead, including the most anticipated sequel of all time - Marvel Studios is at the top of their game.
The risk paid off. A thief, two thugs, an assassin, and a maniac have been made icons in same molds of a scientist, a icon and a thunder god. Guardians of the Galaxy is pure genre joy. Highest possible recommendation - see it this weekend. Then listen to the soundtrack on Spotify. You’re going to want to again and again.
Post-credit notes:Â There is both a wonderful mid-credits gag, and a very funny post-credits tag (which might be the most ballsy thing Marvel Studios has done yet). Stick around through them.
Happy Thursday, everyone!
Or, as I’m calling it - Happy Guardians of the Galaxy day everyone! Who else is going to the early screening tonight?
Sorry about missing the Daily Blast yesterday, I was under the weather, but today we’ve got a double-sized edition for you.
What’s on the docket? EA’s going subscription-based, Tarantino’s definitely doing a new movie in 2015, an awful Ninja Turtles poster, and a better look at the Deadpool test footage!
At the top of the post: This is rad - if you purchase Captain America: The Winter Soldier, you can order these adorable plushies!
Be back tomorrow for your Friday Daily Blast! And hopefully a Guardians of the Galaxy review too!
Happy Tuesday everyone, and welcome to your second Daily Blast for this final week of July.
It seems the world is still recovering from Comic Con, as the news world was pretty silent, but we’ve got some good stuff for you, including a brand new trailer for the final part of the Hobbit saga.
Read on and enjoy!
At the top of the post:Â Released alongside the new trailer, which you’ll see below, we’ve got a somewhat solemn new poster for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. I like it, though.
That’s it for Tuesday! See you tomorrow with another Daily Blast! As always, if you have any tips, shoot an email to marty at blast-o-rama dot com!
Man, what a crazy weekend of news!
But, sadly, some San Diego Comic Con news fell through the cracks here - but don’t worry. To scoop it all up, we have this - your Monday Daily Blast! There’s lots of fun stuff to watch today.
At the top of the post: While the internet was all a flutter about the first look at Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, it turns out that DC Comics was hiding a new look at Ben Affleck’s Batman right in plain sight.
While the spotlight was on forthcoming DC and Marvel based superhero films, arguably the most talked about presentation at Comic Con yesterday was Warner Bros forthcoming Mad Max: Fury Road.
The first film in the Mad Max franchise in nearly 30 years, Mel Gibson has been replaced by Tom Hardy (Inception), and a shortened version of the footage screened for con goers has been officially released.
In a word, this footage is incredibly badass. From insane car racing action to a post-apocalyptic Charlize Theron, Mad Max: Fury Road has something for everyone, and has now become one of my most anticipated films of Summer 2015.
Mad Max: Fury Road hits theaters on May 15, 2015.
After 20 years with Dark Horse, the Star Wars comics are returning to Marvel this January…which makes sense, considering they’re both owned by the same mouse now. At SDCC yesterday, during the “Cup O' Joe” panel, hosted by Marvel head Joe Quesada, Marvel officially announced its first three titles featuring that galaxy far, far away. January 2015 brings the ongoing Star Wars series, written by Jason Aaron (Wolverine & The X-Men) with art by John Cassiday (Astonishing X-Men), the first art from which is above. Feburary 2015 brings an ongoing Darth Vader title, scripted by Kieron Gillen (Young Avengers) and drawn by Salvador Larroca (Invincible Iron Man). Last, but far from least, is a Princess Leia mini-series, arriving in March 2015, with story by Mark Waid (Daredevil) and art by Terry Dodson (Harley Quinn). As you can see - Marvel is going all out with this franchise, and I’m pretty confident that these will not be the only three series to come from the House of Ideas.
During yesterday’s Legendary Pictures panel, fans were delighted by a video package announcing that, due to the success of this summer’s American Godzilla reboot (which we loved), Godzilla 2 is officially in production.
The best parts of the announcement?
Gareth Edwards (Monsters) will return as director, after helming the 2016 Star Wars extended universe film he is currently working on - and, perhaps more importantly, Godzilla 2 will bring more classic Kaiju to the series, as Mothra, Ghidorah and Rodan were teased.
No release date is set for Godzilla 2 at this time, but I’d guess something in the 2018 timeframe.
After a relatively subdued - compared to the rumors at least - Marvel Studios panel which saw most of the casts of Ant-Man and Avengers: Age of Ultron appear, plus awesome footage screened from each, the one new reveal hit the audience.
Despite being about a week out from the release of Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel has staked out a date Guardians of the Galaxy 2 - July 28, 2017.
Writer/director James Gunn (Super) will be returning for this film, as will, presumably the rest of the cast given Marvel’s proponency to sign their casts up for multiple films.
This also reveals one of the many unknown films given release dates over the last week by Marvel, giving the superhero studio a slate through 2019.
Currently going on as I type, the Warner Bros panel at SDCC 2014 is full of twists, turns and surprises.
The panel kicked off with surprise appearances by the director and stars of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Zack Snyder, Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill (Superman) and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman).
In addition to showing some footage which sounded appropriately Dark Knight Returns-esq, Snyder took to Twitter to reveal, finally, how Gadot will appear as the third part of the DC Trinity - Wonder Woman.
You can see her above, and I can’t argue, it looks good. The colorful tones are definitely muted, more gold than her standard red, white and blue - but she fits into the new theatrical DC Universe, if not also appearing a bit 300-esq.
I like it.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on May 6, 2016.
As we discussed earlier this week in the Daily Blast, Marvel has been giving out concept art posters from Avengers: Age of Ultron at their booth at Comic-Con International this weekend.
Today brings the release of the final two posters - Hulk and Thor - and with the release, we can now see that the image combined makes one amazing piece of Avengers vs. Ultron concept art, complete with a sneaky peak at Vision.
You can click the above image to make it larger, and see all the fun little details.
I’d imagine we’ll be seeing more from Avengers: Age of Ultron at tonight’s Marvel Studios panel. So, stay tuned.
Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1, 2015.
Ladies and Gentleman, Comic Con International has kicked off, with Preview Night in the books, and a LOT of news dropping.
I can already tell that talking about Mondo’s posters is going to be a wreck.
To be honest, I’m writing this on Wednesday night for your Thursday morning reading, so I feel like some big news will have already dropped that I’ve missed, but I promise, I’m doing my best! This convention weekend is CRAZY.
READ ON FOR THE AWESOME!
At the top of the post: Geek worries be damned, Marvel Studios is moving forward with promoting Ant-Man, with the above SDCC 2014 giveaway poster, which is from concept art from the film. Entertainment Weekly got the exclusive reveal.
- Entertainment Weekly was the home to this reveal of Colton Haynes in full Arsenal gear from Arrow Season 3.
The news flowed free over the past 24 hours, but don’t worry, we’re here to bottle it fresh from the stream.
That’s right kids…it’s time for another Daily Blast!
IN TODAY’S EDITION: LEGO Batmen! Cheap Batmen! High End Batmen! Patton Oswalt’s got a new book and even more!
Steel your nerves, and READ ON!
At the top of the post:Â Complex got the exclusive reveal for what is arguably the coolest SDCC 2014 exclusive - Â a 1966 Styled LEGO Batmobile set. $40 for those at the show, countless more dollars for chumps like me looking on eBay.
That’s your Daily Blast for today. Enjoy your Wednesday!
You can feel it in the air! We’re just ONE DAY AWAY from the beginning of nerd prom, as all eyes land on San Diego for Comic Con International. News keeps dropping, but the big reveals are being kept for Hall H.
What do we have today? Marvel’s selection of 75th Anniversary tales, a new Weezer song, the last of the Weird Al videos, JJ Abrams talks more about Star Wars charity (with another surprise), FX picks up awesome shows and MORE!
At the top of the post:Â Mondo is now going beyond high-end posters…into the toys game. Look at how awesome that Iron Giant is. You can see more here, including an adorable, Mike Mitchell designed Michelangelo figure.
-Â Fight Club 2 will be premiering in comic book form. Written by the original author, Chuck Palahniuk, with art from Cameron Stewart, look for it as a 10-issue mini-series from Dark Horse Comics in 2015.
See you tomorrow for your Wednesday Daily Blast!
Sorry folks, the weekend is over.
But don’t worry! We’ll ease you in nice with a Daily Blast chock full of awesome!
On the docket today: Marvel Studios has planned your next few years, Weird Al’s got a lot more videos, the ULTIMATE Batman LEGO set is coming, and we’ve got a pretty plausible plot for Star Wars: Episode VII.
At the top of the post: In a Babe Ruth-esq move, Marvel Studios has called their shot, announcing release dates  - but not film titles - through 2019.
- The New York Times brings this first look at Judd Apatow’s next comedy, Trainwreck. Written by and starring Amy Schumer, the movie features a diverse cast including Bill Hader (pictured) and WWE Champion John Cena. Really.
- USA Today got to reveal LEGO’s next major Ultimate Collector’s Set just ahead of SDCC 2014 - this new super-sized edition of The Tumbler from Christopher Nolan’s Batman films will run $199 for 1,869 pieces, including mini figures of Christian Bale’s Batman and Heath Ledger’s The Joker. How much would my fiancÁ© kill me if I bought this, I wonder…
That’s all for your Monday morning. See you back here tomorrow - or if major news breaks, we’ll try to fix it!
Hello! You’ve made it! It’s the end of the week!
Which means, really, there’s no better thing to do than kick back, slack off, and enjoy this week’s edition of the Daily Blast.
We’ve got some last minute SDCC news, we’ve got some Guardians of the Galaxy stuff, it’s a good way to end the week. Enjoy.
At the top of the post: Every year for the past few years, Warner Bros. has sponsored the giant swag bags for SDCC. This year’s batch was revealed, and all I can say is - there’s really a show called Mike Tyson Mysteries?!
See you back here on Monday! Have a great weekend!
It’s been a crazy week for comic fans so far, and it’s just going to get crazier as we are one week away from the start of Comic-Con International, AKA San Diego Comic Con, the biggest pop-culture show of the year.
In turn, it’s another jam-packed edition of the Daily Blast - with Marvel news galore, video game documentaries and so much more. Trust me when I say, this is the best selection of stuff to read you’ll find all day.
At the top of the post: Revealed last night on The Colbert Report, the worst kept secret in comics has been confirmed - Sam Wilson, the Falcon, will be taking over as Captain America, with his own comic, All-New Captain America launching in November. But, wait! There’s more! Check the comics section for that…
That’s all for this lovely Thursday. See you on Friday, nerds!
Get ready for the goosebumps - our first look at the sequel to 2012’s MASSIVE hit, The Avengers is here.
Entertainment Weekly once again delivers during Comic Con week with our first official image from The Avengers: Age of Ultron, with a new look at Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) in their new gear, plus the titular Ultron, played by James Spader.
The above image was posted to Twitter just about noon today, but the link itself does not appear to be live just yet.
We’ll update as we have more…
UPDATE: The article is now live!
As figured, Ultron is Tony Stark’s AI gone terribly wrong. Straight from the article:
The only problem? Ultron (played by James Spader through performance-capture technology) lacks the human touch, and his superior intellect quickly determines that life on Earth would go a lot smoother if he just got rid of Public Enemy No. 1: Human beings. “Ultron sees the big picture and he goes, Okay, we need radical change, which will be violent and appalling, in order to make everything better’; he’s not just going Muhaha, soon I’ll rule!’“ Whedon says, rubbing his hands together. Should be interesting to see what else Marvel has in-store for Comic-Con International next week.
UPDATE 2: Entertainment Weekly has also released 8 new photos, which we’ve mirrored for you below. You get that Avengers money, Cheadle!
[gallery ids=“18934,18935,18936,18937,18941,18938,18939,18940”]
Happy Wednesday, Nerdarinos!
Here’s hoping you got your Lady Thor nerd rage out yesterday, as I’d love to see the internet be a better place today (for the record, I freaking LOVE the idea of Lady Thor). But even if you haven’t - don’t worry! - we’ve got another Daily Blast practically splitting at the seams with nerdy goodness.
What’s on tap today? Weird Al has another video, 80’s icons team up in comic form, Futurama looks more beautiful than ever, Â and Joss Whedon trolls the internet! Strap in, let’s BLAST away!
At the top of the page: Artist Alexey Zakharov decided to take a stab at what a 3D animated version of Futurama would look like. Per his version? BEAUTIFUL.
- Big Hero 6, Disney & Marvel’s awesome looking CG film, will be getting a manga prequel, titled Baymax, in Japan.
- Tonight Show? Feh. Conan O’Brien’s now going to really make it - he’ll be starring in Roger Corman’s Sharktopus vs. Pteracuda, premiering on Syfy August 2nd.
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See you tomorrow! Same Blast time, Same Blast channel!
Announced earlier today on The View, this October, Marvel will be relaunching Thor with a brand new #1, and a brand new lady acting as the God of Thunder.
Written by Jason Aaron with art from Russell Dauterman, the story has Thor Odinson being made no longer worthy of the hammer of Mjolnir, and in turn, someone else - who has yet to be revealed - will be taking the hammer and the name of Thor.
This lines up with a hammer-less, axe-carrying Thor, as hinted toward in the pages of Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers.
Marvel.com has more details, and additional preview art, including a look at “Unworthy Thor”. Me? I like it.
Hitting theaters this Friday, July 18th, is The Purge: Anarchy - the sequel to The Purge, wherein for one 24 hour period, there are no laws and anything can and will happen…usually bad things.
To celebrate, our friends at Universal Pictures have hooked us up with a special prize pack, letting us give away a The Purge: Anarchy t-shirt (size large) and flashlight to one lucky reader!
How do you win? Check out the cool GIF app above, and reply, letting us know your favorite, and answer this question - if the Purge WERE real, what would you do?
We’ll randomly pick one winner, and then you’ll be mailed the goods! (Must be in the United States to win, and please, remember to fill out your email address when you reply.) You can enter NOW through Monday, July 21st!
Good luck!
No sooner than I post the Daily Blast saying its “coming soon”, Big Hero 6’s trailer has hit the web.
Baymax is going to become a HUGE fan favorite, and the movie looks absolutely beautiful.
Look for it on November 7.
EDIT: Updated with official Disney embed.
Back from Connecticut, it’s your favorite regular recap of all the great geeky news found on the web - it’s your DAILY BLAST!
Seriously, how are we already mid-way through July?
What’s in today’s edition? It’s a comics-heavy edition, leading into San Diego Comic Con, plus we’ve got our first OFFICIAL look at the cast of Big Hero 6, fighting game news coming out of EVO 2014, and the first of Weird Al’s new videos! Read on and enjoy!
At the top of the post: Like the rest of you, I am WAY excited for this October’s relaunch of Batgirl.
- Harmontown, the documentary based on the podcast of the same name, hosted by Community creator Dan Harmon, will have a theatrical and VOD release this fall.
Be back tomorrow! Have a great day!
Happy Thursday, everyone!
Another stacked edition of the Daily Blast is here for your reading enjoyment!
What’s on the docket today? EVEN MORE SDCC exclusives, a beautiful animated short film, the most irritating pre-order exclusive ever, and so much more!
Special note: There will be NO Daily Blast tomorrow, as I will be up in Hartford, CT, performing alongside Super Art Fight at ConnectiCon. Come out and say hi!
At the top of the post: The Poster Posse revealed a third round of Batman 75th Anniversary pieces yesterday. Check ‘em out!
-Â The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 continues to be teased by way of Presidential address.
- Arrow got The Atom, now The Flash gains Firestorm, with The Tomorrow People’s Robbie Amell joining the cast as the fiery hero.
See you guys on Monday - have a great weekend!
Good morning and hello, dear friends!
As the SDCC hype continues, today’s Daily Blast is full of comics news and not just one, but two high-profile new FPS games. Plus that hot mess above.
Check it out!
At the top of the post:Â That Photoshop nightmare is the first poster for Exodus: Gods and Kings, director Ridley Scott’s retelling of the story of Moses. As you’ll see in the movies section, the trailer looks better.
That’s that for your Wednesday Daily Blast! Let us know what you think of today’s edition of the comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Hello and happy Tuesday to you, dear readers!
I hope things are good where you are, but even if they’re not - don’t worry! IT’S TIME FOR YOURÂ DAILY BLAST!
What’s on the docket today? More Guardians of the Galaxy footage, Destiny gets a special edition or two, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles get their own pizzas.
GO FORTH! AND READ!
At the top of the post:Â NYC’s One-Shot Gallery is currently featuring an art show, “From Spawn to Saga” paying tribute to Image Comics. The above piece by Alex Leighton is one of my favorites, but you can view the whole show here.
-Â The Walking Dead returns to AMC this October, and of course, you can’t just premiere a show - you need a teaser trailer! Here’s the first for the new season of the zombie filled series.
- Superman Returns lead Brandon Routh will be joining the cast of Arrow this season, as classic DC hero The Atom.
That’s all for your Tuesday Daily Blast. Now go and have a great day, OK?
Hello and happy Monday fellow nerds!
I am back on the correct coast after a successful trip this past weekend to Anime Expo alongside Super Art Fight. It’s a real pleasure to get to do our brand of show so far away from home, and always surreal to have the heroes welcome we do.
Never the less, it’s time to get back to Blast-O-Rama business (until I leave for the next convention, on Thursday night), so here is your Monday Daily Blast, full of Fincher goodness, Doctor Who leaks and EVEN MORE Funko Pop Vinyls. ENJOY!
At the top of the post:Â That’s our first look at the latest set from LEGO’s crowdsourced Ideas line, the Exo Suit! Besides looking cool, this marks the first ever Green Space Man!
See you tomorrow at your normal time for your TUESDAY Daily Blast!
Good morning folks! It’s a JAM-PACKEDÂ Daily Blast today. I blame all of the SDCC exclusive news. People seriously want you to buy their swag this year.
Special note: I am leaving for Los Angeles tomorrow morning to play Anime Expo alongside Super Art Fight, so there will NOT be a Daily Blast or any other updates from me for July 4th. I’m sure some major news will break, just to spite me.
That said, we’ve got an awesome edition for you today, and we’ll be back as usual on Monday.
At the top of the post: That’s our first look at Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, courtesy of USA Today. I don’t notice any changes in the costume this go-around. Do you?
-Â The Expendables 3, starring every action star ever and…Kelsey Grammer, will be the first in the franchise to be rated PG-13.
-Â Deathstroke, starring, appropriately, the DC Comics anti-hero Deathstroke: The Terminator, will debut on October 22nd, by Tony S. Daniel (Superman/Wonder Woman). This is Slade’s return to DC Comics, after his last series ended in May 2013.
And that’s it for today’s Daily Blast! See you in Los Angeles if you can make it out, otherwise, have a great holiday, and don’t explode you (or your loved ones) this weekend. USA! USA! USA! USA!
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
It’s time once again for a jam-packed bit of Daily Blast goodness, with writer news, SDCC exclusives, and probably the worst sounding chip flavor I’ve ever encountered.
Start the middle of your week right - GET TO READING!
At the top of the post: One of the greatest video games ever (IMO), Okami will be getting some beautiful, limited run art prints by Dutch art dealership Cook & Becker.
That’s all for today! See you tomorrow with more awesome!
July is here, everyone - meaning we’ve hit the unofficial half-way mark of Summer.
But don’t fret! There’s more awesome to be had. 4th of July Fireworks, Guardians of the Galaxy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and of course, your favorite Daily Blast, every weekday…minus a few when I’ll be away for Super Art Fight stuff.
What’s in today’s edition? Community has been saved, more SDCC exclusives, DC Comics is going batty, an update on Sherlock and so much more! Click through to read on!
At the top of the post: Marvel released three more character posters for Guardians of the Galaxy. You can check out the rest here.
-Â Community will return as a web-only series for its sixth season, thanks to a last minute save by Yahoo!.
See you back here tomorrow with your Wednesday edition of the Daily Blast!
Your first Daily Blast of the week is also the last of June - look at that summer go!
What’s in today’s edition? We’ve got zombie rom-coms, we’ve got games leaked by European dealers, we’ve got expensive Batman toys, hell - we’ve even got Trapper Keepers!
Something for everyone. Read away!
At the top of the post: That’s the cover to Transformers Legacy, an awesome looking hardcover arriving this Fall, collecting the Transformers box art that induced so many daydreams in the children of my generation.
- Skyfall writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade have been brought in to punch up the script for the latest James Bond film, currently still titled Bond 24.
-Â Doctor Who will return on August 23 with the first adventure of the 12th Doctor (Peter Capaldi) in an extra long episode titled “Deep Breath”. The first teaser is above.
That’s all for today! Be back tomorrow with another brand-spanking new edition of the Daily Blast! May your week be awesome.
Aw yes! It’s Friday, and that means we’re finally at the end of the work week, and unfortunately, it’s your last Daily Blast of the week.
It’s a fun edition, although all news will probably pale in comparison to the Pacific Rim 2 announcement.
We’ve got SDCC exclusives, we’ve got Titanfall toys, we’ve got Judd Apatow’s return to TV, LOTS of Batman, and so much more!
CLICK THROUGH! READ THE INTERNETS!
At the top of the post:Â A shot from the newly opened “The Batman Exhibit”, now a part of the Warner Bros. Studios VIP Tour in Los Angeles. Gotta love that one of the promo shots is from the worst movie in the series.
- Predator Update! Shane Black’s new Predator film will actually be a sequel. Not a reboot.
Enjoy your weekend, folks! See you on Monday!
If your dog just got startled, it was from the supersonic pitch of my scream of joy.
Just now shared over social media, director Guillermo Del Toro has confirmed that Pacific Rim 2 will hit theaters on April 7, 2017.
In the video (above), Del Toro confirms not only will there be a sequel, but leading up to the 2017 release, fans can expect an animated series and comic series.
I CANNOT WAIT.
A busy Wednesday in the world of news means you’ve got yourself a JAM-PACKEDÂ Daily Blast for your Thursday morning.
What’s in today’s edition?
Brad Pitt has returned to World War II, Google’s got new tech for pretty much everywhere you are, the first teaser for the new Hunger Games is out, and yes, we actually have a news item about Aretha Franklin.
READ ON, YOU BEAUTIFUL FOOL!
At the top of the post: Thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we have our first look in years at the long in production Mad Max sequel, Mad Max: Fury Road. Don’t get TOO excited though, it doesn’t come out until next Summer.
- Infamous: First Light, the DLC add-on to Infamous: Second Son, focusing on anti-hero Fetch, will hit the PS4 on August 26.
- Guardians of the Galaxy hype is high over at Marvel Comics. So much so, they’re bringing back the team’s original lineup for a new series called Guardians 3000, written by Dan Abnett with great looking art from Gerardo Sandoval.
That’s it for today, gang. See you tomorrow for your Friday Daily Blast!
We’re half way through the week, which means we’re just THAT much closer to the long-awaited weekend.
So, why not take a few minutes for yourself, sit back, relax and get caught up on the world of nerdy news.
It’s your Wednesday Daily Blast!
In today’s edition: word on how Interstellar’s going to be rolled out to theaters, the return of Predator, and possible cast members for the next Cohen Brothers movie!
Read on, you crazy diamond.
At the top of the post:  That’d be a Predator. Why? Looks like Predator will be getting a reboot courtesy of director Shane Black (Iron Man 3). He’ll be re-uniting with his old pal, Fred Dekker (Monster Squad) doing script duties.
That’s all for today! Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you tomorrow, for a Thursday edition of the Daily Blast!
Happy Tuesday, dear readers! I hope today is treating you well!
In today’s Daily Blast: we’ve got special PS4 controllers, even more Michael Bay Ninja Turtles nonsense, a look back at Tim Burton’s Batman on its 25th Anniversary, a history of Space Ghost: Coast to Coast and so much more!
Grab your morning coffee, sit back and relax as we take you through all the awesome the Internet has to offer, in today’s Daily Blast!
At the top of the post: These are the awesome variant covers that Marvel has commissioned Skottie Young to produce for this fall’s Spider-Verse event.
Hope you enjoyed, nerds! See you back tomorrow for your hump day edition of the Daily Blast!
Hello and welcome back to your regularly scheduled Daily Blast!
Sorry for the missing Blasts on Thursday and Friday. Real life intervened - although we were able to post about the AWESOME news of Rian Johnson joining the Star Wars family.
Never the less, we’re back in action today, and should be the rest of the week.
What do we have today?
In this Ninja Turtle heavy edition, we’ve got trailers, we’ve got awesome LEGO artwork, we’ve got the latest DC Movie Rumors, and word on a new Pixar short. AND MUCH MUCH MORE!
What are you waiting on? Read this NOW!
At the top of the post: that’s our first real look at Shredder as he appears in the Michael Bay-produced Ninja Turtles film. I dig it.
- Latino-Review.com is reporting that in addition to the other DC Comic films rumored, Ben Affleck’s version of the Dark Knight will get a solo film in The Batman, hitting in 2019. Yes, movies are now planned for that year. Yes, that year is actually real, not just the setting of a sci-fi film.
- Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow is teasing dinosaurs over at his Twitter.
- Pixar has announced Lava as the short to screen prior to Inside Out, their Summer 2015 release.
- Legendary Pictures is releasing an adaptation of the video game Dead Rising, exclusively to Sony’s streaming service, Crackle.
- This really awesome print inspired by the 1966 Batman TV series will be a San Diego Comic Con exclusive. Why must they always get the cool stuff?
- Lifetime is making a movie going behind the scenes of Saved by the Bell. Why does the first cast shot look like a Porn Parody?
- Viz has announced that the new Sailor Moon series, Sailor Moon Crystal, will stream online the same time it airs in Japan, starting July 5th.
- Rosario Dawson has joined the cast of Marvel/Netflix’s new Daredevil series, a choice sure to set fanboy hearts a flutter. After Clerks 2, I don’t blame them.
-Â I love this line of custom-built LEGO Heroes on Couches, by Angus MacLane (of Pixar!)
That’s it for today! Be back tomorrow with another Daily Blast! The Daily Blast…it’s for your face!
Take this with a grain of salt, as it hasn’t come direct from Lucasfilm/Disney just yet, but…
Deadline.com is reporting that Rian Johnson has been appointed to follow JJ Abrams, and not only direct, but also write the next two main-line Star Wars films, Episode VIII and Episode IX.
This continues the line of rising talent being brought to the franchise by Lucasfilm, with Godzilla’s Gareth Edwards and Chronicle’s Josh Trank being assigned to the “extended universe" Star Wars films.
As a huge fan of Rian Johnson’s other films - Brick, The Brothers Bloom and Looper - I can only hope these rumors are true. More as we have it.
UPDATE - The Wrap indicates he will just be writing the treatment for Episode IX.
In today’s Daily Blast….
YET ANOTHER Resident Evil movie! A new look at Expendables 3! More Scooby-Doo! And…the best cat-based video game ever.
Happy Wednesday! Let’s do this!
-Â Scooby-Doo is getting a reboot. Because, well, it’s been a while since a new movie, I guess.
-Â Transformers: The Premake is a unique look at the creation of a blockbuster film, and also the interaction between a large studio and its audience. Definitely worth a watch.
Have a great day and see you tomorrow!
It’s Tuesday, June 17th - we’ve got singing Troll dolls, Draculas, the return of the Powerpuff Girls, an update on the American version of The Raid and some sad NBA stars.
Strap in - it’s time for your Daily Blast!
At the top of the post: Yes, they really are making an Angry Birds Transformers game, complete with “Autobirds” and “Deceptihogs”. I suppose it only makes sense given that Hasbro’s been making all of the toys for them…
- Mudbloods, the first documentary about those who play a real-life version of Quidditch (from Harry Potter) is due in theaters and on VOD this October.
This post brought to you by Warner Bros./PartnersHub.
Gang -Â The LEGO Movie is one of our movies of this year, and appropriately, we’re SUPER stoked for the release of the movie on Blu-Ray tomorrow, June 17th.
But what if I told you YOU COULD WIN IT FOR FREE?!
That’s right, our pals at WB Home Entertainment and PartnersHub have authorized us at Blast-O-Rama to give away one copy of The LEGO Movie on Blu-Ray Combo Pack.
How do you win? Easy! The below widget allows you to create a 6 second LEGO GIF Video, which is then made available on YouTube. Just reply to this post with your YouTube link, and one randomly selected person will be chosen to win The LEGO Movie absolutely free!
When you reply, please be sure to have an email address listed, and please be in the continental United States. Thanks!
And remember, EVERYTHING is awesome!
Entries will be accepted through Monday, June 23rd. Good luck!
LEGO! Robot Hybrids! Weird Al! Portable Game Machines! And more!
That’s what we’ve got to kick off your week, with your Monday Daily Blast!
- Looks like Jon Chu (GI Joe: Retaliation) will direct Now You See Me 2. Is it too much to ask that he brings Dwayne Johnson to THIS franchise, as well?
- The Studio Ghibli documentary The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness will receive a US release. This is a definite must see!
- Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) has completed the script for his next film, The Nice Guys. Word is, Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are being courted to star. Me, I don’t care who’s in it. After Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, I’m in for ANYTHING he does.
- NBC is developing a TV mini-series event about The Beatles by the team behind The Tudors. Didn’t we say all we had to say with The Beatles Anthology, though?
- Heavy Metal and Weta Workshop are teaming up to bring Image Comics’ Rat Queens to the small screen as an animated series. The comic didn’t do much for me, but I know the series has a rabid fanbase who I’m sure will devour this news.
-Â Netflix has itself a fancy new logo and look. I kinda like it.
- Word is, this is a look at the iPhone 6, which will come in 2 sizes - a 4.7 inch screen and a 5.5 inch screen. What does it say about me that for my next iPad, I’m interested in the smaller model, but if true, I’m kinda into a bigger iPhone?
-Â I love this custom LEGO Arcade Machine build by Andrew Lee.
Be back tomorrow with another installment of your…Daily Blast! Be sure to stick around here at Blast-O-Rama for any big breaking news!
It’s arguably one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood, as it’s been rumored for some time, but overnight, HitFix has confirmed that Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones) will appear as Aquaman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, before playing the role proper in Justice League.
It’s certainly a unique choice to play Arthur Curry, but also a very Zack Snyder-y pick.
According to Drew McWeeny at HitFix, the plan is for Aquaman to be particularly pissed off, given the way the World Engine wrecked the Indian Ocean in Man of Steel. Looks like Batman v Superman will be a film of consequence, and I - while still reserved about some of their choices - am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
Here’s hoping Khal Drogo gets a sweet hook hand!
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hits theaters on May 6th, 2016.
In today’s Daily Blast: A creepy CGI Paddington Bear! Michael Keaton is…Birdman? Two Tom Hardys! Apple’s AWESOME Cafeteria! And Ice Cube yells nice things!
All that and more - just read on, dear reader!
The last Guardians of the Galaxy character poster has hit Fandango - it’s Chris Pratt as Star-Lord.
So ends another Daily Blast! See you back here on Monday!
One-time head of Deadline.com, Nikki Finke launched her new website today, and her first scoop is certainly to the interest of comic book fans.
According to the angry Miss Finke, Warner Bros and DC Comics will be announcing a full slate of connected comic book films through 2018 at Comic Con International this Summer.
The rumored line-up, which she stresses is in flux, is as follows:
Accordingly, we should expect to see Cyborg, Flash and Green Lantern in Batman v Superman.
What say you? It’s a very aggressive schedule, but I think if done right, this could be a great thing in theaters alongside the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
One year from today, June 12th, 2015, Jurassic World will hit theaters.
The long awaited fourth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise, director Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed) returns to Isla Nubar with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas-Howard in tow.
The AV Club got an exclusive look at the first images from the movie, which we’ve mirrored below, which show no dinosaurs, but underline how perfect Chris Pratt will be as the hero here. I know I’m excited!
[gallery ids=“18512,18511,18510”]
BRING ON THE DINOS!
A special double-sized edition - since the service I use to gather all these stories was down - this edition of the Daily Blast is jam packed full of goodness.
We’ve got the latest team-up of Rogen and Franco, the weirdest mech ever, an amazing NASA spaceship, and some more gaming news from E3.
Strap in, here is your DAILY BLAST!
-Â Sonic the Hedgehog is getting his own movie. It just has to be better than Super Mario Bros, right?
-Â Expect a 10 minute “super serious” cut of 22 Jump Street as a bonus on the Blu-Ray.
-Â IRON FIST IS GONNA BE IN DISNEY INFINITY 2.0! OH MAN!
-Â When you’re asked “Why aren’t there female characters?” in your game, never ever answer “It’s too hard!"
- The Lion King is 20 years old, you guys. That means it is now officially time to make it relevant to a new generation, which the new The Lion Guard cartoon aims to do.
-Â Stanford researchers have actually looked into the mathematical possibility of the AMAZING dick joke from Silicon Valley’s season finale. It all adds up.
-Â I want this NASA Enterprise ship to become real. Keep doing the good work, Dr. White.
-Â The New Pornographer’s will return in August with a new album titled Brill Bruisers.
That’s all for today! See you tomorrow for ANOTHER Daily Blast!
Shown last night on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, the first trailer for the sequel to 1994’s Dumb & Dumber, the appropriately titled Dumb & Dumber To looks like that Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey are picking up exactly where they left off.
Besides, where else would you expect to see a dusty vagina gag?
We’ll see how the Farley Brothers' latest madcap adventure through gross out humor goes when it hits theaters on November 14th.
One of the biggest question marks heading into this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo was the status of Nintendo.
After a Phoenix-like rise last generation with the massively successful Wii console, Nintendo has had a bumpy road these past few years. Â From the less than stellar initial performance of the handheld 3DS (which turned to success after time) to the awful sales performance of the Wii U (which I’d argue is due to customer confusion), and most alarmingly a number of successive quarters losing money, things are looking grim for arguably the company most think of when you say the word “video games”.
That said, at E3 2015, Nintendo didn’t address these issues. They just gave us what they do best. Games.
As opposed to the standard opulent press conferences which serve as equal parts hype machine and stockholder’s call, somehow mixing new trailers with sales information and stats on hardware, Nintendo decided they’d rather pitch right to the fans, with an online only streaming event.
Based on the responses across the Twittersphere, I’d say it worked.
Among the things announced (I again link to Polygon, as their coverage this year of E3 is absolutely KILLING it):
The issue remains - why buy a Wii U?
If you love just Nintendo games, you probably already have one, or are going to buy one for some combination of Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8 or The Legend of Zelda. But those same hardcore’s probably will own a Wii U in addition to an Xbox One or PlayStation 4.
And that remains the biggest problem. Much like in the era of the GameCube, or the later years of the Wii, Nintendo is having a hard time striking the interest of developers AND audiences, to make them a focus. Hell, UbiSoft even admitted this week that they have games ready for the Wii U, but the audience isn’t there to bother releasing it.
As great as the lineup showcased was, Nintendo has a tremendous hurdle to climb. Hell, I’d love to play all of those games. But personally, I can’t justify $300 for a system featuring handful of polished games and a large tablet controller.
The clock is ticking. The pace is picking up. Lets hope that Mario can rush to the end of the level and achieve victory once more.
We promised we’d still share big news whenever it happens!
Joining Charlie Cox (playing Matt Murdock/Daredevil), Marvel has announced veteran character actor Vincent D’Onofrio will be playing the legendary Kingpin, Wilson Fisk in the forthcoming Netflix Daredevil series.
D’Onofrio is no stranger to both crime and episodic television, having had a storied career including a memorable run on Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Look for Daredevil to hit Netflix in 2015.
A new look at Disney’s Big Hero 6, a creepy 3D Spongebob, Rooney Mara and David Fincher news, and the MOST EXTREME SUNNY DELIGHT EVER cap off today’s Daily Blast. Strap in and read on!
The real stars of Guardians of the Galaxy? Groot and Rocket, for sure. Fandango has the first of a series of character posters coming this week, and the best characters take center stage first.
Now that they’ve blown people away with the Jump Street and LEGO movies, Phil Lord and Chris Miller are discussing a Clone High movie. How do I kickstart the shit out of this idea?
With Josh Brolin and George Clooney joining the new Cohen Brothers film, Hail Caesar!, is there any reason to NOT see it?
Looks like Rooney Mara and director David Fincher might re-team on the spy film Red Sparrow. I’m in!
The Franco Brothers (Dave and James) are making a movie about the making of The Room. I think we’ve reached peak Franco.
Speaking of Dave Franco, Neighbors was one of the true surprises of the Summer so far. Discussions have started for a sequel, but I have to ask - what loose ends were left to necessitate one?
Joshua Jackson really wants a Mighty Ducks 4. You and me, Josh. You and me and that evil Icelandic hockey team.
I really dig these street art styled posters for the new Ninja Turtles movie.
ACK! 3D SPONGEBOB IS CREEPY!
I really love the art style of the forthcoming PS4 indie title, Night in the Woods.
To the surprise of few, the sequel to first-person mech vs. pilots shooter Titanfall is in development, and the one-time Xbox exclusive title should be available for the PlayStation 4 as well this go around.
Look for more gaming news in our look at yesterday’s E3 Press Conferences!
Apparently Apple went straight to the FDA when they started designing the HealthKit integration in iOS 8. Savvy move.
Comedy Central is smart - they just renewed Inside Amy Schumer, TripTank and (praise the lord) Review.
Sunny Delight apparently isn’t cutting it anymore, so in their ongoing battle against Purple Stuff, they’ve stepped up to the plate with a new energy drink - the aggressively named SunnyD X.
See you tomorrow with more news you can use from all around the web! Let us know in the comments how you’re enjoying these Daily Blasts!
The first, yet unofficial day of E3 was a jam packed adventure, with press conferences from Microsoft, Electronic Arts, UbiSoft and Sony.
While each company had their pros and cons, one thing became clear - for those of us who play games, 2014-2015 will be an amazing time.
After the jump - my brief thoughts on each press conference, along with my picks for the best looking games shown so far!
I’m not going to try to recap each press conference for you - there are better teams to do so.
Personally, I love Polygon’s coverage, so that’s who I’ll be linking.
Electronic Arts: Oof. EA had a rough hand this year. On one hand, they showcased many potentially great sounding games that are currently in development. That said, most of their games showcased were very early in development, and in turn, it was hard to get excited about anything tangible. I am quite excited for Criterion’s multi-vehicled racer (which is yet to have a title - like I said, it was early in development), I know the Mass Effect fans were excited to see that a new game is coming, but honestly - the big deal was tossed out early - Star Wars: Battlefront will be a license to print money. Savvy move with the Battlefield: Hardline beta giveaway, though.
UbiSoft: UbiSoft’s press conferences always feel odd to me. Perhaps it’s because their games are showcased similarly in the Microsoft and Sony press conferences, making UbiSoft’s feel unnecessary. That said, fans of their franchises should be excited as the new installments of the Assassin’s Creed and FarCry franchises are certainly aimed to please.
Sony: Wow. I realize I may have an innate bias, as I am a PlayStation 4 owner, and in turn, Sony’s my dog in the race, but boy did they ever come out swinging last night. TONS of incredible new games were showcased, and while yes, many aren’t Sony specific, Sony is locking in exclusive content, or a period of timed exclusivity, or being the only console for certain games. In an era where game developers need to be able to branch out beyond a single system to remain profitable, it’s smart to pull together these kinds of deals, and the PlayStation 4 looks to flourish over the next year. They’re clearly going all in on Destiny, with an exclusive alpha period (starting this week), having the beta first (in July), getting exclusive content, and even releasing a special bundle. I certainly hope it pays off, as Destiny is the game I’m most excited for so far this gaming generation. But that wasn’t enough, oh no. They showcased an extremely wide breadth of games, from A-List third-party games (Batman: Arkham Knight), to console exclusives (Uncharted 4 was teased) to remarkable indies (No Man’s Sky), and even a commitment to original programming with the announcement of the PlayStation-only Powers series, due to hit PSN at the end of the year.  There truly was something for everyone, even if moments - especially the Vita and PlayStation Now discussions - floundered.
Sunset Overdrive is the first Xbox One exclusive that has intrigued me.
After loving the reboot, I am very excited to continue with Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Star Wars: Battlefront is going to be HUGE. And beautiful.
By the team that created Journey, ABZU looks like a can’t miss.
Yeah, I am 100% in for Destiny in September.
Holy hell. LOOK AT HOW PRETTYÂ Batman: Arkham Knight is!
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain continues to look fantastic.
And finally - from a team of just four people (Hello Games), No Man’s Sky isn’t even a game that I knew I wanted, but now that I’ve seen it, it’s the only thing I think I want!
It’s another long day of gaming announcements today, with the big press conference being digital only - from Nintendo. Here’s hoping we have another day of awesome game reveals. It’s a good time to be a gamer!
This post is sponsored by Snickers.
A delicious new SNICKERS® Bar is coming. It has more peanuts, more caramel, and more chocolate. It has more of everything people love most about SNICKERS — except nougat and a name. Mars Chocolate North America has announced that for the first time YOUÂ will have the opportunity to help name the newest product from SNICKERS!
The as-of-now unnamed bar includes a single delicious layer of crunchy roasted peanuts and smooth caramel perfectly blended and enrobed in milk chocolate. And fans get to name it. You can visit the SNICKERS Facebook page (www.facebook.com/snickers), through June 13, 2014, to choose from one of five possible names:
Just comment on this post with what you picked, and you’ll be entered to win a SNICKERS Voting Prize Pack that includes a SNICKERS bar, A SNICKERS BITES pack, a SNICKERS Almond bar, a SNICKERS Peanut Butter Squared bar, a SNICKERS Rockin’ Nut Road Bar, and a pair of movie tickets!
Totally rad, right? You only have until June 15th to enter, so get to voting, and we’ll randomly pick one commentor to win the Snickers Voting Prize Pack! It’s that easy.
Please note, this is only open to people in the continental United States, and be sure to fill out the email field! No email to reach you, you can’t win! Good luck!
Mark Hamill is ready for Episode VII! All sorts of games are getting hinted at toward E3! Taco Bell is combining all of their foods! And we got a bunch of Spider-Men! Get ready for that, and more, in today’s Daily Blast!
It’s easy in this day and age of massive comic book franchises and world ending catastrophes, sometimes, all a good summer blockbuster needs is a decent concept, some fun characters and great action. Luckily for us, Edge of Tomorrow has all that and more in spades.
Edge of Tomorrow focuses on Major William Cage (Tom Cruise). Cage is, at best, the most smarmy PR person you’d ever meet.  Serving as the PR head for the UDF - United Defense Forces - his job has been to promote and otherwise push the war effort as a talking head on all of the cable news networks. The world has been embroiled in a war with an alien species, called the Mimics, for the past five years.  Cage has done his job well, but when he decides that he doesn’t want to cover “Operation: Downfall”, a major final offensive from the front line, he gains the ire of UDF Commander General Brigham, is stripped of his title, and made a grunt soldier, just in time for this war’s version of Normandy.
Understandably - things don’t go well. Cage is stronger with his mouth than with his braun, and he dies almost immediately on the battlefield. But in an interesting twist - each time he dies, he returns back to the beginning, able to re-live the battle, advancing further and further on each try. In short, his life has become a level in a video game.
Cage quickly finds himself aligned with the face of the battleground, an extremely adept solider with secrets of her own, Rita Vrataski, the “Angel of Verdun” (or “Full Metal Bitch”) works with Cage to not only make him battle ready, but also to complete her own mission of finally ending the Mimic threat.
Directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity), Edge of Tomorrow is a gritty, hard nosed action thriller that pays homage to countless sci-fi films before it - movies such as Starship Troopers, Aliens, and of course, the comedy classic Groundhog Day. The movie mixes heart racing action with a surprising sense of humor, keeping you captivated through every attempt and re-try. There’s almost a syncopated rhythm to how the film works. “Live. Die. Repeat.” is more than a tag line, it also perfectly lays out the films plot, and somehow, never feels bogged down in each new life for Major Cage.
What gives the movie such life is its wonderful cast. Cruise is the perfect lead for the film. His movie star charisma is brilliantly subverted by playing such a slimy asshole in Cage, and those who have lost the love due to his antics over recent years will love seeing Cruise die time and time again. It’s an extremely self-aware role for him, and he lives up to every minute. The real joy of the movie is Emily Blunt, finally showcasing what Marvel Studios lost when they weren’t able to secure her as Black Widow, and I cannot wait to see the legions of fans Rita Vrataski gains with the release of this film. At the least, between her exoskeleton and helicopter blade sword, I’m sure we’re going to see cosplayers a plenty this summer. Blunt is incredibly captivating, and incredibly bad ass here, and I hope she gets more of an opportunity to be a thinking-man’s action movie femme fatale.  With two solid leads, Edge of Tomorrow surrounds them with brilliant character actors, including a grumpy Brendan Gleeson as the UDF Commander, and a brilliant Bill Paxton, showing us what would’ve happened to Aliens' Hudson had he grown up, as Master Sergeant Farrell.
Minus some issues with the films ending - similar to Cruise’s own War of the Worlds - Edge of Tomorrow is a hell of a great time at the movies. Is it perfect? No. But it’s a high B+. A solid 8/10. A movie that showcases everything the Summer movie season should be about. And hopefully, you can enjoy it just as much as I did. Check it out before it leaves theaters.
Direct from Marvel.com:
After a whirlwind, controversy filled two weeks, Marvel has their new creative team for Ant-Man.
Peyton Reed’s an interesting choice. Having helmed mainstream comedies such as Bring It On and Yes Man, he may not be your first pick, but clearly he knows how to satisfy a studio. Looking at his IMDB profile, one can see that Reed has worked on irreverent comedies such as Mr. Show and the Upright Citizens Brigade series.
When mixed with a punched up script by Adam McKay (Anchorman), I have a feeling that even though this won’t be the Ant-Man film we want, this could still be an interesting, comedic diversion for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In a perfect world, Edgar Wright would deliver his superhero film to us next July.
In this less than perfect one, Marvel may have found the way to make lemonade out of this situation. Here’s hoping for the best.
We’ve got awesome Guardians of the Galaxy posters, news on more Disney live action movies, some pre-E3 gaming announcements, big news on the Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary plans, and even some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-inspired pizzas in today’s Daily Blast.
Prep your eyeballs! There’s a lot of awesome to take in!
-Â The new poster for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is really wonderful.
That’s it for today’s Daily Blast! Hope you enjoyed! Let us know what you think in the comments!
Thought I’d try a new idea here - giving you a maximum amount of awesome geeky stories in one bite-sized article. Let me know what you think in the comments!
In today’s Daily Blast - The Star Wars franchise gets even bigger! Batman fans are going to be bummed! And get ready for the most adorable version of Breaking Bad ever conceived!
- Director JJ Abrams took to Twitter to scold those sites posting photos from the set of Star Wars: Episode VII (pictured at the top of the post), while making a tongue-in-cheek reveal of his own.
-Another stand alone Star Wars film was given a director - Josh Trank, of Chronicle and the soon-to-film Fantastic Four reboot!
While Marvel Studios still hasn’t settled on an Ant Man director yet, that hasn’t stopped them from making moves on other films.
-It’s all been confirmed that Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men) will be playing Thanos both in Guardians of the Galaxy and a forthcoming Avengers sequel.
-The long awaited Doctor Strange movie got closer to reality, with the appointment of director Scott Derrickson (Sinister) and a strong rumor that Jared Leto is being asked to play the Sorcerer Supreme.
And in other news…
- Hercules continues to look like the guilty pleasure of the Summer, with its new trailer, above. The movie hits on July 25th.
- If you were looking forward to Jupiter Ascending, the next sci-fi film from the Wachowski’s, bad news - it just got pushed until February 2015.
WB Games and NetherRealm Studios officially announced Mortal Kombat X in 2015, for PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. The first trailer (above) looks pretty rad.
Well, this is a bummer. WB Games also announced that Batman: Arkham Knight was being pushed from its Fall 2014 release date into 2015. But hey, we have a cool new look at the Batmobile, so that should hold us for a bit…right? But wait, what’s with all the guns?
In addition to working on a new album, the Foo Fighters have been working on a documentary series about the making of it. It will premiere on HBO this Fall, and the first look at the show - called Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways - is above.
LEGO has announced a really rad looking MINI Cooper set for this August. Designed for the adult collectors, it’s a bit pricey, but it turned out great!
Yeah bitch! Funko has announced Breaking Bad as the next television series to get the POP! Vinyl Treatment. Is this the first POP! Vinyl in its underwear?
That ends this first edition of your Daily Blast - again, let us know what you think! We’ll be back tomorrow with another edition, and drop any major breaking news as it happens!
The last minute change in directors last week for Marvel Studios’Â Ant Man turned into quite a mess over the weekend as the list of directors was narrowed to three - then one - and then back to zero again.
In the wake of director Edgar Wright (The World’s End) pulling out due to “creative differences”,  The Hollywood Reporter issued a short list late on Friday of the possible new director candidates.
The choices - mixed in quality, but all with a comedic focus, were as follows:
Fans became excited on Saturday as word from Ain’t It Cool News was that Adam McKay was the man, and the decision was all but made when, suddenly, on Saturday afternoon, McKay announced that he was out of the running.
On his Twitter, he wrote:
— Adam McKay (@GhostPanther) May 31, 2014
So now we’re back to square one. If Marvel is still looking at Fleischer or Thurber, my personal pick would be Fleischer, as he showed in Zombieland a deft hand for mixing action and comedy - but the clock is ticking. The film was supposed to be in front of cameras in a number of weeks, and a serious amount of pre-production is done and ready in Atlanta - who will be the man to fit the big (then small, then big again) shoes for Ant Man?
Discovered by a poster over at the Xbox One subreddit, provided this is legit (I’m guessing the poster must work for a game store of some type), it looks like we’ll be hearing about a brand new installment of the Mortal Kombat franchise any day now.
Personally, I’d love to see a new MK, the 10th installment in the series. The last one, titled simply Mortal Kombat, was an absolutely fantastic game, which did a wonderful job of melding generations of the franchise in one great fighter.  Of particular note, was the great story mode, which was further improved in last year’s great Injustice DC Comics fighting game.
If I had to put money down, I’d say we’ll hear more about this at E3 next month - which runs June 10-12.
Here at Blast-O-Rama, we’re not a big fan of discussing rumors unless they have some serious credibility - hence why you haven’t heard too much from us in relation to Jurassic World, the new movie in the Jurassic Park series currently filming.
There have been a significant number of leaks and rumors coming from the set, and to set the record straight, Slashfilm sat down and had an exclusive interview with the film’s director, Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed).
Trevorrow goes rather in-depth on the film, so massive spoiler alerts for those who intend to read the full article, but it proposes an interesting take on the Jurassic Park franchise.
Set once again at Isla Nubar, the Park itself has become rather ho-hum, and the movie tries to focus on how such a park would actually work - and how it would be received in the era of social media. Of course, things will go awry, and the movie will feature the dinosaur mayhem we know and love, but I really like the fresh, modern take on the Park and those who may go to it.
If you’re willing to learn a little more than expected about the film, I highly recommend the read.
Jurassic World is set to hit theaters on June 12, 2015.
Arguably one of the hottest book at Marvel Comics right now is All-New X-Men.
Written by superstar writer Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Spider-Man), the series has become a linchpin of his take over of the X-Men universe, and shockingly, he’s made the concept - a terrible on-paper idea of bringing the original X-Men to the present from the past - incredibly readable, and even enjoyable. Â Simply put, it’s a great read every month.
Well, in the forthcoming issue #32, due out this September, Bendis is giving us quite the surprise.
The above cover was posted on his Tumblr just before the holiday weekend, with a brief note saying “this is real!”
For those unawares - the character in the center is Miles Morales. He’s currently Spider-Man in the “Ultimate” Marvel Universe, which serves as an alternate reality to the “proper” Marvel Universe, one with a different - and less bogged down - continuity.
Unless this is a swerve, this would mark the first time that Morales appears in the Marvel Universe proper.
By the way - got to love how they referenced a classic X-Men cover here…
If you haven’t seen the 2001 cult comedy classic Wet Hot American Summer, you should go and fix that.
Here, I’ll wait.
…
Great, right?
Well, guess what? 12 years later, creators David Wain and Michael Showalter are said to be in talks with Netflix about bringing back the summer camp comedy with a 10 episode prequel series.
No word on an intended release date or the plot, but given the amazing cast that the film featured (including Bradley Cooper, Amy Poehler, Elizabeth Banks, Michael Ian Black, Paul Rudd, Janeane Garofalo and others), this could be an absolutely amazing show.
We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
I was wondering why there weren’t any movie based Slurpee cups this Summer.
Now I know why - 7-Eleven no longer wants movie fans, they instead want the hipster vote.
At least that’s what I assume by their new series of collectors cups and straws. The cup - a faux plastic mason jar. The straws - based on mustaches.
I feel like something just jumped a shark somewhere.
Here’s the full press release, direct from 7-Eleven. It’s kinda cringe-worthy.
Dallas (May 12, 2014) — It was only a matter of time. They’re seemingly everywhere — on party supplies, clothing, jewelry, candy, decals, at stache bashes, in party photo booths, even on cars and baby pacifiers.
Now, mustaches are on Slurpee® drink straws too, the perfect accompaniment to this summer’s new, novelty Slurpee cup — a 26-ounce refillable, plastic Mason jar mug. Both on-trend Slurpee accessories, sold separately, are made for summer fun and available exclusively at participating 7-Eleven® stores.
Retailing for 99 cents, the mustache straw comes in four styles and colors. The suggested retail price for the clear Mason jar mug with a colorful screw-top lid, reusable straw (sans mustache) and Slurpee logo is $2.99. The retro-like cup also comes in four colors — blue, green, orange or pink. The first Slurpee comes free with purchase of the Mason jar mug, and refills are discounted.
“Slurpee-lovers of all ages will have fun sporting their favorite stache straw with a mason jar mug, and enjoying a Slurpee drink is all about fun and flavor,“ said Laura Gordon, 7-Eleven vice president of brand innovation and marketing. “While everyone loves Slurpee drinks year-round, summertime is definitely Slurpee season. I suspect we will see lots of Slurpee mustache photos on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@slurpee or @7eleven).
“People in our office have unofficially named the four mustache styles,“ Gordon said. “The British, the handlebar, the Hogan after wrestler Hulk Hogan, and the Swanson, as in Ron Swanson, a character on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation" sit-com series played by Nick Offerman. I think it will be interesting to see which mustaches sell best. Of course, people can buy all four to match their Slurpee moods or if they want to slurp incognito.“
Colorful, tongue-in-cheek 7-Eleven billboards in select markets feature a costumed man and animals sporting Slurpee staches. The mustache straws and Mason jar mugs will be available at participating 7-Eleven stores during the summer while supplies last.
Fresh off the wire, Marvel Studios has confirmed the lead of their first of five television series produced to air on the streaming service Netflix.
Charlie Cox of Boardwalk Empire fame will star as Matt Murdock, better known as the Man Without Fear, Daredevil in the Daredevil series, due to premiere in 2015.
Set to run 13 episodes, Daredevil was another Marvel Studios project that encountered personnel issues over the weekend, but by announcing cast members, one can assume that business is back to usual.
Daredevil will be the first of four series - including Luke Cage, Jessica Jones and Iron Fist - which will culminate in an event called The Defenders. All five series will air exclusively on Netflix.
After creative snafu’s delayed Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur into November 2015 (with a new director), 2014 became the first year since 2005 without a new film from the computer animation giants.
2015 looks to redeem the studio, with not just one - but two - films hitting that year.
The first to hit will be June 2015’s Inside Out. Once known as The Untitled Pixar Movie That Takes You Inside the Mind, Inside Out is the return of Pete Docter (Up, Monsters Inc.) to the director’s chair.
The movie has mostly been under wraps - minus a well received showing at the D23 Fan Expo last summer - but an update to Pixar’s website gives us a proper plot for the film. Certainly sounds interesting. Check it out:
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions — Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school. Inside Out hits theaters on June 19, 2015.
In a pitch so surreal that it could only come from the wild imagination of a child playing with LEGO (appropriately enough), LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham has been announced by WB Games for a Fall 2014 release.
Featuring a whopping 150 characters from the DC Universe (including ‘big figures’, a’la LEGO Marvel, to more accurately represent characters such as Killer Croc), LEGO Batman 3 sends Batman and the Justice League into space to battle Braniac and the rest of the DC Comics baddies.
Characters will be able to use unique suit upgrades, such as the Bat-Space suit you see on the cover art above, and if the announcement trailer below is any indication, this will be a real blast, when it comes to pretty much every video game system ever (PS3, PS4, X360, Xbone, Wii U, 3DS, Vita and PC) later this year.  I personally missed out on LEGO Batman 2 and will not miss another Bat-Brick adventure!
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham hits shelves in the Fall.
I had a feeling that the massive opening weekend of Godzilla was going to open doors for director Gareth Edwards, but I’m not sure I expected this.
Announced Thursday evening over at StarWars.com, Edwards will direct one of the forthcoming Star Wars films, set for release in December 2016.
Joined by ex-video game journalist and screenwritter Gary Whitta (The Book of Eli), the film is assumed by most to be one of the “origin” films, rumored to star Boba Fett, Yoda or Han Solo.  These movies are a part of Disney’s “new Star Wars every year” plan, which has a movie set in the universe releasing in the years where a proper “Episode” is not. (ex. Episode VII in 2015, this film in 2016, Episode VIII in 2017, and so on).
Here’s the full text of the press release. No pressure, Gareth, it’s only your THIRD movie.
Gareth Edwards blazed into the filmmaking forefront with his acclaimed work on Monsters, a film he wrote, directed and served on as cinematographer and visual effects artist. The skill and vision readily apparent in Monsters earned him the high-profile spot directing this year’s smash hit Godzilla.
“Ever since I saw Star Wars I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life – join the Rebel Alliance! I could not be more excited and honored to go on this mission with Lucasfilm,” said Edwards.
Gary Whitta’s screenwriting credits include 2010’s The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. He is also well known as a journalist and editor in the video game industry, as well as part of the BAFTA award-winning team on Telltale Games adaptation of The Walking Dead.
Whitta states, “From the moment I first saw the original movie as a wide-eyed kid, Star Wars has been the single most profound inspiration to my imagination and to my career as a writer. It is deeply special to me,so to be given the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing legacy, especially in collaboration with a film-maker as talented as Gareth, is literally a dream come true. I’m still pinching myself."
Smartly revealed to the press just before the long holiday weekend, Marvel Studios has announced the unfortunate news that innovative director Edgar Wright (The World’s End) has left the production of the 2015 release, Ant-Man.
Wright has been working on the film since 2006, long before Marvel Studios became what it is today, and with the film literally being weeks before shooting, this announcement was completely unexpected. Here’s the full text from Marvel Studios' press release:
The big question people are asking is why? Rumors have flooded the web, including that the movie was behind schedule/over budget, and that Disney brass stepped in to revise the script, without input from Wright or co-writer Joe Cornish (Attack the Block). But perhaps the best perspective came from director James Gunn.
Like Wright, Gunn has an incredibly unique sensibility as a director, and as he finishes his greatly anticipated Marvel Studios film Guardians of the Galaxy, I’d say it’s his word we can take best. From his Facebook, he wrote:
It’s easy to try to make one party “right” and another party “wrong” when a breakup happens, but it often isn’t that simple. Or perhaps it’s even more simple than that - not everyone belongs in a relationship together. It doesn’t mean they’re not wonderful people.
And that’s true of both Edgar Wright and Marvel. One of them isn’t a person, but I think you get what I mean. Movies go through this sort of thing all of the time, and the results have been both good and bad. Thor: The Dark World moved from Patty Jenkins directing to Alan Taylor (worked out OK), X-Men: The Last Stand moved from Bryan Singer to Matthew Vaughn to Brett Ratner (did not end well), and Pixar movies go through this sort of thing all of the time - most notably with Ratatouille, which is arguably one of their finest films.
The fact is - something did not work out well for all parties. But this does not mean that Ant-Man will be bad, or that Edgar Wright is screwed, or that Marvel or Disney is evil. It just means that no one was happy.
Ant-Man will release in July 2015, and we’ll probably still end up excited for it. The script and pre-vis are mostly locked in, so there will undoubtedly be Wright-esque. Edgar Wright will go on to make incredible films. The Marvel Cinematic Universe will roll on.
And in the meantime, perhaps we should take a stand like Marvel Cinematic Architect, Joss Whedon (The Avengers), and just stand united.
The most remarkable thing about X-Men: Days of Future Past is that it works.
The culmination of 14 years, 7 movies and an almost insurmountable number of continuity issues, this latest mutant adventure takes the smart approach by - well - ignoring most of them.
Directed by Bryan Singer (his first X-Men film since X2: X-Men United in 2003), this movie attempts to go the Avengers route by mashing up the two disparate X-Men movie universes - the original trilogy, which started in 2000’s X-Men (anchored by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen, Professor X and Magneto, respectively) and the new prequel universe, launched in 2011’s X-Men: First Class (anchored by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Professor X and Magneto).  How they get there is a matter of ridiculous time travel, the type that only comic books, and now, comic book movies, could accept with a straight face. Take a deep breath, it’s a lot to take in.
Here’s the premise: it’s sometime around (roughly) 2025 - the X-Men we came to know and love in the original trilogy have their backs up against the wall. Mutants - and human sympathizers - have been systematically killed off by mutant hunting robots, called Sentinels, and only a loose rag tag bunch of X-Men remain as the final force against pure mutant elimination. This group of X-Men, co-lead by life-long enemies Professor Xavier and Magneto, includes such mutants as Iceman, Kitty Pride, Storm, and the ageless Wolverine (plus some newbies, like obscure fan favorites such as Bishop and Blink). Â Apparently, at some point, Kitty Pride gained the ability to send ones consciousness into the past. This ability has been used to send mutants “back” hours, or days, at a time to prep for Sentinel onslaughts, but Xavier and Magneto have a bigger plan - send someone back to when it all started - 1973.
Apparently, in 1973, Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) assassinated Sentinel inventor Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage), and his murder set off the production of these Sentinels, leading to decades of death and destruction. So - now they need to send someone back to the 70’s to end this before it happens - and who better to send back than the man who’s outlived them all, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman, in his seventh appearance as the character).
Ultimately, the toughest decision of how to mix these films would be in the execution - writer Simon Kinberg had no easy choice in figuring out the path to go - this film could easily be seen as X-Men 4, First Class 2 or even Wolverine 3 - and thankfully, they decided to follow the freshest path, making Days of Future Past a proper sequel to the breath of fresh air known as X-Men: First Class.
Much how First Class did a fantastic job bringing the X-Men to the 1960’s, with a clear spy influence (and James McAvoy’s fantastic “mutant swinger” take on a young Xavier), Days of Future Past brings the younger X-Men cast into the darker 1970’s. We’re in a post Vietnam world, Xavier is strung-out on a drug that allows him to walk again (but subdues his power), and many of the X-Men in training were killed, or lost to the Vietnam war.
The movie focuses mostly on a core cast of McAvoy’s Xavier, Fassbender’s Magneto, Jackman as Wolverine, Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique, Dinklage as Trask and…weirdly, Nicholas Hoult’s Beast. Even with as many of the continuity questions that will leave the nerds rambling (I can’t wait to see the insufferable “Movie Mistakes” video that comes out of this), the movie never feels slow or bogged down by the size of its ambition. Instead, X-Men: Days of Future Past focuses on what always made X-Men such a fun comic to read - the drama of the interaction between its characters.  There’s loss of unspoken love, death, destruction, betrayal and confusion here, and it’s absolutely riveting.
That isn’t to say that the movie is without action - the Sentinels, both in their 1970’s and 2020’s forms - are remarkable forces of destruction, and the future in particular is home to some great action sequences - you can tell the filmmakers had particular joy with Blink’s Portal-esq teleporting ability. That said, it speaks volumes that some of the most engrossing work involves character moments between McAvoy, Fassbender and Lawrence. I realize, with two Oscar nominated actors (one winner!) in the mix, that shouldn’t be surprising, but in an era of summer movies filled with city leveling destruction, I applaud the restraint.
The biggest surprise of the film, however? Quicksilver (Evan Peters). Understandably maligned prior to the release of the movie, due to his costuming and the “me too!” nature of his addition, post Avengers 2 announcements, the X-Men version of the mutant speedster is an absolute joy to watch. Less is definitely more with this character, as he ultimately only appears in one major sequence in the film, but his moments are memorable and long lasting. Joss Whedon and crew have a lot to live up to with their version of the character now, and I never thought I’d be saying that. This version of Quicksilver will have everyone talking when they leave the theater.
X-Men: Days of Future Past is a movie that could have been crushed by the scope of its ambition, but by drawing back the urges to make a superhero film that could be lumped into the rest, and standing on the shoulders of its incredibly talented cast, it ends up as an absolute success - in the most unexpected ways. I hope we get to see the McAvoy/Fassbender/Lawrence grouping lead this franchise for years to come. A very high recommendation.
POST CREDIT NOTES: There is indeed a post-credits scene in X-Men: Days of Future Past, and you’ll have to wait through the full credits to get it. No “mid-credit” nonsense here.
Based off of the obscure Marvel Comics series of the same name, Big Hero 6 is Walt Disney Animation’s big film for the Holiday Season.
The first teaser hit the web today, and it’s closer to an Ice Age style teaser, in that it’s almost a mini-movie in and of itself. But it gives you a good idea of the relationship between protagonist Hiro and his robot, Baymax.
I don’t know about you, but I now want to hug Baymax.
Big Hero 6Â releases on November 7.
Just posted over at Action Figure Insider, the vinyl heads at Funko will mark the release of this August’s big new Marvel Studios movie Guardians of the Galaxy with a line of mystery minis!
The blind box figure line includes versions of Star Lord, Drax, Gamora, Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Ronan the Accuser, and Nebula. Â The figures are equally packed, so your chance of getting any one figure is the same as everything else.
Look for these in July - I’m thinking my desk could use a Rocket and Groot, personally.
Sharing the title of his fantastic autobiography, Life Itself, this forthcoming documentary takes a look at the life and times of arguably the greatest writer about film of all time - Roger Ebert.
The late Ebert passed just over a year ago, and to this day, I think everyone who writes about film owes him a huge debt. I certainly feel his influence when I write about movies, as I try to bring my enthusiasm to the written word, as he so eloquently and effortlessly did over the decades.
Life Itself hits theaters and VOD later this Summer, and will also be broadcast on CNN. I’ll definitely be checking it out.
Sorry, the headline was creepy enough I had to use it…
Anyway, The Impulsive Buy set my Summer 2014 yesterday with their post about the forthcoming availability of yet another limited edition Oreo flavor.
Following in the footsteps of such varieties as Cookie Dough, Sherbet and Watermelon, this Summer, Nabisco will release a run of limited edition Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup flavored Oreos.
As I proposed on Twitter yesterday, I fully intend to set aside a Saturday this summer to laying in a kiddie pool and eating an entire container of these little circles of heaven.
Ultimately, I could post the headline and be done, as that’s about all we know at this time. Â Deadline.com had the scoop last night, as the SNL alum has officially signed to develop and star in his own show for the network.
The format, the plot, the title, really anything besides “he signed to do a thing” are unknown at this time - but given Bill Hader’s fantastic track record of quality work so far, I’m in from jump street.
Maybe it’ll just be an hour every week of his Alan Alda.
Coming straight from Warner Bros - Â get ready for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Logo and all.
Here’s the press release:
Principal photography is underway in Metro Detroit, Michigan
BURBANK, CA, May 21, 2014 — Filming is underway on Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,“ the highly anticipated action adventure from director Zack Snyder, starring Henry Cavill in the role of Clark Kent/Superman, and Ben Affleck as BruceWayne/Batman.
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" also stars Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, with Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane returning from “Man of Steel,“ Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, Jeremy Irons as Alfred, and Holly Hunter in a role newly created for the film.
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"is written by Chris Terrio, from a screenplay by David S. Goyer. Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder are producing, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Wesley Coller, David S. Goyer and Geoff Johns serving as executive producers.
Principal photography will take place on location at Michigan Motion Picture Studios and on location in and around Detroit, Michigan; Illinois; Africa; and the South Pacific.
Set to open worldwide on May 6, 2016, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, Batman characters created by Bob Kane, and Wonder Woman created by William Moulton Marston, appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.
Rumored and hinted toward at a number of conventions, Marvel Comics has officially confirmed the major Axis event for this Fall.
To be written by Rick Remainder, details are sketchy, but based on the first piece of key art (by Jim Cheung) and the fact that it’s to involve both the X-Men and the Avengers, I feel like this would spin out of Remainders current run on Uncanny Avengers.
All I know is, as a comics kid of the 1990s, seeing Red Skull in the Onslaught outfit has me FAR too happy.
A day away from the official trailer release, Disney has released the first teaser poster for Big Hero 6 via Yahoo!
I’m guessing that’s Baymax and Hiro flying off the page?
We’ll be back tomorrow with the trailer.
Big Hero 6 hits on November 7.
Released this morning by WB Games/Rocksteady Studios, this latest trailer for Batman: Arkham Knight is a true feast for the eyeballs.
Showcasing the new Batmobile, plus some funky looking baddies, this really shows what happens when developers can focus exclusively on the next gen systems.
Batman: Arkham Knight hits PS4, Xbox One and PC this Fall.
Star Wars: Episode VII just started filming, and they’re already doling out parts for free.
Well, maybe free is the wrong word.
This morning, Disney, Lucasfilm and Bad Robot announced a combined effort to raise funds for UNICEF, in a campaign called “FORCE FOR CHANGE”.
They’re offering to those who donate - KickStarter style - a number of incentives for donating, including t-shirts, posters, and even a chance to see Episode VII a day early (just $50,000!), but really it’s about the kids. It’s truly a great cause.
Who am I kidding - it’s about us nerds, as HOLY CRAP THAT VIDEO SHOWS TATOOINE! AND THERE’S A NEW ALIEN! AND HE’S A PUPPET! NOT CG! OH MY GOD
Star Wars: Episode VII hits theaters December 2015.
Here’s a great example of a project that would - just based on the names involved alone - sell me a ticket.
Luckily, the project sounds pretty interesting.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tom Hanks is set to star in director Steven Spielberg’s next project, an untitled thriller about the real life story of James Donovan, an attorney who negotiated for the release of a spy plane pilot during the Cold War.
With the movie looking to shoot this fall, they’re looking to pep up the script, and enlisted to do a new draft? None other than Joel and Ethan Coen.
The Coen Brothers have wowed audiences for decades with their eclectic film resume (including movies such as The Big Lebowski and No Country For Old Men), so I can’t wait to how one of their films ends up appearing through the Spielberg prism.
I always hate when I see things like this.
They make me want to get into collecting again.
I get all sad because clearly, no one in the US will make a figure this rad.
I think about how much it would cost to import, and then return back to 1.
Never the less, Medicom - they of the first series of high-end 1:6 scale costumed figures - have recently turned their attention to the 1:12 (6") scale with their MAFEX line.  Thus far, the figures released have included a Dark Knight Rises styled Batman and Spider-Man from both The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. They’re really great, but this next figure is definitely going to get people on the bandwagon - a Joker, a’la his appearance in the classic The Dark Knight.
Including a slue of accessories, including a bunch of weapons and an alternate head, an in-depth photo series just hit The Fwoosh overnight. Check it out here.
Don’t get too excited, though - the figure won’t hit shelves until February 2015, and if past MAFEX figures are any indication, should cost about $40.
If you’re a music nerd of any variety, chances are, you’ve heard of - if not read - the 33 1/3 book series.
Each short book is an extended look at a classic or watershed album, written by a prominent music critic.  Albums such as Radiohead’s OK Computer and AC/DC’s Highway to Hell have received an in-depth examination in the series, which is currently at 96 installments and counting.
Yesterday, they announced the first of fourteen new volumes intended to release this year, and it’s of one of the strangest - yet most hummable - choices yet…
Koji Kondo’s soundtrack to Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Written by Andrew Schartmann, look for it to hit shelves (and iPads and Kindles) in May 2015.
Its sort of a running gag these days that the only reason why Mark Millar is still in comics is to create new properties to be optioned as films.
In his defense, thus far, they’ve been pretty successful. Wanted, Kick-Ass 1 & 2, and a forthcoming Nemesis movie all indicate that what he touches - regardless of the comic’s quality - turns into something Hollywood wants to produce.
The latest book-to-screen transition for Millarworld is the Millar/Dave Gibbons comic The Secret Service, or as it’s now titled for the film -  Kingsman: The Secret Service.
The setup isn’t that different from Wanted - particularly the film version, which I felt was far more tolerable than the comic - you have a young guy, a secret organization, fate - except this time, the setup is FAR more British. I mean, it’s even got Colin Firth with a weaponized umbrella.
The movie looks fun, if a bit dim, but I’m guessing there had to be something serious to the property, if it caused Matthew Vaughn to direct this instead of X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Kingsman: The Secret Service hits theaters October 24.
Despite the obvious thought of a Disney animated Marvel film when Disney bought the comic company in 2009, it’s taken 5 years for such a project to gestate - and that film is based on a rather obscure Marvel comic, Big Hero 6.
The first trailer for the film is set to debut this Thursday, but in the meantime, Empire Online received three stills from the superhero team film. Â Based in the fictional city San Fransokyo, the film focuses on teenage inventor Hiro Hamada, who we see gearing up his robot Baymax in these three stills.
[gallery ids=“18255,18254,18253”]
Personally, I find the franchise to be such a unique choice that I can’t wait to see what Walt Disney Animation Studios did with it, and following in the footsteps of Frozen and Wreck-It Ralph, the odds are good of a quality film coming out of this first Marvel/Disney team-up.
Big Hero 6 is set to hit theaters on November 7.
Director Bennett Miller first arrived on people’s radars with Capote, but he fully grabbed my attention with the remarkable baseball film Moneyball.
His latest project this fall is Foxcatcher - based on the true life story of a millionaire who sponsored two young Olympic wrestlers, and things went terribly awry.
Steve Carrell plays the lead role of millionaire Jon du Pont, and is virtually unrecognizable in the teaser trailer, embedded above. Personally, I was absolutely captivated through the entire teaser, and this looks to be one of the biggest dramas of the year. Â The film premiered earlier this week at the Cannes Film Festival to much acclaim, and is now high up on my “must see” list. What say you?
Foxcatcher hits theaters on November 14.
Like the first, it repurposes a 1970’s classic, and makes the James Gunn directed film look like an absolutely hilarious blast. We get the first Groot lines from Vin Diesel, and Rocket lines from Bradley Cooper, and admits, that yes - this franchise may not have been the right idea.
Luckily, every piece of footage has said otherwise.
Guardians of the Galaxy drops on August 1st.
If you’ve read my review of Godzilla just posted, I was very enthusiastic about Gareth Edwards' take on the classic Kaiju film.
Clearly, I wasn’t alone, as with a $93 Million opening weekend here in the states (the second best so far this year, just behind Captain America: The Winter Soldier) and a $103 Million opening weekend worldwide, the best of 2014, audiences are coming out in droves to see the Big G do his thing.
It’s probably not surprising then, to hear that Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros are formally discussing plans for Godzilla 2.
Reported over the weekend by Deadline.com, this sequel is very obviously in the early days, but I’d love to see one.
The question is - would we start to see additional legendary monsters from the franchise? I’d love to see a Mechagodzilla appearance at some point, but maybe that’s too far for this “realistic” take. Only time will tell.
When I sat down to watch 2010’s Monsters, it was in the quiet comfort of my own home via Netflix. But what I saw was absolutely captivating, even without the benefit of a proper theater screen or sound system.
The directorial debut of Gareth Edwards, this small UK film - made for roughly half-a-million dollars - gave an incredible feeling of scale and scope while being focused on two individuals making their way through a world changed by giant monsters. Â Even without the budget of the massive summer blockbusters, you got the feeling that Edwards knew the very key to leave an audience in awe, even when he couldn’t show them the entirety of what he wished to communicate.
Now, four years later, Edwards has been given the extremely difficult task of producing the first true good American Godzilla film - and it’s only his second film.  Nothing to worry about, right? It’s not like we continue to mock the last attempt and hold it up as one of the worst films ever made.
The story of this new American take on the classic Japanese franchise takes place at the cross section of two worlds - that of the Brody Family and a mysterious organization called Monarch. Â Both the life of this family - and the goals of this organization - came together in 1999, even in two very different places. Â Monarch stumbled upon a massive underground dwelling, containing gigantic remains. While concurrently, the Brody Family lost a mother - and a father lost his sanity - shortly after a dramatic event at a nuclear facility in Japan.
The movie quickly picks up in current day, with our focus and entry point being the young boy of the Brody Family, now a full grown adult, Lt. Ford Brody, played by a completely unrecognizable Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Kick-Ass). He has become a family man himself, with a nurse wife (Elizabeth Olsen) and a child of his own. Â However, it is the actions of his father (Bryan Cranston), desperate to still find answers about his wife’s death that brings Lt. Brody to Japan, and sets everything into motion.
What happens from there has been - generally - kept quiet, and I’ll hold to the promises of the marketing and not reveal what occurs. But the movie that follows is easily the greatest American Godzilla film yet. True to the 1954 origins of the character, the Godzilla found here is a large, grumpy force of nature. Serving as a walking, growling, destroying version of checks-and-balances, the film showcases the power of nature above man, even for as much as we choose to ignore it.
Edwards brings the same knack for scope and scale found in Monsters to his version of Godzilla, giving the audience only the after effects, or brief glimpses, of the incredible wake of this just as incredible creature. The movie follows in the footsteps of Jaws and Jurassic Park by delaying the gratification, before ending in a remarkable third act that delivers pure popcorn perfection.
While a very different film from last year’s Pacific Rim, Godzilla delights in the same joy in being a blockbuster film. While the toll is heavier here, there is a fantastic eye and a palpable joy throughout the film, even in it’s grimmest moments.  There are some truly stunning set pieces here, including a beautiful HALO jump - and as bizarre as this is to say, it’s nice to see areas such as Japan, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Honolulu get wrecked, instead of your standard New York or Washington, DC.
One could easily argue the weakest part of the film is - surprise - the cast. Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s Lt. Brody is pretty much a blank slate, Olsen and Cranston aren’t given many moments to shine, Ken Watanabe basically just gets to say cool things and looked shocked as the head of Monarch - but what if this was the point? As the movie proposes, humanity is secondary to the unleashed rage of nature. And Godzilla is it - and he’s rarely been better on this side of the world.
Godzilla marks the first great film for Summer 2014. I believe long time Godzilla nuts and those just looking for an incredible action film will find joy alike in this new take on the character. More than anything else - this is where Gareth Edwards has definitively delivered on his promise. Godzilla roars in the cinema - and a new top director has been left in his wake.
Released in theaters alongside Godzilla (and hitting the web this past Friday), the new trailer for Interstellar - the latest film by Christopher Nolan - has been bouncing around in my brain for days, and I don’t see it leaving until November, when the film finally releases.
Is it the fact that the movie deals with a not-so-impossible future where we’ve lost all our natural resources? Is it the adoration of space exploration? Or is it the fact that for once, after watching a trailer, I have no idea where a film will lead?
It’s probably all these things and more.
Christopher Nolan has long been criticized (especially since his Batman films) of having a dour outlook, and yet this movie seems from the two trailers released thus far to carry the big ideas of Kubrick, yet a Spielberg-esq heart. There’s an optimism here, even if it is an ill fated one.
Interstellar has been on the top of my most anticipated list ever since the title came across my eyes on this here internet. Now, with the countdown clock set for November 7th, and with footage like this releasing, I believe we will truly have something special this Fall.
If you don’t mind me, I’ll now be watching this trailer again. Join me, won’t you?
This Fall, Barry Allen returns to the small screen, as the producers of Arrow deliver on their promise and bring us the first television series based on The Flash in over 20 years.
The DC Comics hero certainly looks to be treated well, if this extended first look is any indication, but I must admit, I haven’t been as sold on Arrow as others have been. So I’ll file this under “looks good, but may not be for me”.
We’ll see how the final product turns out on Tuesday nights on The CW.
It’s got all of the standard trappings of a Michael Bay Transformers movie.
The robots look funky, some of the action is hard to understand, there’s mysterious evil older white dudes involved in something less-than-savory.
But there are two things that are selling me a (probably reduced price, matinee) ticket to Transformers: Age of Extinction.
The sure to be far too earnest performance from Mark Whalberg.
DINOBOTS. AND OPTIMUS PRIME RIDING A DINOBOT.
How can you mess with that? I can’t. That’s worth the price alone.
It’s going to be awful, but it’s going to be amazing along the way. Lets just hope the poop, pee and race humor is out of this installment.
Transformers: Age of Extinction opens on June 27th.
Just released by Zack Snyder on Twitter.
I love the look of the Batmobile, and Ben Affleck is definitely in costume there as Batman.
I think I need a less monochrome look at the suit. It certainly looks more organic, but I’m not sure about the short ears.
What say you, nerds? Click the photo for a more detailed look.
Batman vs. Superman hits May 2016.
I realize, its cut to be, but…I’m now very excited for just how good Constantine looks.
Look for it to air Friday nights on NBC here in the states, which means it probably will air alongside Hannibal. Dope.
From his tweet, we can expect more later today, but in the meantime, let us gaze and wonder about the new Batmobile from the above photo, which came from the below tweet, by director Zack Snyder.
— ZackSnyder (@ZackSnyder) May 12, 2014
Clearly, like with the filming of The Dark Knight Rises, Warner Bros is taking the time to get ahead of the paparazzi and give us “proper” media early. Maybe they’ll finally decide on a title for this movie soon, too.
The film currently known as Batman vs. Superman hits theaters in May 2016.
We already know that Transformers: Age of Extinction will be an upgrade from the first trilogy, as this time, we’ve got Mark Wahlberg instead of Skippy LaBeef.
But, it sounds like we’re going to have some great voice actors, as well!
John Goodman (Argo) and Ken Watanabe (Inception) have just been announced as new members of the voice cast, voicing Autobots Hound and Drift respectively.
Announced yesterday at MichaelBay.com, they join a robot voice cast including such veterans as John DiMaggio (Futurama) and the classic Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime. The full press release appears below.
HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 8, 2014) — Director Michael Bay has tapped John Goodman and Ken Watanabe to voice two all new Autobots in his highly anticipated film “TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION,“ the fourth film in the global blockbuster franchise from Paramount Pictures. Goodman and Watanabe will join legendary voice actors Peter Cullen and Frank Welker.
Goodman will play Autobot Hound, Watanabe will play Drift, while Cullen reprises his role as the voice of Optimus Prime, and Welker takes on another new character, Galvatron.
“I am pleased to welcome two gifted and versatile actors, John Goodman and Ken Watanabe, to the world of Transformers,“ said Bay. “And to reteam with Peter and Frank, who have brought Transformers characters alive from the beginning. I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best voice talent in the business, and together we will introduce several exciting new robots to fans of the franchise around the world.“
Rounding out the voice-over cast are actors John DiMaggio, Mark Ryan, Robert Foxworth and Reno Wilson. DiMaggio and Ryan will take on the new characters Crosshairs and Lockdown respectively, while Foxworth reprises the role of Ratchet and Wilson returns as Brains.
OK, so DC Comics has 4 new series coming next year, as we just posted.
But maybe the key isn’t quantity, but quality - or so Marvel Studios believes, as they broke the news last night that not only will Agents of SHIELD get a second season, but - perhaps more excitingly - Agent Carter has been picked up as a series on ABC.
Agent Carter, set to show the early days of SHIELD in the 1940’s, was first glimpsed in the fantastic short film of the same name attached to the Iron Man 3 Blu-Ray. Expect Hayley Atwell to return as Peggy Carter, and all sorts of retro-y goodness to ensue.
Between these network series, and the forthcoming Netflix shows, the Marvel Universe continues to grow in all media. Here’s hoping that this second season of SHIELD, plus the new series, work out better than the first has.
Following up with the full season pickup for Gotham on Fox, it looks like the run of high profile DC Comics based TV series will continue for the 2014-2015 Season, as three additional series were picked up yesterday.
To the surprise of few, The CW has picked up The Flash, the latest superhero series from the producers of Arrow. Barry Allen will be running all around our screens this Fall, the first major attempt to give The Flash his own series since the 1990 CBS Show.
In addition, the CW has formally picked up iZombie, based off of the short-lived Vertigo series by Chris Robinson and Michael Allred, about a young girl - who also happens to be a zombie - who seeks justice for the memories she receives after eating brains. It’s kind of a crazy hybrid of The Walking Dead, Pushing Daisies and Veronica Mars. Coincidentally, the show will be produced by Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas.
Last, but far from least, NBC has announced their pick-up of Constantine, based off of the classic comic Hellblazer. Starring Matt Ryan (Criminal Minds) as the titular John Constantine - a demon hunter - this marks the second attempt to bring the character to life, following the 2005 Keanu Reeves film.
So, are you excited, nerds? The superhero world is hitting TV like a freight train!
I never was a Planet of the Apes guy. Until Rise of the Planet of the Apes.
Built around a remarkable motion capture performance by Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings), the movie was an incredible surprise to watch, setting a new tone for a classic franchise.
This July brings the sequel this reboot, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and it seems to set an awkward truce for the worlds of man and ape - the apes were left to their own accord, to build a life of their own. But clearly, that truce will be coming to a violent end.
Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) directs, and I fully expect this to be the sleeper hit of the summer.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits theaters on July 11th.
It certainly feels like the golden era of Fast Food related movie tie-ins has died off somewhat.
I can’t recall the last time 7-Eleven had a proper Slurpee movie tie-in (Iron Man 2?), and honestly, many movies these days avoid the combination entirely (The Amazing Spider-Man 2 got McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, but that’s about it) - but that hasn’t stopped a whole slue of tie-ins for X-Men: Days of Future Past to hit just before the May 23rd release of the film.
We’ve seen Carl’s Jr./Hardees tie-ins, we’ve seen special pretzels - hell, there’s even X-Men Axe Body Spray. But the latest, may be the weirdest!
Behold the eXtreme Creme Twinkie. Coming in Blue Raspberry and Strawberry varieties, this deadly snack cake takes the classic Twinkie brand and makes it EXTREME, the perfect compliment to a vintage 2000 bottle of Surge.
This marks the first “special edition” snack food from Hostess since their return last summer.
Briefly: Starting tomorrow, May 8th, the amazing, job creating Doritos Locos Taco line at Taco Bell gets a new member - the Spicy Chicken Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco.
If the reaction to the prior Doritos Locos Tacos - plus their new breakfast items (which I’ve yet to try) - is any indication, expect a tasty hit on Taco Bell’s hands.
Retail should be $1.59 for a regular, $1.89 for a supreme.
It’s an odd combination, but it’s just crazy enough to work.
Gary Sanchez Productions - the producing arm of actor Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay - has apparently entered into a deal with Warner Bros to produce a brand new animated film of The Flintstones. Or so says The Hollywood Reporter.
Neither Ferrell or McKay are currently directly involved with this relaunch of our modern stone age family, which is to be written by Chris Henchy (The Campaign).
There is no release window planned at this time, but this marks the first Flintstones project since the ill-fated TV reboot spearheaded by Seth MacFarlane, and the first theatrical film planned since the 1994 John Goodman-starring flick.
The latest in Lionsgate’s attempt to take over the world, the film studio behind the successful young adult franchises Twilight, The Hunger Games and Divergent franchises will set their sights on a different realm - rebooting a 1990’s children’s superhero franchise.
That’s right, it’s time for a series of films built around the Power Rangers franchise.
Honestly, I can see why they’d do it. The property has name value, it’s got 20 years of fandom behind it, and it would fit perfectly in today’s superhero-filled multiplex.
That said, lets see if we can plan exactly what we’ll see with the movie. My guesses are below.
At this rate, a post about Interstellar would be easier to fill by discussing everything we don’t know about it, than those things we do.
But, despite that - the film, a space exploration adventure directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey - is one of my most anticipated of 2014.
Sure, it’s because I’m a massive fan of both the potential of space travel and the prior films of Nolan, but I’d be completely in if we didn’t get anything more. However, another trailer for the film will be arriving alongside Godzilla next week, and just in time, the first poster for the film has been released by Warner Bros.
The imagery is simple - but the magic is in the tagline:Â Mankind was born on Earth. It was never meant to die here.
What on Earth could that mean? It’s the type of thing we enthusiasts love - a sentence we can discuss and debate for time to come.
Interstellar hits theaters on November 7th. As soon as the trailer hits the web, we’ll do our best to bring it to you.
I’m not sure if the poster peeps at Mondo intended it, but I’m starting to find their vinyl releases even more intriguing than their poster ones. Maybe it’s because they haven’t done a million of them yet?
Anyway - Wired has the scoop on Mondo’s next big LP set, a beautiful re-release of John William’s iconic score to Jurassic Park.
Featuring two different sleeve options, one designed by JC Richard (top) and one designed by Dan McCarthy (bottom), this is going to be one for Mondo collectors, music collectors, vinyl collectors and everyone in between.
Look for it on June 11th.
See, this is the type of leak we like here at Blast-O-Rama.  No paparazzi involved, nothing unfinished, just something surfacing earlier than expected.
The Spanish Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle fan site Retro Tortugas somehow is the first to scoop the world with a look at Playmates action figure line for this Summer’s new film (produced - but NOT directed - by Michael Bay).
This is probably one of the clearest looks we’ve had at the new Turtles, head to toe at least, and honestly, the more I see them, the less I dislike their designs. Each turtle feels unique, and while they’re not “my” TMNT, I could see kids loving them. Â That said, this is our first real look at Shredder and the Foot Soldiers. I love Shredder’s look (minus the odd cape), but the Foot looks really bland. I guess that’s what they’re supposed to do.
Love that disguised Raph figure, for sure! Look for them on shelves in time for the movie’s August release.
Speaking of TV series built off of massive franchises - Fox is ready to hype the Fall debut of the new TV series based in the Batman universe, Gotham.
The first look at the series premiered during 24: Live Another Day on Monday, and an extended version of this trailer has hit the web.
On paper, I very much love the idea of seeing a look at the Gotham Police Department as Commissioner Gordon rose up the ranks, dealing with mobsters and whatnot - but seeing a child Bruce Wayne, and an equally as young Catwoman and Poison Ivy in the mix, the choice feels short-sighted, if not shlocky.
Gotham’s already received a full season pickup, so we’re going to see how this series play out either way, but I’m hoping we have more of an Arrow on our hands, than a Birds of Prey.
Released to celebrate the unofficial (yet officially adopted) Star Wars Holiday of May The Fourth (…Be With You), this 1 minute 10 second trailer is the first real look we’ve got at the new animated series Star Wars Rebels.
I get a similar feel from it like I did from The Clone Wars, and that turned out pretty great, plus I love the idea of charting the generally unexplored era between Episode III and Episode IV, but its odd that this series features Jedi so heavy. Weren’t they supposed to be totally wiped out?
All cynicism aside, Rebels looks like a fun time for Star Wars fans of all ages, and I’ll have to give it a spin when it premieres this Fall on the Disney Channel.
2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man, released 10 years after the Sam Raimi original, left fans split - some felt the love story was too strong, others (such as myself) loved Andrew Garfield’s version of Peter Parker and Spider-Man, resulting in what I felt was the best Spider-Man movie yet - just behind 2004’s Spider-Man 2. Â Now, 10 years after that momentous sequel, director Marc Webb and leads Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone (Gwen Stacy) have returned to kick off the Summer 2014 movie season with The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 kicks off where the first left off, with Peter struggling with his feelings for Gwen Stacy - given that he promised her dying father that he’d leave her out of his superhero lifestyle. He’s never been better as Spider-Man, though, nor has the film, giving our first glimpse of the web crawler in action in a fun, hysterical chase scene through the New York City streets. Spidey inserts himself into a conflict between a few dozen cop cars, a Russian gang (lead by Aleksei Sytsevich, played by a scenery chewing Paul Giamatti) and oh yeah, a bunch of stolen plutonium.  This sequence bops and weaves, is incredibly exciting, and gets you into a good groove for the film.
The biggest problem? It’s not actually how the movie starts. Â Instead, viewers are thrust first into an extremely tedious sequence featuring Peter’s parents, Richard and Mary Parker, showcasing what happened when they left Peter with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben, as they attempt to leave the country and have things go terribly wrong on their airplane - thanks to OsCorp, naturally.
It’s the juxtaposition between these scenes that showcases the core issue of the film - when left to the devices of being a pure Spider-Man movie, it’s pure enjoyment and excitement - but the film tosses away all goodwill by tying in the big “Parker/Oscorp" conspiracy that is - for some reason - becoming the focus of this series.
One of the elements which I’ve always loved about the world of Spider-Man is how anyone can become anything, by chance. Peter was randomly bit by a spider, and goes from social outcast to hero (or menace, depending on your perspective). Scientists, reporters, movie effects operators, your friend’s dad - they can all go wrong and become your worst enemy.
Instead here, everything - and I mean everything - is about OsCorp.
Take our villains, for example. Jamie Foxx’s Max Dillion, brought to us by way of Jim Carrey’s version of Edward Nigma in Batman Forever, works for OsCorp, is screwed over by OsCorp (specifically by yet another classic Spider-Man villain, in name at least), falls into a vat of OsCorp electric eels, and becomes the electrifying Electro.  And it’s pretty obvious that Harry Osborn - played by Dane DeHaan, who brings the same creepy greatness that made him perfect in Chronicle - has to come from the OsCorp cloth, so I’m not going rest any blame there.
Instead, I’m left with many questions - Why is Norman Osborn in literally one scene? Why is OsCorp run by so many evil white dudes? And most importantly - why does OsCorp need to be the cause of every single villain in Peter’s life?
It is a terribly kept secret that this movie is designed to set into motion a “Spider-Man Movie Universe", which is set to include a third and fourth Amazing Spider-Man, and bafflingly enough, solo films for Venom and the super villain team-up crew known as the Sinister Six. If this film is any indication, however, the “big plan" is to expand the universe by way of having literally everything connected to one giant company - turning the ambition of a universe into a small-scale issue. Â For as many people maligned Iron Man 2Â for being the stepping stone for The Avengers, at least that gave us fantastic moments of Tony mouthing off to Nick Fury, or Captain America’s shield serving as a paperweight. Â In The Amazing Spider-Man 2, “world building" is done in tepid boardroom meetings and through an over-reaching conspiracy that Peter Parker never needed. Â Yes, the secret history of Richard and Mary Parker has always been an element of the Spider-Man mythos, but here, it removes the everyman side of the character. And besides, didn’t we show enough disinterest in this “untold story" last time that they cut out most of these elements from the first film?
I wouldn’t be so frustrated if the movie didn’t also get so many things right. As previously mentioned, the action sequences are incredible, and I really can’t get enough of Peter’s interactions with the women in his life. Sally Field continues to be a great Aunt May, and Emma Stone simply is Gwen Stacy. She’s a hardheaded, self-actualized part of Peter’s life, no shrieking violet, no damsel in distress. And when the film gives Gwen and Peter some true difficulties to deal with, Garfield and Stone shine bright. It’s just incredibly disappointing how hard The Amazing Spider-Man 2Â is brought down by its corporate ambitions.
I realize - you’re reading this and applying context. I must be some giant fanboy. And yes, I’ll admit that Spider-Man is hands-down my favorite fictional character, period. But if anything - that should make me more inclined to love this film. That said, I didn’t hate it - I just found myself incredibly disappointed with how it turned out. Â For every positive step forward with frantic, jaw-dropping Spider-Man action or the indelible chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, The Amazing Spider-Man 2Â took two steps back with the massive OsCorp conspiracy.
At an overlong, bloated 142 minutes, the movie simply falters under its own weight. It pains me to say, but there was an old saying that came to mind - “What do you get when you mix 5 pounds of Ice Cream with 5 pounds of manure? 10 pounds of manure.“ Â The Summer 2014 movie season has not started on the right foot. Better luck next time, guys.
POST-CREDIT NOTES: Just a scene from X-Men: Days of Future Past. Nothing key to the movie. Apparently there’s something if you use the Shazam app on the credits, but I cannot confirm it.
Fresh off the wire, StarWars.com has announced the cast for the JJ Abrams directed Star Wars: Episode VII.
The cast includes, as rumored Adam Driver (Girls) and John Boyega (Attack the Block), plus Carrie Fischer, Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, but also features some great unexpected talent such as Andy Serkis and Max von Sydow.
Here’s the announcement word for word, which was accompanied with the above photo:
Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.
Director J.J. Abrams says, “We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud.”
Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.
Folks, I’ve had a really great feeling about Gareth Edwards taking on the Godzilla franchise, ever since I saw his first film, Monsters.
But now that this new - probably final - trailer for the American reboot of the terrible lizard has hit for the Asian markets, I’m BEYOND hyped.
There’s a pretty big revelation revealed…one that if you’ve seen the toys, you’d get, but if you haven’t heard about it yet, holy hell. STRAP IN. HYPE MACHINE IS GO!
I CAN’T WAIT FOR MAY 16th!!!
Here in the United States, we’re 4 days away from the release of the long-awaited Marc Webb Spider-Sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
It’s been out for just about two weeks around the world, and word-of-mouth has been generally pretty good. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing it Thursday night (review here on Friday morning).
Anyway - Amazon.com has gotten the pre-order jitters, and is already selling the film, well in advanced of a presumed Fall Blu-Ray release.
That is to say, they’re only currently allowing pre-orders of the Collector’s Edition of the film, which comes in the head of a non-plussed looking Jamie Foxx-styled Electro.
The cost? $150 Goddamned Dollars.
You’re a bolder person than I if you pre-order this, but hey, what better way to terrify children and confuse potential mates than with that eyesore at the top of the post.
Late last evening -Â The Wall Street Journal’s Ben Fritz got an exclusive from Warner Bros Pictures, as they exclusively revealed to him the next step in the DC Comics movie franchise -Â Justice League.
Set to follow as the third film in the series, which started with this past Summer’s Man of Steel and the 2016 release of the untitled Batman vs. Superman movie, Justice League will again be directed by Zack Snyder (3oo) and is set to star Henry Cavill as Superman, Ben Affleck as Batman and Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman.
If rumors are true, we’ll probably see the same actors from Batman vs. Superman come over as Aquaman and Cyborg, but as they’re just rumors, I’ll leave them out.
The frustrating part to me? This quote here, direct from the article….
This continues to highlight the catch-up nature of what Warner Bros is doing with the DC Comics film universe, which leaves me both frustrated and saddened as a fan. I’d love to see a universe where the Summer Movie schedule features The Flash taking on Guardians of the Galaxy 2, or Justice League 2 taking on Avengers 3 for box office supremacy. Competition breeds greatness.  But from the word go, it has felt like - and continues to feel like - that Warner Bros is seeing dollar signs over the hard work.
While this mindset is clearly not new in Hollywood, they forget that the best laid franchises and sagas in film have had an enormous level of sweat equity put into them.  Harry Potter became what it is over eight films, which didn’t start great (the box office was, but let’s be honest - compare the first film to the eighth, and it’s a chasm of difference). The Lord of the Rings was built around a massive risk of filming three films at once, and it paid off.  And in the biggest, and most direct comparison - Marvel Studios was built on a B-List character played by a recovering drug addict directed by the guy who did Elf.
I love the Marvel Studios films, but do we so soon forget how much of a risk Iron Man was when it hit? Let alone the original plan for the films? Marvel Studios is - and was - built around NOT having the two biggest franchises in the Marvel Universe, Spider-Man and the X-Men. Instead, they took B-List and C-List characters (sure, the world knew of Captain America and The Hulk before, but you’re kidding yourself if you’re saying the early 2000’s world cared for them the way they did Spidey or Wolverine) and made them massive fan-favorites.  Look at how little people seemed to care in 2006 when these plans were first laid out. IGN couldn’t even get Nick Fury’s name right.
To date, DC Comics has “taken the risk” and made this work with precisely two characters - Superman and Batman. Both who were proven franchises long before the modern interpretations - even with the missteps of Batman & Robin and Superman Returns.
I realize, DC kinda tripped and fell early on, with the less than stellar Green Lantern - but even for the massive successes they are now, Marvel Studios didn’t always knock it out of the park. Look at the reception for The Incredible Hulk. Sure, I enjoyed the movie, but most didn’t, and the box office is the lowest of all nine Marvel Studio releases so far.
DC, Warner Bros, if you truly want to embrace the excitement of superhero fans, if you truly want to see your revenues grow over time, give us a plan. Show us a multi-film plan. With a VARIETY of characters. And creative teams OTHER than Zack Snyder and David S. Goyer. They can’t possibly have passion for every character. And if one doesn’t do as well as expected? Stay the course. This CAN work.
But then again, when the most positive mention you can throw together for your third A-list character, Wonder Woman, is this…
When it was released in 2011, The Raid (or as it was known here in the states, The Raid: Redemption) was an absolute breath of fresh air for action movie fans.  Directed by the Welsh-born Gareth Evans, the Indonesian film was 90 minutes of non-stop action. The story of an ill-fated SWAT team sent to raid an apartment complex controlled by a drug lord, the movie introduced the world to the fighting style of silat, a brutal form of hand to hand combat, which seems to focus almost completely on bashing the head and neck.  The movie was brutal - yet exhilarating - and a new director, along with his lead (Iko Uwais) were made cult legends.
Now, three years later, The Raid 2 has hit US shores, and last evening, I had the pleasure of taking it in.  Weirdly enough, while the US release for the first film added a subtitle, the second film lost its subtitle - Berandal. Berendal in English means thug, and that’s precisely what our hero from the first film, Rama (Uwais) has to become here.  Set just moments after the ending of the first film, The Raid 2 places Rama in a unique situation. Having proven that the deadly raid of the first film was caused due to police corruption, he wishes to expose all members of the police force involved in organized crime. Unfortunately for Rama, this requires going deep undercover - entering into prison, and entering himself under a new identity into the massive crime world.  This world is built around the tense alliance between two crime families - one of Jakarta, one of Japan - and as you can imagine, things go incredibly wrong. And luckily for us action fans - they go wrong in an incredibly violent way.
Serving as writer, director and editor, Gareth Evans aims high with the second installment of this series. In a jarring comparison to the first film - the movie lasts a whopping two-and-a-half hours, a sprawling crime epic. Â And in an Icarus like scenario, attempting to fly so high is what burns the film. Â There are characters upon characters upon characters here - each crime family is incredibly fleshed out, and in all honesty, I had moments where I struggled to recall which character the dialogue was referencing (an issue perhaps enhanced by the fact that I was watching a subtitled print). But even with the greater scripting ambition, the heart of what has made this series so great remains - awe-inspiring action.
With an increased budget ($4.5 Million versus the first film’s $1.1 Million), Evans goes all out, not only shooting his film in some incredibly beautiful locations (a fantastic juxtaposition to the first film’s dank, dark apartment complex fights), but increasing the scale of each battle. From a mud-soaked prison riot to the craziest car chase I’ve ever seen, to an intense, goosebump inducing final one-on-one fight, you will be completely taken in by the set-pieces found here. Â For however many issues I may have with the plotting, they can easily be ignored for the scope and scale of the action found here. Â In short, these sequences are epic - in the proper sense of the word, not the bastardized version the Internet gives us these days.
Acting is top-to-bottom solid, but to be honest, not why we’re here. Some veteran actors of Indonesian films give the crime families appropriate gravitas, but the characters that leave the most impact have the film’s smallest amount of dialogue.  Look for the brother-sister duo known as “Baseball Bat Man” (Very Tri Yulisman) and “Hammer Girl” (Julie Estelle) to become action movie icons.  Also, at this point, if the people who are putting together the major action franchises in Hollywood aren’t bugging Iko Uwais to appear and bash some heads, there’s something very wrong (come on, Fast & Furious franchise).
Aiming high to serve as a massive crime family drama, yet bogged down at times by an iffy script and a too-long run time, The Raid 2 is not as perfect as its predecessor - but it continues to deliver heart-racing action that innovates and redefines what can be done in the world of action film. For this reason alone, it is a must see for fans of action films, martial art films, and massive head and neck trauma. Besides, what does it say if we can’t love a film for it’s ambition? Give it a go before it leaves theaters - or be one of the many to discover it on DVD or VOD.
Picking up where The Avengers left our World War II hero, Captain America: The Winter Soldier features a Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as a man out of his time, struggling to keep up with the world around him mentally - even as advanced as he is physically.  Doing his morning runs throughout the most photogenic portions of Washington DC, he’s 95 years old (on paper), but remains as verile as ever, thanks to his super soldier serum.  But he’s trying to grasp everything he’s missed in his time frozen in ice - and those who he lost as well - as impossible a task as that may seem.
The world around Steve Rogers has changed. Not just due to the progress of time and technology, but morals and ethics as well. He was a simple man who only wished to give his life to something greater. Now, S.H.I.E.L.D. is a massive organization built around tactical takedowns - but also the obtainment of information. No matter the cost. And it’s this cost that both drives the film, and renders its most important element -the film’s commentary on the world today.
Like the best Marvel Comics before it, Captain America: The Winter Soldier acts as a comic book style canvas to speak of greater things ailing the world, even if it’s solved by punches, CGI and explosions. It’s a discussion of privacy, personal values and freedom - and the bold risk to use a “superhero movie” as the backdrop for a paranoid, 1970’s style government conspiracy drama makes this installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe one of the best yet.
But don’t worry - just because bigger concepts are in play does not mean that the film isn’t a joy to watch. The action is fast, frantic and expertly shot, a great thing given today’s world of shaky cam and hard to follow battles.  From a Metal Gear Solid-esq extraction scene to kick off the film (including a great one-on-one fight between Captain America and UFC Champion Georges St. Pierre, playing lame-duck French villain Batroc) to some incredible car chases, a brilliant elevator fight scene, and some Raid-inspired close quarters fights, you get your action quotient, even when headier things are being discussed.  It’s a testament to the skills of directors Joe and Anthony Russo and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely how effortless this balance feels (a tip of the hat should go to editor Jeffrey Ford, as well) - it’s easy to see why this team has been asked to return for another Captain America installment.
Chris Evans has grown comfortably into the role of Steve Rogers, and even as the stakes get higher and his personal life becomes messier, he does a fantastic job of retaining the characters key optimism and core values. Somehow, he plays the “boy scout” without feeling forced or cloying. Much how Downey is Stark, or Helmsworth is Thor, Evans has completely embodied Captain America, continuing his great run as the American legend. I was pleasantly surprised by Scarlett Johansson, returning as Black Widow - she plays a great sidekick to Evans, even as her character remains somewhat secretive and cut off. The returning Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury continues to have his secrets to hide, but the biggest x factor of the film is legendary actor Robert Redford. Redford adds an incredible level of gravitas to the film, starring as Alexander Pierce, a fellow S.H.I.E.L.D. leader who has his own skeletons in his closet. It must be a prerequisite to join the agency, I suppose.
The movie twists, turns, and surprises every step of the way, including some surprise cameos from characters you may not expect - plus some hints towards the future. That said - for as great as it is, it’s not without its own nits to pick. Â Anthony Mackie is incredibly adept as Sam Wilson (later, The Falcon), but his character feels really tacked on. Its as if they plotted all of the cool flying sequences and forgot to give him something more to do. His chemistry with Evans is spot on though, and if Mackie is to return in future films, I can’t wait to see them work off each other more.
The other disappointment? For as incredibly imposing as the film makes him, the titular Winter Soldier (I won’t spoil who he is, although, it’s pretty clear) feels secondary to a much larger issue, rending him almost as an also-ran. Again, I feel like there are bigger plans for the character down the line, but he felt short changed.
Even with those issues - Captain America: The Winter Soldier is a great time at the movies, and arguably, the first great sequel to come from Marvel Studios. It’s truly the Dark Knight to The First Avenger’s Batman Begins, a fantastic escalation to an already great franchise. Serving as the ninth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, its proof of how well Marvel gets it right. In any other hands, we could be wishing for the films to die off, instead, I can’t wait for the next one. Bring on Guardians of the Galaxy, bring on Avengers 2, bring on the next 14 years of films. If they’re all this great, we’re in for an incredible run.
POST CREDIT SCENE NOTES: There are two, one “mid-credits”, one at the end. The mid-credits scene is incredibly important for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. You can skip the end credits scene, if you need to head home.
Comic Book Resources has the first look at stills from “Batman: Strange Days”, a new short staring the Dark Knight, set to premiere on Cartoon Network alongside a new episode of Teen Titans Go! next week.
Airing on April 9th, this black-and-white short is part of the 75th Anniversary Celebration for Batman, and is directed by legendary Batman: The Animated Series director Bruce Timm.
That alone would be reason to watch, but the stills from the short - starring Batman villain Dr. Hugo Strange - show a beautiful black and white, 1930’s style, meaning it’s sure to be a treat for the eyeballs.
In one of those stories that I had to read, and re-read, before I believed it, Disney CEO Bob Iger gave a unique insight into the long-term planning by Marvel Studios.
It’s a part of a much longer read over at Business Week (which I recommend if you find the time) all about Marvel Studio’s head Kevin Feige, but check this out:
Given that Marvel Studios has had a nearly flawless run this far - and this Friday’s latest installment, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, has added to a fantastic portfolio, if reviews and international impressions are to be believed - I say, MAKE MINE MOVIES, MARVEL!
In a moment that certainly makes me feel old, this year marks the 30th Anniversary of Ghostbusters.
There are many things planned - we’ve already seen images of the forthcoming LEGO set and Record Store Day release of the iconic theme - but the coolest might be the traveling art show, as curated by the folks at Gallery 1988.
Details are still early, but the Ghostbusters 30th Anniversary Art Show will have four stops, and the first two are completely announced.
April 19th-26th, the show will debut in New York City, with the show moving to Gallery 1988 West in Los Angeles May 17th through June 1st. Two further appearances are planned for later in June in Chicago, and (of course) San Diego Comic Con in July.
All the details will be available at Ghostbusters30th.com as the shows get closer.
We’ll try to get you the art as it’s revealed, but one such piece being featured is the super cool NYC Subway Map art above, as drawn by Anthony Petrie.
After years of rumors and leaks, the first teaser trailer for the Michael Bay produced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is finally here.
While I’m not all that into the idea of Megan Fox as April O’Neil, and the designs will definitely take a good bit to get used to, this movie looks like it will hit all the right checkboxes for a new generation of Ninja Turtle fans - even those who are currently devouring the new Nickelodeon series.
Like it or not, we’ll never truly be without the Turtles, and if the films succeed as well as the Transformers franchise, we never wanted them to go away in the first place.
I feel like with such a front-loaded summer, there will be more than a few films that come out of the woodwork to surprise us this year.
Jupiter Ascending, with its crazy lost princess by way of giant space battles plot could be such a film.
It’s been so long since the Wachowski’s sunk their teeth into an original concept, and the visuals are so unique, that this movie will be hard to ignore.
I’m certainly game, if only because my Channing Tatum man-crush is so strong.
Jupiter Ascending expands our universe on July 18.
Earlier this year, the Danish blockmakers at LEGO made adult fans very happy with their amazing Simpsons house set.
This May, they’ll make collectors equally excited and angry, as the latest series of the blind-bagged LEGO Minifigures series (#13) is made up of nothing but characters from The Simpsons!
16 figures in total, the line includes the entire Simpsons family, secondary characters including Apu and Krusty the Clown, and some absolutely perfect accessories (Grandpa Simpson comes with the “Man Yells At Cloud” newspaper!) At just $4 each, they’re practically crack to long-time Simpsons fans.  I’m already considering buying a case - and selling off my extras, of course.  I could see this line continuing for YEARS.
If all this wasn’t enough, a special LEGO styled episode of The Simpsons will air on May 4th on FOX.
For images of each figure individually, check out the great post over at From Bricks To Bothans.
Based off of the Japanese novel All You Need Is Kill, we at Blast-O-Rama have been tracking Edge of Tomorrow as it’s headed to the silver screen from when it was originally optioned.
A future war based version of Groundhog Day, the film stars Tom Cruise as a soldier who dies time and time again during a conflict, returning each time as a better, faster and smarter solider.
What’s really important is how damn badass Emily Blunt appears to be in this film.
Sure, Tom Cruise can have me rolling my eyes, but I’m always game for a high-concept action flick. Color me there for a matinee.
Edge of Tomorrow drops on June 6.
Just revealed on Twitter during a “#RockTalk" event, the first trailer for the Brett Ratner directed, Dwayne “The Rock" Johnson staring Hercules has hit the web.
I honestly can’t stop giggling at Dwayne’s damn hair. Besides that, this looks like big dumb fun.
Hercules hits theaters on July 25.
After a rather simplistic and bland announcement trailer, seemingly rushed to appear in theaters alongside Thor: The Dark World, 20th Century Fox and Bryan Singer have delivered a second trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past, and I can say that THIS is the trailer that sold me on the film.
Giving us glimpses of both the far-flung future version of the original trilogy cast, the unstoppable mutant-hunting Sentinels, and thankfully, the implication that the movie will focus primarily on the First Class cast, this trailer is everything I needed to believe this movie could work.
Was it as effective for you?
X-Men: Days of Future Past hits theaters on May 23rd.
With the newest, Internet exclusive trailer for The Raid 2, director Gareth Evans continues to tease the rabid fans he gained with the first installment of the Indonesian action saga.
In The Raid 2, the action is ramped up, as the first film - built around a single SWAT teams fight up and out of a corrupt, drug dealer filled apartment building - gives way to a 2.5 hour crime epic.
Don’t worry, the action stays just as intense, but is on an even bigger, more gory level, as this trailer demonstrates.
Excited? You should be. The Raid 2Â rolls out across the US starting on March 28th.
Giving credence to rumors that have been persisting for a number of weeks, games developer UbiSoft unveiled the latest installment in their long running Assassin’s Creed series - the France based Assassin’s Creed Unity.
Unity is set for release later this year, and marks the first game in the series developed exclusively for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC.
All I can say so far is the game looks very, very pretty, but UbiSoft has fooled us before with stunning trailers with beautiful graphics that didn’t quite deliver as promised, so take your polygons with a significant serving of salt.
It’s one of those news stories that as soon as you hear it, makes perfect sense.
After years - nay, decades - of hype and rumors (mostly spun by Dan Ackroyd), Sony Pictures is finally moving forward with Ghostbusters 3.
However, it seems the movie will not - perhaps due to the recent passing of Harold Ramis - continue on with director Ivan Reitman.
According to the Twitter of Hollywood rumor monger Nikki Finke, the current duo being pursued for the director’s chair will completely turn you around on the project…
…Phil Miller and Chris Lord.
They made 21 Jump Street great. They made The LEGO Movie great. Can they overcome the hype and fear and make Ghostbusters 3 worth a watch?  I’ve rarely wanted a rumor to pan out more.
2011’s The Amazing Spider-Man made me a believer as my favorite superhero was relaunched into a great new franchise overseen by director Marc Webb with star Andrew Garfield as a more awkward, quippier Peter Parker.
On May 2nd, The Amazing Spider-Man 2Â will hit theaters and intends to do what Spider-Man 3Â couldn’t - make a great film out of three different villains.
Every trailer so far has knocked my socks off, and this one is no different. But have we seen all the goodness the movie will give us? The countdown is on.
On paper, the idea of adapting Charles Schultz’ classic comic strip Peanuts sounds like an absolutely awful idea, especially in the current CGI film landscape, where the movie may be turned into a pop-culture referencing mess.
However, with the above teaser’s BEAUTIFUL animation and the promise of producer Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) to remain faithful to the original comics, maybe 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky have the right idea.
We’ll find out for ourselves on November 6th, 2015.
Four movies into the Michael Bay helmed Transformers franchise, it should be very clear that this interpretation of Transformers is wildly different from the television show and comics from our youth.
Space battles are replaced with city destruction, and the robots eye view replaced with that of the humans that interact with them.
That said, I feel like Bay really hammered out the kinks in the last film, replacing the fart and poop jokes from the first two films with more action and destruction. Heck, up until The Avengers, I thought that Dark of the Moon’s Chicago battle was one of the finer large scale action sequences rendered on film.
Now, Michael Bay has returned, and from the looks of the trailer, the fourth installment of the franchise has two very key things going for it - Mark Wahlberg (who I’ve really turned a corner on, post The Other Guys and Pain & Gain) and the integration of - finally - the Dinobots.
Of course, if you’re still holding out for a Transformers movie similar to the animated film from the 1980s, you’re not going to be satisfied - but for what this is, this looks to be the best film in the series yet.
Transformers: Age of Extinction hits on June 27th.
In what must be one of those dream pairings, Disney will be teaming up with movie poster mavens Mondo for an exclusive gallery show at the Mondo Gallery in Austin, TX, to run over SXSW (March 7th-11th, to be exact).
Disney’s own Oh My Disney blog and Wired have full galleries showcasing the posters to be on display, including art from many Mondo favorites, including my personal favorite, the awesome Wall-E piece from Kevin Tong (pictured above).
If you’re in Austin, you definitely need to see this live and in person.
In a newsbit sure to excite comic fans and those who just bought a PS4 or Xbox One, Warner Brothers Interactive has officially announced Batman: Arkham Knight for a release later this year.
The return of Arkham Asylum and Arkham City developers Rocksteady to the franchise that put them on the map, this title marks the final installment of the Arkham franchise, and includes such new features as a playable Harley Quinn, and most excitingly, a driveable Batmobile!
This has shot up on my list of must plays, and hopefully this announcement has made your morning as much as it has mine. You can check out the official site for more details.
Premiering later this month at SXSW, Harmontown is like three documentaries in one.
On one hand, it’s a look inside the mind and world of Community creator Dan Harmon, as he tries to find his place in the world after losing his job at Community (which, as we all know, he later regained). It’s a look inside the podcast of the same name, a madcap mixture of improv, rants, ramblings and even D&D. And it’s a document of what happens when you take a show and a creator this volatile and put it on the road.
Nerdist got the exclusive trailer premiere earlier today, and for fans and newbies alike, this looks like a doc to watch. Personally, it makes me think a lot of what a Super Art Fight doc would look like…
Spinning out of the massive CW success story of Arrow, later this year, Warner Bros Television is going into production of The Flash, the second attempt to bring the speedy hero to the small screen.
Setup earlier this year on Arrow, the new Flash series will feature Grant Gustin as Barry Allen, who becomes the running hero.
DCComics.com released the first image of the hero on Friday, and while it’s only a headshot, the costume will clearly fit into the Arrow universe.
Damning with faint praise? Perhaps - but it’s hard to get excited beyond that until I see a full-body image.
It’s not a particularly strong statement to say that The Matrix Trilogy was a mixed bag of films.
I’m one of the few who didn’t completely hate The Matrix Reloaded or The Matrix Revolutions, and felt - similarly to the maligned Star Wars prequels - that each film had parts that worked really well, but were mired by other portions that outright failed.  It didn’t help that each followed some of the most innovative movies of all time.
Even since then, I’ve absolutely loved the output of the Wachowskis - their production work on V for Vendetta, and their amazing Speed Racer and Cloud Atlas adaptations, are some of the finest films of the 2000s, but the box office hasn’t followed.
In turn - say the rumor mongers at Latino Review - Warner Bros is working with the duo for a brand new trilogy of Matrix films, to take on the big franchises of Star Wars, Avatar and Marvel in 2017.  They say that the films will show the birth of the Matrix itself, and the animated prequels will NOT necessarily be canon.
It’s clearly early days in this project, and if true, I admit that my interest is there to hear out the ideas and see what the Wachowski’s have planned. At the same time, it’s a shame that they couldn’t continue to build amazing, unique films, and had to return to that which brought them to the dance.
Details are scarce, but as reported by Comics Alliance, it certainly looks like Boom! Studios will be adding to their portfolio of amazing licensed comics with a comic based on the 1980’s cult classic Big Trouble in Little China.
Thus far, all we have is the above teaser image, illustrated by Eric Powell of The Goon fame.
If you’re a fan, this is probably enough to send you into hysterics. In the meantime, I think I may need to…actually watch the first one.
And there goes my nerd cred.
…Adam Driver, of Girls and Frances Ha fame, if you believe the word of Variety.
The news broke on Friday, and thus far, there’s been no direct denial (or confirmation) from Lucasfilm, Disney or JJ Abrams - so, this is about as solid a lock as we can take at this time.
Variety says that Driver is set to sign on as the main villain of the film, a villain in the vein of Darth Vader - so lets read that as Sith Lord.
Personally, I’ve never really gotten Adam Driver, but considering he’s apparently landed a role in the biggest blockbuster of the past few decades - and almost had his hand in Superman vs. Batman, if the rumors are true. So clearly, he’s auditioning well and doing something right that I’ve yet to see come out of him.
Maybe we’ll see it in Christmas 2015, lightsaber in hand.
While I can understand the “destruction fatigue” effecting people while seeing this new Godzilla trailer, I still got goosebumps watching it.
Maybe it’s because I finished Breaking Bad and Bryan Cranston yelling hits a sweet spot, or because Gareth Edwards really is nailing the “force of nature” feel of the big lizard of doom, but Godzilla is hitting all the right marks for a Summer must-see.
Godzilla hits theaters on May 16th.
I admit, the following post is pretty fan-fiction heavy, but its something that I’ve been thinking about for a while. Â Do I really think that Marvel Studios would do something so crazy? Not really - but I think it’s food for thought.
Anyway - as the Marvel Cinematic Universe grows, its clear that three things will happen:
Fans will continue to want their favorite characters in movies, whether it’s solo outings for Captain America and Thor, or group films like The Avengers.
The entire universe will culminate in The Avengers 3 - clearly, if they wanted to sign Downey’s rather expensive deal for both a second and third Avengers film, they needed him to wrap things up. Goes with the history of trilogies that the Marvel Cinematic Universe appears to be heading toward - with Iron Man 3 serving as the “last" Iron Man, and subsequent additions of a third Thor and Captain America film.
Marvel’s somewhat thrifty nature will require creative changes to the casting of these heroes. Marvel Studios Head Kevin Feige has even described the casting of their heroes to be similar to James Bond - anyone is replaceable.
All of that said, after Phase 3, ending with The Avengers 3, the trilogy ender to end all trilogies, what if they go truly “comic book” with the ending?
Here’s what I’m proposing - and again, I admit this idea is so absolutely insane that I don’t know that Disney would allow Marvel to do it, but it’s not without precedence.
It’s rather clear, given the tease at the end of the first Avengers film, the build of the Infinity gems (as hinted toward at the mid-credits scene of Thor: The Dark World), and the fact that The Avengers: Age of Ultron focuses on a different villain, that The Avengers 3 will be the big throwdown between the lineup of Marvel Heroes and Thanos, in a reality bending battle over the Infinity Gauntlet.
Clearly, however the film ends will result in some major changes for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
But what if this is where Marvel decides to cash out on every single multi-film deal for all the actors they’ve lined up?
What if when the smoke clears, it’s not just the Marvel Cinematic Universe left standing - but a rebooted one?
The ultimate post-credits scene: after The Avengers and Thanos battle through time and reality, we’re shown again the Marvel Heroes standing tall…but each one, a new actor.
That’s right, I’m suggesting they handle the MCU not just like James Bond…but Doctor Who as well.
I admit, I could be totally crazy. But don’t tell me you wouldn’t be excited when the new Cap, Thor and the gang take shape before us in the theater.
Feel free to flame me in the comments on this one - but the idea was so pervasive I couldn’t let it go without sharing to the web.
Shown for the first time last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the first trailer for the James Gunn directed Guardians of the Galaxy is everything you could want.
A fun mixture of humor, excitement and some of the most unique aliens to ever be shown on film, I feel like Marvel Studios has something very special on their hands this August.
All hail Chris Pratt, our new big movie star.
In an announcement I find an incredible bummer, Irrational Games’s lead Ken Levine has posted that the innovative studio is no more.
Most notable for the creation of BioShock and BioShock Infinite, the studio has been paired down to a small group of 15, which Levine will guide to create digital only titles that “make narrative-driven games for the core gamer that are highly replayable.”
I absolutely feel for the roughly 180 people who have lost their job in this process, and just as much feel bad for the gaming industry, that such a titan of innovation has to be segmented in this way.
Either way, I look forward to Ken Levine’s new teams output, and will continue to support them with my hard earned dollar.
The latest LEGO CUUSOO success story, the first ever official Ghostbusters building set has officially been revealed by the brickmakers.
Featuring a fantastic model of ECTO-1, plus mini-figures of all four Ghostbusters, this is going to be an absolute must have when it hits shelves this Summer.
I know for sure I’ll be getting one, if just because it’ll look great next to my LEGO DeLorean.
Don’t act like the 100 minute length of The LEGO Movie was enough time!
You know you want to see more of Emmet and the gang, and Warner Bros has delivered by releasing a “blooper reel” from the surprise hit.
Put together mixing real bloopers from the recording sessions with brand new animation, it gives just a taste of how fun it must’ve been in that recording studio. Enjoy!
Now, years later, it looks like 2014 is going to go huge on Batman, based off of the Toy Fair 2014 preview they released today, which includes figures based on Greg Capullo’s designs from the current Batman comic, Dustin Nguyen’s Batman: Lil' Gotham, the forthcoming direct-to-video Son of Batman, and most excitingly, the Batman animated series from the 1990s.
IÂ love the look of the Batman figure from the animated line (above). Now, enough to spend $25? We’ll see.
Featuring well sculpted versions of Gamora, Star Lord, Rocket Raccoon, Drax and Groot, collectors are sure to go crazy when they come out this Summer.
Expect a full unveiling of the Guardians toy line this weekend at the International Toy Fair.
Pairing Fincher with his Gone Girl writer Gillian Flynn, Utopia is a remake of a British thriller, and based off of this description from Badass Digest, this sounds right up our collective alley.
Starting March 7th, you’ll be able to stream the entire series, which takes place between Episodes II and III of the film series. Â For the fans, there will even be more to watch as the prior five seasons will include special “director’s cut” versions of the episodes.
Spinning out of the current “Trial of Jean Grey” storyline, the Greg Rucka-penned and Russel Dauterman-illustrated focuses on the time-displaced younger Cyclops from All-New X-Men as he remains in space, and attempts to connect with his father, Corsair of the Starjammers.
Look for this to hit shelves in May. Based on the All-New Marvel NOW books so far (Black Widow, The Punisher, She-Hulk) this should be pretty great!
Worry not, however, as the show - officially announced to air April 27th - will keep Oliver doing what he does best, skewing the events of the world.  And he’s skewing one already, with the name of his weekly program. Set your DVR’s now: here comes Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.
The first trailer for cinematographer Wally Pfister’s first film Transcendence left me wondering if the Johnny Depp starring Sci-Fi spectacular would end up an over the top b-movie. This second trailer, while looking a bit better, still has me filled with doubt. Maybe you’ll like it more than I do.
Being produced alongside their Super 7 collaboration of Retro figures, the 6" figure line includes figures of Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, The Hound, Tyrion Lannister, Ned Stark and a White Walker.
Expect many more Funko Legacy figures to be revealed at Toy Fair this weekend from a multitude of properties, including a second series of Game of Thrones figures.
On the abstract, The LEGO Movie is a terrible concept for a film.  Understandably, when the film was announced, the project was met with confusion and cynicism even from the most devout fans of the plastic building block.  But Warner Bros had a secret weapon. Phil Lord and Chris Miller, a duo designed to spin gold out of the most ridiculous of ideas.
A high school full of historical clones. A full-length film based on a twelve page children’s book about raining food. A goddamned film adaptation of 21 Jump Street. And yet, they made it work, and once again, with adversity and a $60 million budget on their back, they turned The LEGO Movie into something great.  This isn’t the glorified commercials that made up the He-Man and Transformers cartoons - this is arguably one of the finest family features in years.
The story is simple - Emmet (a wonderfully clueless Chris Pratt) is a construction worker by trade. His life is simple - wake up, get dressed, get coffee, build things, and always to the instructions. Lather, rinse, repeat.  And then in the Campbell-esq tale that it is, Emmet finds his purpose.  Upon finding the laughably titled Piece of Resistance, Emmet is made “The Special”, making him the finest master builder of all of the LEGO universe - including dozens of characters from such diverse pop-culture realms as Harry Potter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the DC Comics Universe, and yes, the 2002 NBA All-Stars. And with this magical piece, it’s his job to restore order to the world before the evil Lord Business freezes the world on the fateful day known as Taco Tuesday.
The plot is, appropriately, pieced together from other building blocks of film making - The Matrix, Brazil, Idiocracy - but much how LEGO has handled licensed characters in their sets, the concepts are exaggerated, over blown, and yet made even more universal. And in a twist wonderfully yet to be ruined, the third act builds to a turn that speaks to not only a universal truth of LEGO, but of art overall.  It’s a commercial turned philosophical, yet it keeps you laughing and smiling along the way.  The medicine is delivered with incredible amounts of sugar, and while your teeth may be grinding at the end, you’re better for it.
After seeing The LEGO Movie, you may wonder - how did they pull it off? While the writing and direction from Lord and Miller can certainly be thanked, a diverse and wonderful cast pulls you through even the most saccharine of moments. A who’s-who of comedic talent, you have Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect) as the Trinity-spoof Wyldstyle, Allison Brie (Community) as the adorable Uni-Kitty, Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) as half pirate, half boat robot Metal Beard, and Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny…) as, appropriately, hyperactive 80’s Space Man Benny. But the peak of the cast? Will Arnett’s Batman. Brooding, self-involved, and even a musician, this may be the greatest interpretation of Batman on film ever. It’s exactly what we needed after the great, but super-serious Nolan saga.  And while the acting is wonderful, prepare to be amazed by the animation skill of Australia’s Animal Logic studio, who turn a CG project into something conceivably stop-motion, making everything - and I mean everything - appear to be made from LEGO itself.
The LEGO Movie is a combination of risks - an unfilmable concept, a mixture of impossible licenses working together in a way not seen since Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and an incredibly gutsy third-act turn that, in any other film, may have come off as schmalzy. But with Lord and Miller, they stuck the landing, and given us an animated film that can hang among the modern greats.
For children of any age, or those adults who loved LEGO and one day let them go - this is the film for you. See it as soon as you can. My highest possible recommendation.
Gordon is the latest director in line to take on the franchise, as director David O. Russell (American Hustle) circled the project a few years back. We’ll have to see if this instance pans out.
Seth Gordon is no noob when it comes to games, as he first burst onto the scene with the documentary The King of Kong.
On February 7th, he’ll be getting his first solo show, and /Film has a first-look at it, including pixel art celebrating movies as varied as Happy Gilmore and Thelma & Louise.
If you’re in Los Angeles, this is a show you’ll definitely have to check out. For the rest of us, we’ll have to wait until the 8th, as that’s when it all goes online at NineteenEightyEight.com.
Presumably, this will continue the adventures of Kevin Spacey’s Frank Underwood, and lead to me having many moments of “Oh! I know where they shot that!”
House of Cards Season 2 hits the web on February 14th.
As a part of the continued 30th Anniversary celebration for the 1984 classic, Funko has announced that a line of Ghostbusters themed Pop! Vinyl figures will be hitting shelves this May.
Notable by his absence is Winston, but the first series will include Egon, Peter, Ray, Slimer, and a larger scaled Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man  - standing roughly 6" to the standard 4".
Look for them to retail for about $10 each ($15 for Stay-Puft).
Perhaps intending to rejuvenate their premiere franchise, DC has announced plans to return superstar writer Geoff Johns to the monthly Superman title, alongside - in a stunning move - artist John Romita Jr.
Romita is best known for his legendary runs over at Marvel Comics, including Amazing Spider-Man and The Avengers.
To say this is an unexpected move is putting it lightly, and bodes well for the future of the Superman comic.
While no date or issue has been announced, you can expect Johns and Romita to join Superman this Summer.
In an interview with Comic Book Resources, producer James Tucker laid out the plan as follows:
According to The Wrap, Jared Stern and Michelle Morgan are working hard on the possible The LEGO Movie 2 - here’s hoping the latest Lord and Miller project has the legs to make it a franchise!
They’re combining forces once again with UnReal Estate III, opening this Thursday, February 6th.
/Film has an exclusive look at the show, which continues Doyle’s amazing run of dilapidated scenes from pop culture history. I can’t wait to see all of the pieces from the show. Can you recognize the origins?
A full-length oral history of Street Fighter II.
It’s an impressive mixture of well done interviews and amazing layout and design. Go check it out.
It’s just 44 seconds long, but the first look at Transformers 4 gives us a Deception with a gun for a face, Mark Whalberg doing his thing, and OPTIMUS PRIME WITH A SWORD RIDING A DINOBOT (I’m assuming Grimlock?)
Should be some big dumb fun this summer.
With an ad split into two parts (part 1 above, then part 2 below) and a nearly FOUR MINUTE look at the villains (the third video of this post) - it’s clear, Sony Pictures wants The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to win the game - and yes, the Summer.
Fresh from the game, here’s your extended look at the Aaron Paul starring video game adaptation, Need For Speed.
Apparently all of the car stunts are practical, which makes this footage all the more impressive.
I suppose a Sunday evening gathered with family is the appropriate time for a new trailer for Darren Aronofsky’s next, the ark building epic, Noah.
Looks DAMN good.
Plugged with a surreal ad featuring Seth MacFarlane talking directly with his talking bear creation, Ted, here’s the new, all ages edit for the trailer of A Million Ways to Die in the West.
Minus the gore and naughty words, it’s a more family friendly look at the decidedly family unfriendly western.
Just before kick off, a brief tease for Captain America: The Winter Soldier hit the Super Bowl airwaves, more a tease for a trailer to appear online.
Luckily, this lead to a new, full-length trailer, sure to keep us fanboys drooling on the way to the April release. Excitement is high!
The Super Bowl ads have started strong, as Disney takes a Twitter mocking look at the next big Muppet film, Muppet’s Most Wanted. Enjoy!
Either way, The Hollywood Reporter exclusively has received word that Disney is working on a live-action relaunch of the 90’s cartoon franchise, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers.
I’m going to assume Chip, Dale and company will be CG, while they interact with humans, whoever they may be.
Is David Cross too busy to appear in this?
Warner Bros broke the internet briefly on Friday with their latest casting announcements for Zach Snyder’s Man of Steel sequel, currently known as Batman vs. Superman.
After shocking the world last August with the addition of Ben Affleck as Batman, WB followed up months of rumors and anticipation with the announcement of two new cast members.
In a move that makes sense, and feels far more perfect than ever envisioned, veteran actor Jeremy Irons will join the cast as the new interpretation of Alfred, Batman’s trusted right hand man and butler.
But in a shocking announcement, the new Lex Luthor was revealed as Jesse Eisenberg, best known for his appearances in The Social Network and Zombieland.
It’s certainly a new take on the classic Superman arch nemesis, but the longer I’ve lived with the announcement, the more I’ve enjoyed it. It’s only appropriate that a modern day Lex would be less an icon of industry, but instead a figurehead of a tech conglomerate, such as Google, or yes, even Facebook.
Thus far, the Snyder-helmed DC Universe launchpad has juked left when I expected them to go right, and at the very least, on paper, it’s making for the most unique superhero film yet. Â Here’s hoping it works out for the better in Summer 2016.
If the first, red band (for naughty language) trailer is any indication, the new Seth MacFarlane film can be summed up with it’s title.
In the forthcoming western comedy, there are truly A Million Ways to Die in the West, and many of them are gory as hell - hence the restricted nature of the trailer. Plus some very naughty language.
The cast - minus the x factor of MacFarlane himself - seems to be pretty darn solid, and maybe it’s my inner immature self, but I didn’t dislike what I saw of the film here!
We’ll have to see how it all comes together when A Million Ways to Die in the West hits theaters just in time for Memorial Day this Summer.
Marvel Studios is moving forward on another story of the Odinson (and presumably, Loki), by officially hiring the duo of Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost to put together a script.
Kyle and Yost are no strangers to the Marvel U, having written for X-Men: Evolution and the most recent Avengers cartoon, and even having written a few issues of New X-Men. Yost also was a contributor to the script of Thor: The Dark World.
Yeah, I think this will be in the right hands.
The internet is understandably a bit up in arms about how damn photoshopped ScarJo’s waist is for her poster, but on the whole, I think they look good.
The LEGO CUUSOO initiative has produced some amazing product.
Thus far, the fan suggesting/crowd sourcing initiative has resulted in sets for the video game Minecraft, Back to the Future and even the Mars Curiosity rover.
After this fall’s review, LEGO has announced the next set to be released…
GHOSTBUSTERS!
Featuring the ECTO-1 and minifigures from the original post (I assume the firehouse was too much to produce), we should see the official release later this year.
Exciting times to be a LEGO nerd!
However, a new update from Palahniuk’s official fan-site, The Cult made it sound more interesting.
Apparently, Fight Club 2 (as it’s currently titled) will not only be seven parts, but he’s also seeking the assistance of comic writer Matt Fraction - he of Hawkeye and Sex Criminals fame.
Could be interesting. More on this as it develops.
And that’s why I’m so damn confident in 22 Jump Street being a decent sequel.
The trailers hit before the end of the year - here’s the red band, if you haven’t seen it yet - but now we have a poster, which leads to one question: Why do they have gold guns?
22 Jump Street hits theaters on June 13th.
The first character to be released, is rather appropriate, given ThreeA’s history of robots - Iron Man.
Set for a release next month, the first prototype image of the figures four colorways has hit, and it looks REALLY great.
From left to right, you have Stealth Iron Man, Stark Industries Prototype Iron Man, Silver Centurion Iron Man, and of course Classic Iron Man.
I really love the sculpt, and honestly, all four colorways look brilliant.
No word on how many of each color will be released, but expect the prototype style to be the rarest - it will only be available to members of their fan club, and those who buy a set of all four variants.
Expect it in February for roughly $175.
Featuring all 7 major cast members - MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris, Giovanni Ribisi, Sarah Silverman, and (somehow) Liam Neeson - the text gags are juvenile, sure, but now you know how they’ll look in the Summer release.
Set for a May 30th, 2014 debut, I admit, the idea of a MacFarlane western doesn’t have me all that excited, but after being surprised by how entertaining Ted was, I’ll give A Million Ways… at least one chance.
That’s right, the long awaited Series 2 is due out next month, and a first look has appeared on the Kidrobot blog.
The new series includes 12 figures, including Fry, Bender and Leela’s superhero alter egos, and such important characters as Hermes, Amy and Kif. Lookin' pretty good, so far.
Baltimore based band Wye Oak has released the first single off their forthcoming 4th album, Shriek.
The song, titled “The Tower”, reflects the departure in their sound found on the new album. After three amazing albums of guitar driven rock, Jenn Wasner and Andy Stack have focused on the bass (Wasner) and keyboard (Stack), and the results sound pretty damn good. Have a listen.
But then, with the right talent, it becomes an interesting affair.
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Dodgeball and We’re The Millers director Rawson Marshall Thurber is attached to the film adaptation of the reader-selected-storytelling series, and the script will be put together by The State’s own Tom Lennon and Ben Garant.
This doesn’t confirm excellence - Lennon and Garant, while being incredible comic minds, also know how to produce scripts for less than stellar - but incredibly marketable - films such as the Night at the Museum franchise. But with a combination of comedic minds like this, I’m at least intrigued to see the final product.
Well - Variety is now reporting that Marvel Studios liked what the Russo Brothers did with directing Captain America: The Winter Soldier so much, that they want to put a third film on it.
Most of the casts contracts are structured for a trilogy, so consider this a lock - shy of the film bombing in April - for Marvel Phase 3.
I cannot recommend this enough, and thanks Amazon for the timing - I was just about to buy the blu-ray.
Go binge watch, already!
Deadline.com is reporting that Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders will take on the story of Major Kusanagi for this live-action film.
No word on a cast or release date just yet - the film one of several projects Sanders is working on, so don’t hold your breath on this one!
Based off the PlayStation-exclusive puzzle and platformer series, the movie will follow Sly as he “uncover(s) the secret behind his family” and “search(es) for The Cooper Clan’s book of secrets.”
Sly Cooper was last seen on consoles with Sly Cooper: Thieves In Time on the PlayStation 3 in February 2013.  I’d imagine we’ll get another PS4 installment around the release of the film.
And now, on the eve of the 2014 Toy Fair, Engadget has an exclusive look at the flagship NERF rifle for this year, the lengthly titled N-Strike Elite NERF Cam ECS-12 Blaster.
What makes this worth the exclusive shot on one of the world’s largest tech blogs? It features a built in video camera, so you can get footage of all of your kills.
Get your pennies together - it’ll run you…er, your little cousin…$75 this Fall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rae7_O_6EtU
The full length trailer for The Zero Theorem hit the web earlier today.
Releasing in Europe in March, the latest from the Brazil director is as unique and bizarre as always, starring Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained) as We. And that’s about all I can gather from the odd trailer, which certainly looks pretty.
I sure hope it finds a US distributor. Netflix, at least.
Doctor Who fans everywhere have been wondering how the new Doctor would dress, and it seems in the vein of the 4th’s scarf, the 10th’s 3D glasses and the 11th’s bow tie, Capaldi’s unique clothing choice will be….Doc Martens? Nice touch, gang.
Even if he does look a little like a vampire. Either way, I like it!
A new cover has been revealed every hour at different parts of the twitter-verse, on the Twitters of different cast members, but it all started this morning with director Bryan Singer, who showed off the Sentinel cover seen above.
/Film has been cataloging them throughout the day, and I’d imagine they’ll have all 25 when they’re done being revealed. Some characters look awesome, some look awful (looking at you, Quicksilver!), but this is definitely the closest view we’ve had at the movie thus far.
Anime News Network has the details on the figure. The 6" version of the legendary animator may seem pricey at $95, but limited to just 300 pieces, with proceeds going to tsunami relief, it certainly sounds like it may be worth the tax write-off.
Based more on the HBO series, the figures are some fantastically simplified re-designs of the cast, including dragons and direwolves.
I may need to pick some of these up.
Starring the titular green alien, the five-part series will showcase the recently ended Battle of the Atom storyline, as seen through Doop’s eyes.
Written by Doop creator Peter Milligan (X-Statix) and drawn by David Lafuente (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man), the series will feature covers from Mike Allred - who co-created Doop with Milligan on X-Statix.
Due for release this February (with a blind-bag mini figure line due in May), the 2,523 piece set will retail for $199.99.
Thanks to The Brothers Brick for breaking the news, and for this awesome Flickr gallery of the set - which makes it look far better than the leaked images did.
Debuting in April, Kaare Kyle Andrews will be writing and illustrating the new solo title for Danny Rand, which is set to spotlight the character in advance of his debut in his own Netflix TV show in 2015.
Totally hyped!
These Steam Machines, running a unique “Steam OS” (an off-shoot of Linux), will allow for ever upgradable gaming, as the “consoles” are more customized PCs.
With prices varying from $500-$6,000, and designs which vary from looking like consoles, to looking like PCs, to…whatever that is above, it’s clear that PC gaming will still prove more expensive than console gaming, but I could see this breaking certain barriers of entry for those who wish to game, but don’t wish to build their own PCs (or use Windows).
I just wish Valve would go Google and give us the “Nexus” of Steam Machines…
The promotion is split as the “boys toy” compared to the Lisa Frank-themed “girls toys” available starting January 17th. I just wonder why they couldn’t do a run with Fionna, Princess Bubblegum and Marceline for the ladies…
What’s with Electro being in the same pose in each, though?
Based off of the original 1979 Alien, Alien: Isolation is a cat-and-mouse style survival horror game, putting you in the shoes of Ellen Ripley’s daughter Amanda, as she is trapped on a space station with one of the infamous xenomorphs.
A decided departure from the standard run-and-gun games seen for the franchise, the first-look published by Polygon earlier today bodes well for when the game releases for PS4, Xbox One and PC.
PlayStation Now, the culmination of their partnership with Gaikai, allows users access to a library of classic PlayStation, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 titles on the PS3, PS4, and even Sony televisions and tablets. This will be accomplished via streaming access to the games, a thus far uncharted realm in the world of games, attempted previously by the less than successful OnLive service.
Expect Beta testing later this month, with the service officially launching this Summer.
Sure, I originally was sucked into it by the Baltimore-connection, but the first season of House of Cards was a wonderful mix of hammy acting by Kevin Spacey and some thrilling political backstabbing.
Debuting February 14th, this proper trailer for Season 2 has me incredibly excited to see where the adventures of Frank Underwood take us next. Looks like his hands will be even dirtier this time around.
Pros? It’s an amazing recreation of the Simpsons' abode. Cons? The smug/stoned look on many of the mini-figures faces (I’m guessing “normal” versions will be in other sets), and a piece count sure to set the cost sky-high.
Featuring the awesome combo of co-writers Grace Ellis and Noelle Stevenson, with art from Brooke Allen, the exclusive preview over at Comics Alliance has me very excited for Lumberjanes' release in the spring!
I really feel like this movie is going to surprise us when it hits in April. Something about it feels very different from the Marvel Studios films that have come before it. Between that and Guardians of the Galaxy, it’s going to be a fun year at the movieplex.
Sad to see the license leave Dark Horse - and I certainly hope this doesn’t mean the Marvel Universe will be crossing over in 2015.
Who am I kidding, it’s probably Avengers vs. Star Wars for 2016. And I’ll eat it up with a goddamned spoon.
While we never saw it in action on film, it looks like Hot Toys did a stunning job recreating it as a high-end collectible.
Ah, 2013 - you were an interesting one.
It was a year of news that a decade earlier would’ve dumbfounded me.
Nearly every week brings announcements, images and footage from an ever growing series of amazing blockbusters, beautiful graphic novels and other nerdy pursuits, with the bar of quality constantly being raised.
Who would’ve thought heading into 2013 that we’d have a deep and rich Marvel movie universe, a growing DC one, and more importantly - people would be looking forward to them?
It also was a tough year here at Blast-O-Rama - technical difficulties derailing new life given to the site.
But in 2014, I think we’ll get it all right. Provided our hosting stays right.
That said - 2013 brought some amazing movies, music and more, and I thought this would be the appropriate time to highlight my personal favorites. (Not the best, per se, but favorite.)
FILM:Â Pacific Rim
From the first trailer, it was an almost given that I’d fall in love with director Guillermo Del Toro’s homage to giant monster films - but once screened, there was so much more to love. All of the tropes remained, from crazy poses, to yelling of special attacks (and surprise last ditch special attacks), but were met with an incredibly rich cast of characters and absolutely beautiful special effects. Â Sure, we’ve seen action in this scale before with Michael Bay’s Transformers, but it was the cast that allowed us to truly connect to the film. Â I’ve seen the movie countless times at this point, between the theater and blu-ray, and every time, I find another detail to love. Great work, all.
MUSIC: Illumination Ritual by The Appleseed Cast
Sure, Daft Punk and Arcade Fire did the impossible and created albums that matched their equally impressive amounts of marketing with quality, but the music which filled my ears the most this year was the eighth release from Kansas’s own The Appleseed Cast.  Eight albums in, the band only features the original singer and guitarist, but the music found in Illumination Ritual match, if not beat some of their finest albums.  With a return of the intricate drumming of the Mare Vitalis era matched with the incredible sonics of Peregrine and Sagarmatha, this was music to not only enjoy, but become enveloped in.
Note - Â as always, I made a playlist of my favorite songs of the year, which you can check out on Spotify, here.
TV:Â Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Yes, Breaking Bad ended perfectly. And yes, Game of Thrones blew our minds with the Red Wedding. But personally, I’ve been wanting a really great new sitcom for some time. And with Fox’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, we got it. Helmed by one of the producers of Parks & Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine somehow wisely missed the freshman missteps of that sitcom (which followed in the footsteps of The Office, which also started iffy), found a way to ground Andy Samberg with a stunning supporting cast, and somehow made Andre Braugher a great comedic straight man. Only six episodes in, the show is fantastic, and has become a program  I look forward to every week, and laugh hard at for a solid 22 minutes.
COMICS:Â Sex Criminals
Saga and Hawkeye continued their fantastic reigns this year, and The Superior Foes of Spider-Man is probably the best new Marvel book since Hawkeye, but the comic that absolutely enthralled me this year is the one with the worst title and worst premise, on paper.  Matt Fraction shows us why he’s so great with individual character, by giving us the sweet yet naughty tale of two characters who stop time when they orgasm.  Sounds awful, but his gift of gab makes them feel real, whole and vulnerable.  Matched by the easter-egg rich, yet wonderfully cartoony art of Chip Zdarsky, Sex Criminals is a comic that makes you laugh, think and you’re entirely embarrassed to talk about in real life. But god damn is it good.
So, what did YOU enjoy this year? Sound off in the comments!
For those spolier minded types, the HitFix article also hints towards some big changes coming as the Marvel films close out Phase 2.
Marking Tom Cruise’s latest adventure in the world of Sci-Fi, the Doug Liman directed Edge of Tomorrow has its first trailer.
Also starring Emily Blunt (in a performance, based on this trailer alone, I feel like I’d rather see more of), Edge of Tomorrow is sort of a Groundhog Day of war, based on the Japanese novel All You Need Is Kill.
The movie looks pretty good as a trailer, but so did Oblivion. Perhaps this will fare better? We’ll know for sure on June 6th.
As is the standard these days, success must begat a sequel, and in turn, we get Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.
The first trailer for the Andy Serkis lead film hits on Wednesday, but before that, we have four posters, showcasing some grumpy, war-ready apes. Â Are you ready for the human/ape war? I know I am.
Having officially gotten completely caught up on all things Doctor Who, I am extremely excited to watch this year’s Christmas Special, the first I will get to watch “live”.
Alas, it’s time to send off Matt Smith as the Doctor, and if this trailer is any indication, he has a heck of an adventure to leave off on.
Already bolstered with the weekly Batman: Eternal, DC Comics will look ahead to the future with a second weekly title, The New 52: Futures End.
Launching on Free Comic Book Day, the series is mastermind by an amazing group of writers (Jeff Lemire, Keith Giffen, Brian Azzarello and Dan Jurgens), and if the first bit of preview art holds true, will mark the DCU proper debut of Batman Beyond.
Those jerks better not mess up Terry!
Paramount isn’t going to let that first film rest on its morals, however. Brad Pitt is already back to produce, but World War Z 2Â now also has a director!
Spanish-born Juan Antonio Bayona - who directed the tsunami disaster film The Impossible, as well as the Guillermo Del Toro produced The Orphanage - has signed on to oversee the sequel. No writers or release date are set at this time, but really, any process has to be easier than the first one…right?
It’s been 10 long years since The Wachowski’s gave us their last pure sci-fi creation, with the final part of the Matrix trilogy. This summer, they return to an original sci-fi creation (after producing V for Vendetta and Ninja Assassin, directing the Speed Racer adaptation, and taking on the flawed but ambitious Cloud Atlas) - with a brand new film, Jupiter Ascending.
Starring Channing Tatum as a genetically engineered ex-military solider who comes to Earth to tell the titular Jupiter (Mila Kunis) that she needs to take her place as the rightful heir as Queen of the Universe, the film looks ridiculous and genre pushing - simply put, the Wachowski’s doing what they do best.
Jupiter Ascending hits theaters on July 25th. I’m in.
I first laid eyes upon this teaser trailer last night along with The Hobbit, and it’s incredibly effective.
Directed Gareth Evans (Monsters), this first official peak at the new US interpretation of Godzilla grabbed me from the first shot of the skydivers falling into the city, and rewatching it, I am completely in. Featuring a cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen and Bryan Cranston, you can’t go wrong.
And how damn cool does it look?
Godzilla hits theaters on May 16th.
Bungie has confirmed their massive, online sci-fi shooter Destiny will release for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One on September 9th, 2014.
A Lucasfilm original (who were bought by Disney last year), Paramount still has distribution rights to the original Indiana Jones trilogy, plus a fourth movie which I think we can all agree we never heard of and have no idea what they’re talking about.  If you ever needed proof that a new film (or films) were coming with the adventurer, here you go.
Ever fans of pioneering music online, Trent Reznor’s Nine Inch Nails returned earlier this year with their new album Hestiation Marks, and now they’ve brought a film documenting their 2013 tour - titled Tension - to the web for free.
We’ve got it embedded for you above, and if it’s your jam, you can sign up for a mailing list to know when DVD and Blu-Ray pre-orders begin, right here.
It was one year ago that audiences, along with director Peter Jackson, returned to the world of Middle-Earth with the first installment of The Hobbit trilogy, An Unexpected Journey.  An un-even, overlong film, An Unexpected Journey was not without it’s moments of positivity, including a fantastic performance by Martin Freeman as the titular hero, Bilbo Baggins.
A year later, we find ourselves with the second installment, The Desolation of Smaug.  A finer film than the first, the movie is unfortunately dragged down under the weight of its overindulgent ambition - but remains a movie that must be seen on the biggest of screens.
Picking up almost literally where the first film left off - minus a “one year earlier” diversion which doesn’t seem to provide much to the film minus a momentary cameo from Peter Jackson - we continue along the journey as Bilbo, Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and the party of Dwarves lead by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) head towards the forest of Mirkwood on the way to the Lonely Mountain.  Ever layered with tales of multiple lands, the story quickly splits Gandalf from the group, as he investigates the rise of the Necromancer, and the dwarves journey through the spider ridden forests, get captured by Elves (including the returning Legolas, and created-for-the-film Tauriel, played by Lost’s Evangeline Lily), travel to Lake-town, and yes, ultimately meet their goal of finally returning to the Lonely Mountain.
If that sounds like a lot - it is - the film once again runs nearly three hours, and with a third film to come, you wouldn’t be wrong for wondering “what’s left?” Â But what matters is what is on screen, and for as bloated as it feels, there is a lot to like. Â Freeman - despite continuing to feel ancillary to the plot in many regards - continues to captivate as the younger Bilbo Baggins, and his performance is the finest tool the film has. Â Many may look towards the barrel river run as the peak of the film - and it’s a very impressive sequence, even if it feels a bit like a video game - but the peak is the long awaited confrontation between Bilbo Baggins and the legendary dragon Smaug. Â Voiced, and capture-peformed, by Benedict Cumberbatch, Smaug is an absolute revelation. Â This incredible creature is worth every penny put towards this film, and makes every minute watched in the series worthwhile. I could have watched him rant, rave and breathe flame for hours.
Unfortunately, though, there’s a lot between those opening credits and the fantastic dragon filled climax. Â Sure, frequent action sequences keep you engaged (with a remarkable number of decapitations for a relative “family” film), but I found myself regularly disinterested in all matters not related to our group of dwarves. Â Sure, it’s nice to see Orlando Bloom engaged in a role again, returning as Legolas, but his role along with Lily’s Tauriel, feels like a duo of Mary-Sue and Marty-Stu’s. Â They are incredibly perfect, and always win - there never seems to be a sense of urgency or weight with these characters. Â A friend more well-versed in Tolkien remarked that this is common for elves, but that doesn’t change my personal disconnect. Â The addition of Luke Evans as Bard, along with the pleasant appearance of Stephen Fry as the Master were both certainly welcome, but left me disengaged. Â It’s an instance of a plot too heavy and a film too long.
Even with my gripes, however, there is an undeniable joy in returning to Middle-Earth. Every inch of frame is filled with creativity and love - you truly get the feeling that artists brought these films together. They may have been allowed to run a little too rampant, but their vision is captivating.
The Hobbit trilogy will clearly never live up to its predecessor, but with The Desolation of Smaug, Peter Jackson provides viewers a film greater than the first - even if he could still use an editor. Built on the back of Bilbo Baggins and an amazing dragon, the movie is worth the journey.  May they stick the landing with There And Back Again next year.
Goddard will also write and direct the series' first episode, set for release in 2015.
All three posters go on sale on Monday, but looking at the post on Mondo’s blog, they all look great!  Argo is being drawn by Matthew Woodson, Gone Baby Gone by Adam Simpson, and in my personal favorite, Daniel Danger takes on The Town (above).
As always, the retail process is sure to be a pain, but the victors will undoubtedly reap the benefits.
Cleaned up for silly hashtag use, it says simply…
Your guess is as good as mine, true believers. Â If it’s really a sequel, I’d say that’s some pre-hatched chicken counting.
Written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Gabriel Hernandez Walta, USAToday.com has the exclusive reveal.
What better way for us to finally come back to the internet, after some pretty extensive server issues, than with the first trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2?
Set to hit theaters on May 2nd, this looks like a rather epic ramping up of the series, including not just one, but THREE villains, in Shocker (Jamie Foxx), Rhino (Paul Giamatti) and what looks like the Green Goblin?
I know I’m a sucker for a Spider-Man tale, but I am in!
Batten down the hatches and prep your wallet, nerds!
This week’s blu-ray release list is a big one, as we officially kick off the holiday shopping season, which means high profile releases, amazing gift sets, and all sorts of stuff sure to separate you from your hard earned cash.
The biggest release today is a much long-awaited one, so I won’t keep you waiting any longer, these are the releases worth paying attention to today…
Details are sketchy, but look for the crossover episode on November 19th.
It took over a decade for the MTV classic series The State to hit DVD, so I suppose it’s only appropriate that the comedy troupe’s book, the long out of publication State by State With The State has had nearly as long a journey towards an e-book release.
Fans can stop holding their breath, however, as a Kindle version is officially available as of today!
Rejoice! Read! And stick your bottom in $240 worth of pudding.
Sideshow Collectibles has gone all out with this “Premium Format” Hellboy figure.
Standing 23" tall, it’s more a statue than a doll or action figure, but does feature interchangeable heads and a removable cloth trench coat.
Due out next August, it’ll run you $400.
Titled Daredevil: Road Warrior, the weekly book was announced by Marvel yesterday, and it will be a digital only “Infinite Comic”, written by Waid, drawn by Peter Krause and with covers by Chris Samnee.
Marvel.com got an interview with Waid and Krause for the reveal, check it out!
Turns out that’s true, as The Hollywood Reporter dropped a story yesterday indicating that the Lucasfilm camp (including Abrams) is pushing for a 2016 release for the film, but Disney head Robert Iger is holding tight to a 2015 release date.
Sometimes, tension breeds the best work. Let’s hope this is one of those times.
The second trailer for The LEGO Movie has hit the web, and just as the first, this looks like one of the most fun family comedies to hit in a long time.
There’s so much to love here - Chris Pratt’s clueless hero Emmet, Will Ferrell as President Business, Liam Neeson as an interesting cop (watch the trailer and see), and Will Arnett as the greatest Batman of all time.
I will be there day one.
Surprise, you can Kickstart The 7th Guest 3: The Collector now.
Produced by the same team who brought you The 7th Guest and The 11th Hour back in the 90’s, this third game goes back to the roots, and is full of - yes! - FULL MOTION VIDEO.
About time FMV games came back.
Perhaps best known in a modern sense for the 2 live action films in the 1990’s, this marks the latest incarnation of the Charles Addams cartoon series, most recently seen as a broadway musical.
Pamela Pettler (Corpse Bride) will be writing the screenplay.
Director Jason Reitman, between Thank You For Smoking, Juno, Up in the Air and Young Adult, has created a resume which guarantees that I’ll be seeing whatever film he produces.
This January, Reitman’s latest is Labor Day, an intriguing story of a woman, her son, and the convict who they take into their home.
Two trailers premiered yesterday. The top one premiered exclusively on /Film, and is rather unique compared to today’s standard trailers. Â The second, below, comes from Moviefone, and is what you’ll most likely be seeing in theaters. I’d say watch the first more than the second, but either way, you’ll probably be sold on what looks to be a rather interesting release.
This ends months of rumors, placing Taylor-Johnson in the role.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=PSAOXkf0-oU
This Sunday on The Simpsons, the series continues their run of amazing couch gags as they take on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Of course, Fox was kind enough to post the gag for the internet to see early! Enjoy.
However, on Monday, the full collection was put in print in Japan for the first time in decades. Â Available as a 3 volume set for roughly $80, I ask that someone at DC Comics makes the right move and brings it out over here.
My wallet is ready.
Say what you will about the film, but the IMAX poster for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (which debuted over at Badass Digest) is one I can see losing myself in to catch all the details. Awesome work, whoever designed it.
What may surprise you, is the first two figures are both Thor!
Thor will be available in his standard garb (above), and also available in his “Asguardian Light Armor” (below), which basically just means “with his arms showing”.
Both figures, as always, are pricey, but are creepily accurate scaled down versions of Chris Hemsworth as the thundergod.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DBx7g6pmwPE
Uploaded yesterday by Sony, the latest trailer for the November release of Ratchet and Clank: Into the Nexus showcases the latest batch of always unique weapons featured in the game.
My favorite? The Winterizer - AKA, the SNOWMAN GUN!
The latest to see the bump in quality is their forthcoming Batman figure, due out in August. Serving as the next installment of their high-end DC Comics line, the figure is based on the Hush-era look, and features a ton of accessories, including a grappling gun and a Kryptonite ring.  I can’t say I’m that into the headsculpt, however.
…as it’s going to be the only way to see 5 minutes from Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
In a rather canny move, 3D will be the only way to see the additional footage. The 2D screenings will not have the Captain America footage. Probably the sweet trailer, though.
You know it’s a good week for comics when I struggle to pick the cover to highlight at the top of the post.
That said, I think it’s only fair to pick out the cover to Sandman Overture #1, Neil Gaiman’s return to the title that made him legend, with artist JH Williams III in tow.
Here’s what I’m reading this week.
My dwarfish is dusty, but…quite simply, this…
Watch for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 trailer in front of The Hobbit in 3D.
So, now you know when to look for the first trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2. I sure hope it’s attached to the 2D screening as well…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=6Kmoz4WIO-Q
For a while there, it looked like that The Wolf of Wall Street wasn’t going to make 2013, let alone its original November release date.
But Paramount has now confirmed that the latest Martin Scorsese film will indeed hit theaters on Christmas Day, and underlined that point with a brand new trailer.
The film, a dark comedy staring Leonardo DiCaprio, sends us right into the coke-fueled 80’s days of Wall Street. It’s looking pretty damn good.
Made official yesterday by DC Entertainment head Diane Nelson, DC Comics will be moving its operations in 2015 from New York City to Burbank, California, where the DC Entertainment offices are currently located.
Presumably, this is being done to have the two sides work closer together, but I do wonder if this will have an adverse effect on the company - a coast-to-coast move is very difficult, and I could see some staffers opting out.
Here’s hoping for the best for the company and its employees.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ilEB4KTTOIo
Arguably one of the greatest games of the past year was Telltale Games' point and click adaptation of The Walking Dead franchise.
Using the world of the comic and show as its setting, Telltale Games crafted a beautiful story, and later this year, they’ll embark upon the adventure again, with The Walking Dead, Season 2.
Details are minimal at this time (besides the above trailer), but you’ll be playing as Clementine from the first season. Â You can pre-order Season 2 now, and save 20%.
Scalers are mini figures which latch onto your headphone cables, charging cables…probably even hoodie strings too.
They intend to produce Scalers for 50 different licenses (including Pacific Rim!), but the first figures shown are Freddy, Jason and the Xenomorph from Alien.
I could see myself buying a bunch of these.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=q3F9ASSsHUk
It’s only appropriate that the first DC Animated film after The Flashpoint Paradox - based off of the event which gave us the DC New 52 - that our next film, Justice League War, is based off of the storyline that launched the New 52.
Sure, some things are different - such as replacing Aquaman with Shazam, and a new costume for Wonder Woman, but this still is a somewhat accurate adaptation of the Geoff Johns/Jim Lee storyline that kicked off the DC Comics reboot in 2011.
Look for Justice League War in February.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4-M_m1I1uKU
One of our favorite albums of the year, No Blues by Los Campesinos! hit shelves yesterday, so it’s only appropriate that the UK based 7-piece released the first video yesterday as well.
Based on the track “Avocado, Baby”, the video creates a fictional game show called The Avocado Show.
What’s most impressive? The video is one long take.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OgLl0_mqLtc
Writer JW Rinzler discovered something amazing while preparing the enhanced edition of his book The Making of Star Wars - a never before seen blooper reel from the original 1977 film.
Please note, the first few clips are without sound.
Gathering 100 artists from around the globe to create art based on Anderson’s amazing movies, the show is built around three major events.
This year, they are…
Saturday, November 2nd — art exhibition opening night / Halloween costume party at Spoke Art gallery. 6pm — 10pm, no cover, all ages.
Sunday, November 3rd — Film screening at the Castro Theatre: Bottle Rocket, The Royal Tenenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom. All evening long, regular ticket rates apply, all ages. If you’re in San Fran, I can’t underline enough how much you should take in this show. Should be great as always.
For years, the options have been few, but Japan’s Max Factory seems to have the solution with the latest installment of their Figma Series - Dr. Jones himself.
Super articulated and full of accessories, I’d say my only issue is the face sculpt, which looks a bit older than I’d like. Besides that, I’d say it’s perfect.
Pre-order it now at HobbyLink Japan.
Welcome back my friends, to the show that never ends, we’re so glad you could attend - come inside, come inside and take a look at the latest DVD/Blu-ray releases for this week, Tuesday, October 29th.
Really, it’s a one title week, with Disney/Pixar undoubtedly dominating the charts. Either way, here’s what’s worth noting for purchase.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pK2zYHWDZKo
Posted this morning to the official X-Men Movie YouTube page, the debut trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past has hit the web.
Mixing the First Class timeline with the X-Men timeline proper, the movie looks to be an homage to the classic comic tale of the same title, while being a story original of and to itself.
As for my first impressions? It seems a little too serious for my tastes, and I’m pretty sure that’s the same music that was in the Man of Steel reveal trailer - but as much as I loved First Class, I’m in for this no matter what. Plus, y’know, Blink.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uyewd0mPC8I
After a run of games featuring the super popular Zombies mode, Call of Duty developers Activision have announced that this year’s shooter installment, Call of Duty: Ghosts, will include “Extinction Mode” - where you face off against wave after wave of aliens.
Sigourney Weaver is the latest to join the movie, adding to a cast which includes Hugh Jackman, Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire), rappers Die Antwoord and Sharlto Copley as the voice of the titular bot.Â
I just politely recommend you stop watching after Season 4.
47 Ronin has had a rather rocky run towards the big screen, finally releasing a year after its intended date. That said, Universal is pitching it as its big Christmas film, so perhaps it sees something in this Keanu Reeve’s samurai adventure that I’m not getting from the trailers.
What say you?
It’s a shame how horribly photoshopped the human cast is, but it gives us a good look at Constantine - the evil Kermit doppleganger - who sets the entire film into motion.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be scored by Pharrell Williams and Hans Zimmer. The two last collaborated on Man of Steel - Pharrell was one of the many drummers brought in by Zimmer to give that score its epic feel. Sounds fun to me!
That said, I’m wrong here, as the collector’s version of the Nintendo 3DS release of Adventure Time: Explore the Dungeon Because I Don’t Know (great name) is absolutely, 100% worth it just for the steelbook of BMO alone.
GO. BUY. CONSUME.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zoKj7TdJk98
I have to admit, I have a level of dread about The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - more because it was with the second book that the series lost me, as it turned from a really awesome dystopian universe to…something a little too Twilight-y for me.
That said, movies have been known to outdo their book counterparts on occasion, I’m always game for a Jennifer Lawrence movie, and the lady wants to see it, so I guess what I’m saying is - see you on November 22nd, JLaw!
And not just telling it - they’re posting as EVERY character, no matter how obscure.
Click here, scroll back, and prepare to be amazed.
But, we’ll see if they are right, as such an amazing incarnation of the Autobot leader will hit shelves in Japan next year. Yeah, the Masterpiece line just got pimp-slapped.
Here’s hoping they have a director picked out by the time it hits.
Don’t look at the custom RED model going up for auction at Sotheby’s (benefitting (RED), the AIDS charity) - it looks to go for $40-60,000.
In a move not all that dissimilar from the release of Wake Up Ron Burgundy!, McKay says an alternate edit of the film - with 250 new jokes - is being pieced together, and may see theatrical release. That’s what happens with a lot of improv, I suppose.
Sideshow Toys - amazing manufactures of nerdy goods - have announced an absolutely astonishing 1:6 scale collectable figure of Kurt Russel’s Snake Plissken.
You’re going to want to check out the full gallery - this is an amazing figure.
Whalen’s art is a perfect mix for this line, and I absolutely love how it turned out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=wUJ3ftEA7Yg
Releasing on March 7th, Mr. Peabody & Sherman is Dreamworks Animation’s attempt at reviving the classic duo last seen as a part of The Rocky & Bullwinkle show.
Starring Modern Family’s Ty Burrell as Mr. Peabody, the story is of a genius dog and his sidekick, a boy named Sherman, as they travel through time.
The trailer really didn’t do much for me, but perhaps you’ll like it.
Look for the trailer for the time traveling adventure tomorrow.
Hitting on November 12th, this add-on takes Booker and Elizabeth and drops them into the underwater city of Rapture, the site of the original Bioshock game.
No word yet on the release of the second episode of Burial At Sea. But hey, you should play the first anyway, so don’t worry about it.
Empire (with their second awesome exclusive of the day) has a gallery of seven images from the time travel filled film, which includes some behind the scenes shots.
If I were a betting man, I’d say we see a new poster on Monday.
Featuring 8 movies, starring Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Mummy and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the set is down to $64.99, from a SRP of $149.98.
The deal is for today only, so move fast.
That said, you should also be able to pick it up at Amazon.UK for roughly $40, if you’re willing to wait a bit for the shipping!
For $40-$50 a month (for the first year - it bumps up to $70), you can now get 25 Mbps broadband, Limited Basic TV, Comcast’s StreamPix streaming service and…holy crap…HBO/HBO Go!
We’ll see how well this succeeds - I feel like this could be a major game changer for how cable systems are sold and distributed. I know I’m now considering this option!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=CBjqUEMlHTY
Yesterday, Arcade Fire’s long awaited new double album Reflektor leaked to the web, 5 days ahead of it’s October 29 release.
How does one combat that?
Simple - you post the album, in full, to your own YouTube page!
You can now listen to the entire 1hr 25min album via the video above. I’ve listened to it about 4 times so far, and I really enjoy it. Â It’s missing some of the soaring highs of the prior albums, but settles into a funky groove - a mix of Talking Heads, LCD Soundsystem, some afro beat and reggae, all with the standard Arcade Fire sound. I think you’ll dig it.
At one time poorly titled ID4Ever, the sequel apparently now has not just one, but TWO completed scripts.
Why two? Emmerich isn’t sure if Will Smith will return to star.
Either way, the second film is on the docket for a July 3, 2015 release, so we’ll soon know if it’s a Big Willie Weekend again, or not.
The change was announced rather diplomatically at StarWars.com, in a post announcing the full crew for the film.
Rumors have flown in recent months that the movie was behind schedule and that Abrams was having issues with the film - this tells me he’s completely taken charge of the project, for better or for worse, and now, I’m sure that a copy of the Ardnt script will be a nerd holy grail for years to come.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fupWquPNoTc
The guys at Screen Junkies are at it again, doing their latest Honest Trailer for, well, the greatest movie ever made of 2013 - Pacific Rim.
I take some issue with them calling it “The Most Awesome Stupid Movie Ever Made”, but…otherwise, I’d say they hit the nail on the head, even if most of their complaints are tropes of the mecha genre.
Featuring over 30 artists and running through November 23rd, Collider has the full details on the show, including a preview of a pretty sick Cryptkeeper print by Ken Taylor (above)!  If you’re in Austin, I can’t think of any better way to get into the Halloween spirit!
Either way, USA Today got an exclusive look at the film, including an in-depth breakdown of the cast, including Chris Pratt as the lead Emmet, and Will Ferrell as the main villain, President Business.
It’s a fun read, with loads of new images. Check it out.
Airing November 28th at 9:30pm, get ready for Lady Gaga & The Muppets' Holiday Spectacular. Â Sort of a variety show/promotion for Gaga’s new album, expect special appearances from Sir Elton John, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Kristen Bell and RuPaul.
Due out in February, the figure is done in the color palette of the classic Nintendo adaptation of the 80’s film, and the figure will be limited to one production run. Â Your move, creep.
It’s 12pm Eastern, which means its time for the Captain America: The Winter Soldier trailer!
Cap, Black Widow, Nick Fury and yes, even Bucky, are back, and we are HYPED!
What does $275 buy these days? From the pre-order page, the set includes…
B. A special edition 180 gram double vinyl with gold and silver foil labels. Includes an 8 page saddle stitched booklet containing album artwork, credits and lyric sheets.
C. A 56 page cloth-bound, hardcover photo book of images from the RAM recording sessions and film shoots, featuring a foreword by Paul Williams.
D. A special edition 10" collector’s vinyl containing an extended interview with Giorgio Moroder taken from the original session recordings for the song, “Giorgio by Moroder".
E. Two sets of Robot helmet design schematics with individual components separated onto 8 layers of unbounded transparencies. Each set is contained in a clear presentation pouch.
F. A pair of full body Robot design schematic posters (304mm x 608mm / 12" x 24") printed on heavy weight matte finish poster paper.
G. A 70mm motion picture film strip containing 5 sequential frames from the “Lose Yourself to Dance" original production dailies, mounted in a heavy weight matte stock with an open back.
H. A pair of gold and silver plated, metal encased, reusable USB drives containing the following:
AUDIO: High-resolution digital audio files (88.2KHz / 24Bit) of the 13 original tracks on RAM plus the high-resolution audio files of the bonus track, Horizon and Daft Punk’s Get Lucky Remix.
VIDEO: High-definition, Apple Pro Res 422 (1920x1080) video files of: the full length video for “Lose Yourself to Dance"; the original RAM TV campaign spots; the extended Coachella version of the “Get Lucky" promo featuring Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers. Good lord.
No word on if this is an actual end, or a preemption to an eventual Marvel NOW! relaunch.  I’m certainly hoping for the latter, as Waid’s Daredevil has been an amazing read since it launched in 2011, one of Marvel’s best comics, hands down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MlDw3gHoSGM
Completing the classic Star Wars hat-trick, the official Star Wars YouTube page has posted the original trailer for 1983’s Return of the Jedi, or as it was known then, Revenge of the Jedi.
The third film was set - at the time- as the last Star Wars movie ever, and again, it’s so weird to see older movie marketing.  No word on if we’ll see the announcement trailers for Episode I, II and III in the weeks to come…or, heaven forbid, something on Episode VII.
Clearly inspired by Pacific Rim, the build includes a Jaeger, a Kaiju, a full city scene, and even an underground train! This is ridiculous!
The latest set, approved, however, may be the most interesting build yet.
The above Exo-Suit design, created by Peter Reid, is the latest to be approved for production. Â The build looks elegant yet complex, and the set is sure to be an amazing challenge. I can’t wait to get my hands on one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FoTAQr1jBuY
With Batman: Arkham Origins hitting the shelves on Friday for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii-U and PC, WB Interactive is taking the time to give everyone one last reason to play the game with the big launch trailer.
The game is set before Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, and features a younger Batman battling 8 assassins hired to kill him on Christmas. It’s the feel good game of the holidays!
On November 1st, comedian Aziz Ansari’s latest special, Buried Alive, hits Netflix. To remind you of that fact, and to get you excited, Netflix uploaded a clip to YouTube.
Buried Alive focuses primarily on marriages and relationships, and in this clip, Aziz breaks down how odd marriage is.
Sure, the Associated Press already spoiled one book for us this week, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be excited for a new week of comics, right?
Here’s what I’m grabbing today - should be a great week with the debuts of Velvet and Pretty Deadly.
Entertainment Weekly has announced that Sherlock Season 3 will premiere in the United States on PBS on Sunday night, January 19th.
The first episode is “The Empty Herse”, and will air after episodes of Downton Abbey’s 4th season.
No word yet on the BBC air dates, but I’m guessing they’ll get it first. Either way - set your DVRs now!
Written by Kieron Gillen, this is the final part of the “Secret Origin of Tony Stark” storyline and…The Associated Press has spoiled it for everyone.
We won’t here, but if you’re inclined you can read it at the link above.
It’ll be interesting to see if this ever comes up in the movies.
Look for the exclusive trailer premiere tomorrow from Apple, at 12pm Eastern, 9am Pacific.
Some have called this the first Japanese Marvel Cartoon series, but it seems everyone forgot the rather poor Iron Man, Blade, Wolverine and X-Men cartoons from a year or two back.
Never the less, the series “revolve[s] around how The Avengers — Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk together with the help of Spider-Man and a group of teens, will harness their respective fighting skills and superhuman powers to foil Loki’s scheme to take over the world.”
No word on a US release, but expect it in the Spring in Japan.
In attempt to refresh the Wii U Deluxe Bundle for the holiday season, Nintendo has announced plans to replace current pack-in game Nintendoland with New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U.
It’s a heck of a bundle for $300. Â Look for it on shelves on November 1.
As a part of a promotion for Anchorman 2, Ben & Jerry’s has announced a limited time “Scotchy, Scotch, Scotch” flavor, featuring butterscotch ice cream with a butterscotch swirl.
As fans of both Burgundy and ice cream, I can’t wait to find a pint at my local grocer.
Releasing on November 28th in Japan, these might be the slickest colorways yet - orange and teal. I really want that Orange one. No word on a US release, however.
Amazon UK has a deal on both the Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy and the Back to the Future Trilogy Blu-Ray sets.
These discs are region-free, and Amazon UK does ship to the states, so you can get each set for roughly $18 shipped.
Click here for the Jurassic Park set, and here for the Back to the Future set. I have the Back to the Future set, and the discs are 100% identical to the Universal release here in the states. Snap ‘em up fast!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6VdGI5-z_hg
I have to admit, I was really dreading Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, fearing that the sequel would harm my love of the first film - one of my favorite comedies of all time - but with each trailer, I feel more and more confident in how the movie will turn out.
The brand new trailer is above, with a second, alternate international edit below. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Wa0G5cj24V4
Featuring art by Phantom City Creative, this 2XLP includes two slipmats (one Michael Meyers, one Jack-O-Lantern) and will have a randomly inserted orange vinyl variant!
Very cool stuff. Check out the GQ article for the full tracklist and more images. Keep your eye on @MondoNews for the drop on October 31st..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TEmzvgl-2WQ
While the premiere of Almost Human has been pushed back to November 17th (originally November 3rd), that hasn’t stopped the JJ Abrams-produced series from still looking good in the meantime.
Starring Karl Urban (Star Trek) as Officer John Kennex, get ready for fun as he’s paired with a robot partner he hates. Sadly not taking the wacky roommate approach, the show will have a two night premiere event (November 17th and 18th), before settling into it’s normal timeslot on Mondays.
The Verge has a full breakdown of what happened, but here’s the highlights:
Microsoft confirmed yesterday that Titanfall will hit Xbox 360, Xbox One and Windows PC on March 11th in the US and March 14th in Europe.
The game will also feature a ridiculous $250 Collector’s Edition, pictured above.
The Los Angeles Times caught wind of a rather dramatic change to the season, as insiders tell them that Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street which was originally set for a Thanksgiving bow, then “possibly 2014” will now hit on Christmas Day.  In turn, the film’s studio, Paramount, is looking to bump Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit from Christmas Day to late January.
Additionally, it was announced that the World War II caper film The Monuments Men will be moved from December 18th to sometime in the first quarter of 2014, due to a need to fix some visual effects.
For those keeping track, this is what the Thanksgiving-Christmas movie season looks like right now, in terms of marquee releases:
November 22nd: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire November 29th: Frozen, Oldboy December 13th: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, American Hustle December 20th: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Saving Mr. Banks, Her December 25th: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Wolf of Wall Street, 47 Ronin
Anyway, to celebrate the season, they’ve unleashed the saddest looking thing ever - a Jack-O-Lantern styled pizza.
This thing is going to put kids in therapy.
The game, titled Alien: Isolation, is a shooter set to star Amanda Ripley, the daughter of Alien franchise lead Ellen Ripley, and will be set in a single space station, a’la the original 1979 film.
The first part of a trilogy (including Return to Space Mountain and Battle for Space Mountain), the book is written by Bryan Q. Miller (Smallville) and illustrated by Kelley Jones (Batman) and Hi-Fi Design.
The story takes place in the far-flung future of 2125, and the book will hit shelves in May 2014. Â It’s available for pre-order now.
Marvel Studios has just revealed the first official image from Captain America: Winter Soldier, posting the above teaser poster to their Facebook page.
In even more exciting news, they announced that the first trailer will hit Apple’s Trailers page on Thursday. Lookin' pretty good to me.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/81ALhsUKvnL._AA1500_.jpg' alt=‘only god forgives’ /> It’s not a particularly great week for Blu-Ray releases, but perhaps you’ll find something worth checking out, in this, our weekly round up of what hits the movie shelves.
Today, October 22nd, brings the following big releases to the stores:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ANVP43X7jx0
Friend of Blast-O-Rama, Adam WarRock has a brand new album, The Middle of Nowhere, dropping on November 5th, and yesterday, he released the first video and single from the album, the Batman-heavy “B.S.F.X”.
If you dig it, you can pre-order the new album now, and get an instant download of the track. Pretty awesome, right? RIGHT!
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/BvSFootballJerseys.jpg' alt='' />
I’m not sure when Batman became so football heavy, but following in the footsteps of The Dark Knight Rises, Zack Snyder filmed the first scene for Batman vs. Superman this past weekend - a football game between Gotham City University and Metropolis State University.
Batman-News.com has the images of both teams uniforms, made by Under Armour. I’m sure we can expect replica jerseys around the film’s launch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7hRy2N2CMhQ
Premiering on November 23rd, the BBC has officially released the trailer for the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special.  It gives no details on the show proper (called “The Day of the Doctor”), but damn if it isn’t exciting!
The sequel, The Raid 2: Berandal, will hit theaters next year, and director Gareth Evans has released the first teaser image above. I’m guessing these are the people we’re going to see beat the crap out of each other. My money’s on the girl with the hammer.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/butterfinger-peanut-butter-cup.jpg' alt='' />
Set to launch in January, get ready for a new kind of peanut butter cup, as Nestle will release Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups.
They add a Butterfinger twist to the standard peanut butter cup formula, adding whatever that crunchy stuff is to the peanut butter mix.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/20130821074928Driveclub_box_art.jpg' alt=‘DRIVECLUB’ /> Just when you thought it was safe to be a PlayStation 4 launch title, DRIVECLUB has been pushed to 2014, removing it as a PlayStation Plus launch title.
This marks the second big-name game moved back in the span of a week, following UbiSoft’s Watch Dogs.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/10273912966_7ee090f9fb_z.jpg' alt='' /> Sure, inFAMOUS Second Son won’t be available for the PlayStation 4 release, but Sony has big plans for the title.
Announced late last week, all those who pre-order the game will get the Limited Edition version of the title (including DLC access and a foil cover), and - of course - there will be a pricey limited edition, including free pins and a beanie. Woo!
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/1381941802000-XXX-MPS-SQ1300-S7-F278-4K-FINAL-W2-0-59061270.jpg' alt='' />
It feels like the CGI-remake of the classic Rocky & Bullwinkle short Mr. Peabody & Sherman has been in development for forever, but it will finally hit theaters in March.
Sadly, the movie no longer features Robert Downey Jr. as Mr. Peabody, but Ty Burrell should suffice, right?
USA Today has an extensive first look at the film. Could be a fun romp.
Like most other major pop-culture licenses, Funko has confirmed that there will be a line of Pop! Vinyl figures for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, including a really cool “Invisible” Bilbo figure (above).
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/avocadodoritos2.jpg' alt='' /> You thought Japan had a lot of funky Kit-Kat flavors? Pssh.
Behold their weird-ass taste in Doritos:Â Avocado Cheese is the newest Japan exclusive tortilla chip flavor. Not gonna lie. Want to try it. Now.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Hot-Toys-Iron-Man-3-Cosbaby-Series-2-Main.png' alt='' />
Hot Toys continues their adorable line of Cosbaby figures in 2014, with a second series of Iron Man 3 toys.
I think this is only the second instance of a Pepper Potts figure, the first being in LEGO. Gwyneth can’t get no respect, y’all.
It certainly says something about the profile of Mondo now that Buzzfeed gets the exclusive reveal of their posters.
The posters for Ender’s Game, dropping on October 24th, were designed by Martin Ansin. Classy as always.
Grab your Team Zissou hats, hipsters! The first trailer for The Grand Budapest Hotel has hit the web.
Wes Anderson’s latest, due in March, the movie features an amazing cast, including Anderson favorites such as Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Jeff Goldblum.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/7eleven_ny_concept_store_02.jpg' alt='' />
UnderConsideration.com takes a look at the revamped, “next-generation” concept store from 7-Eleven.
Honestly, it reminds me of Sheetz or Wawa.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/pacific-rim6.jpg' alt=‘pacific rim’ />
Not sure how I forgot to post about this here, when I fangirled about it yesterday on Twitter…
Guillermo del Toro has confirmed in multiple interviews this week that a script for Pacific Rim 2 is currently in development.
Del Toro confirmed that he is writing it with original Pacific Rim screenwriter Travis Beacham, and well, that’s about all we know.
Past rumors have included a Kaiju-Jaeger hybrid appearing in the film, as well as Newt Geiszler (Charlie Day) being the villain. Â That said, a script does not equal that the film is in production, so keep that breath held a little longer.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ku-bigpic4.jpg' alt='' />
I’ll just quote the story directly.
The Star Wars YouTube page strikes vintage gold again, this time sharing the original announcement trailer for The Empire Strikes Back.
Made up of mostly concept art, it’s still really jarring to see how different movies were sold then. Can you imagine any company trying to sell a movie this way today?
And I think the announcer is saying Leia wrong.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EUTeLcL3CnY
Liam Neeson continues his run as a middle-aged action star with Non-Stop.
This time, he’s the sole mark of justice on an airplane, as an unknown person threatens to kill a flight passenger every 20 minutes.
…at least Julianne Moore is looking good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5Krz-dyD-UQ
The guys at Bad Lip-Reading are at it again, taking Game of Thrones and turning it into a trailer for an Adventureland-styled comedy at a ren fest, called “Medieval Land Fun-Time World”.
While probably not as great as the NFL Lip-Readings, this is still pretty damn funny.
Believe it or not, this October marks 20 years since The Nightmare Before Christmas, and to mark the occasion, on Halloween, Disney will have a very special screening of the film at the El Capitan Theater.
To make the screening even more special, they also commissioned an amazing poster - above - by Jeff Soto. Sadly, it looks like it’s just available to those who can go to the screening. But, if you can, I say you should!
Happy Hump Day, everyone!
It’s Wednesday, which means for comic folks, its the best day of the week -Â NEW COMIC DAY!
So open up your apps, drive to your comic store, assault your local newsstand, and get to reading some four-color adventures! Â And sweet GOD, there is finally some Hawkguy due out this week!
Here’s what I’ll be picking up this week - what about you?
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ku-xlarge2.jpg' alt='' />
Of all places, Gizmodo does a breakdown of the Weirdest 11 Fried Foods found at this years State Fair of Texas.
The sad part is, I’d eat more than a few of these.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wd9dfbnZ-ZU
Last night, Deltron 3030 were on Late Night with David Letterman in support of their new album, Event 2, and they didn’t leave their A-Game back at the hotel.
Performing with a full live band (including the orchestra they’re touring with), they did a great version of “City Rising From The Ashes”. Enjoy!
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tweeted-russell-crowe-as-noah-.jpg' alt=‘noah’ />
On paper, a $130 Million adaptation of Noah is a tricky proposition.
Even more tricky is when the film is super effects heavy, in the hands of a less than crowd pleasing director (Darren Aronofsky), and after a few test screenings, has had a not-so-positive response.
So, of course, with that boiling pot of a combo, it should come as little surprise that Aronofsky and Paramount are now battling over the final cut.
Some great films were notably hated by audiences in test screenings (Blade Runner, for example), but in today’s film environment - and with so many millions on the line - I can see why Paramount wants a hit.
Who will win? Aronofsky, Paramount, or audiences? We’ll see when Noah releases in March.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/00.jpg_large__scaled_600.jpg' alt='' />
After two sold out series of action figures (both of which I neglected to pick up - I’m a bad nerd), it only stands to reason that NECA is planning a 3rd series of Pacific Rim figures.
The assortment is set to include the Kaiju Axehead (pictured), plus the Jaegers Cherno Alpha and Coyote Tango.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xYn46ABxYMo
TeamCoco brings the awesome, as they envision a TED talk delivered by comedian Patton Oswalt. Understandably, it doesn’t truly change the world. But I do love the Ninja Turtle suggestions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=raiFrxbHxV0
One year ago, Felix Baumgartner took the highest leap of all time, jumping from 127,851 feet in the air - and breaking the sound barrier in the process.
To celebrate the anniversary, head sponsor Red Bull has published an absolutely amazing POV video of the jump. This is a MUST WATCH.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/shag-Frankenstein.jpg' alt='' />
Dark Hall Mansion, one of the many great pop-culture print companies, has teamed up with Universal Pictures and artist SHAG to put together a once-in-a-lifetime combo this Halloween - a Universal Monsters X SHAG Folio.
The prints look fantastic, and are truly eyegrabbing, but definitely for those with the money to spare. The regular edition will cost $1200, with a variant edition going for $1900!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ebXB0lBoaQ0
Due to appear on the Man of Steel Blu-Ray release this November, Warner Bros has uploaded the Superman 75th Anniversary Animated Short we told you about over the Summer.
Produced by Zack Snyder and Bruce Timm, this is a fantastic look back at the defining superhero character. I won’t blame you if you get a little choked up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0IX3Imm4osM
If you were hoping to get another look at the Chris Pine lead relaunch of the Jack Ryan franchise, you’re in luck - an international trailer for Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit has hit the web.
Most of the beats are the same as the prior trailer, but there’s some new footage in there. Enjoy!
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/marvel-heroes.jpg' alt=‘marvel’ />
I had a hunch that the success of Agents of SHIELD would lead to more Marvel Studios television projects, but this is just loony!
Deadline.com is reporting that Marvel Studios is shopping around a package of four drama series and a miniseries, totaling roughly 60 episodes, to providers such as Netflix, Amazon and WGN America.
No word on what franchises they would be based on, but I have no doubt that there are some exciting options in the mix. Some Runaways, anyone?
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Watch-Dogs.jpg' alt=‘watch dogs’ />
In some news which is sure to prove to be a bummer for gamers, UbiSoft stockholders, and those who have pre-ordered a PlayStation 4 or XBox One, it was announced today that Watch Dogs has been pushed into Spring 2014.
There is no exact release date set for the third-person hacker game.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/d5abea52_6222_4d16_b54c_cd907d2b16bc_02_large_verge_medium_landscape.jpg' alt='' /> Consider that rumored October 22nd Apple Event confirmed.
The invite (above) just went out to tech journalists.
“We’ve still got a lot to cover”…iPads? Macs? MacBooks? OS X Mavericks? Get ready for an info dump, nerds!
This week is a big one (in my eyes at least) for Blu-Ray and DVD releases, including the highly anticipated release of our favorite film of Summer 2013 - Pacific Rim.
Here is what we recommend picking up today:
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tina-fey-amy-poehler.jpg' alt=‘fey and poehler’ />
If you’re the type that loves the big awards shows, good news - the next two Golden Globe Awards will be WAY more bearable.
After a great showing in this year’s outing, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey will return as hosts for both the 2014 and 2015 editions. Lets see who the Oscars drag out this time.
While the massive success of the Angry Birds franchise has created an eye-rolling backlash toward the series, the games have never stopped being both incredibly polished and fun. Seriously, Angry Birds: Star Wars II is great!
On December 11th, Rovio’s next game will hit mobile devices - a racing game called Angry Birds Go!. The first gameplay trailer is above, and it looks great - but with the upgradable carts, and it being a free app, I’m quite worried about the game being a paywall heavy exercise in frustration - a’la Real Racing 3 or Plants vs. Zombies 2.
Appropriately, the 3DS will come with a download code for the game.
No word on an American release yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it come out on Black Friday here, as we’ve seen past stylized bundles hit on that date.
Now if we can just also get that awesome Treasure Chest too…
The Japanese installment of the D23 Expo (Disney’s big convention) took place this past weekend, and among other highlights (like the reveal of “Avatar Land”), Square Enix was there to show off the current build of Kingdom Hearts III.
Still without a release date - but coming for PlayStation 3 and XBox One - the gameplay certainly looks familar. Honestly, I didn’t notice the game was next gen, until the camera zoomed in on the characters, and they looked remarkably like the original pre-rendered cut scenes from the first PlayStation 2 installment. Â You can check it out in motion for yourself above.
If you’re already sold on the game - and your choice of next gen console -Â Kingdom Hearts III is already available for pre-order at Amazon. Crazy, right?
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/32343-hellokittyheader.jpg' alt='' />
Following collaborations with such franchises as Street Fighter and KISS (yes, the rock band), it looks like Sanrio’s got a big plan for 2014…mixing with The Simpsons.
While no images have been released, expect a line of The Simpsons x Hello Kitty merchandise to hit the shelves in 2014, celebrating the Simpsons 25th Anniversary, and Hello Kitty’s 40th.
Alfonso Curaon’s latest film came with it a lot of anticipation.
His first film since 2006’s Children of Men. Two big name Hollywood stars in Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.  Massive early screening buzz and many claims of being the greatest movie of the year.
And I’m happy to say, Gravity lives up to it all.
Lasting a speedy and heart-pounding 90 minutes, the film tells the story of two astronauts - the veteran Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) and the “in it for just this mission” bio-engineer Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock). Sent into space to perform routine repairs on the Hubble Space Telescope, their trip is changed dramatically, as debris from a Russian space station flies in - stranding the astronauts and sending them into a tailspin of survival.
The film which follows is difficult to describe without spoiling, but in my eyes, is an unabashed masterpiece of filmmaking. Â Using his trademark no-cut sequences, matched with incredibly realistic CGI environments and a gutsy and true performance from Sandra Bullock, Cuaron creates a movie which will grab you from frame one and refuses to let go until the credits. Â If anything the fact that the film is only 90 minutes is a relief for your heart. Â You feel every setback and victory, every moment of small joy and incredible fear. Â It’s film as a true rollercoaster ride, yet you never feel insulted. The movie could easily head towards blockbuster territory, but instead remains grounded as a film that is both small in scale, and epic in proportion.
I cannot recommend this film enough. While I felt there was a moment of overt visual storytelling, and I could’ve preferred a slightly more ambiguous ending, Gravity holds as one of my favorite films of the year, favorite films of the decade, and may be one of my favorite movie going experiences as an adult.
See Gravity, now. Find the biggest screen, with the best sound, splurge for the 3D, and see filmmaking at its best. I cannot recommend it enough.
The film, directed by Edgar Wright (The World’s End) is set to hit theaters in July 2015.
I’d love either choice.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/100-Soft-Villains.jpg' alt=‘100 soft villains from crazy 4 cult: say hi to the bad guy’ />
Los Angeles based art gallery Gallery1988 is back at it with the latest in their pop-culture based art shows.
The latest installment of the Crazy 4 Cult series, “Say Hi To The Bad Guy”, focuses on famous television and film villains, and opens in their West location on October 18th.
/Film has a great preview gallery - it looks like an awesome show.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7ve8mc6UNSk
I haven’t watched it myself, but this new UK trailer for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty hit the web today, and the internet tells me…it’s pretty spoilery.
So maybe you’ll want to stay away…or maybe it’s enough to sell you on the film. Click away…if you dare!
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Grand-Budapest-Hotel-teaser-poster.jpg' alt=‘grand budapest hotel’ />
While the trailer isn’t out until this Thursday, the poster for Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel hit the web today.
Clearly, we need to care about the hotel…and the SUPER stacked cast list. Â The film will release next year.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/comedy-bang-bang1.jpg' alt=‘comedy bang! bang!’ />
This one is for the comedy nerds…
Good news! IFC’s picked up Comedy Bang! Bang! for a third season!
The comedy show turned podcast turned improvised television chat show hosted by Scott Aukerman will again have a 20 episode season, split into 2 10 episode chunks.
The second half of the second season premieres this Friday.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/RonB13figure-300x388.jpg' alt='' />
Just in time for the December release of Anchorman 2, Beeline Creative Inc. has announced a series of collectables based on the original 2004 film, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
Featuring a life-sized bust, a series of retro-styled 8” figures, and a 13" Talking Ron Burgundy, this is a collectors line set to keep it classy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HAjibyskPas
Announced today on Sony’s official PlayStation Blog, Square Enix will bring Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX to the PlayStation 3 in 2014.
The sequel to this year’s Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 ReMIX, the game will be an HD remaster of Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/New-Gods-SHIELD-Artists-Editions-IDW.png' alt='' />
IDW has made their name among collector’s circles as of late for their amazing Artist’s Editions - high-quality hardcover books reproducing the original art boards for classic runs.
This weekend in New York, they announced four more additions. Â Expect to see Jack Kirby’s New Gods Artist’s Edition, two Jim Steranko Marvel Artist’s Editions and Dave Gibbons’ Watchmen Artifact Edition next year. Retail should be around $125.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=13dVx3G6rW0
In what should come as no shock, the video game adaptation for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was announced at New York Comic Con.
Due to release for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Windows PC, expect it out the same time as the film - so, sometime around May 2014.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/the-inquisitor-star-wars-rebels.jpg' alt=‘the inquisitor’ />
While it’s still early days in the production of the 2014 cartoon Star Wars Rebels, Lucasfilm and Disney had just enough to share at New York Comic Con this weekend, including a first look at the lead villain - The Inquisitor.
Tasked to hunt down the remaining Jedi Knights, StarWars.com has the first details on the character, and a sweet behind the scenes video.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Messages-Image2141976603.jpg' alt='' />
Due to open in 2017, Disney has officially revealed the first photos (and an announcement video) for ‘Avatar Land’, based on James Cameron’s Sci-Fi epic.
The new attraction is scheduled to become part of the Animal Kingdom park in Orlando, Florida.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/991784-batgirl__3_023.jpg' alt=‘stephanie brown as batgirl’ />
Ever since the DC Comics New 52 hit in 2011, it seems like there are just some characters that fans won’t stop demanding to have come back.
Stephanie Brown - also known as the Spoiler, a one-time Robin, and the last Batgirl of the pre-New 52 universe - is one such character.
After two straight years of demands, DC Comics announced at New York Comic Con that Stephanie would indeed be returning in 2014.
Appearing in the third issue of Batman: Eternal (the forthcoming weekly Batman comic), there’s no word on what she’ll be doing - but given DC’s moves as of late, why do I forsee them killing her off immediately?
It certainly felt like that New York Comic Con 2013 was a huge con for Marvel Comics.
Maybe it’s because they announced pretty much every new book of their 2014 slate, and honestly, I’m hard pressed to think of one that sounds bad.
Here’s what all got revealed over the course of the weekend…
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/step_brothers93.jpg' alt=‘ferrel and reilly’ />
The duo of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly are 2 for 2 for great comedies, after combining forces for Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, and now it looks like they’re going for a hat-trick.
The Wrap reports that they’ll be re-teaming in Devil’s Night, a comedy starring set during the pre-Halloween “holiday”. The plot is stated as follows, “The unofficial holiday made Leonard and Gabe best friends as children, though it would eventually be responsible for tearing them apart. 15 years later, with Devil’s Night growing out of control, they must put their differences aside and reunite to save their neighborhood from utter destruction.”
Sounds like another enjoyable romp from the duo.
Perhaps intending to respond to the skeptics (such as myself), Valve has released a video showcasing their unique touch panel based Steam Controller in use.
I still feel like I won’t “get it” until I have one in my grubby mitts.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/burger-king-japan-black-ninja-burger.jpg' alt='' />
Featuring a black bun, a weird soy sauce, and whatever the hell “King’s Bacon” is, the Black Ninja burger is certainly a unique taste coming from the kitchen of Burger King Japan.
I’m not sure if I’d want to eat one myself, but if Burger King America is listening, the idea of a hash brown on top of my burger is one I wholeheartedly endorse.
The line, supplanting the long-running DC Superheroes line, includes stocky, cartoony versions of DC Comics heroes, based off of their New 52 looks. Â Expect them to hit in the Spring, with some online exclusive figures including Batman Beyond to hit sometime next year.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SOLAR001_DOE_COVER.jpg' alt='' />
Everything old is new again…again.
Just 2 years after the Valiant Comics relaunch, focused on the original titles the company created, the other heroes - former Gold Key characters Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Solar: Man of the Atom, Magnus: Robot Fighter and Doctor Spektor will be relaunched at Dynamite Comics next February.
They’ve got some big writers attached (Greg Pak, Fred Van Lente, Mark Waid), and the art looks good. If you were a comic reader in the 90s, this new era must seem like an embarrassment of riches.
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Thankfully, returning to comics after dealing with some health issues, writer Peter David has major plans for his flagship comic, the return of the X-Men spinoff with….All-New X-Factor.
Part of All-New Marvel NOW! in January, the new team (so far) features Quicksilver, Polaris and Gambit in a new corporately funded super-team.
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For just 1130 yen, in Japan, you can now get a burger with…
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Announced at New York Comic Con yesterday, the latest installment in the many, many Transformer/G.I. Joe crossovers will be an ongoing series from American Barbarian creator Tom Scioli.
The series is said to take a cosmic slant, and Scioli’s Kirby-esq art is looking GREAT.
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This is really kind of awkward and gross.
This year, New York Comic Con moved to a new badge system, with built-in RFIDs to help prevent counterfeiting and to get a better idea of the popular sections of the convention - as you’d now have to scan-in/scan-out from the convention.
When registered attendees got their badge, they had to formally register them, and apparently part of that was the ability to add your Twitter and Facebook accounts to your registration.
What the attendees didn’t know was…NYCC would then take that opportunity to tweet about themselves from your account.
Suffice to say, the Internet is up in arms. We’ll see how the convention addresses this in the days to come.
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One of the massive highlights of the DC Comics New 52 relaunch has been the new version of The Flash, created by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato.
They’ve pushed the comic form forward with beautiful art, amazing eye-bending layouts and solid storytelling, and after wrapping up their run with issue #25, the duo will be taking on Detective Comics in the Spring, sayeth USA Today.
If my DC Comics reading wasn’t Batman heavy enough, this ensures another Bat-book on my pull-list. And how cool does Manapul’s Batman look (above)?
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Announced at San Diego Comic Con this past Summer, Mattel is showcasing the protoypes of their forthcoming DC Multiverse 4” action figure line at New York Comic Con this weekend.
The always awesome Comics Alliance posted some photos from Mattel’s booth, and they showcase figures from the 1989 Batman, 1978 Superman, 1980 Superman II and yes, even 1992’s Batman Returns.
Some of the details look off (the Bruce Wayne headsculpt for the ‘89 Batman looks soft, and the S logo on the Reeves era Superman looks lumpy), but as a whole, if the final figures look half as good as the prototypes, this could be a great line. Check out the full gallery at the link above.
Much like its fellow Christmas-time release, American Hustle, it’s hard to ignore The Monuments Men, just based on the cast.
George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman and more headline this interesting tale of a group of World War II soldiers who were tasked to recover art which was stolen by the Nazi’s.
I get the feeling this is going to be a super fun romp when it hits theaters on December 18th. I am there.
The integration of Top Gear content has become a trademark of the Xbox racing game series, Forza Motorsport. You’ll be happy to know that with Forza 5 (debuting with the Xbox One in November), they’ll be back, and this time…YOU GET TO RACE THE STIG’S DIGITAL COUSIN!
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In 2014, Dark Horse Comics will combine two of their most legendary licensed franchises with a brand new one, as they relaunch Aliens, Predators and Alien vs. Predator, combined with the first ever Prometheus comic, to create an ongoing universe.
io9 got to sit down with the writers (Chris Roberson, Paul Tobin, Joshua Williamson and Chris Sebela) to discuss the move. Sounds like a really awesome concept, and I’ll have to check it out.
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Sure, the series has been good - not great - so far, but the first Marvel/ABC TV series, Agents of SHIELD has officially been picked up for a full, 22-episode season order.
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DC Comics is hoping you love Batman, because in addition to Batman, Batman & Robin, Detective Comics, Batman/Superman, Batman Beyond, Batman ‘66, and Batman: Li’l Gotham, they intend to launch a weekly series in 2014, called Batman: Eternal, to be written and “showrun” by writer Scott Snyder.
Speaking of Detective Comics, they’ll also be celebrating Detective Comics #27 (relaunched with the New 52 in 2011) in 2014. Â As the original Detective Comics #27 marks its 75th Anniversary, this will be an all-star jam, including work from classic Batman creators Neil Adams and - good lord - Frank Miller.
Today is a good day, Blast-O-Rama readers! Our dear friends at Warner Bros have supplied us with arguably our best contest yet…
We’re giving away a Blu-ray copy of PACIFIC RIM.
Due to hit shelves on Tuesday, October 15th, here’s your chance to win a copy of what is our favorite film of Summer 2013, if not of the entire year.
Here’s what you gotta do to win.
Just take the the Pacific Rim SUPERFAN QUIZ in the below widget, and post your results in the comments section. I’ll pick one winner at random, then email you to tell you that you’ve won (so put a real email address!)
This contest will be open until Monday, October 14th to people in the Continental US, so reply and get your prizes, kids!
Best of luck!
The Hot Wheels studio may be the #1 place where little boys dreams are made.
Cool Hunting got an exclusive tour of the El Segundo, CA headquarters of Hot Wheels, and you get to join the fun. Check it out!
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Following in the footsteps of such comics as Tiny Titans and Itty Bitty Hellboy, Dynamite Comics has announced the Li’l Dynamite mini event for January.
Expect to see fun, family friendly versions of such licensed content as Battlestar Galactica and comic characters such as Evil Ernie.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SPIDERMAN-LEGENDS-6inch-INFINITE-SERIES-MOVIE-SPIDERMAN-A6656.jpg' alt=‘Amazing Spider-Man 2 figure’ />
Last night, Hasbro Toys had their annual “Twas the Night Before…” Party, celebrating the eve of New York Comic Con.
In turn, at the event, they showed off a bunch of new toys coming out in 2014, including expansions of the Star Wars Black line, new figures for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (pictured), Transformers: Age of Extinction and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and an expansion of their Kreo construction toy line, for Dungeons & Dragons.
Action Figure Insider has the full gallery of press images.
One of the coolest designs from Iron Man 3 gets immortalized in plastic, as Hot Toys brings a 1/6th scale Igor figure to life.
Action Figure Insider has a gallery of the super-detailed figure, which includes LED lighting and is sure to be expensive.
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Arguably the most beloved installment of the old-school Final Fantasy games, Final Fantasy VI will hit mobile devices as a special edition remake this Fall.
Kotaku has all the known details at this time, but the most interesting part? We may see Final Fantasy VII hit cellphones and tablets in the not too distant future.
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This Friday night, Hero Complex Gallery in Los Angeles will put up their next art show, “Hero Complex Gallery Celebrates AMC’s The Walking Dead”, and 411Posters has a sneak-peek at some of the art which will be showcased.
If you’re a zombie-head, definitely check this out, it looks like a helluva show.
Christian Bale. Amy Adams. Jennifer Lawrence. Bradley Cooper. Jeremy Renner.
On cast alone, American Hustle would be worth a see this Christmas. However, with the new trailer, it certainly looks like the film (directed by David O. Russell) will match the cast’s quality. It’s got a definite Goodfella’s vibe.
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DC Collectibles, DC’s merchandising wing, is coming to New York Comic Con with their guns a blazin'!
Comics Alliance has the images of the two new lines that will be premiered at the convention (based on the new animated film Justice League: War and the Earth 2 series), plus the new Sandman: Overture statue. Check ‘em out!
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This January, DC Comics celebrates the release of Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure by having dozens of Scribblenauts themed variant covers.
Comic Book Resources has the list, as well as the official announcement of a digital-first series called Scribblenauts Unmasked: A Crisis of Imagination.
I’m glad to see the risk-taking continue on the digital side of DC Comics. Lots of great stuff coming from there as of late.
This looks really cool - Tim Nicholls intends to create a high-quality, hardcover artbook of classic arcade game art, titled Artcade.
Scanned, cleaned up, and color corrected directly from actual arcade cabinet art, this is sure to be the perfect book for the classic gamer in your life.
He’s 80% of the way to his goal, and I hope he makes it - this project looks great!
Uploaded yesterday to the official Star Wars YouTube page, this 1976 teaser for the first film - then known as Star Wars, now known as A New Hope - certainly shows how much trailers have changed over the past four decades.
Stark, and almost disturbing, it’s amazing to see that the film advertised here would become such a cultural icon.
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While the Itty Bitty Hellboy comic series from Art Baltazar and Franco is only two issues in, don’t say that Dark Horse doesn’t think about merchandising.
Tomopop has the exclusive first look at Hellboy and Abe Sapien plushes coming soon (no word on date or price), based on their adorable re-designs from the fun, family-friendly new comic.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Glow_in_the_dark_Angel.jpg' alt=‘weeping angel’ />
A pitch-perfect New York Comic Con exclusive for Doctor Who fans, Titan Entertainment has announced they will be selling an exclusive Weeping Statue of Liberty, as seen in the Season 7 episode “The Angels Take Manhattan”.
This 8 inch, glow in the dark figure is limited to 700 pieces, and can be yours for just $30…if you’re in New York this weekend. Otherwise, expect eBay prices.
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Once again, comedian Louis C.K. has gone direct to fans with selling his wares.
This time, an extended version of his 2013 HBO Special, Oh My God is now available for purchase. As with his other specials sold online, $5 gets you an audio download, a video download, and a streaming copy of the special.
How can you NOT support that?
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We’ll see how fast Manly Art gets hit with a notice from Disney’s lawyers for this, but until they do, their plan is to release an New York Comic Con exclusive figure of the only astromech who demands that you have his money - Pimp2-D2.
Available this weekend only for $50, this is either the greatest - or most tasteless - action figure ever made. You make the call!
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Noted tech blog AllThingsD says that Apple fans should circle October 22nd on their calendar.
According to their sources, this will be the date for the Fall iPad event, where not only will we see the next generation iPad, but also its related iPad Mini cohort.
One would also assume this event is where we find out the exact release dates for the new Mac Pro and OS X Mavericks, but as this is just a rumor at this time, anything can and will happen.
It’s been nearly two years since Childish Gambino, the rapper alter-ego of actor Donald Glover, released his first major release, Camp, and apparently the follow up is due this Winter.
Titled Because the Internet, the first song, “yaphet kotto” was teased in the above announcement video released to YouTube by Glover.
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Good job, Syfy - you’ve created a reality competition show I’d actually want to watch.
Titled Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge, the show will pit “10 aspiring creature creators competing in a series of challenges where they will build everything from mechanical characters to whimsical beasts”.
Yeah, I’m in.
The latest in their ongoing series of 1:6 Scale G.I. Joe figures, high-end toy company Sideshow Collectibles now takes on one of the most iconic villains of the series - the silver headed Destro!
The figure goes up for pre-sale today, at $180.
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In what is becoming a trend for Marvel films, the fine digital artists at LEGO have put together a spoof of a forthcoming movie poster, using their trusty mini-figure designs.
Of course, in this case, the poster is two fold, promoting both Thor: The Dark World and the forthcoming LEGO Marvel Super Heroes game, coming out for every system ever invented.
Broken Bells (the combination of producer Danger Mouse and James Mercer of The Shins) is returning with a new album.
Titled After The Disco, the album is due in January, and was teased on their website with the above video.  Their first album was pretty great, so hopefully, this will meet the same level of quality.
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Given that the WWE line from Mattel is one of the most popular toy lines going today, it should come as little surprise that their license is being branched out into other toys.  Announced at the Dallas Toy Fair this week is the WWE Stackdown Universe, a series of LEGO-like construction toys coming from The Bridge Direct, who also produce the Hobbit action figures.
A whole variety of sets - including vehicles? - are due next year.
It’s Wednesday, which means its time to head to your favorite shop, or open your Comixology app, and pick up this week’s comics!
As always, ComicsList.com has a full list of what will hit shelves today, but here’s my personal pull-list.
It’s full of spoilers, but 2K Games has uploaded a video comprise of the opening five minutes of the Bioshock Infinite DLC “Burial at Sea”, which takes Booker and Elizabeth and plants them into the world of Rapture, from the original BioShock.
If you’re willing to ruin the first five for yourself, by all means, click play…
YouTube channel Official Comedy has struck comedy gold, as they have edited together a unique trailer that posits the idea that all of Tom Hanks' films are one long movie…titled, appropriately enough, Tom Hanks: The Movie.
See how America’s sweetheart got to where he is today.
This week brings a rather mixed bag of films to home video, but perhaps you’ll find something that interests you.
Here’s what hits the shelves today:
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Smart home product manufacturers Nest, best known for their smart thermostat, are breaking into a new realm with a smart smoke alarm, called Protect.
Available for pre-order starting today, the Protect works alongside the Nest Thermostat, and has clearer, easier to understand messages about what’s wrong (such as an alarm, low battery, etc.), and connects to a smartphone app that allows you to be notified of issues anywhere. Â Seems very smart, and could take off even faster than the Nest.
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NBC has just announced the acquisition of Welcome To Sweden, a sitcom produced by Parks & Recreation star Amy Poehler and her brother Greg Poehler, who also stars.
Originally airing on Sweden’s TV 4, the show stars Greg as Bruce, an accountant who falls in love with a Swedish girl and follows her to Sweden.
The show was the first English-language production for TV 4, and also stars Josephine Bornebusch, Lena Olin, Illeana Douglas and Patrick Duffy, plus features cameos from Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Aubrey Plaza and Gene Simmons.
No word yet on an air-date.
UK band Los Campesinos! have released the second single from their forthcoming album No Blues, entitled “Avocado, Baby”.
It’s a fun, driving track, which also includes guest vocals from the Cardiff Cougar Allstars cheerleading squad. How Go! Team of them!
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Celebrating the costume wearing season, donut retailer Krispy Kreme is once again releasing a Halloween line, dubbed “Krispy Skremes”.
Available through October 31st, the donuts included are…
The Chocolate Iced with Halloween Sprinkles Donut - a standard Glazed Original topped with chocolate icing and orange and black sprinkles.
The Spider Web Donut - a Kreme-filled donut topped with chocolate icing and finished with a web of white icing. Alas, there are no real Krispy Kremes around Baltimore anymore, but if they did, I’d have all 3. Perhaps its best that I can’t.
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Square Enix Japan has announced that the first eight Dragon Quest games will be ported to mobile devices in the not-too-distant future.
Currently, these ports are designed for Japan only, but I have a hunch that the option to make additional money may change some minds.
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Artist Scott C.’s The Great Showdowns is one of my favorite sites on the web, as he puts the heroes and antagonists of famous films smiling face to smiling face, resulting in brilliant and sublime art.
Last Fall brought the first collection of his art, The Great Showdowns, and next week (October 15th) brings the release of the second collection, Great Showdowns: The Return.
Collecting even more of his art, it’s sure to be a perfect read for any movie or art lovers.
It’s a very Dismemberment Plan heavy morning here at Blast-O-Rama, as the band is the latest to join in the fun at AV Club’s Undercover video series, where bands pick a random song from a list, and cover it. They take on Heart’s “Barracuda”, and the end result is pretty great.
Last night, the Disney XD network premiered the first teaser for the new Star Wars animated series, Star Wars Rebels. Emphasis on the tease, here.
I’d expect us to hear/see more coming up at NYCC this weekend.
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In the latest of many New York Comic Con exclusives, toymaker Mezco has announced they will be selling an exclusive ‘test-shot’ styled Axe Cop from Axe Cop.
There’s only going to be 500 of ‘em, so you better move fast this weekend!
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This year, in addition to the annual fun of Free Comic Book Day, the comic shop industry is trying out a holiday celebration for Halloween, titled (appropriately), Halloween ComicFest.
Of course, you can expect all sorts of fun retailer goodies, including an exclusive set of Marvel Zombie Villain MiniMates, this Halloween.
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Disney blog InsideTheMagic has the exclusive first look at Disney Kingdom: Seekers of the Weird, the first of many forthcoming Marvel Comics mini-series set in, or around, the world of Disney amusement parks and attractions.
Written by Brandon Seifert (“Witch Doctor") and drawn by Karl Moline (“Avengers Arena"), the first issue hits in January.
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Details are limited at this time, but developers United Front have confirmed that they are working on a new game in the Sleeping Dogs universe, called Triad Wars.
No word yet on if this will be an official Sleeping Dogs sequel, or some sort of side-story.
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Director James Wan, taking on his first installment of the Fast & Furious franchise with Fast & Furious 7, is clearly giddy about the vehicle choice for his lead villain - it’s a sweet ass Aston Martin.
Of course, those who saw Fast & Furious 6 know who that villain is…it’s a perfect fit.
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Once again, NPR’s First Listen program has provided fans with exclusive early access to a long awaited album.
Today brings Uncanney Valley, the first new album by the Dismemberment Plan in over a decade.
I’ve given it a few listens myself, and while it doesn’t necessarily hit the highest highs of their discography, it’s a heck of a fun album, and I can’t wait to hear the songs live. Â Especially album closer “Lets Just Go To The Dogs Tonight”. That is a POWER JAM.
Check it out at NPR.org.
The third season of popular internet video rap battle show Epic Rap Battles of History kicked off yesterday with a bang.
Facing off once again…it’s Hitler vs. Vader. Who won? Who’s next? Keep an eye on their YouTube channel.
Attached to screenings of Gravity this past weekend, the second trailer for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty focuses a bit more on the plot, and its tale of a man who aspires to finally do something with his life.
The first reviews of the film coming out this weekend from the New York Film Festival have been polarizing, with critics either really loving - or really loathing - the film, but I think no matter what, I will need to see it for myself this Christmas.
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As somewhat expected, Warner Bros. Interactive officially announced today that popular DC superheroes fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us would be getting an Ultimate Edition this November.
Similar to the ‘Game of the Year’ editions of the Batman: Arkham series, this Ultimate Edition combines Injustice proper along with all of the previously released DLC content, including bonus characters including Batgirl, Lobo and General Zod.
What makes this unique, however, is two new ports of the game will hit at the same time, bringing Injustice to the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 for the first time.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Matt_Smith_by_Gage_Skidmore_2.jpg' alt=‘Matt Smith’ />
How does one follow up being the Doctor?
By singing, dancing and killing people in the 1980’s, of course! At least that’s Matt Smith’s plan, as he will follow-up his run as Doctor Who with a turn in UK theatres as the lead of the musical version of American Psycho.
On paper, I should be more excited for Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit.
I really love Chris Pine as Kirk in the new Star Trek films, I’ve always had a lil' crush on Kiera Knightley, I enjoy the direction and acting of Kenneth Branaugh, but besides the clear large scale of the film from the trailer, something leaves me cold.
I’ll give the film a look for its second trailer, but right now, in a stacked Christmas moviegoing season, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit really needs something greater to keep my interest.
What say you?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DRVKpRqcLO4
Seven films into his run as a director, Wes Anderson has created a well crafted, expertly designed world that makes his work stand out immediately upon viewing the first frame.
Due out tomorrow, author Matt Zoller Seitz looks back at Anderson’s career so far with the deluxe hardcover book called The Wes Anderson Collection. If you love Life Aquatic, were charmed by Moonrise Kingdom, or were there from the beginning with Bottle Rocket, this is the book for you. Check it out.
In a great sign for the future of film, this weekend’s top movie at the box office is Gravity, which came in at $55 Million, making for the greatest non-sequel October opening, and career highs openings for leads Sandra Bullock and George Clooney.
Why is this a great thing, besides Alfonso Cuaron continuing to get to make risky films and a movie I was really rooting to do well, doing well? This is a decided vote from the movie going public - if you make something interesting and original, they WILL see it. It doesn’t always have to be sequels.
And as always, remember, for how well the movie turned out, there are a million ways it could’ve gone wrong. Like having a missile attack, or a romance, or something.
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The NeoGeo X, the hybrid hand-held/console re-release of the classic SNK arcade console, is officially ceasing production.
SNK posted a notice on their website that effective October 2nd, they have revoked the NeoGeo license from manufacturers Tommo Inc..
That said, if you still want to get one before time runs out - you can still nab one on Amazon.com, below retail price.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ts9FHLSE3uY
Over the weekend, Gorillaz frontman Damon Alburn hosted a set on BBC Radio.  Among other things, including an appearance by Idris Elba, he premiered a lost, Plastic Beach-era song called “Whirlwind”.
Because this is the internet, the song is already on YouTube. Enjoy!
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Sure, the official sets are impressive, but get ready to have your jaw left agape by this custom version of the Lord of the Rings sequence in Helms Deep.
Made up of literally hundreds of thousands of bricks and thousands of mini figures, this LEGO build by Goel Kim and Big J will blow your mind, period.
A few months early for the premiere of Anchorman 2, fictional anchor Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrel) is back in the public eye, as he’s now pitching Dodge Durangos.
Normally, I’d complain about this type of product promotion as being crass, but in this instance, they’re hilarious. Check out the rest of the ads on Dodge’s YouTube page.
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The latest in the LEGO Expert series is due in January, and man is it a doozy.
The nearly 2500 piece Parisian Restaurant includes a three-floor setup and five mini figures, and is just jaw dropping to take in. Who has the patience and pocketbook for this set?
I, Frankenstein isn’t set for release until January, which makes sense, as that has always been the release month of the damned.
If you liked the Underworld series, I, Frankenstein sure looks like the movie for you in this trailer. For the rest of us - lets avoid this, act like it never happened, and just wonder what happened to that charming and talented Aaron Eckhart fellow.
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For those of us who now struggle to remember a time before the iPhone, The New York Times has a unique look back at the original iPhone reveal, and the issues encountered with the first ever demo.
It’s a fun, long read. Check it out.
In turn, they revealed the early specs for these machines, and they’re pretty hefty.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/url-15.jpeg' alt=‘the hobbit’ />
Turns out making three movies that innovate camera techniques and spread a book into three, three hour installments isn’t cheap.
Variety has word that according to official tax documents, production of The Hobbit trilogy has cost $561 Million so far, and with two more films to be released (not including ad costs, re-shoots, etc.) that number can and will go up.
For perspective, the original Lord of the Rings trilogy cost about half as much, total.  It is worth stating that the first film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey pulled in just over $1 Billion on its own, so I don’t think Warner Bros is hurting for money.
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Hey, you guys remember that Tiny Tower game that sucked up all your time on your iPads and iPhones?
Guess what - Disney/Lucasarts contacted developer Nimblebit, and now Tiny Death Star is coming. Hope you didn’t have any plans that didn’t involve your devices, world.
Back in 2012, at San Diego Comic Con, Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures made an amazing announcement - not only would there be a new Godzilla film created in the US, but it would be directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters).
This announcement was combined with a spectacular mood trailer that captivated the audience within Hall H.
That trailer never saw the light of day outside of bootlegs…until this weekend. Â Embedded above, it is a beautiful, stark teaser, using the classic recording of Oppenheimer to set a tone which is met by the level of destruction.
Here’s hoping whoever leaked this can also get the 2013 teaser, which just sounded ridiculous. (Think a US version of Destroy All Monsters)
The television series Freaks & Geeks is a perfect example of a show that will live on forever due to having amazing potential that was tragically cut short.
But what if the show continued? Vloggers The Fine Bros. have put together a YouTube based choose your own adventure game that picks up where the show left off, and uses a fantastic 16-bit style. What will happen with Lindsay Weir next? The power is in your hands.
It’s only been one week since the beloved AMC drama Breaking Bad left the airwaves. If you’re looking at your clock and wondering what to do with 9pm on your Sunday night now, why not look back at this retrospective of one man’s journey with one crucial word.
You’re a true gift, Aaron Paul.
Earlier this evening, the twenty-fourth(!!!) installment of The Simpsons annual celebration of all things Halloween, Treehouse of Horrors, took to the Fox airwaves.
It was brilliant and Halloween mood setting as usual, but the best part was the intro, directed by Guillermo del Toro. Â It’s full of dozens of amazing easter eggs. Sure, there are videos online that point them all out for you, but I recommend watching the intro for yourself and seeing what you spot. Enjoy!
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While the final issues of the comic sequel, Where Is Jake Ellis, seem to have been lost in printing purgatory, the film adaptation of Who Is Jake Ellis appears to be moving along without issue.
The Image Comic has been picked up by Fox, and Harry Potter director David Yates looks to be jumping on as director for the Bourne-esq thriller.
Now can we just get those final issues of Where Is… out?
I’m not sure if Super Mario 3D Land is going to be the Wii-U system seller that Nintendo desperately needs, but based on this gameplay trailer, if you own a Wii-U and aren’t thinking of picking it up, you’re a fool.  The game is almost enough to make me reconsider my personal PS4 only approach for next gen.
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USA Today gets the first word on Empire of the Dead, a 15 issue comic mini-series written by famed zombie film innovator George Romero.
Drawn by Alex Maleev and published by Marvel, you can look for the NYC based story to kick off in January.
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Moviefone gets the exclusive reveal of 5 70’s as-all-hell character posters for American Hustle, David O. Russell’s next big movie.
JLaw lookin' good, y’all.
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The Verge takes a trip down memory lane and looks back at Motorola’s RAZR phone.
This was my first cellphone back in…2005? 2006?
Whichever, I loved it, and miss it some days.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/elizabeth-olsen-2012-vanity-fair-oscar-party-01.jpg' alt=‘Elizabeth Olsen’ />
In a fun interview with the Wall Street Journal, Samuel L. Jackson may have spilled the beans about another new Avengers: Age of Ultron cast member.
Here’s the quote:
In turn, without official Marvel confirmation, I’ll say Olsen’s in, and probably the Scarlet Witch, but lets hold our breath a little longer for that confirmation.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/10059893206_774fdee7b9_b.jpg' alt=‘Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus’ />
Sony has officially announced a November 12th release date for the final PlayStation 3 Ratchet & Clank game, Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus.
This game is an interesting experiment, as it’s a shorter than usual game release, so in turn, they’re only charging $30, as opposed to the standard $60.
I like this idea - why not charge games based on their length and depth?
Based on my Blu-ray collection, I’m pretty sure that I’m game for any movie that combines Seth Rogen and James Franco.
In turn, I was pre-sold on The Interview, the new film written by Rogen along with longtime friend and collaborator Evan Goldberg.
The story sounds fun, with a talk show host (Franco) and his producer (Rogen) getting caught up in an assassination plot in North Korea, but now that Lizzy Caplan is signed as the female lead? I am totally in.
Now I wait for my fiancÁ© to call me out for just wanting to post a photo of Lizzy Caplan.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Toy-Biz-group.jpg' alt=‘Toy Biz Batman Line’ />
Reminding me fondly of being 5 years old and searching every department store I could for a lone Batman (and always finding Bob The Goon), TheFwoosh.com has updated today with a look back at the 1989 Toy Biz Batman action figure line.
I don’t know that any Christmas gift ever made me happier than finally getting the Batman from this line.
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Always a great place to find amazing prints, Acidfree Gallery continues their run of amazing convention exclusive posters with new prints celebrating G.I. Joe and Transformers available only at New York Comic Con 2013.
Head to 411posters for all of the details and images.
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The hilarious, surreal and heart warming webcomic Hyperbole and a Half may not update regularly these days, but when writer/artist Allie Brosh does release an update, she delivers.
Yesterday’s update is no different, with a fantastic story about a Dinosaur Costume and its effects on a four-year old. Enjoy!
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Disney Infinity, the massive toy-based sandbox game from the house of mouse, has had some reasonable success since its release last August, but the hard push for big holiday season sales starts this weekend, with special events occurring this weekend at GameStops nationwide.
In addition to in-store demos and giveaways, GameStop will also release an exclusive figure for the game of Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.  Grab one before eBay hoarders do!
Jackie Chan hasn’t had a major action film release here in the US since the remake of The Karate Kid back in 2010.  That said, this October, he returns with CZ12, the third part of the Armour of God series - and maybe it’s just because its been so long since I’ve seen a proper Jackie Chan film…but this looks great!
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In what has to go down as one of the coolest custom LEGO builds I’ve ever seen, Michael Thomas has built BMO from Adventure Time.
But more than just a well done statue of the character, this BMO is also a fully functional Raspberry Pi mini-PC.
The bar is raised, LEGO builders!
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While their choices are more on the “variant cover” than “awesome swag” side of things, don’t worry kids - Dark Horse Comics has a bunch of New York Comic Con exclusives as well.
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In what can be seen as an important move in the future of comic book movie development and creators rights, BOOM! Studios has signed a rather unique first-look deal with 20th Century Fox.
What makes it so unique?
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For years, the term LEGO Watch pretty much meant you were wearing a mini-figure with a built in LCD on your wrist.
With a new line dubbed the “LEGO Watch System”, they’re making classier, more subtle LEGO styled watches for adult fans. Â You’re probably not going to wear them at your next black-tie affair, but they certainly are a classy way to showcase your love of the timeless building blocks.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/marvelpuzzlequest530.jpg' alt=‘Marvel Puzzle Quest: Dark Reign’ />
For those who remember the super fun puzzle game Puzzle Quest, which came out for pretty much every system ever in the mid 2000’s, you’ll be excited to hear that a licensed sequel, Marvel Puzzle Quest: Dark Reign will hit for Android and iOS devices today.
The game is free to play, but as I’ve yet to play it, I can’t say how abusive the F2P integration is. Here’s hoping it’s not Plants vs. Zombies 2 level obnoxious.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Ant-Man-BtS.jpg' alt=‘Ant-Man. FINALLY.’ />
For years, we’ve heard that Edgar Wright was going to get around to making that Ant-Man movie.
We even had an awesome test reel which leaked to the web.
Well, if this image from Edgar’s Twitter is any indication - he’s hard at work again. If I had to guess, he’s shooting some pre-viz, much as he did for the fights in Scott Pilgrim. Either way, excitement level is HIGH.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/jack-ryan-shadow-recruit-poster.jpg' alt=''Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit'' />
After being in production for what seems like forever, tomorrow we get our first look at footage from the new Jack Ryan movie, following in the footsteps of The Sum of All Fears, Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October.
But while the trailer for Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit won’t hit until tomorrow, we’ve got a poster with Chris Pine-y goodness today. Enjoy.
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In what is a clear sign of Sony Pictures' commitment to the future of the Amazing Spider-Man franchise, it’s been reported today that writers Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Pinkner have been asked back to write the third installment of the franchise.
Rumors place The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as the beginning of a story-arc which continues into a third and fourth film. Keeping the creative team throughout will be key to stick the landing - provided the second is as good, if not better than the first. Otherwise, get ready for three bad films.
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Racing nerds, get hyped - Warner Bros has just signed on to develop a film based on the Gumball 3000 Race.
Pitched as a caper film like Ocean’s 11, I’m sold on that sentence alone - but it’s based on the real life annual race which takes place on 3,000 miles of public British roads.
Just give it to Guy Ritchie, and let him get the casts of Lock, Stock and Snatch together again for one final, It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World-styled crazy race.
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Ponder this one for a bit. Due to the positive response of the BBC America airing of the detective drama Broadchurch, Fox has signed on to produce an American remake.
Which will also star David Tennant in the same role. Except in this version, I guess he’ll be waving an American flag the whole time?
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For children, or those who can’t forget the two Sonic the Hedgehog animated series which aired at the same time, the news that Cartoon Network will premiere Sonic Boom in Fall 2014 comes with excitement.
That said, if there are no “Sonic Says”, this show is totally bullshit.
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This morning on Twitter, artist Olly Moss posted his warm-up for the day, a series of Breaking Bad inspired “Minute Walts”.
The response was so strong that he’s now doing a 24-hour sale of prints of them, printing as many as are ordered over the day at just $12 each. $12 gets you a random print, or you can buy the full set for $60.
ComicList.com has up the official list for what’s hitting your local comic store this week.
Here’s what I’ll be picking up. What about you?
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The artist known as Jock has made his name with amazing covers for DC Comics, but starting today, he’s a Marvel man, working on a future sci-fi styled arc of Savage Wolverine.
Comics Alliance sat down with Jock to discuss his forthcoming run, and it’s a great read. Check it out!
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If you’re a PlayStation 3 user, heads up, your gameplay will be delayed slightly, as v. 4.5 of the system software has just been released.
Among other fixes, automatic download of system software is now available. Check out all the details over at the official PlayStation blog.
If you’re on Windows 8, and you’re dying to get your Start Button back, you can pre-order Windows 8.1 now!
It doesn’t hit until October, but if you want to be the first to get the update, you can get Windows 8.1 for $119 and Windows 8.1 Pro for $199 today.
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Remember the fun, randomly generated music “racing” game Audiosurf from way back in 2008?
Well, get your archive of MP3s ready, as Audiosurf 2 is set to hit Steam today! Extra points for the first guy to post a Dragonforce play-through video to YouTube.
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Entertainment Weekly has the first teaser image for the second season of Hannibal, due sometime next year.
Much like the show it’s dark and weird, yet you can’t keep your eyes off of it.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/ku-bigpic.jpg' alt=‘Young Babs Gordon’ />
And since she’s not yet Batgirl, the Batman: Arkham Origins version is all young and angsty!
YOU JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND ME, DAD!
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Noted Twitter tech leaker @evleaks is at it again, as they have now leaked an image of the forthcoming iPhone Game Controller add on coming from Logitech, making use of the new controller API in iOS 7.
Looks pretty rad to me.
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Marvel’s not the only one bringing a smorgasbord of swag to New York Comic Con this year! Image has got a bunch too, including exclusive hardcovers, variant issues, and a TON of The Walking Dead related swag.
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We’re just a week and change away from the biggest comic convention on the East Coast, New York Comic Con, and Marvel Comics wants fans to know that not only will they be in full force, but they’ve got swag to sell too.
There’s something for everyone, including Pizza-Dog shirts, awesome shot glasses, and yes, a stuffed Rocket Raccoon. Check it all out here.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/the-wolverine-3d-blu-ray-box-cover-art.jpg' alt=‘THE WOLVERINE Blu-ray’ />
Announced today for release in December on Blu-Ray, The Wolverine is sure to end up underneath many nerdy Christmas trees (including mine, I hope, I missed it in theaters.)
That said, there’s sure to be some angst, as similar to Fox’s release of Prometheus, which kept all the extras for the 4-Disc 3D set, as opposed to the 2-Disc 2D set, you have to buy the fancy-pants 3D set to get the directors commentary and director’s cut of the film.
Silly, right? Well, make sure you add the right link to your Amazon wishlist. Or if you don’t care about extras, just get the regular version.
Bungie knows exactly what to show gamers to get them excited, and this latest video from Destiny is no exception, showing gameplay on THE MOOOOOOOOON!
By the way, speaking of Destiny, that rumored Beta access for pre-orders? Totally confirmed. So get your pre-order in now.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/wii_remote_plus_mario_luigi.0_cinema_720.0.png' alt=‘Sweet New Wiimotes, Brah!’ />
Bright and early, at 10am this morning, Nintendo took to the web to broadcast the latest of their Nintendo Direct announcements.
There was all sorts of information, from the confirmation of Sonic the Hedgehog. in Super Smash Bros for the Wii-U and 3DS, to the unfortunate delay of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze to February 2014. We even got info on a new Kirby game for the 3DS!
Polygon has a great “storystream” recapping all of the announcements if you missed it. Like those sweet Mario & Luigi remotes.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/papa-johns-new-mega-chocolate-chip-cookie.jpg' alt=‘Giant Goddamn Cookies’ />
Now that the FDA is closed like the rest of the government, expect the Fast Food Arms Race to get even crazier.
For example: Papa John’s is now serving a cookie the size of a pizza.
This week is a pretty decent one for Blu-ray releases, the beginning of the ramp up for the holiday season, with a good mix of catalog releases and hot new titles.
The big releases this week?
A full list of releases for the week can be seen here.
In an interview with Sun News in Canada, Al Jean of The Simpsons spoke at length about this year’s season, the 25th.
But what was perhaps most interesting is the plan to kill off another character this season, the first since Maude Flanders.
The producer was cagey with details, but would only say this:
Your guess is as good as any, Internet.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/MONcover.jpg' alt=‘The Middle of Nowhere’ />
Friend of Blast-O-Rama and amazing pop-culture rapper Adam WarRock has just revealed the details of his forthcoming third album, The Middle of Nowhere.
Check his site for the list of guests and producers, and get ready for it to drop on November 5th.
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Wired.com interviews director Alfonso Cuaron about Gravity, which hits theaters this Friday.
Great insight into the production. I’m seeing it Friday night, and will get my review up ASAP.
As promised yesterday, the second, full-length trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug has hit the web.  It’s full of elves and spiders and HOLY CRAP SMAUG.
In the latest move in the weaponization of food, KFC now offers “KFC Go Cups”, an entire meal - or snack, as they call it - in a cup designed to fit in your car’s cup-holder.
Wired headed to the 2013 National Beard and Moustache Championships and filed an amazing report.
Worth checking out if just for all of the competitor portraits by Greg Anderson.
Head to DarkCityGallery.com if you’d like them for your own collection.
Kotaku.com has a really cool look at the design process Disney Interactive undertook to find a unifying look and feel for the characters within Disney Infinity.
I can’t wait until that game hits some of the more obscure characters. Return To Oz, anyone?
Just in time for this morning’s Nintendo Direct streaming press conference, the Big N has released Wii U Update v. 4.0.
Among the new functionality within the system update, the Wii U can now playback Wii games on the GamePad, and you can share in-game screenshots across social media, a’la the 3DS.
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I just found out a video game that I never knew I wanted until now.
Set to hit the arcades (yes. ARCADES.) this November is a Batman racing game. That lets you drive multiple generations of Batmobile, including the Tumbler and the Bat. I am SO in. Time to blow so many quarters.
Provided the rumors are true…
You’re gonna want to make sure your DVR catches all of Agents of SHIELD on Tuesday night. Through the credits.
Seriously? We’re at a point where filmmakers have to apologize for a visual decision?
“This is how stupid it was,” J.J. Abrams added. “I actually had to use ILM [Industrial Light & Magic] to remove lens flare in a couple of shots, which is, I know, moronic. But I think admitting you’re an addict is the first step towards recovery." Ugh. Some elements of the creative process were way better before the Internet.
Following in the footsteps of the forthcoming Maleficent and Cinderella live-action films, Disney is now setting its sites on a film starring the 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella de Vil.
Didn’t they just do this in the mid 90’s? Twice?
Rainfall Films certainly thinks so. That’s why they put together this impressive fan trailer pitching the beloved super heroine as the star of her own feature film.
The costume looks great. Now to find someone who can actually make a good film out of it.
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Looks like this Christmas, DC Comics fans are getting a major award.
NECA has just announced…for some reason…Superman and Batman leg lamps due out in time for Christmas.
No, we’re not talking about a crossover.
If the rumors are true, the massive success of Agents of SHIELD last week have Disney discussing the possibilities of a Star Wars television series on ABC…sooner, rather than later.
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My most anticipated film of Summer 2014 has officially started filming today - 22 Jump Street!
You might not be keen on reading a press release on the first day of filming, but it’s worthwhile if just for this quote:
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Funko has revealed the fourth series of Star Wars based figures as a part of their Pop! Vinyl line.
Somehow, this is the first instance of R2D2.
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Colossal.com has a look at Beautiful LEGO, a forthcoming photo book featuring jaw-dropping custom LEGO creations.
You’ll probably want to pre-order it when you’re done looking at the preview images.
Finishing off a trilogy of exhaustively detailed making-of books, the long-awaited The Making of Return of the Jedi hits shelves tomorrow.
I had forgotten that JW Rinzler’s third book in the Star Wars series was due out already, thinking it was a “holiday” release. Then I realized tomorrow was October, which is “holiday” in retail terms.
Either way, go get it cheap over at Amazon. Or you know, get all three.
<a href=“https://www.blast-o-rama.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/JWTTRobinFt.jpg' alt=‘Robin’ />
In what is a good sign for Internet secrecy, or a sign that the figures will fail, Action Figure Insider stumbled upon an entire assortment of Teen Titans Go figures at their local Toys R Us.
The surprise? No prototype photos or details had hit the web in advance. Just a press release last June. How old fashioned.
Blast-O-Rama favorite RJD2 has a new album coming out on October 8th.
Titled More Is Than Isn’t, the release is currently streaming for preview over at RollingStone.com.  If you dig it, you can pre-order it today over at Amazon.
In addition to the Garfield & Oates show, IFC is looking to get into the James Adomian business as well.
Splitsider has the details on the in-development series titled The Embassy. Starring comedian James Adomian in multiple roles, the series will be produced by podcast network Earwolf.
Adomian has arguably made his name with his appearances on Earwolf’s podcasts, doing an amazing and varied group of characters and impressions across multiple shows.
With a new trailer due to hit tomorrow, Warner Bros gets the hobbits back in front of your eyeballs with this new banner for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the second part of the Hobbit Trilogy.
Yahoo! Movies has the reveal of the latest poster for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
The Dissolve (the great new movie site from Pitchfork, full of ex-AV Club staffers) has the announcement of the new studio Gamechanger Films, which focuses on financing only feature narratives directed by women.
It’s interesting to note that only 7% of the Top 250 highest grossing films are directed by women, and as The Dissolve notes, the #1 Female Directed film, based on gross? Kung-Fu Panda 2.
Comedy blog Splitsider is reporting IFC has signed musical duo Garfunkel & Oates (Kate Micucci and Riki Lindhome) for a 10 episode deal for a new show.
The show, titled Garfunkel and Oates is due to premiere next year.
Gizmag.com has the details on the incredibly slick looking P12 Jetpack, coming from Martin Aircraft.
At the low low price of $20,000, I believe this marks the first commercially available jetpack. Tomorrow’s future…finally, today.
The Hong Kong crazies at Hot Toys are taking on this past Summer’s X-Men film, The Wolverine, with the newest of their highly detailed, highly priced collectible figures.
Comics Alliance gets you up-close and personal with this latest 1:6 scale version of Logan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ReUK8RIDdyM
Did you know he owns a 6 foot tall RC, flyable Iron Man suit?
RDJ truly is unstoppable. io9 has all of the details.
Personally, the TV adaptation of The Walking Dead lost me somewhere within Season 2, although I continue to read the somewhat pushing comic book.
Never the less, I know some of you can’t wait for the fourth season, so here’s a new promo for it, which aired during the Breaking Bad finale.
The trailer for the latest in Sequart’s documentaries about the comics industry, Comics in Focus: Chris Claremont’s X-Men has surfaced over at Bleeding Cool.
Claremont’s run is considered legendary in the industry, so it’ll be cool to learn all of the ins and outs.
Speaking of Destiny, Kotaku has the first look at the game’s box art.
The PlayStation flavors at least.
Tumblr should be getting excited. BIG Chief Studios Ltd., who have put together a wide swath of Doctor Who and Sherlock goodies, have announced a line of 1:6 Scaled Sherlock figures.
Expect figures for Sherlock and Watson, and if their Who figures are any indication, pricing should be around £170.
It seems like the big push this gaming generation is live streaming of games, and at the forefront is Twitch.TV.
If you’re like me, and you don’t quite understand what Twitch is, or the impact they’ve had on “e-sports”, this profile on The Verge today is a must read.
In their latest Kickstarter update, the team behind the not-quite-Mega Man game Mighty No. 9 have made an announcement sure to excite the super hardcore fans.
The side scrolling action game will now feature music composed by Takashi Tateishi, best known for creating the legendary level music for Mega Man 2.
Only 35 hours remain on the Kickstarter at the time of this writing. I gave them my money - why haven’t you?
Hey there, everyone! You may have noticed things are different here at Blast-O-Rama.
You may have seen a rapid deluge of posts pop up over the weekend, but that’s because we were backed up, getting ready for the latest version of the site.
Our own Chris K. coded this from scratch, after I took a long look at what the site is, what it was, and where it could be going.
Inspired greatly by sites such as Daring Fireball, and the minimalist workings of Tumblr - of which I’ve become a big fan - the idea of the new BoR is simple. We provide you with regular updates and links to the coolest news and internet bits that have grabbed our interest, but the idea is simple - get them to you with as little fluff as possible.
Our longer pieces will still exist, as we review the newest and coolest things we devour, but we want you to know what you may have missed as quickly as our fingers allow it. Â Plus, we’ve got infinite scroll set, so you can keep reading forever. Â You can always access our archived articles and reviews right at the top.
You may also notice that currently the site is ad-free. That may not last forever, but as the ad revenue generally hasn’t been too great, I figured we could kill it for now. In the meantime, you will see links every now and then to products on Amazon.com. If you’re interested, please, buy through us - we’ll still try to keep you abreast of great nerdy deals whenever possible as well.
This is a new idea, and one that I can’t wait to see the results of. Â But of course, we want your feedback. Â Feel free to leave them in the comments on this page, or feel free to shoot me a line directly -Â marty@blast-o-rama.com. I’d love to chat with you. Â Thanks, and enjoy the site!
Anti-Virus inventor, millionaire and crazy person John McAfee is in the news again.
McAfee announced this weekend at the C2SV Technology Conference that he has created a device - called the Decentral - which will retail for less than $100 and block the NSA’s surveillance of you.
No further details are known at this time. If I had to guess, it’s a box of parts which run on snake oil.
Looks like gamers will get a look at Bungie’s massive multiplayer shooter Destiny earlier than expected.
According to a post on Reddit, the official Destiny website included references to an exclusive Beta for those who pre-order the game. Â Here come the pre-orders…
Polygon.com has word that another Nintendo Direct live-streaming broadcast will occur tomorrow morning at 10am Eastern, 7am Pacific.
No word on what will be showcased, besides Wii U and 3DS games. Typically, Nintendo uses these broadcasts to showcase new parts of previously announced titles, provide release dates for games, and even unveil new titles or hardware.  Given the air date, I expect a focus on Pokemon X & Pokemon Y.
Batman: Arkham Origins hasn’t even been released yet, and the producers are already talking about the post game plans.
In an article posted to Eurogamer.net, producer Guillaume Voghel discusses the “Initiation” DLC coming out after the games release, which features you playing as Bruce Wayne as he learns to become a ninja (a’la the opening of Batman Begins).  Additionally, the article discusses the “New Game Plus” mode, which opens up after you complete the game, and “I Am The Night” Mode, which is a super-hard mode, where Batman gets only one life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_fFAKrIntzY
If you were sleeping at 1am (or out partying), here’s the Arcade Fire special which aired on NBC. Â Surprising cameos abound. Enjoy!
Tonight brings the final episode of the beloved meth-making drama Breaking Bad, and to mark the occasion, our pals at Spoke Art commissioned Tim Doyle to put together a special time release print.
Titled “Nothing Beside Remains”, it’s available for just 24 hours (the entirety of day, Sunday, September 29th). All those who order today will get one, and no more will be made.
Lock yours in today here.
Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind are the four titles up for re-release, and hit shelves on November 25th. No word on a equivalent US release.
Chappie is the story of a robot (voiced by Sharlto Copley) stolen by two gangsters - played by South African rap duo Die Antwoord. It’s going to be a surreal pairing for sure, but now we’ve got Wolverine in the mix as well.
One of the finest films of the summer, the final part of the Cornetto Trilogy, The World’s End is officially set for Blu-ray release on November 19th.
The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack is up for pre-order now, as is a box set collecting it, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz.
Artist James White (nom de art Signalnoise) has been slowly putting together an awesome, stylized series of art prints based on 1980’s wrestlers called StarKade.
He’s now selling the first series of prints directly from his website.  The individual prints are just $10, with a set of all 5 (with a randomly inserted 6th print) going for $45.
Sadly, Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage have sold out individually at the time of this writing.
Whatever Mark Wahlberg is looking at, he’s not pleased.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ORR-SY0KskM
Ripped straight from the Season 7 Box Set, Doctor Who fans have a little bit more entertainment to hold them out for the 50th Anniversary Special, in this new mini-sode titled “Rain Gods”.  Written by Neil Gaiman, it features a date between the Doctor and River Song going terribly awry.
And Friday, the big surprise - the first look at the Steam Controller. Â Pictured above, it features no front facing buttons, but instead, two large circular touchpads.
I find myself very enamored with their idea of a free form, universal and open gaming platform…but that controller is going to take some serious hands on play before I’m a believer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Jr5rzSMNmRM
Back at San Diego Comic Con in July, writer/director Joss Whedon took the stage during the Marvel Studios panel to officially announce the title for the second Avengers film, Avengers: Age of Ultron. Thanks to the JARVIS app - released alongside the Iron Man 3 Blu-ray this week - we have an HD quality video of the announcement. If you don’t get goosebumps, check your geek pulse.
The Internet’s finest talk show, Between Two Ferns, hosted by Zach Galifinakis, returns to Funny Or Die with his guest, Justin Bieber. Awkward hilarity ensues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TbQm5doF_Uc
Wreck-It Ralph is a hard movie to follow, but Disney’s going for it with this Thanksgiving’s Frozen.  More in the vein of Tangled, it looks decent enough in the first trailer. That said, I could see Olaf the Snowman becoming grating over the length of the film. How great is the design of the giant evil snowman though?
Comics Alliance has a look at these adorable, die-cast, super articulated figures of Batman & Superman. Â I love the way they look, I just don’t like how much they cost. About $100 each. Ouch.
Turns out it was actually going to be a really great looking Boba Fett starring game. IGN has a full look at what could’ve been.
The first trailer for the Aaron Paul starring Need For Speed has hit thanks to Apple, and for a car racing movie based on a video game, it takes itself FAR too seriously.
Even money says they show this no less than 8 times during the Breaking Bad finale.
Delayed for ages after the THQ bankruptcy, UbiSoft has announced that the long awaited South Park RPG, South Park: The Stick of Truth will hit shelves on December 10th.
Of course, there’s going to be a wallet punishing special edition, but is that all that surprising? Luckily, the trailer makes the game look great.
Vin Diesel’s Facebook, the epicenter of Hollywood rumor as of late, continues its run as with a new photo, he confirms the casting of Kurt Russell in Fast & Furious 7.
All I’m asking is that F&F 8 co-stars “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, so we get that Austin/Rock rematch…but with cars.
Good news: Taco Bell is running a contest where you can win a PlayStation 4 before it comes out this November!
Bad news: You have to eat at Taco Bell.
Live or die, make your choice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=elMikUGFfqw
You’re in luck, Konami has posted an English version of the “Ground Zero” prologue for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.  In turn, this will be the first time many will hear 24’s Kiefer Sutherland as the stealth hero.
If you want to see more of the game in action, don’t worry - a twelve minute gameplay video (in Japanese) is up as well.
From the “Why Didn’t They Think Of This Earlier” department, Warner Bros has announced that a new series called Gotham will hit Fox next year.
The series will focus on the pre-Batman adventures of Jim Gordon and the Gotham Police Department.
Is it any wonder that this was announced right after Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s pilot aired?
Polygon reports that Sega of America is teaming up with Tommo Mobile to bring some retro styled accessories to the market.
While that iPhone case is super ugly, I really like the Bluetooth Speaker system. Shame I just bought one.
Looks like the Man of Steel can of worms is being re-opened by writer David Goyer.
He seems to think that Superman should be allowed to kill.
I’m not sure if every nerd has had this experience, but I’m pretty sure we all have that one friend who takes his nerd life a little too seriously. To where the rest of their life seems to fall apart around it.
One such man is the “hero” of the forthcoming indie film Zero Charisma, and coming off of some big SXSW buzz, it finally hits theaters and VOD this fall.
Chris Hardwick’s Nerdist Industries moves into the theatrical realm with Zero Charisma as their first release (serving as distributor), and they couldn’t have picked a better film.  Here’s the setup.
If Zero Charisma looks like your type of party, you won’t have to wait long. The film hits video on demand on October 8th, with a limited theatrical release kicking off on October 11th.
The ever expanding Fast & Furious franchise is coming full-circle with the seventh installment, as Universal has just announced the signing of Lucas Black (The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift) to appear in the seventh installment of the car racing franchise.
Lucas Black’s character Sean hasn’t been seen since the beloved third installment of the film, where he sought tutelage from the ill-fated Han (Sung Kang). Â Han was brought back for the fifth and sixth installments of the series, and in the post-credits scene, his death at the end of Tokyo Drift was explained, setting a unique chronology of the series of 1-2-4-5-6-3-7.
Never the less, it’s clear this death will bring Sean out of the woodwork to go after the mastermind…who I won’t ruin the reveal of, as Fast & Furious 6 is yet to hit home video.
According to Deadline, the deal to bring Lucas Black into the fold for the seventh installment includes a deal for an eighth and ninth film in the Fast & Furious series. Guess I’m delaying a purchase of that box set.
Source: DeadlineÂ
It’s been thirteen long years since the combination of rapper Del Tha Funkee Homosapien and producer Dan the Automator dropped the future facing concept album Deltron 3030, but over a decade later, they’re finally ready to return with Event 2.
The road to Event 2 has been long and difficult, but with an official release date set and tour dates in the books, it looks like the album is finally being released.
To underline that point, the first music video has been released today.
Featuring the track “City Rising From the Ashes”, the video features a great funky track, and a guest appearance from the one and only Mike Patton (of Faith No More fame).  Enjoy!
Deltron 3030 - Event 2 hits shelves on October 1st.
Not to be confused with the post-episode talk show, The Talking Dead, AMC has announced plans to create a second television series, taking place in the Walking Dead universe.
This series, sort of the CSI: Miami to the Walking Dead’s CSI will be produced by the same team as the current show, the comic’s creator Robert Kirkman along with Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert.
The details are minimal, but the intended air date is sometime in 2015. Â The full press release is below.
“Building on the success of the most popular show on television for adults 18-49 is literally a no-brainer,“ said Charlie Collier, AMC’s president and general manager. “We look forward to working with Robert, Gale and Dave again as we develop an entirely new story and cast of characters. It’s a big world and we can’t wait to give fans another unforgettable view of the zombie apocalypse.“
“After 10 years of writing the comic book series and being so close to the debut of our fourth, and in my opinion, best season of the TV series, I couldn’t be more thrilled about getting the chance to create a new corner of The Walking Dead universe,“ said Kirkman. “The opportunity to make a show that isn’t tethered by the events of the comic book, and is truly a blank page, has set my creativity racing.“
While the video is definitely not anywhere near as awesome as the anime-styled videos seen for their album Discovery, the first official music video from Daft Punk‘s Random Access Memories has hit the web today, and it’s for “Lose Yourself To Dance”!
“Lose Yourself To Dance” is the second single from the 2013 release, and amazingly, is the first full music video from the project, not “Get Lucky”.  The video features the robots, Pharrell Williams and Nile Rogers rocking in a disco, complete with some sweet-ass translucent instruments.
Click play and enjoy!
Random Access Memories is currently available at all good music outlets.
On the verge of the release of Grand Theft Auto V, it’s interesting to see how far the game has come.
Starting as a 2D, overhead crime game back in 1997, 16 years later, it’s arguably the biggest title in all of gaming.
However, that first game almost never was released.
In a new video from The Guardian, they interview the developers of the original Grand Theft Auto about how bad a shape the first game was in, and how close it came to never being released.
Please note, the video does feature strong language.
After grossing nearly $790 Million with the last installment, you’d think Fast & Furious’s Dominic Toretto would have something to smile about. Not happening in Fast & Furious 7, it seems.
Instead, as the first still from the film shows (revealed by Vin Diesel on his always exciting Facebook page), things continue to look grim for Toretto and company.
The film, directed by James Wan (Insidious), is moving both fast and furious towards a Summer 2014 release. Here’s hoping that the speedy turnaround doesn’t hurt the plotting.
Who are we kidding - we watch these films to see cars go boom. BRING THE PAIN!
Fast & Furious 7 hits theaters on July 11th, 2014.
With current head writer and Weekend Update anchor Seth Meyers heading off to start his own talk show this February (he’s obtaining the current Jimmy Fallon spot, as Fallon ascends to host of the Tonight Show), the world of Saturday Night Live is in a state of flux.
That said, as always, head producer Lorne Michaels has a plan.  Enter new Weekend Update co-anchor Cecily Strong.
Strong, who debuted last season, is perhaps best known for her drop in appearances at the Weekend Update desk, most notably as the character The Girl You Wished You Hadn’t Started A Conversation With At A Party.
It was these skills that caused Michaels to place her into the co-anchor spot as SNL returns on September 28th, for a show to be hosted by Tina Fey, featuring musical guest Arcade Fire.
This decision, and the addition of new cast members, in the wake of the departure of Meyers, Fred Armisen, Jason Sudekis and Bill Hader, are the focus of a great, lengthy New York Times article posted over the weekend.
Strong will be the 32nd person to take the Weekend Update chair in the show’s four-decade history, and yet only the 6th woman, following such powerhouses as Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
You may ask - why a co-anchor? Due to the production schedule of Seth Meyer’s late night show (a Monday-Thursday schedule, a’la The Daily Show, The Colbert Report and Conan), Meyer’s may be able to continue at the desk for the rest of the season, if not beyond it.
Source: New York Times
After some delays to revise the script, the long awaited fourth Jurassic Park installment is finally ready to begin production.
Under direction from Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed), this film is produced by Steven Spielberg, and while we don’t know the plot just yet, perhaps the title gives you an idea of the scale - it’s now Jurassic World.
Jurassic World joins the very packed Summer 2015 schedule, hitting theaters on June 12th, 2015.
Considering how well that Arrow has taken off for The CW, it should come as no surprise that Warner Bros Television is looking to bring more heroes to their channel, and this season of Arrow gets to have a second purpose - to launch The Flash as its own franchise.
We told you about this plan back in July, and we now officially have confirmation as to who will be starring as Barry Allen on the Green Arrow related series.
Grant Gustin, last seen on TV as a part of the cast of Glee, will be suiting up as the scarlet speedster.
He’ll be appearing in 3 episodes of Arrow this season, with episodes 8 & 9 serving as a two part team-up for the heroes, and episode 20 being a Flash-centric episode, taking place in Central City and serving as a back-door pilot for the Flash show proper.
All three episodes will be written by Arrow producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg alongside Geoff Johns of DC Entertainment.
In my eyes, this is another example of the splintered focus for Warner Bros/DC when it comes to handling their entertainment properties, pushing a Twilight-esq version of their heroes onto the CW, while they do a darker, harder version for film.  Even though Marvel doesn’t directly connect come of its properties (the animated series go on their own path, for example), there is a similar line through the TV, film, animated and comic versions of each property.
As Marvel has shown, there are literally billions of dollars at stake here - I hope for Warner Bros' sake, they’re making the right moves. I’d love two great universes going at once.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The internet sure seems to be divided on the 2014Â Robocop remake, since the first trailer released last week, so perhaps to continue to add fuel to the fire, Sony Pictures released the first official poster for the film to Twitter.
We’ve got it for you above, and while it’s not bad, it feels off. More like an ad for a smartphone than something as awesome as the iconic original poster (below). But perhaps that’s the idea. Why wouldn’t OCP sell this cop like Apple does the iPhone?
Robocop, starring Joel Kinnaman, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton and Gary Oldman hits theaters on February 7th, 2014.
For years, I had said to anyone who asked, to give it 3-4 years after the final Harry Potter film, and we’d hear of Warner Bros rebooting the series for film.
I wasn’t quite right, but the end result was much better than expected - announced last Thursday, Harry Potter author JK Rowling will be making her screenwriting debut, penning the first in a series of films, based off of the in-universe hand-guide called Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them.
The story will take place in the 1920’s, set in New York, and show us a purer wizarding world through the eyes of the author of Fantastic Beasts, Newt Scamander.
In what should come as no surprise, this film will be the lynchpin of a multimedia explosion, including related theme park rides and video games.
There is no set release for this film, but the full press release is below. Honestly, I can’t wait to see a surreal film equal parts Harry Potter and The Great Gatsby - even though I’m pretty sure the final movie will play it a bit more safe.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" will be an original story and will mark Rowling’s screenwriting debut. It is planned as the first picture in a new film series. Set in the wizarding world, the story will feature magical creatures and characters, some of which will be familiar to devoted Harry Potter fans.
“Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for seventeen years, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world,“ said Rowling. “The laws and customs of the hidden magical society will be familiar to anyone who has read the Harry Potter books or seen the films, but Newt’s story will start in New York, seventy years before Harry’s gets underway.“ (Expanded Rowling quote at bottom of release.)
“We are incredibly honored that Jo has chosen to partner with Warner Bros. on this exciting new exploration of the world of wizardry which has been tremendously successful across all of our businesses,“ said Tsujihara. “She is an extraordinary writer, who ignited a reading revolution around the world, which then became an unprecedented film phenomenon. We know that audiences will be as excited as we are to see what her brilliant and boundless imagination conjures up for us.“
In addition to the film series, “Fantastic Beasts" will also be developed across the Studio’s video game, consumer products and digital initiatives businesses, including enhanced links with Pottermore.com, Rowling’s digital online experience built around the Harry Potter stories.
The Studio’s expanded partnership with Rowling also covers the continued expansion of its Harry Potter activities, including the wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme parks in conjunction with partner Universal Parks and Resorts (currently in Orlando, FL; opening in Hollywood, CA and Osaka, Japan), digital initiatives (including Pottermore), video games, consumer products and visitor attractions.
In addition, Warner Bros. will serve as the worldwide TV distributor (excluding the U.K.) of J.K. Rowling’s upcoming television adaptation for the BBC of “The Casual Vacancy,“ her best-selling first novel aimed at adult audiences. This miniseries begins production in 2014.
The relationship will be managed in London by Neil Blair of The Blair Partnership, Rowling’s literary agency, and Josh Berger, President & Managing Director, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland and Spain, who will serve as Warner Bros.’ chief business contact for all J.K. Rowling initiatives going forward.
Rowling’s expanded quote regarding “Fantastic Beasts" is below:
“It all started when Warner Bros. came to me with the suggestion of turning Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ into a film. I thought it was a fun idea, but the idea of seeing Newt Scamander, the supposed author of Fantastic Beasts,’ realized by another writer was difficult. Having lived for so long in my fictional universe, I feel very protective of it and I already knew a lot about Newt. As hard-core Harry Potter fans will know, I liked him so much that I even married his grandson, Rolf, to one of my favourite characters from the Harry Potter series, Luna Lovegood.
As I considered Warners’ proposal, an idea took shape that I couldn’t dislodge. That is how I ended up pitching my own idea for a film to Warner Bros.
Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for seventeen years, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world. The laws and customs of the hidden magical society will be familiar to anyone who has read the Harry Potter books or seen the films, but Newt’s story will start in New York, seventy years before Harry’s gets underway.
I particularly want to thank Kevin Tsujihara of Warner Bros. for his support in this project, which would not have happened without him. I always said that I would only revisit the wizarding world if I had an idea that I was really excited about and this is it.“
The culmination of a weeks long viral marketing campaign, the clock struck 9pm on 9/9 last night, and as expected, Arcade Fire was behind it all, promoting their new album Reflektor.
Reflektor, their fourth album following 2010’s Grammy winning The Suburbs, will be a double-album featuring 13 songs. Produced by LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, the first single from the album was released last night as well, a track titled - appropriately enough - “Reflektor”.
The song runs just over seven minutes, and feels like a late-era Talking Heads jam. Â Ever the productive bunch, the Canadian band has release not just one, but two music videos for the track.
The standard video, directed by Anton Corbjin, is a dark, black and white noir and is embedded below.
For something a little more interesting, following the “We Used To Wait” interactive experience called “The Wilderness Downtown”, Arcade Fire reteamed with Vincent Morisset for an HTML 5 heavy app called “Just a Reflektor”, which allows you to interact with a unique video experience using your cellphone and mouse.  A trailer for that video is below, and you can experience it for yourself at JustAReflektor.com.
But what’s all the hype without an album? Reflektor is available for pre-order in vinyl, CD and digital formats now, and will officially be released on October 29th.
With just a few episodes remaining, you had to know that the complete Blu-ray box set for Breaking Bad had to be on the way, right?
Well, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has taken the wraps off a little early and given us a look at the official complete set, which puts the entire 62 episode series onto 16 high definition discs, including amazing barrel packaging and some sweet swag, including a wonderful Los Pollos Hermanos apron.
The set hits on November 26th, so you can spend the holidays with Walter, Jesse and the gang, and the full extras list is available in the press release, below.  You can pre-order it at a pretty solid 25% discount from Amazon.com today!
BREAKING BAD: THE COMPLETE SERIES
The Addictive, Emmy Award(R)-Winning TV Drama
Starring Emmy Award(R) Winners Bryan Cranston & Aaron Paul
Breaking Bad: The Final Season also Arrives on Blu-ray & DVD
CULVER CITY, CALIF. (September 9, 2013) - Sony Pictures Home Entertainment cooks up a full batch on Nov. 26 when BREAKING BAD: THE COMPLETE SERIES comes to Blu-ray(TM) in its entirety. One of the most explosive series ever to air on television, the 16-disc set is this year’s must-have gift for the holiday season, complete with all 62 episodes and more than 55 hours of special features. Starring three-time Emmy(R) winner Bryan Cranston (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series) alongside two-time Emmy(R) winner Aaron Paul (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series), the critically acclaimed drama from Sony Pictures Television boasts one of television’s most radical storylines, giving viewers a glimpse into the life of how far a man might go in order to take care of the ones he loves. “Bryan Cranston is still turning in a transformative, unimpeachable performance as Walt, who remains one of the greatest dramatic creations ever to grace our TV screens,” hails USA Today’s Robert Bianco.
Fans who are addicted to the series and itching for another hit can now indulge in more than two-hours of never-before-seen footage in a ground-breaking series documentary exclusively in the box set, which comes packaged in a collectible replica barrel representing part of Walter White’s dark legacy. The all-new documentary chronicles the making of the final season, from filming the first table read to the very last day on set and everything in between, including Bryan Cranston inviting the camera in to his Albuquerque living room for the first reading of the final script with Aaron Paul. The box set also contains all bonus features from previously released seasons (including retail exclusives formerly only available in select stores), a Los Pollos Hermanos apron and a collectible booklet with a letter from Gilligan, as well as a commemorative Breaking Bad challenge coin designed and created by Gilligan exclusively for this set as a token of appreciation to fans for making the Breaking Bad journey.
The dark series includes an exceptional ensemble cast with Anna Gunn (TV’s “Deadwood”), Dean Norris (TV’s “Under the Dome”), Betsy Brandt (TV’s “Michael J. Fox Show”), RJ Mitte and Bob Odenkirk (The Spectacular Now). BREAKING BAD was created by writer/director/producer Vince Gilligan (TV’s “The X-Files”), who also served as executive producer with Academy Award(R) winner Mark Johnson (Rain Man, 1988’s Best Picture) and Michelle MacLaren (TV’s “The X-Files”). Co-executive producers of the series include Melissa Bernstein (TV’s Rectify), Sam Catlin (TV’s “Canterbury’s Law”), George Mastras (TV’s “The Dresden Files”), Peter Gould (TV’s “Too Big To Fail”), Thomas Schnauz (TV’s “The X-Files”) and Moira Walley-Beckett (TV’s “Pan Am”). Stewart A. Lyons served as Line Producer/UPM. Cranston and Diane Mercer (TV’s “Arrested Development”) are producers of the series. The series is produced by High Bridge and Gran Via Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television for AMC.
Synopsis: BREAKING BAD follows protagonist Walter White (Cranston), a chemistry teacher who lives in New Mexico with his wife (Gunn) and teenage son (Mitte) who has cerebral palsy. White is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a slim chance to survive. With a new sense of fearlessness based on his medical prognosis, and a desire to secure his family’s financial security, White chooses to enter a dangerous world of drugs and crime and ascends to power in this world. The series explores how this fatal diagnosis transforms Walt from mild family man to a kingpin of the drug trade.
BREAKING BAD: THE COMPLETE SERIES Barrel Set Special Features Include:
BREAKING BAD: THE FINAL SEASON Blu-ray Includes:
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 159 countries.
Somewhere, the production of the new HBO series True Detective fell completely beneath my radar.
Perhaps that’s a good thing, as the first teaser hit HBO’s YouTube page today, and it has me completely within its trance.
Starring the duo of Woody Harrelson (Zombieland) and the man on a mission to remind us how good an actor he is, Matthew McConaughey (Mud), I can’t pull together too much from this teaser, but I am definitely in for this series.
Darkness, religion, sex, depression, family…and a tale that seems to span a number of years.
It’s saying a lot, but this is the first time in a while that I’ve seen a project that reminded me of David Fincher’s Zodiac. This will be a show to look out for when it premieres in January 2014.
When the Marvel NOW initiative was announced last year, it was seen by many - including myself - as a cheap “me too!” maneuver from the House of Ideas, in the wake of the success of DC Comics' New 52.
Just one year later, however, Marvel NOW is seen more as a mission statement - a guarantee to fans to bring passionate creators to unique and interesting takes of their iconic characters.  Marvel NOW has culminated in the huge Infinity crossover spanning across the Avengers titles today, and so it only seems proper that this December brings the next step…All-New Marvel NOW.
Starting on December 24th, three titles mark the beginning of this next era in Marvel Comics - Avengers, by writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Esad Ribic, the previously announced Inhumans by writer Matt Fraction and artistic superstar Joe Madiurera, and the surprise announcement of All-New Invaders, by new Marvel writer (but long-time DC Comics staple) James Robinson and artist Steve Pugh.
As opposed to kicking off how Marvel NOW did, with a “Point One” issue, the Avengers title (launching the “Rogue Planet” storyline, involving the superteam chasing down a runaway planet) will be numbered #24.NOW.
The All-New Marvel NOW launch will continue with new titles through April, as Marvel hopes to capture the same excitement which gave them the position of being the best selling comics publisher between October 2012 and May 2013. Â For fans who are worried about being lost - don’t be - specially selected issues of this launch will include digital codes to give you a free-copy of the entire first collection of that series.
Who wants to bet that we’ll see the Even Newer 52 come out of this? Because right now, God knows DC Comics can use all the help it can get.
Source: USA Today
If you heard the screams of many fanboys last night, chances are, it was due to the release of the first official trailer for the 2014Â Robocop remake.
That, or well, they watched the Ravens game last night.
Either way, fans of the 1987 original have long worried about the results of the JosÁ© Padilha directed remake, and with our first look at footage from the film its…I don’t know, not as bad as expected?
Here, check it out for yourself:
First things first - the armor definitely looks way better in silver, and you can tell that this is a decidedly PG-13 take on the character, given how Alex Murphy is burnt terribly, as opposed to shot up to all hell.
That said - it doesn’t look completely awful. Â Unless the entire film is built around the low-budget looking “Robocop vs. Drones in a Warehouse” scene shown multiple times in the trailer, there’s some potential, at least in the hammy performances of Michael Keaton, Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackon and Samuel L. Jackson’s hairpiece - no matter how much of a black hole that lead Joel Kinnaman looks to be in the suit.
No matter how it breaks, you can at least say this already - Robocop 2014 will be the 2nd best Robocop film to date.
Robocop brings justice to theaters on February 7th, 2014.
Try all we might, there is no stopping the continuation of Michael Bay’s Transformers franchise.
And besides, the third one wasn’t that bad!
Anyway, this summer brings the fourth installment of the series, teaming the robots with a totally whackadoo cast including Kelsey Grammer and Mark Wahlberg (who may have received the gig just because of the Internet), and with the release of the latest teaser poster, we now know two things.
The full title -Â Transformers: Age of Extinction.
That, given the fossil look of the logo, this will be the on-screen debut of - you guessed it - the Dinobots!
Yep, robots, dinosaurs, cars and explosions. It’s going to be another Michael Bay extravaganza.
Transformers: Age of Extinction hits theaters on June 27th, 2014.
Source: Yahoo!
While I spent much of my teenage years enjoying all sorts of animated series from Japan, it’s been 5 years since I really devoured an anime series proper (I devoured Gurren Laggan while unemployed over the Summer of 2008).
Sure, I’ve been looking at some series over the years - the superhero series Tiger & Bunny, the mega hot Attack On Titan, even the new Ghost in the Shell series looked good. But thus far, I haven’t seen frame one of any of them.
That said, at Otakon this year, the director of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo, Shinichiro Watanabe unveiled his latest series - Space Dandy.
The trailer is officially online, and wow, this looks ridiculous and fun!
Bebop and Champloo are in my eyes two of the greatest series ever aired on television, let alone Japanese or animated, so based on the pedigree alone, I’m in, but the artwork, the character designs - Space Dandy looks like a blast.
Space Dandy is due to air in January 2014. I’ll be waiting.
Just announced officially by Marvel Studios, after some lengthy rumors, it’s officially official, Bradley Cooper will be the voice for the CG animated space fightin' raccoon, Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy.
This is Bradley Cooper’s first superhero related role, and tops off an amazing year for the actor, who will next be seen on screen in this Christmas’Â American Hustle.
Guardians of the Galaxy hits theaters on August 1st, 2014.
Source: Marvel.com.
Exclusively revealed by MSN earlier today, 20th Century Fox has released the first one-sheet poster for Ben Stiller’s long in the works adaptation of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
I’ve been totally enchanted by this film since seeing its first teaser trailer last month, and this clean poster certainly doesn’t hurt my interest level. Â Lets hope the final film lives up to the wonderful teaser!
The Secret of Walter Mitty starring Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig hits theaters on December 25th.
Source: MSN
After the crowd sourced success of the Minecraft and Back to the Future LEGO sets, all eyes are on LEGO’s CUUSOO site to see what amazing fan-suggested set will be the next to become real.
Could it be Jurassic Park? If set designer “senteosan” and 3,200+ fans at the time of this writing have their way - the answer is yes!
Featuring awesome LEGO Mini Figures of Dr. Alan Grant, Dr. Ellie Sattler & Dr. Ian Malcolm, plus a screen authentic JP Explorer car, a ridiculous brick build T-Rex and an amazing Jurassic Park gate, its everything a dinosaur fan could ever want.
Past builds have been limited to age group issues (see the past Shaun of the Dead Winchester issues) or problems with the licensors, but given that LEGO had produced Jurassic Park 3 sets in the past, and that kids of all ages love dinosaurs, I think this can happen.
Check out the gallery below and cross your fingers, folks!
[gallery ids=“14854,14855,14852,14851,14850”]
Source: LEGO® CUUSOO.
Released today at 11am, here’s the long awaited sizzle trailer for Grand Theft Auto V.
Expect to see this trailer, focusing on the in-game adventures of our three leads, Franklin, Trevor and Michael, everywhere leading up to the games release.
Grand Theft Auto V hits shelves on September 17th for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
BREAKING: Continuing Marvel Studios unique and interesting actor picks, Marvel has announced today that actor James Spader will join the cast of the second Avengers film, Avengers: Age of Ultron as the titular villain, Ultron.
Spader is most recently known for his television work, including Boston Legal, The Practice, The Office and the forthcoming TV series The Blacklist, but he has built his career in interesting and eccentric performances in such films as Pretty In Pink, Less Than Zero, Crash and Stargate. Now he gets to take on Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and the gang.
Avengers: Age of Ultron, written and directed by Joss Whedon, hits theaters on May 1, 2015.
Source: Marvel.com.
As fans look forward to the Summer 2015 of the Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck starring sequel to Man of Steel (now with more Batman), it’s a great time to look back to what could have been.
In the pre-Christopher Nolan era, Warner Bros was trying anything they could to resurrect the Batman franchise, after it had been put on ice by 1997’s Batman & Robin. One such idea considered? Batman vs. Superman: Asylum, a script written in 2002 by Akiva Goldsman (who scripted Batman Forever and Batman & Robin) and Andrew Kevin Walker (Sleepy Hollow).
Fans wondered for ages how the film could’ve turned out, and a copy of the script has surfaced on Scribd, and we’ve embedded it for you below. Â Enter a world where Batman had a wife, Superman’s getting divorced, and the only solution? Hecka punching.
Source: Geek Tyrant
Continuing their run of fan celebrating posters for early IMAX screenings, IMAX has revealed the exclusive poster for those who head to the theaters early for an 8pm screening of the long-awaited third part of the Riddick saga, the appropriately titled Riddick.
Drawn by artist Alex Fuentes, the print has a strong blue-green hue and features the titular Vin Diesel anti-hero proudly.
Should you be interested in getting one of these prints for free, here’s the list of theaters to go to on September 5th.
Source: /Film
Yesterday brought about a metric ton of announcements from Nintendo to the gaming world, and what was unusual was that none came from the now standard, live streaming “Nintendo Direct” platform which has become their trademark.
Instead, over a series of surprising press releases, Nintendo announced the following…
Releasing on October 12th, this “new” handheld is designed to play DS and 3DS titles, but in 2D exclusively. At a price of $129.99, the system releases alongside the long awaited new versions of the Pokemon franchise, Pokemon X & Y.
On one hand, this is a brilliant move, giving kids a system minus the feature that, honestly, Nintendo doesn’t advise they use anyway, plus it lowers the price of entry into the massive 3DS/DS library.
On the other hand, this system is absolutely ugly as sin, an awkwardly designed angled slab, which just looks uncomfortable to use.
Perhaps I’m wrong, but as a rather well worded opinion piece over at Polygon stated (seriously, what a great side they’ve turned out to be):
DS games run on the DS, 3DS and 2DS; 3DS games run on the 3DS and the 2DS, but not the DS; and there are no 2DS games.
Wii U runs Wii and Wii U games, but to play Wii games you’ll need to run the Wii on the Wii U. Wii doesn’t run Wii U games. The GamePad is portable, but it’s not mobile, and it’s like a DS, but it doesn’t play DS games. Good luck Nintendo, right now, you need it.
Source: Polygon
In what may be a first, Mondo has gone beyond the realm of their normal celebration of movies and television shows, and is now marking a video game release with a series of exclusive prints.
What game, you may ask? The HD remastered edition of the NES classic, DuckTales, released just a few weeks ago by Capcom!
Four prints, along with two variants, will go on sale later today, and we’ve got all the details. Check ‘em out!
[caption id=“attachment_14814” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “Nephews”, Poster by Anne Benjamin. 18"x24" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 160. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $45[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_14815” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “Scrooge”, Poster by DKNG. 18"x24" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 190. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $45[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_14816” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “Scrooge (Variant)”, Poster by DKNG. 18"x24" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 100. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $65[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_14817” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “Ducktales”, Poster by JJ Harrison. 24"x36" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 240. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $50[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_14818” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “Magica”, Poster by Phantom City Creative. 18"x24" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 140. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $45[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_14819” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “Magica (Variant)”, Poster by Phantom City Creative. 18"x24" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 75. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $65[/caption]
These posters go on sale later today at MondoTees.com. Happy hunting!
If fans of the Fast and Furious franchise weren’t excited enough to have Jason Statham join the cast as the villain for Fast and Furious 7, Universal Pictures has just made a bold move to make the franchise rival The Expendables as they have just announced the addition of Tony Jaa to the cast.
For your average moviegoer, this doesn’t mean much. However, for the martial arts movie fan, Jaa has been known for years, particularly for his insane trilogy of Ong Bak films.
Jaa has become infamous for insane action and brutal stunts, all of which he performs himself.
Here - check out this amazing, one-take fight scene from The Protector to see what he’s made out of.
Jaa joins an ever growing cast for the seventh film of the Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson franchise, which will also feature female MMA star Ronda Rousey.
Fast & Furious 7 hits theaters on July 11th, 2014.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
This review contains minor spoilers for The World’s End.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been nearly 10 years since writer/actor Simon Pegg, actor Nick Frost and writer/director Edgar Wright made a splash in the US with their theatrical debut, Shaun of the Dead. While the trio never intended to create a “trilogy”, with the incorporation of the British favorite Cornetto ice cream treat in both Shaun and the follow-up action film homage Hot Fuzz, an unofficial one was born which comes to an end here with, appropriately titled, The World’s End.
If Shaun of the Dead is a film about entering your thirties, The World’s End is about your life once you’re in them.  Set 23 years after a “legendary” pub crawl which never arrived at the final location, lead character Gary King (Simon Pegg) looks to get his crew of five friends back together again, to finish what they started, the so-called “Golden Mile”, a trip across 12 pubs in their hometown.  Of course, 23 years have changed the gang, with most of the gang having grown up, had wives and kids…all except Gary.
Gary King is a unique change for Pegg’s roles in the Cornetto films so far. As opposed to the straight man, King is honestly, a lost cause of a character.  A 90’s goth, he’s never outgrown the role, still having jet black died hair and wearing his favorite trenchcoat.  He never grew beyond that pub crawl, and given that our first glimpse of him is at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, his life never was happier than in that moment, so you understand his motivations to re-live that night, as outrageously selfish as they become.  This is the strongest difference between The World’s End and the two films prior - the internal darkness to the film.  While Shaun hinted at this before (honestly, take a step back and look at the ending - how much did Shaun truly grow up?), in this film you’re met with a protagonist who is truly sad and pathetic.
That said, it’s an incredible testament to the writing of Pegg and Wright, plus a brilliant performance by Pegg and the amazing supporting cast filling the rest of the roles, that Gary King never grates. Â On the direct opposite end of Gary King is his former best friend, Andy Knightly, played by Nick Frost. Â Frost again subverts his typical role, being the straight man, and serving as the one to call Pegg out on his issues. Â Gary and Andy were as close as Nicholas Angel and Danny Butterman, or Shaun and Ed, but some key moment in their past split them, and you can feel the not-so-healed scars. Â But once the gang is back together, including Peter (a wonderfully meek Eddie Marsan), Steven (a cool, calm and collected Paddy Considine), and Oliver (an aloof Martin Freeman), you truly understand why they were so close, and the chemistry is palpable.
In fact, the enjoyment of seeing these old friends hash out old issues over a long-lost-pub-crawl is enough to make you want to see the film play out this way…but then Pegg and Wright’s old friend, the genre twist, comes into play.
In a brilliant move, the old adage of not being able to go home again is subverted, as that feeling in your stomach that the world you knew has been turned into a shallow copy of what it once was, in this instance is true. Â The film takes a decidedly sci-fi bent, and somehow mixes this incredible film about the difficulties of friendship as you grow old with remarkable action and brilliant destruction, and yet never feels pandering.
As usual, The World’s End is a film designed for multiple viewings, with dozens of visual gags and dialogue with hidden double meanings. Every frame is filled with more information than you realize on the first view. To give an idea - once you’ve seen the film, take a look over the names of the pubs, and their signs.  You’d be surprised what matches up.  Heck, you’ll have a good time just looking for other Spaced, Shaun and Fuzz cast members hidden among the film.
If I were to point at a weakness of the film, it would be the relative lack of use for Sam (Rosamund Pike). A former flame of Gary’s, who also happens to be Oliver’s sister…and Steven’s crush, she never really rises above “the female”.  Given how brilliantly Pegg and Wright wrote Daisy in Spaced, its a shame this trilogy has yet to have a female character that stood out as much.  But perhaps they only intended to focus on the relationships of the core five.
Never the less, that issue aside, The World’s End is a wonderful wrap up to the Cornetto Trilogy.  While the movie takes some darker and sadder turns along the way, it matches them with brilliant humor, solid performances and ridiculous action.  Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright have over three films created the definitive statement on growing old for this pop culture fused generation, and I cannot wait to see what they dream up next.  Highest possible recommendation.
BRIEFLY:  It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that Mondo is producing a poster for The World’s End (they did just release a fast selling Shaun of the Dead print, after all), but they sure took their sweet time announcing it!
As just revealed by Moviefone, the poster goes on sale tomorrow, August 23rd, and while no size, edition or price have been revealed, the artist is one of my personal favorites - Kevin Tong.
I’m guessing full details will hit Mondo’s site shortly.
Source: Moviefone.
With events like New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic Con drawing as many as 250,000 people, and even smaller conventions drawing dozens of thousands of rabid fans, you had to know that it wouldn’t be long before a company like Marvel got their paws into the live event game, right?
Get ready -Â The Marvel Experience is coming in 2014.
A joint venture of Marvel and Hero Ventures, a Los Angeles based entertainment company, The Marvel Experience is intended to feel like equal parts convention and theme park, with the live event featuring original 3D animated features, digitally projected animations, motion comics, holograms, and of course merchandising.  The linchpin of the event, however, is a 4D motion ride, set in the center of the event.
For those unaware, a 4D motion ride is not too dissimilar to the old Back to the Future ride at Universal Studios - through a mixture of moving chairs, 3D glasses and video projection, you feel as if you’re in the moment.  The 4th dimension is an added mixture of wind, smoke, water and even smell effects. Here’s hoping it’s not a ripe day for The Hulk.
The Marvel Experience is set to travel to 20-24 US cities in 2014, with dates and locations announced soon. If it’s successful, look for a second US and an international trip to follow.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
The Mondo Gallery continues its run as a fantastic place for pop culture based art shows this weekend as it becomes home to a solo show from artist Jason Edmiston.
Edmiston’s art is beautiful and attention grabbing and with his show, titled A Rogues Gallery, he turns his brush towards the classic villains of the films of the 1980’s.
With each piece intended to serve as a portrait of these dark souls, the art grabs your eyes and never lets go.  I’m particularly fond of the Zod and They Live pieces.  Check out a sample gallery below.
[gallery ids=“14759,14760,14761,14762,14763,14764,14765,14766,14767,14768,14769,14770”]
The show kicks off tomorrow night, August 23rd and runs through September 14th.  The original art for all pieces, and selected prints will be available for sale.
The Mondo Gallery is located at 4115 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas.
Source: /Film
This may be one of those things that only appeals to me, but hey, that’s what this blog is about - sharing the things that we enjoy.
Last Fall, while taking a trip to New York, I discovered an absolutely hilarious book called I Not Dead. Written and illustrated by Graham Roumieu, this was the third part of a trilogy of books “written” by Bigfoot, who not only took the time to clarify his place in the world, but also the misconceptions around him.
The art was surreal, but the storytelling hilarious. I promptly was gifted the first book, In Me Own Words, for my birthday by my girlfriend, and have since picked up I Not Dead, along with the second part, Me Write Book.
They’re hilarious, they’re weird, and in an announcement I never expected, Deadline.com announced yesterday that a pilot has been greenlit by FX for a full on Bigfoot animated series.
Written by Matt McKenna (American Dad) and executive produced by Seth Rogen, the series will extend the story idea into an ongoing tale, and presumably will retain Roumieu’s unique visual style.
Since this is just a greenlight for a pilot, it’s early to say when (and if) the series will premiere, but I am very excited.
Source: Deadline
It seems like such an obvious combination, building block toys and 8-bit styled designs, but as far as I know, this new set from Kawada, the Japanese company behind NanoBlocks (think smaller LEGO) is the first official set to make gaming pixel art come to life.
Licensed by Capcom, this RockMan set (or Mega Man, as we know him) kicks off with two building sets - the Blue Bomber himself, and one of the many robot masters he’s taken down over his 25 year career - Cut Man.
As you can see in the gallery below, the final kits are pixel accurate, come with some fun character related accessories, and can be built in both stationary and attacking formats. Â Pretty rad, right?
[gallery ids=“14744,14745,14749,14748,14747,14746,14750,14741,14740,14743,14742”]
Retailing for 1800 Yen (importers are selling them for between $18-$24 online), these sets should hit shelves in November of this year.
Source: Comics Alliance
This Friday brings the long awaited American release of The World’s End, the third and final entry in the so called Cornetto Trilogy, named after the famous brand of British ice cream.
We’ve had strawberry in Shaun, traditional blue in Hot Fuzz, and now get the minty, chocolate chip green goodness of The World’s End, and to celebrate, video remix king Mike Relm (who you may remember from the amazingly sublime Scott Pilgrim/Ludacris mashup, among many others) has mixed all three films into one addicting video, alongside Battles' “Ice Cream”, Beastie Boys' “Sabotage” and an original remix of “Blue Monday”.
If this doesn’t get you excited for the film, I don’t know what will.
Due to Super Art Fight commitments, I had to pass on tonight’s preview screening, but I will be seeing the movie on Sunday, and promise a review ASAP. Buzz has been great, and I can’t wait for another Wright/Pegg/Frost adventure.
The World’s End hits theaters on this Friday, August 23rd.
Ever mysterious, ever quiet, the team at Bad Robot (that’s JJ Abrams' development company) have just released a new video called “Stranger”.
Lasting just over a minute, it’s a short, black and white video, and if you have any idea what its for, you must be working for them, because I have less than zero of an idea.
However, as the video says, Soon we will know. Maybe.
What do you think?
It’s been a big week of news for fans of the free-roaming crime game Grand Theft Auto, as with the release of the latest installment, Grand Theft Auto V, just being a month away, Rockstar Games is revealing details left and right, including the surprise reveal of the multiplayer component - Grand Theft Auto Online.
More than just a simple online extension of the game, a’la Grand Thef Auto IV, Grand Theft Auto Online is a perpetual online world for you and your fellow gaming hooligans to “explore alone or with friends, work cooperatively to complete missions, band together to participate in activities and ambient events, or compete in traditional game modes with the entire community”.
Rockstar released a video to YouTube to explain how the Online component works, and it’s available below.
If that wasn’t cool enough, the team at Xbox360Achievements have dug up the official list of 38 achievements for the game, which -Â spoilers! - should explain some of the things that you’ll be doing in game.
Most of the achievements seem normal, but then some go off the deep-end, including “Out of Your Depth”, which seems to hint at shark hunting, and “From Beyond The Stars”, which involves collecting spaceship parts? Could this be the first GTA to go into orbit?
Time will tell! Grand Theft Auto V hits shelves on September 17th, with Grand Theft Auto Online launching for free on October 1st.
Gallery1988 consistently has been an amazing source for beautiful pop culture artwork, and with their next show, they are not showing any signs of slowing down.
Celebrating the American release of the final part of the Cornetto/Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy, The World’s End, Gallery1988 has joined forces with director Edgar Wright to put together the appropriately titled Official Edgar Wright Art Show.
Opening tomorrow night, Tuesday, August 20th, in Los Angeles and running through September 7th, dozens of artists have contributed, creating art celebrating all of Wright’s work, including the TV series Spaced, 2004’s Shaun of the Dead, 2007’s Hot Fuzz, 2010’s comic adaptation Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World and yes, this year’s The World’s End.
Wright is arguably my favorite director going, and as this blog shows, we’re certainly big fans of the pop culture art here, so it goes without saying - we enthusiastically suggest you go see the show, or at the very least, look at the preview gallery below!
[gallery ids=“14697,14698,14699,14700,14701,14702,14703,14704,14705,14706,14707,14708,14709,14710,14711,14712,14713,14714,14681,14682,14683,14684,14685,14689,14688,14687,14686,14690,14691,14692,14693,14695,14694” orderby=“rand”]
Gallery1988 West is located at 7308 Melrose Ave in Los Angeles. Any leftover prints will go on sale on Wednesday, August 21st at http://nineteeneightyeight.com/.
Source: /Film
Running a quick minute long, the latest trailer for Joseph Gordon Levitt’s directorial debut Don Jon has hit the web, and it looks as good as the first one did.
Sure, if you’re like me, you’re probably going to have a hard time getting over Levitt’s Jersey boy styled swag, but the plot continues to be what intrigues me - while it’s setup as boy meets girl, its more about the unrealistic expectations we have of our relationships, thanks to romantic films on the lady side, and porn on the male side of things.
The cast is stacked, with Levitt being joined by Scarlett Johannson as his love interest, Tony Danza as his father, and an ensemble including Julianne Moore and Brie Larson. Â Word from Sundance was how damn great this was, and we’ll be able to see soon for ourselves.
Don Jon hits theaters on September 27th.
Given that the Batman franchise is one of Warner Bros Interactive’s most lucrative releases, it perhaps should come as no surprise that with the October release of Batman: Arkham Origins that they’re gunning for the collector’s market with a limited edition release.
That said, at least you’ll be getting your money’s worth.
While the collector’s edition will run you a hefty $120, the set is packed with the following goodies:
Source: Polygon
This past Sunday, the first episode of the final season of everyone’s favorite meth-making drama, Breaking Bad hit the air.
In a move of 100% coincidence, and in no way shape or form producing an unlicensed version of something, the team at Citizen Brick, who produce custom brick accessories and mini-figures (for items which are not at all LEGO), have released a new set called Superlab.
The 500 piece set allows you to make an entire drug lab, and includes 3 mini-figures.
The sets are shipping within 2-3 weeks, and are designed for the adult collector - and the price tag shows it. This exclusive, limited run set will cost you $250.  But as the details show, it’s 100% worth it.  Pick yours up today.
Now, Citizen Brick guys - if you could just make a set based on some angry, 1960’s advertising people, I’d love to see that…
Just in time for the December release of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, publisher Random House has announced that news icon, legend and fictional character Ron Burgundy will release his long awaited memoirs this November.
Titled Let Me Off At The Top! My Classy Life And Other Musings, the book is listed as being written by Burgundy himself, but I have a hunch that its actually the work of Anchorman co-creators and co-writers Will Ferrell and Adam McKay.
In the press release, Burgundy is quoted as saying, “I don’t know if it’s the greatest autobiography ever written, I’m too close to the work.”
Let Me Off At The Top! My Classy Life And Other Musings is set for a hardcover and digital release on November 19th. You can pre-order it today at Amazon.com.
One of the few original film successes over the summer, Lionsgate’s Now You See Me drew in audiences with its unique magician heist concept, combined with a solid, mid-range cast.
I haven’t seen the film yet myself, but all indications were that it lived up to its hype, a fun, breezy mixture of Ocean’s 11 antics with some magic to go alongside it.
So, now that the risk of making an original film in today’s environment actually paid off ($275 Million Worldwide on a budget of $75 Million), what is Lionsgate to do? Produce more unique, interesting original films?
Of course not! Get ready for Now You See Me 2 in Summer 2014.
Thus far, none of the original cast (including Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher and Mark Ruffalo), nor the director Louis Leterrier are signed. And there isn’t a script. But we’ll see a sequel in two years.
Good luck with that, guys.
Meanwhile, for those of us like myself, who haven’t seen Now You See Me yet, the film is due to hit home video on September 3rd.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
I’m not sure if it’s a sign that I’m getting older, or if this season in particular has become more stacked over the years, but lately I’m finding myself looking more forward to the Christmas movie season than the Summer one.
So far, we already have American Hustle, Anchorman 2, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to look forward to, but today we can add another film to the list of must sees around Christmas - The Monuments Men.
Based on the book by Robert M. Edsel, the film is based on the true story of a special Allied forces group who were enlisted with the task of saving art and other important cultural items during World War II, as Hitler intended to destroy them.
With an absolutely stacked cast headlined by George Clooney (who also produced and directed the film), the movie looks to shine with such fine talent as Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman and Bill Murray.  I’d be in on the cast alone, but with a plot that seems to mix Ocean’s 11 with World War II, this flick looks to be a can’t miss! Check out the first trailer, released yesterday, below.
The Monuments Men hits theaters on December 18th.
As promised, the new Thor: The Dark World trailer hit YouTube yesterday as a part of YouTube’s Geek Week, and it’s everything fans could want.
You’ve got Loki mocking Thor, you’ve got Jane Foster slapping Loki for New York (but not slapping Thor for like, not seeing her at all?), you’ve got casual Heimdall, you’ve got some shots that make it very clear that director Alan Taylor worked on Game of Thrones and you’ve got an awesome, awesome last moment trailer sting.
Really the only problem? No real highlights for lead villain Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), which I thought very odd.
Either way, click play, and dig some Odinson!
Thor: The Dark World rolls like thunder on November 8th.
Let it be forever known, director Spike Jonze does not like to make traditional films.
Since breaking into filmmaking with Being John Malkovich, he’s challenged our conventions about films and storytelling, and this fall, he returns with a rather unique love story in Her.
Starring Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore, this is the tale of a man who falls in love with the voice of his phone and computer’s operating system, an AI named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johannson). Â And it looks incredibly interesting, captivating and sorta creepy. Â Unnerving yet intriguing, this looks to be a very unique look at how we define love in our lives. I couldn’t be happier to see a big studio like Warner Bros taking the risk of putting this out.
Check out the trailer below.
Featuring a cast that also includes Amy Adams, Rooney Mara and a soundtrack by Arcade Fire, Her hits theaters on November 20th.
Following the sublime and wonderful 2011 release The Muppets, Jim Henson’s finest creations return to the big screen next year in Muppets Most Wanted.
Featuring an all-star cast of celebrities, including Modern Family’s Ty Burrell, The Office’s Ricky Gervais and 30 Rock’s Tina Fey, this first teaser is more an announcement than a proper trailer, as zero plot details are shared, but the trailer makes one thing very clear - it’s a Muppet movie for sure.  Even if that “Moves Like Jagger” reference feels super shoehorned in.  Check out the trailer, and some stills from the film, below.
[gallery ids=“14627,14626,14628,14629,14630”]
Muppets Most Wanted hits on March 21st, 2014.
Briefly: LEGO spokesperson Roar Rude Trangbaek confirmed to the Associated Press on Monday that the long rumored Simpsons line will be hitting shelves in 2014.
No assortment details are available at this time, such as the sets or characters to be introduced in LEGO form, but the fact is, these long awaited building sets will be in our hands come next year. And that’s VERY exciting!
Now, all I need is a very special McBain set and I’m good…
Source: AP
Even though the release of the long awaited adaptation of Ender’s Game is three months away, Summit Entertainment has brought us the final trailer for the film.
Removed from the controversial author, and removed from the book itself, I have to say, while the images on screen are very pretty, and the cast absolutely stacked, I’m just not finding myself excited by the film. Â I’m not sure what it is. Is it Harrison Ford mailing it in? Is it Asa Butterfield seeming weirdly detached? Is it all the sound and explosions, but with no feeling behind it?
Perhaps I’ll be wrong, but why don’t you watch the trailer yourself and see how you feel?
Ender’s Game hits theaters on November 1st.
Fans worldwide were tingling with anticipation yesterday as the BBC prepared to announce the twelfth incarnation of Doctor Who,  and after an hour long live television program, the smoke cleared and taking Matt Smith’s place will be…
Peter Capaldi.
A longtime fan of Doctor Who, Capaldi is an interesting choice for the character. Inverting the movement towards younger Doctors, Capaldi is in his 50’s, and is best known for his performance as the Thick of It/In the Loop character, the foul-mouthed Malcolm Tucker.
Never the less, he certainly seems to be approaching the role with a certain joy and reverence. Here’s his first interview about the role from last night’s show.
Capaldi will take on the role starting at this year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special, and proceed to take the lead into Season 8 of the new series. No word on how long he will stay on as the Doctor, or how they will extend the Doctor’s lifespan beyond Capaldi (a long running story within the series is that the 12th Regeneration would be the Doctor’s last).  This is not his first appearance in the show, having played Caecilius in “The Fires of Pompeii”, a 2008 episode which also featured future companion, Karen Gillan.
For those who want to see what type of fun Capaldi may bring to the series, here’s a fantastic NSFW montage of his best work as Malcolm Tucker.
Way back in 2007, animation studio Imagi made a pitch to Nintendo for a Legend of Zelda film.
Fresh off the success of their TMNT reboot, one could see why Nintendo would have considered them, and looking off of the pitch reel (released by artist Adam Holmes), it’s easy to get lost in the possibilities.
Alas, it was not meant to be. Nintendo passed, and Imagi, they went on to do Astro Boy…and close. Maybe someone else will lead the Zelda film charge, but until then, enjoy what was made.
Source: Adam-3D.com
It’s the world’s worst kept secret, but Sherlock will be returning from the perceived dead with a third season due to air on the BBC later this year.
To get fans excited, a very brief teaser trailer for the season has been released, and really, there’s one thought that comes to mind…
…how cool is Watson’s mustache?
Just in time for the gravitas and award filled fall movie season, director Robert Rodriguez is dead set on giving us a piece of glorious, grindhouse styled cheese with the long awaited Machete sequel, Machete Kills.
Due out on October 11th, the movie has a ridiculously surreal cast, including a grab bag of celebrities such as Mel Gibson, Lady Gaga and Sophia Vergera, but even with such names, the movie promises to be as over-the-top as the first.
The second trailer for the movie hit over the weekend, and it is a true joy. Check it out.
With a worldwide record box office take of  $2.7 Billion dollars, it’s safe to say that audiences en masse sure did love themselves some Avatar.
Appropriately enough, 20th Century Fox has been working hard to ensure that an Avatar sequel would be developed, and it seems that James Cameron will deliver…three times over.
Starting filming next year, a second, third and fourth Avatar will be filmed back to back to back.
The plan is for Avatar 2 to release in December 2016, Avatar 3 in December 2017, and the series to end with Avatar 4 in December 2018.
To make this work, however, James Cameron is going to need some help.  In turn, after plotting the films, the screenwriting duties will be split up. Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds) will write one film, with Rise of the Planet of the Apes' Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver writing one, and documentarian Shane Salerno writing a third.
No word on the budget, but considering the first film cost nearly $250 Million, this is a big money play by 20th Century Fox. Â Here’s hoping it works out.
Source: Deadline.com.
With a new trailer set to debut on August 7th, Marvel Studios wants to get some imagery from Thor: The Dark World right in front of your eyeballs.
In turn, we’ve got a brand new poster for the film (I grabbed the UK version, as it was the highest resolution available).
The poster looks nice and all, but I can’t help but feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before…
Thor: The Dark World hits theaters on November 8th.
It was just two months ago that Doctor Who fans around the world were shocked by Matt Smith announcing his departure from the series, ending the era of the 11th Doctor.
This weekend, however, we will see the new face of the Doctor, and find out the new path being set by showrunner Steven Moffat.
In a live television event which will be simulcast worldwide (BBC in the UK, BBC America here in the states, and so on), the 12th Doctor will be revealed and interviewed in a show hosted by Zoe Ball.  The special will also feature appearances from Moffatt and Matt Smith, who’s last episode will be this year’s Doctor Who Christmas Special.
Who will Who be? We will find out this Sunday, at 7pm UK time, 2pm EST here in the states.
When MTV’s Jackass premiered on television in 2000, I don’t think anyone at the time thought the series would last a year, let alone continue to produce content, including five feature films.
Well, here we are in 2013, and this fall, the sixth film in the Jackass series will release, and this time, it’s something different and strangely heartwarming?
Arguably the best segment of these films has been “Bad Grandpas”, where lead Jackass Johnny Knoxville and director Spike Jonze dress up in very convincing senior citizen makeup and well, act badly.  Now, Knoxville’s Irving Zisman persona will get a film of his own in…Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa.
Equal parts scripted and improvised, the film places Zisman on a cross country trip with his grandson, and we’ve got the first trailer below.
Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa slowly paces itself into theaters on October 25th.
Premiered earlier today on ABC’s Good Morning America, we finally have our first look at David O. Russel’s American Hustle.
His follow up to last year’s smash Silver Linings Playbook, the film is a 1970’s era drama, featuring Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Lawrence, providing the perfect combination of the casts of both Silver Linings and The Fighter, but with Hawkeye instead of Marky Mark.
That said, this movie is based on the real life Abscam sting, and I feel like the next trailer will give us the meat of the plot. Until then, click play and prepare to journey into a world where Bale and Cooper have ridiculous hair and deal with the FBI. I’m all in.
If a non-Good Morning America intro/outro version comes up, I’ll update this post.
American Hustle gets limited release on December 13th with a full roll-out on December 25th. Can you say Oscar?
Updated with official embed from Sony Pictures.
Remember this time last year when a really cool Thomas Jane short called “Dirty Laundry” hit the web? Featuring Jane returning as (not legally) The Punisher? If not, you can watch it here.
Either way, the producer Adi Shankar has once again put together a unique short film which is sure to get comic fans excited.
Titled Truth In Journalism, it stars Ryan Kwanten as a reporter named Eddie, and is written and directed by Joe Lynch (Knights of Badassdom). While shot low budget, with a very Man Bites Dog feel, there’s a pretty rad twist which makes it worth checking out. Enjoy!
You probably knew this was coming the minute that you walked out of the theater, but on November 5th, Warner Bros will be releasing the extended edition of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Adding 13 minutes to the film, this extends the movies length to a whopping three hours and two minutes.
Sayeth director Peter Jackson about this new cut:
[caption id=“attachment_14542” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] The 3D edition cover art.[/caption]
As with the Lord of the Rings extended cuts before them, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition includes some intense special features. Here’s what comes on both the 2D and 3D editions.
EDIT: Here’s your pre-order links!
3-Disc 2D Edition - Retail is $35.99, currently $25.19 at Amazon.com
5-Disc 3D Edition - Retail is $54.98, currently $38.49 at Amazon.com
While the Trask Industries website was revealed at SDCC 2013, this viral site for X-Men: Days of Future Past had a HUGE update today, including tons of information about the long awaited mutant hunting robots known as Sentinels, and a look at their creator (played here by Game of Thrones' Peter Dinklage).
If nothing else, you need to check out the great photos of Sentinels photoshopped into real life history (such as the one above), and the wonderfully unnerving Trask Industries ad, below. The last time I was this weirded out by marketing material was the Prometheus “Happy Birthday David” video - but how can you really top an android’s birthday? Either way, get to http://www.trask-industries.com/.
X-Men: Days of Future Past hits theaters on May 23rd, 2014.
I really try to tone down when I’m very excited about something, but damnit, I don’t know that I can.
Released earlier today, the first trailer for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is everything I want movies to be. Take me to places I never thought of, give me images which will fill my dreams.  This is one of those special trailers, and I hope the final film lives up to the promise.
Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, alongside an incredible cast including Kristen Wiig, Patton Oswalt, Adam Scott and Sean Penn, this adaptation of the James Thurber short story should be a true present when it arrives this Christmas.
If you excuse me, I’m going to watch the trailer again. Â If you’re looking for an even higher-def version, you can check it out on Apple.com.
I’m not sure if this is Warner Bros way of officially tossing in the towel, but word has come down directly from The CW president Mark Pedowitz that later in this season of Arrow (the TV adaptation of Green Arrow), not only will the archer meet Barry Allen, aka The Flash, but this will also build up to a TV spin-off for the character, marking the 3rd superhero franchise for the network.
This would be the second time The Flash has been adapted for television, first seen in the early 1990’s with a CBS run (that I remember loving as a child, but perhaps appropriately, have never revisited as an adult). Arrow co-creators/executive producers Greg Berlanti and Andrew Kreisberg will oversee this new version.
Say what you will about the quality of Arrow since its premiere - I could do without the island - the show has been a huge hit for the network, so I understand The CW’s interest in having lightning strike twice, pardon the pun.
The bit that confuses me? The Flash could legitimately work as a film franchise, and has been pursued as such multiple times.  And what makes it all the more confusing? According to The Hollywood Reporter, a film version is still being worked on at Warner Bros for a 2016 release.  Also being overseen by Berlanti, the film version is apparently not seen as a conflict.
I understand, Warner Bros wishes to get as much as they can out of DC, much how Disney is out of Marvel - but wouldn’t a film version of The Flash, especially if it spins off the TV show, look second rate against a Phase 2 Marvel Studios film?
Watch your steps WB - you’re about to be outpaced.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
One of the finest things Netflix has given to my life was my first viewing of the sublime BBC remake of Sherlock.
Starring everyone’s current favorite Brit Benedict Cumberbatch (take THAT, royal baby!), the series has been an amazing watch for two seasons, and with Cumberbatch’s current high profile, Martin Freeman’s worldwide appeal as a Hobbit, and the incredible cliffhanger of Season 2, fans everywhere cannot wait to see what Steven Moffat has in store for a third go-around.
In the first official image from this season, it appears they wish to share villainy with us first, as producer Sue Vertue tweeted a look at Sherlock’s first antagonist for the season -Â Â Charles Augustus Magnussen.
Being played by Lars Mikkelsen, older brother to Hannibal’s Mads, the character is apparently a riff on the original Charles Augustus Milverton.
No air date is currently set for Sherlock Season 3, but word is this fall.
Source: Bleeding Cool
Earlier this year, the beloved Star Wars: Clone Wars cartoon was cancelled.  The cancellation didn’t come as much of a shock, as it was a project on a non-Disney network airing after Disney had purchased Lucasfilm.  Never the less, a cartoon shaped hole was left in the hearts of Star Wars fans around the world.
Worry no longer, as next Fall brings Star Wars Rebels, and the first details (including the logo, above) were revealed this past weekend at Star Wars Celebration in Germany.
Headed by Clone Wars producer Dave Filoni, the cartoon is set between Episode III and Episode IV and focuses on the early days of the Rebellion, before it was lead successfully by Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.  Focusing on a teen hero (still to be revealed), the first two pieces of concept art were showcased, which includes a look at the main ship from the series, called “The Ghost”, and some storyboards including a TIE Fighter.
[gallery ids=“14519,14520”]
More details are obviously to come, but in the meantime, you can get excited -Â Star Wars Rebels is set to premiere on The Disney Channel next Fall with a one-hour special, and air on Disney XD from there.
Source: StarWars.com
While currently holding the title of “the movie I most cannot wait to see this Fall”, director Alfonso Cuaron’s Gravity may also hold the title of “movie most likely to make me nervous about situations I will never find myself in”.
Starring Sandra Bullock as an astronaut who, when things go terribly wrong, finds herself stranded in space, estranged from her fellow space explorer (George Clooney), the trailer has made me tense and nervous. To confirm those fears, here are two clips from the film…
“Detached”
“Drifting”
Remember how when Jaws came out, people were afraid to go into the water? I think Gravity is going to traumatize anyone who has considered NASA as a possible vocation.
Gravity hits theaters on a very special day, October 4th. I can’t wait to give myself a stomach full of knots.
Due out this Christmas, 47 Ronin has had a less than easy track to the big screen.
Originally set for release in November 2012, the film was pushed to February of this year, but now will finally see release in December. Staring Keanu Reeves as an outcast named Kai, he joins a group of ronin (guess how many!) as they seek revenge.
The first trailer hit last week, and while I’m sorry for being delayed in writing it up, I can’t help but feel like you aren’t missing out on much. Because…uh, well. This looks really bland. Personally, after Pacific Rim, I can’t really see Rinko Kikuchi as evil, and while it’s clear that the films budget was definitely weighted toward the “visual effects” side of things, nothing here says “SEE THIS MOVIE IMMEDIATELY”. Maybe I’m wrong and the final flick will be worthwhile. Personally, I think it’s stuck against a stacked Christmas. Check out the trailer below.
47 Ronin hits on December 25th.
Folks, I never thought I’d utter this sentence, mostly because I didn’t realize there was a House Party 4, but here goes…ahem
House Party: Tonight’s The Night (aka House Party 5) hits DVD shelves tomorrow, Tuesday, July 23rd, and Warner Bros has provided us a copy of the DVD to give away to you, our dear readers!
How do you win? It’s simple!
See this awesome blog app? Check it out.
Just tell us in the comments your favorite sound clip from it, and then the 80’s franchise you most want to see a sequel of, and we’ll randomly pick one winner to get a copy of the DVD!
Please be sure to add a proper email address to your post (and be in the United States), so we can get you your prize! The DVD cannot be shipped to a PO Box, so keep that in mind before you enter!
This Contest Ends on Monday, July 29th.
Good luck, and check out House Party: Tonight’s The Night on DVD tomorrow, because Kid & Play gotta eat.
It’s been far too long since we’ve featured the movie poster work of the team at Skuzzles, but they shot us a line this morning with their latest print, and we knew we just had to have it here at Blast-O-Rama!
[caption id=“attachment_14434” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “War Games” by James White - $45[/caption]
Illustrated by James White, better known as Signal Noise (who has a pretty great Instagram, too), Skuzzles is proud to launch a poster celebrating the 1980’s classic War Games!
[caption id=“attachment_14433” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “War Games” (Variant) by James White - $60[/caption]
Being released in a standard and variant edition, the print becomes available Tomorrow, July 23rd at 12pm EST, and is a wonderful artistic interpretation of the Matthew Broderick classic.  Full pricing and edition details (along with comments from James White) are in the press release below - have your F5 key ready at Noon at Skuzzles.com!
We can’t wait to hear your reactions when you see these war games screen prints in person. Â Such an amazing look to this print.
Here’s a little bit from James White regarding his War Games poster:
“I’ve been a fan of WAR GAMES since I was a little kid, so I was psyched when Skuzzles approached me to do an official poster for the film. Pretty honoured, especially since this movie is pre-Bueller Broderick. That’s a big deal in my household. I immediately started sketching up some ideas and was heavily focused on old Atari box art for inspiration. I didn’t transfer that actual Atari aesthetic, but more the layouts and compositions served as a great starting point. After a few rounds of sketching, the poster was nailed down. Super fun.”
Fresh from Sony straight to you, we have high-rez images of both Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield) and his lead rival, the shocking Electro (Jamie Foxx) from The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
You may have already seen these images as a part of the Entertainment Weekly issue last week, but it’s nice to have them high-rez and without watermarks. Check ‘em out, and take in the details!
[gallery ids=“14428,14429,14430”]
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hits theaters on May 2nd, 2014.
While the world seems to have universally agreed that the first teaser posters for X-Men: First Class were god awful, Fox is making sure that the posters for X-Men: Days of Future Past do not suffer the same fate!
The film, which is either X-Men: First Class 2, X-Men 4 or the 7th film in the X-Men franchise (if you include both Wolverine films), mashes up the original Bryan Singer team with the swingin' 60’s team found in 2011’s fantastic relaunch of the franchise.
In turn, these posters focus on Professor Xavier and Magneto, both as they are now (Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen) and then (James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender). It’s incredibly effective, and if the word out of SDCC is any indication, I cannot wait to see what the first trailer holds.
X-Men: Days of Future Past hits theaters on May 23rd, 2014.
Source: EW.com.
It was arguably the most poorly kept secret of the convention, leaking on Saturday morning, but it didn’t stop the fans packed into Hall H from losing their mind…
Man of Steel 2 won’t just be a Superman movie, oh no…the film will also include his first team up, the Worlds Finest team-up, if you will…with Gotham’s Dark Knight, Batman.
Besides a clear intent of rivalry between Batman and Superman, little is known about the sequel, set for a 2015 release (and due to begin production next year).  I admit my worry about the short lead time for the project, and that this film will lead us down the apocalyptic path found in I Am Legend, but if you watch the reveal, it’s hard to deny the excitement.
The full press release continues below.
The current hit, “Man of Steel,“ has taken in more than $630 million at the worldwide box office to date, and climbing. Along with its star, Henry Cavill, the upcoming film brings back Amy Adams, Laurence Fishburne and Diane Lane. The new Batman has yet to be cast. Snyder is co-writing the story with David S. Goyer, who will then pen the screenplay. Production is expected to begin in 2014, with an anticipated release date in Summer 2015.
Silverman stated, “Zack Snyder is an incredibly talented filmmaker, but beyond that, he’s a fan first and he utterly gets this genre. We could not think of anyone better suited to the task of bringing these iconic Super Heroes to the screen in his own way.“ Kroll added, “We are thrilled to be back in business with Zack and his team on this next movie. The success of Man of Steel’ is a wonderful testament to the love and support that both fans and new audiences, worldwide, have for these characters. We are very excited to see what Zack has in store for all of us.“
Diane Nelson, President, DC Entertainment, noted, “Superman and Batman together on the big screen is a dream come true for DC fans everywhere. All of us at DC Entertainment could not be more excited for Zack’s continuing vision for the DC Universe.“
Zack Snyder, who made a surprise appearance at Comic-Con today, breaking the news to audiences there, later said, “I’m so excited to begin working again with Henry Cavill in the world we created, and I can’t wait to expand the DC Universe in this next chapter. Let’s face it, it’s beyond mythological to have Superman and our new Batman facing off, since they are the greatest Super Heroes in the world.“
The new film brings back Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder as producers. This time, Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas are serving as executive producers, along with Benjamin Melniker and Michael E. Uslan. Thomas offered, “Whilst our Dark Knight’ trilogy is complete, we have every confidence that Zack’s fresh interpretation will take the character in a new and exciting direction. His vision for Superman opened the door to a whole new universe and we can’t wait to see what Zack does with these characters.“ The film is based on Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, and Batman characters created by Bob Kane, published by DC Entertainment.
It seems the big move for the two biggest movie panels this weekend at San Diego Comic Con was very simple - pull a Steve Jobs and wow them with “One Last Thing…”.
We’ll be covering Warner Bros' big move in just a moment, but Marvel’s, in my eyes at least, is the more interesting of the two, as the possibilities are a bit more open.
After a jam-packed fan pleasing panel which included a surprise opening from Tom Hiddleston in character as Loki, some great footage from Thor: The Dark World, some great Q&A and apparently action-packed footage from Captain America: The Winter Soldier and the surprise appearance of the entire Guardians of the Galaxy cast, all the way from London, one man took the stage.  That man? Joss Whedon.
The current “architect” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been dropping hints in the press lately about how he intended to follow up the massive blockbuster The Avengers, and with one title screen, he laid his plans bare.
The title? You’ve seen it at the top of this post…The Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Ultron, arguably one of the longest running rogues for The Avengers will come to life on screen in 2015, and given that Whedon has since claimed that Hank Pym will not be involved, literally anything can and will happen. And you know what? I like this unpredictability.
The Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1st, 2015.
We know Mondo for their amazing poster line, but more and more lately, they’re making just as much a splash in another collector’s realm - that of musical vinyl.
They’ve released the scores to such films as Drive, Oblivion, Poltergeist and The Raid, and on July 26th they will be releasing Studio Ghibli Kokyo Kyokushu, a live album featuring selected pieces from the scores of animator’s Hayao Miyazaki’s finest films.
Of course, the release includes some beautiful artwork, from favorite Tyler Stout, so it will look as great on your walls as it will sound in your ears.
[gallery ids=“14407,14408,14409”]
The full press release is below. Enjoy, and keep it locked on MondoTees.com on Friday!
There will be three different collectible versions of this album, each featuring a different piece of artwork from renowned Mondo artist, Tyler Stout, capturing elements from all five films across the Gatefold 2XLP packaging. One version, showcasing HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, a with traditional Japanese Obi and all Japanese text, will premiere at the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con. Each album will also include two different colored vinyl as followed:
HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE (Japanese Variant) — Purple & Pink vinyl
PRINCESS MONONOKE — Red & Blue vinyl
SPIRITED AWAY — Yellow & Green vinyl
Track Listing: Chapter One — The Legend of Ashitaka Chapter Four — Princess Mononoke Chapter Eight — Ashitaka And San The Theme of My Neighbors The Yamadas — Orchestral Version Takashi And Matsuko’s Tango — Sinfonico Always With Me — Orchestral Version A Mysterious World The Moving Castle War War War Cave Of The Mind The Baron Pastorale Haru’s Memories Tracks 1-3 From Symphonic Suite Princess Mononoke Tracks 4-5 From My Neighbors The Yamadas — Classical Album Track 6 From the film Spirited Away Tracks 7-10 From Howl’s Moving Castle — Image Symphonic Suite Tracks 11-13 From The Cat Returns — Original Soundtrack Album
Thought Hit Girl calling someone a c*nt was enough for you?
Well, shown this weekend at Comic Con, this latest, extended trailer for Kick-Ass 2 shows how the sequel has earned it’s R rating - and it’s not just by having a lead villain named The Motherf*cker!
Kick-Ass 2 hits theaters on August 16th.
Released over the long Comic Con weekend following the Riddick panel on Friday, this brand spankin' new NSFW trailer for the latest adventure of the Pitch Black anti-hero is full of all the gore and grime confirming an R rating for the fall release.
Starring Vin Diesel, Battlestar Galactica’s Katee Sackhoff and Dave Bautista, Riddick hits theaters on September 6th.
In what must be the 90th print reveal from Mondo for SDCC this weekend, they’ve announced that on Saturday, they will be selling a print for last year’s Alien prequel…Prometheus.
Prometheus is a film I truly enjoyed, but was met with a rather mixed response from the geek nation proper, so this is an odd choice. That said, there was some beautiful imagery in the film, and this print from JC Richard celebrates one of the most eye grabbing moments, when the Engineer was left on Earth in the beginning of the film.
The print goes on sale at Booth #936 at 2pm on Saturday, July 20th, is limited to a run of 350, and can be yours (if you’re at the con) for just $45.
Source: Collider.
Alright, who had mid 90’s bad girl comic Avengelyne as the next comic to hit the big screen?
None of you? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Remarkably, however, one of the most maligned creations of comics superstar Rob Liefeld is moving forward as a film, with former MMA fighter turned movie star Gina Carano in place as the star.
Liefeld and Carano will be officially announcing the film at SDCC on Saturday (along with unveiling a poster), and the project is currently set to move forward although no studio is as yet attached.
[caption id=“attachment_14384” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] The lovely Miss Carano[/caption]
Carano made her movie debut with Haywire and was last seen in the sublime Fast & Furious 6.  Personally, I would love to see her as Wonder Woman, but honestly, any strong female superhero franchise would be nice to see, no matter who the character is.  That said, I have a hunch this is about as likely to hit the big screen as the ill fated Robert Rodriguez/Rose McGowan Red Sonja remake…which also existed mostly as a poster and a pitch.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
For once, The Simpsons isn’t doing something first, as Family Guy will be airing the episode that fans of both Fox Sunday night franchises have been looking forward to or dreading for years…
The Simpsons & Family Guy will be crossing over.
Set for a Fall 2014 air-date, the Family Guy episode, titled “The Simpsons Guy” features the Griffin family taking a road trip to Springfield, and most of The Simpsons voice cast will reprise their appropriate roles, including Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith and Hank Azaria.  Noticable by his absence is Harry Shearer, but perhaps none of his characters interact with the Griffins.
Personally, I would have preferred a Futurama/Simpsons crossover first, but this will do.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
I certainly never saw this coming - announced today by Capcom, the classic arcade and later Genesis game Strider will return with a brand new adventure in 2014!
Set for digital release for PS3, PS4, 360, XBox One, and PC, the 2.5D title is a “Metroidvania” sort, meaning loads of exploration while you fight off horde after horde of bad guy.
Last seen in the Marvel Vs. Capcom series, this is the first solo Strider title since Strider 2 for the Sony PlayStation back in 2000 (one of my favorite games ever, seriously).
Below, check out the announcement trailer, and then some gameplay footage. I AM STOKED!
Trailer
Gameplay Footage
Source:Â Capcom
With a reveal of the first movie footage coming this weekend, X-Men: Days of Future Past has taken to grabbing eyeballs with a unique display setup at the near by Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego - a special Trask Industries display celebrating the anniversary of the Sentinel Mark I, the translucent head of which appears at the top of this post.
[gallery ids=“14366,14365”]
It’s a very cool, very clean retro look for the mutant stopping bot, matched with some sweet propaganda posters (above), and it’s made it very clear that the Sentinels will be involved in the time traveling adventure. Â A viral site hit the web as well, at http://www.trask-industries.com/. We’ll see if some goodies appear there after the X-Men panel this weekend.
If that wasn’t enough, someone made a BIG oops at the X-Men: Days of Future Past Tumblr, and accidently posted some character headshots early (which were pulled shortly thereafter), including our first look at Bishop! I’m pretty sure we’ll see some official media there soon.
X-Men: Days of Future Past hits on May 23rd, 2014, and is looking like it may turn out pretty damn good so far.
Announced today at SDCC, NECA (creators of awesome action figures and other goods) are producing an official replica of the grappling hook gun found in the forthcoming new Batman video game, Batman: Arkham Origins.
It’s going to be a Gamestop exclusive, and can be pre-ordered online for a November 2013 release right here. The full press release appears below.
The exclusive, life size prop replica is fully spring loaded and motorized. The prop also comes with two different hook attachments for customization.
The exclusive is available now for pre-order for $34.99USD online and at select retail stores and will launch this October, coinciding with the release of the latest installment in the Batman: Arkham series, Batman: Arkham Origins.
For more information on the exclusive, visit: www.necaonline.com.
To pre-order, click here.
About NECA
National Entertainment Collectibles Association Inc. is a media and entertainment company operating in the United States and internationally, with three segments: Consumer Products, Filmed Entertainment and Online Retail/Digital Distribution. NECA is the leading designer, marketer, and worldwide distributor of licensed entertainment consumer goods based on some of the world’s most established and beloved properties, providing products across all consumer categories and distribution channels. Together, NECA’s divisions provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution to elevate each property, maximizing exposure and reach, while protecting the vision of the creator. As a result of NECA’s singular passion and reverence for the intellectual property backing its products, some of this generation’s most recognized content creators enjoy working with NECA, allowing us to help bring their vision to their audience. For additional information, visit www.necaonline.com. Source: Action Figure Insider.
San Diego Comic Con continues to be the land of exclusive swag, and the latest reveal of cool merch hitting the show floor comes from Huckleberry, who will be releasing a print celebrating the classic Adam West starring Batman television series.
That classic Batman show is sort of the belle of the ball at this year’s show, as DC has released a fantastic Batman ‘66 comic, Mattel is releasing amazing action figures, and there are more than a few rumors that we’ll finally hear about a DVD release for the show this weekend.
[caption id=“attachment_14356” align=“aligncenter” width=“405”] “Batman” (Variant) by Tom Whalen[/caption]
In the meantime, we have this great print from artist Tom Whalen releasing on Saturday, July 20th at 9am. Â The regular edition is limited to a run of 350 at $60, with the variant costing $90, limited to a run of 175.
To pick up the print, get to Huckleberry’s booth, booth #3449.
Source: Collider.
Alright Warner Bros, we get it! Godzilla is going to be the movie of comic con!
The marketing blitz for the film, leading to the big Legendary Pictures/WB panel later this weekend has continued, and in turn, we have another poster for the Gareth Edwards directed reboot.
While certainly less arty than the Mondo poster we featured yesterday, this poster certainly gives a sense of the terrifying scale of the new version of Japan’s favorite kaiju - but when the heck will we see him in full? Stay tuned.
Godzilla hits theaters on May 16th, 2014.
Tomorrow will bring about the Amazing Spider-Man 2 panel at San Diego Comic Con, and among other things, it is here where we expect to see the first public showing of footage for the film, including lead villain Electro, played by Jamie Foxx.
Sony definitely is looking to hype his “appearance” at the panel, and this 40 second teaser is to get the internet all excited. Consider it working.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hits theaters on May 2nd, 2014.
As if they didn’t have enough going on at their booth, what with Pacific Rim prints, new Olly Moss Studio Ghibli posters, and their long awaited Conan poster, Mondo snuck in two last posters to the biggest nerd event of the year.
Releasing today at San Diego Comic Con are prints celebrating two of the best alien movies of all time, Aliens and Predator.
[caption id=“attachment_14342” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Aliens (Variant) by Ken Taylor[/caption]
The Aliens print shown at the top of the post is by Mondo favorite Ken Taylor, and features a variant edition. The regular (limited to 425) will run you $50, with the variant limited to 225 for $75.
[caption id=“attachment_14339” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Predator by Ash Thorp[/caption]
The Predator poster, designed by Ash Thorp, also has a variant and costs the same price, but the regular is limited to 325, with the variant edition only having 145 copies.
[caption id=“attachment_14340” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Predator (Variant) by Ash Thorp[/caption]
Happy hunting, nerds!
Source: Hero Complex
One of the more divisive films of the summer, Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan’s re-imagining of the Superman franchise, Man of Steel has never the less been a financial success.
So, understandably, it’s looking to be one of the hottest home video releases later this year. Â In turn, there’s no better time than now to get your pre-orders in, and we’ve got the Amazon links you need.
While there is no announced release date (rumors say the October timeframe), you can still lock in your order and get the lowest price between now and release day.
Here’s the necessary links:
The three disc, Blu-Ray+DVD+Ultraviolet combo pack, just $24.99.
The four disc, Blu-Ray 3D+DVD+Ultraviolet combo pack, just $29.99.
And last, but far from least, pictured at the top of the post, the gigantic gift set including 2D Blu-Ray and figures of Superman and General Zod can be yours for just $53.98.
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
Due out this September, Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure is the latest part of the fantastic puzzler franchise, where you use different vocabulary to summon objects to solve puzzles.  The twist in this, the third installment, is that WB Interactive will be a integrating the DC Comics Universe into the game, allowing you to summon hundreds of characters into the game.
To celebrate the game, DC Comics' merchandising outlet, DC Collectibles, will be releasing a series of blind-box vinyl figures in the games trademark style.
From the first image of the toys, above, they’re clearly running the gamut on characters and looks, with obscure characters such as Deadman, and lost looks such as the 1980’s Aquaman being given a figure. No word on the full lineup just yet, but chances are we’ll see the full line later this weekend.
Scribblenauts Unmasked hits for the 3DS, Wii-U and PC on September 24th with the blind-box vinyl figures arriving sometime thereafter.
Released last year, the first LEGO Cuusoo crowdsourced success, the video game based LEGO Minecraft set (pictured above) has been a hot seller, so much so that LEGO has announced today that two more sets will be arriving this fall.
Set for release this September, the Mojang approved line continues with two additional builds that fit in the same “microbuild” scale as the first set.
We have The Village (above), featuring a pig, Villager, and Zombie, and The Nether (below) featuring the Obsidian Portal, two Ghasts, and a Zombie Pigman.
Each set will retail for $34.99, same as the original Minecraft set. The full press release appears below.
COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO (July 17, 2013)Â — Delighting LEGO® and Minecraft fans across the globe, The LEGO Group today announced it is extending its relationship with Swedish game developer Mojang to build on the blockbuster success of its first LEGO Minecraft building set to add two new models that will be released September 1, 2013.
LEGO Minecraft provides the opportunity to build, reconfigure and create new Minecraft micro-worlds in a physical LEGO way. The two new 3"x3"x3" models, The Village and The Nether, are on display for the first time at Comic-Con International in San Diego. Fans can also enjoy and take pictures with a large interactive 3D mosaic complete with Micromob character props at the LEGO booth (#2829).
“LEGO Minecraft is a perfect example of how people’s passions can be amplified when digital and physical interests are combined, and there couldn’t be more synergy between the engine that drives the Minecraft gaming experience and the creative fuel of a LEGO building experience,“ said Michelle Wilson, senior brand manager for LEGO Systems, Inc. “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Mojang to create new Minecraft characters and environments in LEGO form so that fans can get as creative as they’d like in their physical world as in their digital one.“
“There’s no doubt about the connection between LEGO building and Minecraft — not only the design similarities, but the immense creativity that our fan bases share,“ said Lydia Winters, Mojang’s director of fun. “Given how well received the first model was last year, we can’t wait to see what fans think of these new designs.“
The Nether Builders can create the Minecraft Obsidian Portal and The Nether to explore the newest biome with this micro-scale LEGO model, complete with Netherrack, gravel, flowing lava and bedrock. This model includes two Ghasts and one Zombie Pigman constructible Micromob figures.
The new LEGO Minecraft micro-scale models can be split into four sections and reconfigured for different play experiences. They will be available beginning September 1, 2013 with a suggested retail price of $34.99.
Leaked originally by the band via a phone number (252-64-DPLAN), the first single off of the first new Dismemberment Plan album in a decade has officially hit the web.
Coming off of this October’s Uncanney Valley, “Waiting” is a total jam of a song. Starting with strings and then some odd syncopated noises, you’ll be tossed right into a proper D-Plan classic.
If the rest of the album is this good, holy heck, maybe the time off was worth it. Â Check it out via the Soundcloud embed below.
Uncanney Valley by The Dismemberment Plan is available wherever music is on October 15th.
As if the whole “Halo” numbering didn’t bother collectors enough, its been announced today that the new Nine Inch Nails album, Hesitation Marks, features not just one, but four different variant cover arts, one for each format the album will be released in.
Each release, due out on September 3rd, features artwork from Russell Mills, who gave us the art for 1994’s The Downward Spiral.
The art at the top of the post is the “digital” cover, titled “Turn and Burn”.
This is the Vinyl cover, aka “Other Murmurs”
Here’s the CD cover, “Time and Again”
And last, but not least, is the Deluxe CD cover, “Cargo in the Blood”.
Source: Pitchfork.
With the official UK release date of the third and final part of the Cornetto Trilogy, The World’s End being this Friday, it should come as little surprise that SDCC 2013 will not only feature a big push for the US release in August, but also a screening as well.
The latest film from director/writer Edgar Wright, star/writer Simon Pegg and star Nick Frost certainly looks to be a winner, and the exclusive poster available at the Con this weekend looks like a winner as well.
Illustrated by Tommy Lee Edwards (who collaborated with Edgar Wright on the Brandon Generator online comic project), the poster puts a hard focus on Simon Pegg’s lead character, the one-time goth Gary King.  If the early reviews are true, the SDCC audience will LOVE this film, and I cannot wait to see it for myself.
The World’s End arrives in the US, ready for a pint on August 23rd.
It should come as little surprise that with the financial success of the first film, and the related popularity of the TV series, that How To Train Your Dragon 2 is coming to theaters.
What is interesting, after watching the first teaser trailer, is how much our lead character has grown up.
The trailer is simply that, a tease, a remarkable bit of flying animation sure to remind you of how great the first film was, but seriously, how different is the look for Hiccup? I think I really dig it.
Sound off in the comments!
How To Train Your Dragon 2 soars into theaters on June 20th, 2014.
In this post Pacific Rim world, the one thing I want more of is giant monsters exploding things. And if robots can stop them? That’d be awesome.
While we have nothing on the radar for the latter,the former is definitely happening as Summer 2014 brings the release of Warner Bros/Legendary Pictures Godzilla remake, directed by Gareth Edwards (Monsters).
This weekend at San Diego Comic Con is supposed to be the beginning of the huge marketing push for the film, and in turn, an exclusive teaser poster will be released.  Outsourced to the fine team at Mondo, who got the artisans of Phantom City Creative to turn out a striking, eye catching design, this is the first official piece of marketing material for the film featuring the giant, angry lizard.
Of course, prints will be for sale at Mondo’s booth at SDCC starting on Friday, July 19th. The print at the top is 24"x36", limited to a run of 275, and will be $45.
For those wanting something a little more unique, the variant (below) is limited to a run of 100 for $70.
Godzilla attacks your local multiplex on May 16th, 2014. Expect a LOT more details on this film this weekend.
It should come as little surprise that with The LEGO Movie hitting theaters this February that the fine folks at LEGO are working on a number of different sets featuring characters and scenes from the film.
The first set will be showcased this weekend at San Diego Comic Con, and we have an image of it for you. The set, called the “Wyldstyle Chase” features the lead male and female characters (voiced by Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks) on a really awesome, Akira styled motorcycle, plus two members of the “Super Secret Police” with a great looking truck. This is one of seventeen sets being released for the film.
A full press release on the merchandising plans for the films follows below, and we have the SDCC 2013 exclusive LEGO Movie poster at the top of this post.
The LEGO Movie snaps into place on February 7th, 2014.
COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL, SAN DIEGO (July 14, 2013) — The LEGO Group today announced that it will produce a collection of movie-inspired building sets celebrating the brand’s premiere as a theatrical film. The company has recruited an impressive roster of global partners to a broad, multi-category licensing program to support the much anticipated animated adventure film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and produced by Dan Lin and Roy Lee, “THE LEGO® MOVIE" is rapidly building buzz following its first released trailer and assembles on the big screen starting in February 2014.
“The LEGO brand has been a vehicle for creative storytelling around the world for decades, so it’s no surprise that there is such growing enthusiasm for the first LEGO theatrical film,“ said Jill Wilfert, vice president licensing and entertainment for The LEGO Group. “We are thrilled to collaborate with our valued partners to build a varied and compelling portfolio of products through which fans of all ages can celebrate this LEGO brand milestone.“
Building Sets
Inspired by pivotal scenes in the film and starring key LEGO minifigure characters, a collection of 17 LEGO building sets will deliver all of the “THE LEGO MOVIE" action to the playroom. Fans will delight in highly detailed and functional vehicles and structures that reflect the creative versatility of the movie’s many LEGO themed backdrops, such as City, Wild West, and Space. Comic-Con International attendees in San Diego, California will see the first “THE LEGO MOVIE" building set unveiled at the LEGO booth (#2829) on Saturday, July 20.
Additionally, the company’s line of collectible LEGO Minifigures will receive its first Hollywood makeover with a series inspired by “THE LEGO MOVIE" cast of 16 new and “new-again" LEGO characters.
Videogame
In related news, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced that the chart-topping and award-winning LEGO videogames franchise from TT Games will include an epic gaming experience based on the film across all major console and handheld gaming systems. With more than 90 playable characters inspired by the film and 15 exciting levels, kids will be able to build an adventure like never before.
Movie-Inspired Merchandise
A roster of global licensees covering several categories will immerse filmgoers in the world of “THE LEGO MOVIE.“ Perennial publishing partners Scholastic, Penguin, Ameet and DK Publishing will offer a range of readers, sticker books, activity books and movie guides. Apparel partners include T-shirts from Mad Engine, Isaac Morris, Kabooki, TV Mania and Casco Blu, hoodies from TV Mania, pajamas from SGI Apparel, TV Mania and Kabooki and undergarments from Handcraft Mfg. and Kabooki. Carry Gear and Grown Up will offer bags, including backpacks and cinch bags. Clic Time is producing clocks and buildable watches. MZB Imagination and Funtastic are creating an array of stationery items including notebooks, journals, folders, pens, pencils and pencil cases, erasers, rulers and luggage/bag tags. Functional key lights featuring movie characters are being produced by IQ HK. Storage partner ROOM Copenhagen is producing a lunchbox, lunch set, drinking bottle and storage and sorting boxes.
The Feature Film
“THE LEGO MOVIE" opens in some global markets the first week of February, 2014. The 3D computer animated adventure tells the story of Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.
“THE LEGO MOVIE" stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman, as the voices of the animated characters. The film is directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (“21 Jump Street,“ “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs") from their original screenplay, story by Dan Hageman, Kevin Hageman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, based on LEGO construction toys. It will incorporate some of the LEGO world’s most popular figures while introducing several new characters, inviting fans who have enjoyed the brand’s innovative toys and hugely popular video games for generations to experience their visually unique LEGO world as never seen before. The film is produced by Dan Lin (“Sherlock Holmes,“ “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows") and Roy Lee (“The Departed,“ “How to Train Your Dragon"). “THE LEGO MOVIE" will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.
Surprise surprise, the super popular Angry Birds franchise continues on with a sequel to the mega popular Star Wars released last year in the appropriately titled Angry Birds Star Wars II.
Taking on the prequel trilogy, the game which will presumably become available for every single device you’ve ever owned on its release date of September 19th. This time you can play as both the light side AND the dark side of the force (yes, you can play as the pigs), and in a move which is either infuriating or genius, the game will feature a metric ton of unlockable characters. The characters will be unlocked Skylanders or Disney Infinity style, as you will have to go out and buy the related action figures to obtain them in game.
No word on if the game will feature alternate ways to unlock all of the characters, such as actually playing through the game, or via in-app purchase, but I feel like this is designed just to get you to buy loads of toys. And you will. Admit it.
Check out the trailer below.
Set for release tomorrow, July 18th, the long awaited LEGO Back to the Future set has officially been revealed in all its glory.
Originally, we only had some leaked imagery to share with you, but now we have high-rez goodness, including detailed looks at the Box Art (above), plus the Time Machine (I guess they can’t say DeLorean?) and the included Doc and Marty mini-figures.
Pricing is still unknown (I’m guessing around $30-$40), but the set will go on sale tomorrow on the LEGO@Home website. I’ll be ready to refresh my browser late tonight/early tomorrow - if the Cuusoo Minecraft set is any indication, these could sell out fast! Check out the full gallery below.
[gallery ids=“14280,14281,14282”]
Source: Hoth Bricks
EDIT: The Back to the Future set went on sale at SDCC last night, with a UK release for today, and a US release on August 1st. So hold your pennies a bit longer, gang!
Proving once again why it’s a worthwhile idea to wait until official imagery is released by the studio, Entertainment Weekly has revealed its Comic Con 2013 issue cover, featuring The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
On it, we have a face-off between Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man, and in the first official image of the character, Jamie Foxx as the lead villain -Â Electro.
Featuring a really cool, almost translucent look to his skin, Foxx’s Electro looks very much like the Ultimate Spider-Man version of  the character, and is visually very imposing. Certainly a 180 from the terrible comb-over Max Dillon has in his pre-Electro form.
Also, this look is considerably more imposing looking than the leaked paparazzi shots from the filming in NYC - this is why we at Blast-O-Rama cover only finalized imagery, whether official from the studio or leaked scans - we want to make sure your first impression is the best impression.
The Entertainment Weekly issue is on stands now, and includes more images inside, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 swings into theaters on May 2nd, 2014.
Laika Studios has, with just two films under their belt, become a studio worth standing up and taking notice. Between Coraline and ParaNorman, they’re a studio creating delicate, brilliant films with incredible heart.
Their next film doesn’t release until Fall 2014, but they’ve already released a teaser trailer for it - it’s titled The Boxtrolls, based on the book by Alan Snow, and it looks as wonderful as everything else they’ve released. Enjoy.
Here’s the official synopsis for the 3D monster adventure:
At it’s core, Giant Monsters vs. Giant Robots is a can’t miss pitch of a film.  Its succeeded for decades in Japan, but the American attempts (namely, the 1998 Godzilla remake and Robot Jox) have been downright horrible.
Cut to now, cut to 2013.  With a gargantuan budget patched up alongside gargantuan action, director Guillermo Del Toro graduates to the big times with his film pitting Kaiju (the Japanese term for Giant Monsters) against the robotic Jaegers (German for hunter) in Pacific Rim.  I’m pleased to say that front to back, the movie is an absolute success, combining everything we love about modern day blockbusters with the economy of storytelling and memorable casts found in the classic genre films of the 70’s and 80’s.  This isn’t an existing property, this isn’t a sequel, this is a fantastic one and done film, and you’re going to love every single minute on screen.
The plot is deceptively simple - the year is 2025, and humanity is at the end of its rope. Â It’s been 12 years since the first Kaiju surfaced in San Francisco, and attacks are becoming more and more regular. Â These attacks resulted in the Pan Pacific Defense Force coming together, a massive military force of all of the world’s armies, and combined they invented the Jaegers. A dozen years in, however, what once was key victories met with celebrity and praise are now regular nuisances met with collateral damage. In turn, the Jaeger army is down to just three robots - the Australian Striker Eureka, piloted by a brash father/son duo, the Russian Cherno Alpha, piloted by a bling wearing brother and sister, and the three-armed Chinese Crimson Typhoon, piloted appropriately by triplets.
Lead by Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), these final Jaegers are planning an all-out assault to end the war - they just need one more Jaeger to go. Â This leads them to call up lost pilot Raleigh Beckett (Charlie Hunnam), pilot of Gypsy Danger. He walked away from the Jaeger game five years ago, after his brother was killed while serving as Raleigh’s co-pilot. Â Each Jaeger needs two pilots to carry the neural load of such a giant machine, and it requires an acute mental connection. Â Can the Jaegers defeat the ever increasing in power Kaiju? Can Raleigh return to his lost glory? Can he find a partner that fits? Â This is the crux of the film, a three pronged attack which keeps the plot moving and keeps you engaged. Â There’s rarely a minute unused here, running 2 hours and change, never feeling fatty or over-long.
This simple plot is brought to life with a colorful, wide reaching cast - from the amazingly costumed Russians to such characters as Kaiju scientist Newt Geizler (Charlie Day, channeling Rick Moranis in Ghostbusters) and pimped out Kaiju black market dealer Hannibal Chau (a scene stealing Ron Perlman).  It’s a shame then that our two leads, the aforementioned Raleigh Beckett and Japanese Pan Pacific Defense member Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi) are a bit bland by comparison, but to be fair, Luke and Leia are the most boring parts of A New Hope.
Speaking of A New Hope, one of the greatest elements of Pacific Rim is the world building. There is such incredible nuance and thought put into the set designs and costuming here.  Small design elements such as street signs, outfit emblems and dirt and grime give the imagined 2025 Post-Kaiju world a true lived-in feeling and brings the whole film to life.  This is then blown apart with amazing, jaw dropping action, which appropriately ramps up (each battle gets bigger and better) and includes an ever evolving series of intricate and eye-popping creature designs.
This is the most fun I have had in a movie theatre since I was a small child. Â This is everything the movie geek brain wants, and it’s delivered expertly with a solid touch. Â Never too dark and met with moments of genuine character based humor, it was great to find myself in a movie that wanted to be fun. Â I can’t wait to take this ride again and again. Â Guillermo Del Toro is officially one of our greatest blockbuster filmmakers -Â Pacific Rim has made him one of the elite. Â Even the post-conversion 3D works for once, layering effects and interfaces while keeping the action feeling huge.
In a year of Iron Men, Men of Steel, and Treks into Darkness, Pacific Rim is the best adventure of the summer. Get on board this Friday.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th.
Continuing their push to be THE source for all Marvel Studios breaking news, Marvel.com has just released the brand spankin' new teaser poster for the Captain America sequel - Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Set for an April 4th, 2014 release, the film bring Chris Evans back as Captain America as he investigates a soldier who may just be (HINT: Is) his pal Bucky, who he left for dead in the first film. This is a great image for the film, subverting the classic Captain America shield. Reminds me of some of the Batman teaser posters back when.
You can expect much more news to come out about this and the rest of the Marvel Phase 2 films later this month at Comic Con International.
Source: Marvel.com.
Raise your hand if you’re shocked - a new edition of a popular film series is being released to Blu-Ray.
Coming out on September 24th, a bit early, but just in time, for the holiday season is The Dark Knight Trilogy: Ultimate Collector’s Edition, a re-release of all 3 Christopher Nolan directed Batman films, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises.
This is a six disc set, featuring a sleu of new goodies, but very little new on-disc content.
Here’s what you’ll get for $100 this September:
Is it worth it to you? Decide between now and September. And then you’ll have our permission to die.
We are nine days away from the release of the monsters vs. mechs opus known as Pacific Rim, and while a lot of media has hit the web, including a breakdown of the Kaiju monsters, and a few clips, I feel like they’re somewhat spoilery.
So I’m focusing on the other half of this last minute push - the focus on the humans!
We’ve got a brand new trailer for the film, which pushes the cast forward, explaining the personal appeal to this epic adventure.
We’ve got a look at Ron Perlman as Hannibal Chau, a black market dealer of Kaiju organs, who claims to be able to assist you with all sorts of ailments.
And finally, as you can probably tell from the featured image for the post, we’ve got another awesome Odd City Pacific Rim print. This one is drawn by NE, and is an 18"x24" print. The standard edition is limited to a run of 175 for $45, with the variant (below) limited to 75 for $65. The focus again is right on the cast, with Charlie Hunnam’s Raleigh Beckett and Rinko Kikuchi’s Mako Mori taking center stage. The prints go on sale on Tuesday, July 9th right here, so stay tuned to @OddCityNews for the drop.
[caption id=“attachment_14183” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Variant Edition[/caption]
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th, with special preview screenings on Thursday, July 11th at 10pm.
A sequel to perhaps one of the most surprisingly fun animated adaptations of the past few years, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 kicks off the fall movie season this September.
Accordingly, Sony Pictures has released a second trailer for the film, giving us a bit more of the plot. The movie is almost a food based version of Jurassic Park this time around, as inventor Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader) returns to Swallow Falls to see what havoc his FLDSMDFR hath brought. And that havoc is the pun filled creatures known as the Foodimals. Check it out.
The movie, despite losing the direction of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, seems to have retained its silly, irreverent feel and should be worth a breezy matinee showing, at the least. Even if they have lost Mr. T in the voice cast.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 hits theaters on September 27th.
Washington DC based post-punk rockers The Dismemberment Plan sure have been busy over the past few years. After breaking up in 2003, the band got together for a few one off shows in 2007, then in 2011, did a brief tour to celebrate the reissue of their fantastic 1999 album Emergency & I.
Evidently they got the bug again, as this resulted in some additional shows last year (one of which I had the pleasure of attending), and sure enough - they started playing new material.
If you’re a Dismemberment Plan fan, this next sentence is going to seem very surreal - on October 15th, the band will release their first album since 2001’s Change - Uncanney Valley.
Yes, that’s the proper spelling. Recorded in Baltimore (how this happened under my nose without me knowing, I’ll never know), the tracklisting is as follows:
01 No One’s Saying Nothing" 02 Waiting 03 Invisible 04 White Collar White Trash 05 Living In Song 06 Lookin’ 07 Daddy Was A Real Good Dancer 08 Mexico City Christmas 09 Go and Get It 10 Let’s Just Go To The Dogs Tonight
And with that, you have my most anticipated album release of Fall 2013.
Confirmed late last year for official release after successful voting on LEGO’s crowdsourced Cuusoo page, the first imagery for the Back to the Future set has leaked onto the web.
Featuring the famous time traveling DeLorean and mini figures of, appropriately, Doc Brown and Marty McFly, this set looks to be everything you could ever want as a Back to the Future and LEGO fan. They even are including parts to build all 3 variants of the DeLorean. I think I’ll be focusing on the classic first film, personally.
The Back to the Future set looks to be an Online exclusive, releasing in July of this year. Once we get higher-rez imagery and official release details from LEGO, we’ll be sure to update.
Source: Brick News
The US is no stranger to the Japanese teen superhero epic Gatchaman - brought to the US twice, once as Battle of the Planets and later as G-Force, fans across the globe are familiar with the young team’s bird suited antics.
Due out on August 24th in Japan, the live action film of the series is looking pretty damn good, so I thought I’d share the latest trailer with you.
Sure, it’s looking like The Avengers with a much smaller budget, but for fans of the franchise, this looks to deliver the goods.
No word yet on US distribution, but I’d imagine the Summer anime convention season may just result in one of the bigger studios announcing a state-side release.
Roland Emmerich has never been a subtle filmmaker. Since making a name for himself with 1994’s Stargate and defining the modern day disaster film with 1996’s Independence Day, Emmerich has been more or less chasing the ability to repeat that success. He’s returned to the disaster film on countless occasions, including the ill-conceived Godzilla remake, the Al Gore worst nightmare parable The Day After Tomorrow, and the rather timely 2012, who’s paranoia inducing marketing literally told people to Google search 2012.
This time, Emmerich has returned to the weekend which made him famous, the late June/early July sweetspot where he made his name with White House Down. If you felt like you’ve seen this movie earlier this year, don’t worry, it’s nearly identical to March’s Olympus Has Fallen in plotting, but for those new to the film, I’ll break it down.
White House Down is closer to Die Hard than the disaster films Emmerich cut his teeth upon. On paper, it sounds like a rousing good time at the movies - US Capitol Police officer John Cale (Channing Tatum) is looking to redeem himself and get in his daughter’s good graces by becoming a part of the Secret Service. On the day of his interview, the White House and Capitol building are seized by a terrorist group, and Cale ends up not only having to protect his daughter (Joey King), but also the President himself, played by Jamie Foxx.
The issue with the film isn’t the plotting - the concept is rather solid, and could be played pretty well with the proper script. But that’s exactly where the problem lies. The script, written by James Vanderbilt (who shockingly is also responsible for Zodiac and the Amazing Spider-Man films), is full of far too many coincidences, Checkov’s Gun moments and idiotic lines and moments to be taken remotely seriously. If the film were going for a cheeseball feel, a’la some of the classic action movies of the 1980’s such as Commando, that’d be one thing, but White House Down is played 100% genuine. There’s no wink, let alone a nod, and the film is simply embarrassing. As you (if you?) watch the first two acts of the film, make note of every quirky detail - chances are, they will all pay off in the most groan inducing way. Â Emmerich has never been a filmmaker who leaned towards subtly, but in the case of this film, he’s going for the boldest, most obvious audience pandering moments he can.
That being said, the cast tries adeptly to make chicken salad out of these chicken droppings, for the most part. Channing Tatum’s charisma shines through, even if his character is first introduced as having a recurring issue with squirrels in birdhouses. Yes, that’s how they decide to introduce our hero, as having trouble dispatching a squirrel. Luckily, he’s flanked by A-List talent, including Maggie Gyllenhaal (who deserves some sort of award for spouting off the terrible lines she’s given without so much of a wince), the always dependable Richard Jenkins (The Cabin in the Woods) as the Speaker of the House, and James Woods, who stars as a retiring secret service agent on - of course - the last day of his service. Woods appears to be the only one who understands how ridiculous the script is, and he hams it up so much that I feel like his appearance renders the film non-Kosher. As for Jamie Foxx as the President? Well, he and Tatum are a blast to watch play off each other, giving the film some buddy cop moments. However, he shifts between an indifferent Obama impression and generally just being Jamie Foxx on film, sadly putting White House Down on the list of films he sleepswalks through, as opposed to those where he has stood tall as a talent worth notice.
I’m not sure if I’ve grown cynical with age or I’m no longer the target demographic for most films, as while I found myself agast at the incredibly clumsy and pandering script, the audience at the preview screening ate it up in spades. As I found myself jaw agape at some of the silliest moments in the film (mild spoiler: the end sequence is built around, I kid you not, flag waving), the audience cheered and even applauded. As the last reel showed on screen, ending with a triumphant shot of a destroyed but still standing tall Washington DC, one man loudly, and without a hint of irony in his voice pumped up with a loud “OH YEAH!”.
Congratulations, world - if such bold, pandering patriotism matched with dumbfounding, don’t leave a rock untouched storytelling is your bag, White House Down is going to be your favorite movie of the summer. As for me, I’ll be detoxing with constant watches of 21 Jump Street and Django Unchained, to remind me what the leads are like in films worthy of their skills. Avoid this mess.
White House Down opens on Friday, June 28th.
We are just over 2 weeks away from the theatrical release of Guillermo Del Toro’s latest action-adventure, the giant robots versus giant monsters opus Pacific Rim, and Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures are doing everything they can to celebrate the film and sell you a last minute ticket.
Yesterday brought about the unveiling of some exclusive new posters which will be available shortly.
The first batch comes to us from Austin, TX, but perhaps not the studio you were expecting. Odd City Entertainment has the exclusive rights to collectors prints, and will be launching a series of Pacific Rim inspired posters on Tuesday, July 2nd. The first print, designed by artist Gabz, is all about the heroic Jaeger known as Gipsy Danger - but what’s that in the clouds?
There will be a standard, variant and metal edition of this print, and for the pricing and print run details, see the captions for each image.
[caption id=“attachment_14129” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Standard Edition. 24"x36" print, run of 225 - $55.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_14130” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Variant Edition. 24"x36" Print, run of 80 - $75.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_14128” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Metal Variant. Yes, printed ON metal. 24"x36", run of 55 - $275.[/caption]
These posters will be on sale through July 11th on their online store, or until they sell out - whichever comes first. I think it will probably be an early sellout on the 2nd, considering how good they look. More Pacific Rim prints will be coming from Odd City, so stay tuned.
If you find these posters are too expensive, or your walls don’t have enough giant robots on them (who’s does, really?), IMAX has announced that they will be continuing their IMAX Fanfix series, which started with Star Trek Into Darkness, with an exclusive print for Pacific Rim.
The awesome, comic book style art seen here is by Sergio Grisanti and will be a free giveaway to those who go to particpating 12:01am screenings of Pacific Rim. For a list of theaters where the print will be available, click here.
Finally, if you’re still on the fence about the film, Warner Bros has released one last ad for the film. Focusing on the Apocalypse speech from Jaeger Pilot Commanding Officer Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), this one is all about the emotion and pageantry.
Pacific Rim hits theaters, finally, on July 12th.
Breaking news from Marvel Studios - ending weeks of worry, Robert Downey Jr. has signed on for two more appearances as Tony Stark, better known as Iron Man.
His contract brings him into the fold for both The Avengers 2 (set for May 2015) and The Avengers 3.
No word on the financial terms, but given that The Avengers earned $1.5 Billion in box office and Iron Man 3 has earned $1.2 Billion and counting, I’m sure RDJ has earned himself a pretty penny - and is totally worth it.
Well done, all.
Source: Marvel.com
If you’ve been following artist Olly Moss on Twitter (and if not, why aren’t you? He’s delightful), you’ve seen him posting these brilliant, one-off illustrations of iconic videogame characters.
Officially titled Heroes, Olly has announced his plans to sell them, and is doing so now on his official online store.  The prints are on sale through Midnight on Friday, June 21st, and when you purchase - either as a $15 single print or a $40 3-pack - the prints will be randomly selected for you, so you’ll never know which ones you get!
These 5"x5" prints will be printed based on demand, so if you’re interested, get in on it now!
Thanks to the hard work of the team at Bleeding Cool, we now have the casting breakdowns for JJ Abrams Star Wars: Episode VII (I can’t wait until this has a title).  Surfacing at a number of casting studios around the UK, these are only the vaguest of indications of the new characters, but LET THE SPECULATION BEGIN!
Here goes…
Young twenty-something male, witty and smart, fit but not traditionally good looking.
A late twentysomething male, fit, handsome and confident.
Seventy-something male, with strong opinions and tough demeanour. Also doesn’ t need to be particularly fit.
A second young female, also late teens, tough, smart and fit.
Forty something male, fit, military type.
Thirtysomething male, intellectual. Apparently doesn’t need to be fit. So, we’ve got what a Han Solo, two Princess Leia’s and a Luke Skywalker in there? Â Let’s see how it pans out.
Star Wars: Episode VII splits the internet in two with debate in Summer 2015.
Source: Bleeding Cool
It’s been a long time since we first heard about the latest Batman animated series, called Beware The Batman, but Cartoon Network has officially announced that the CG toon will premiere this July, and has released a sizzle reel to get fans excited.
So far, the cartoon looks more like it’s going to be on par with The Batman as opposed to the heights of Batman: The Animated Series, but to be fair, it took Batman: The Brave And The Bold a few episodes to get in a comfortable groove of greatness.  Maybe this will pan out.  Check out the reel and the official press release below.
A cool, new take on the classic Dark Knight franchise, Beware the Batman incorporates Batman’s core characters with a rogues gallery of new villains not previously seen in animated form. Along with backup from ex-secret agent Alfred and lethal swordswoman Katana, the Dark Knight faces the twisted machinations of Gotham City’s criminal underworld led by the likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation (WBA), this action-packed detective thriller deftly redefines what we have come to know as a “Batman show.“ WBA’s Sam Register serves as executive producer, with Glen Murakami (Batman Beyond) and Mitch Watson (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Inc.) producing.
Starring Anthony Ruivivar (Banshee) as Batman/Bruce Wayne, Beware The Batman boasts a stellar voice cast with JB Blanc (The Count of Monte Cristo) as Alfred and Sumalee Montano (ER) as Katana. Lending voices to the villains are Wallace Langham (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) as Anarky, Grey DeLisle (Green Lantern: The Animated Series) as Magpie, Udo Kier (Scooby-Doo! Mystery Inc.) as Mr. Toad, Lance Reddick (Fringe) as Ra’s al Ghul and Brian George (The Big Bang Theory) as Professor Pyg.
Beware the Batman is the latest series based on characters from DC Comics to be added to DC Nation, Cartoon Network’s programming block on Saturday mornings. It will be followed by Teen Titans Go! at 10:30 a.m. and joined by all-new animated shorts..
Last summer, while participating with a pre-Prometheus marathon of the Alien films, an arbitrary Google search on my phone lead to my discovery of some lost 3 3/4" (Star Wars sized) action figure prototypes for the original 1979 film.
As the original film is one of my favorites, I’m sure you can understand my excitement when San Francisco based toymakers Super7 announced they would be officially producing these Alien figures as a part of their first ReAction Figure Series (ReAction meaning “Retro Action”).
Thus far, they’ve released some really awesome retro fast food styled Alien glasses, but later this year the full five figure line will be released, and to celebrate, Super7 will have 4 absolutely brilliant exclusives available at their booth at San Diego Comic Con this year.
First we have the Alien ReAction Figure Early Bird Package.  Spoofing the Early Bird package which kicked off the original Kenner Star Wars line, you receive a cardboard box  filled with a figure display stage, a Space Club membership card, and stickers - plus this counts as a pre-order for the full, five figure line, which will be shipped to you at no additional charge, confirming your purchase of The Alien, Ripley, Ash, Dallas and Kane in his Nostromo Spacesuit.  This will run $100, or $125 for non-Continental US/International buyers.
[gallery ids=“14067,14070,14069”]
Next is a really brilliant idea - a Discovered Sales Samples two-pack.  Going with the idea of the 1979 cancellation of the proposed Alien toyline, this two pack of the Alien and Kane casts them in blue plastic, proposing these figures as unfinished sales samples.  The figures come in a “Cancelled” box, and include a note to the sales staff, discussing the cancellation. This will run you $40.
[gallery ids=“14072,14073”]
Last, but far from least, are two great freebies - Alien ReAction Figure Bases, perfect for any 3 3/4" figure line, and a retro styled Figure Catalog, much like the figure catalogs of our youth. Â Both will be available at their booth for free.
If you’re at San Diego Comic Con, you  pretty much HAVE to see what Super7 is cooking up this year. Check them out at booth #5245.  The full Alien ReAction Figure line is due out this October.
With the announcement of third and fourth films in the Amazing Spider-Man series, plus the cavalcade of villains set to appear, if not simply to cameo, within The Amazing Spider-Man 2, it should come as no surprise that there are some changes being made to the second film to fit the ever-growing saga.
What is a surprise however is that Mary Jane Watson, set to be played by Shailene Woodley, is completely cut out of the film now.
Sayeth Shailene to Entertainment Weekly:
Source: JoBlo.com.
EDIT: Update - Â from The Hollywood Reporter, looks like Woodley is being completely replaced.
Just a day after Warner Bros steps away from the project, Universal Studios has stepped in to make a sequel to the 1994 comedy classic Dumb and Dumber a reality.
Dumb And Dumber To, as the sequel will be called, will feature the return of Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels as the not too bright duo of Lloyd and Harry. Â The Farrely Brothers will once again be writing and directing the modestly budgeted film.
No word on the plot details so far, but I think we can all agree to ignore the 2003 prequel, Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd.
Source: Deadline
On paper, the idea of a LEGO movie sounds ridiculous.  And that’s why you get Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, directors of 21 Jump Street and Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs to make a movie out of them.
With a history of taking terrible premises and turning them into comedy gold, Lord and Miller are taking the world of LEGO to the silver screen with The LEGO Movie and with the first trailer released overnight, this looks…really damn good.
Starring Chris Pratt as the lead, a LEGO person named Emmet, he finds himself on a journey to save the LEGO world, which includes run ins with Batman (Will Arnett), Michaelangelo (yes, the Ninja Turtle), 2002 NBA All-Stars and uh, is that Morgan Freeman as God?
I’m not sure if the movie is CGI made to look like stop motion, or actual stop motion created with LEGOs, but either way, this, unexpectedly, looks like an absolute blast. The LEGO Movie hits theaters on February 7th, 2014.
Since the release of the first BioShock game in 2007, the series has been praised for its high concept storytelling. Perhaps then it’s only appropriate that the games creator Ken Levine, having completed BioShock Infinite earlier this year, is now looking to make his name in Hollywood.
What may surprise you, however, is how he is making his splash. Instead of the long dormant BioShock film, last left in development purgatory after director Gore Verbinski left the project, Levine will be writing the latest screenplay for the long in development remake of Logan’s Run.
Logan’s Run, a 1967 book by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson and a later cult-classic film from 1976, features a society where people are executed at the age of 30 (21 in the novel), and those who try to escape this fate are called “runners”. Understandably, in this post Hunger Games society, a young adult survival film is clearly going to catch the eye of the studios, and I can see a new Logan’s Run fitting in nicely at the multiplexes.
Warner Bros is developing the remake, which has long been attached to director Bryan Singer (X-Men). This would not be Levine’s first screenplay, as he wrote plays and film scripts before joining the video game industry, but this certainly will be his most high profile. As with all films in development, Levine’s involvement is subject to change, but I’d love to see his take.
Source: Deadline
Get ready to stay classy, Internet - the first trailer for the long awaited Anchorman 2 is finally here, featuring the return of the Channel 5 news team.
We’ve moved ahead a decade to the 1980’s, with Ron, Champ, Brick and Brian heading into the 24 hour news cycle. The trailer is more a tease than solid plot information, but it appears to be full of the Ron Burgundy humor we know and love, plus the debut of Kristen Wiig as a love interest for Steve Carrell’s Brick. And she seems to be just as broken.
Jump in, and click play. News Team ASSEMBLE.
Anchorman 2 hits theaters on December 20th.
As seems to be the standard these days, once DC Comics cancels one title, another appears in its place. We saw earlier this week that the #2 comic company would be focusing on the superhero romance with Superman/Wonder Woman in October, but also launching this fall is a look into the future with Justice League 3000.
Set in, appropriately, the 31st Century, the book reteams the 1980’s Justice League creative team of writers Keith Giffen and JM DeMatteis with artist Kevin Maguire, so you can assume that the comic won’t take itself too seriously.
As always, a new set of heroes needs a new set of costumes, and appropriately enough, DC has gone to Justice League royalty with artist Howard Porter providing the new looks, who drew the classic mid-90’s run of JLA with writer Grant Morrison. I honestly really like the redesigns (featured below), and can’t wait to see them in action.
[gallery ids=“14030,14031,14032,14033,14034”]
That’s right, folks, I’m excited for a DC Comics title. Mark it down.
Source: CBR
Mixing the director of Tarzan with the writer of Wreck-It Ralph, Disney’s big holiday release Frozen has a heck of a pedigree ahead of it. Add that the film features songs from the composer of The Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, and you have a CG animated film that could wonderfully warp children’s minds at the end of this year.
The first trailer hit yesterday, and features a focus on Olaf the Snowman and Sven the Reindeer, and reminds me much of the Ice Age teasers, but with the creative team involved, I expect something greater.
Thanks to Disney UK’s YouTube page for the embed.
Here’s the film synopsis, and some stills from the movie:
The film is directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and produced by Peter Del Vecho. Featuring music from Tony® winner Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Frozen is in theaters in 3D on November 27, 2013. [gallery ids=“14022,14023,14024,14025,14026”]
Frozen hits theaters on November 27th.
Our first glimpse at Kick-Ass 2 was a decidedly red-band one, focusing on the violence and language of the slacker superhero sequel, but Universal has now released a second trailer for the film, focusing on selling the film on general audiences.
Sure, the trailer still ends with a dog on someone’s junk, but the plot is laid out, as the escalation of “real life” superheroes builds to an entire war, with Kick-Ass and Hit Girl directly at the center.
The closer the movie gets to the finish line, the better the final product is looking - the movie should be an enjoyable end to a superhero heavy Summer 2013.
Kick-Ass 2 hits hard on August 16th.
I hope you weren’t planning your fall around the release of the long awaited Sin City sequel, Sin City: A Dame To Kill For.
Originally set for a release on October 4th, the film has been pushed almost a year back, now releasing on August 22nd, 2014.
While the reason for the delay isn’t known at this time, I wouldn’t be shocked if the delay is to allow for director Robert Rodriguez the appropriate time to complete and promote Machete Kills, which releases in September, just a month before Sin City 2’s original date. Â If anything, this explains the general radio silence surrounding the film.
It’s a bad year for Frank Miller related films, with both this and 300: Rise of an Empire moved to 2014, after being set for releases this year.
Cartoonist Hope Larson has earned many an accolade in her storied career, which has included the successful solo books Salamander Dream and Chiggers, plus the graphic novel adaptation of A Wrinkle In Time, but now she’s set her sights on the world of filmmaking with a new short called Bitter Orange.
Set in the 1920’s, the eight and a half minute short stars Brie Larson (21 Jump Street) and James Urbaniak (The Venture Bros.) and is an absolute joy to watch. It’s been posted on Viimeo, and we’re proud to share it with you here.
Larson clearly has a future in filmmaking here, but clearly hasn’t forgotten her past in comics. The short’s poster (at the top of the post) is illustrated by Becky Cloonan, and is a perfect fit for the short film. Larson’s next directoral project is the first music video for Got A Girl, the musical combination of actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead and producer Dan The Automator.
In a computer animation marketplace that grows ever-crowded, with contenders appearing from Dreamworks, Fox, Sony and even Walt Disney Pictures, it’s not quite as special for a Pixar film to be released to the world.  In the past, Pixar stood above for their technical acumen met by storytelling filled with heart.  As the contenders have raced toward the crown, Pixar’s shine has lost some luster, but all it takes is a few moments in any of their films to realize why Pixar stands above the rest - and Monsters University is no different.
A prequel to 2001’s Monsters Inc., the film takes the focus away from the interesting relationship between children and the (made up) monsters which torment them at night, and instead gives us a story of what came before, a fully realized film set in the world of the monsters.  Granted, I didn’t walk out of Monsters Inc. feeling as if I needed additional closure on the story, but Monsters University smartly zeroes in on two ideas - one, the life story of tiny cyclops Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal), and two, to create an homage to every 1980’s college comedy ever made.  It’s not the most obvious connection to make - monsters and films like Revenge of the Nerds, but somehow the odd combination of flavors pays off in spades.
We start with Mike as a child, being the runt of the monsters and ignored by his friends in elementary school, when during a fateful trip to Monsters Inc. (the business, not the film) he meets a monster, a proud Monsters University graduate, and learns that which he wants to do for the rest of his life - work on the scare floor. Â He works hard his entire life, and is accepted in to the Scarer program. Â It is here where he first meets James “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman), a slacker jock who is coasting on his family name. Â Sulley and Mike both have their reasons to want to be scarers (Sully to live up to expectations, Mike to make something of himself finally), and its their intense want to make this happen that makes them instant rivals. Â An adventure ensues, including all of MU’s biggest frats (including the hyper jock Roar Omega Roar and the way lame members of Oozma Kappa) and a big showdown as a part of the Scare Games (think Harry Potter’s Tri-Wizard tournament, and you have the idea).
As a whole, the film is a fun, breezy watch, with fantastic voice casting and jawdropping visuals.  You’ll hear many of your favorites, as Crystal and Goodman are joined by such great actors as Charlie Day, Joel Murray, Dave Foley, Nathan Fillion and Aubrey Plaza, and even some of the Pixar animation crew doing voices (Peter Sohn, a lead animator, returns to voice acting after doing a great job as Emile in Ratatouille).  Each inch of camera space is full of eyepopping designs, with the Pixar team doing a beautiful job of realizing the world necessary for these monsters to live in.  The level of detail provided for the MU campus is remarkable, and feels completely realized from the Quad to the sports stadiums, and even the custom school buses.
That said, the film isn’t without its flaws.  A storyline including Monsters Inc. villain Randall Boggs (Steve Buscemi) feels tacked on as nothing more than an extended wink and a nod to the first film, and as much as I enjoyed the movie, I couldn’t help but wonder to myself what exactly about the story was compelling and necessary to tell.  Why exactly did Pixar need to return to the world of Monsters Inc.? Even after seeing the film, I’m not entirely sure. With Pixar’s best, you always felt like there was a depth to what they were trying to say - some lesson or universal truth to the characters.  Here, the story is compelling to watch, but there’s no real depth to the proceedings.  And maybe that’s OK, but after the run of films from Ratatoullie to Wall-E to Up and Toy Story 3, this felt somewhat limited.
No matter how you cut it, Monsters University is a great time at the movies and a fun watch for the entire family.  The movie may not stand as one of the greatest films the studio has created, but you’ll laugh and smile the whole way through, and in a Summer full of explosions and destruction, it’s the perfect detox.  It’s just a shame to have received a really great hamburger when you’re used to a steak.
Before I forget, a special nod must be given to the absolutely sublime short which ran before the film, The Blue Umbrella. Featuring a Pixar first - incredibly photo-realistic animation, along with a beautiful Jon Brion soundtrack and some smile inducing moments of pareidolia, it’s a great segue into a fun film. Be sure to arrive early so as to not miss it.
Monsters University opens on June 21st.
Call it the comic book film version of pulling a Babe Ruth, calling your shot well before you do it.
Sony has just announced in an official press release the dates for the third and fourth installments in the Amazing Spider-Man franchise, set for June 2016 and May 2018.
Here’s the press release in full. Kinda gives credence to those rumors of the series leading up to a big Spider-Man vs. Sinister Six showdown, doesn’t it?
Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, “Spider-Man is our most important, most successful, and most beloved franchise, so we’re thrilled that we are in a position to lock in these prime release dates over the next five years.“
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jeff Pinkner, with a previous draft by James Vanderbilt, and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach are the producers. The executive producers are E. Bennett Walsh, Stan Lee, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci.
The Amazing Spider-Man took in over $750 million at the worldwide box office last year.
Hey guys! Remember when Wonder Woman and Superman decided to hook up as a part of the New 52 relaunch, in Justice League #12 last August?
Apparently this will be a storyline worth exploring, as DC Comics has decided to spin off the relationship into its own book with Superman/Wonder Woman launching this October.
Written by Charles Soule (Swamp Thing) and drawn by Tony Daniel (Action Comics), the ongoing marks Wonder Woman’s second headlining title and Superman’s fifth, including Action Comics, Superman, Superman Unchained and this month’s debuting Superman/Batman.
I’m not sure what story is needed for this to be an ongoing, but we wish the entire creative team the best of luck. Especially when it comes to working in the Superman/Wonder Woman relationship alongside the Lois focus in Superman Unchained, the headlining Superman book launched last week from writer Scott Snyder and artist Jim Lee.
Source: IGN.
USA Today picks up a big comics scoop this morning as Marvel announces another installment in their Marvel OGN line of stand alone graphic novels (following October’s Avengers: Endless Wartime).  This time, the focus is Peter Parker, the Amazing Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Family Business.
Co-written by Mark Waid (Daredevil) and James Robinson (Starman), with beautiful painted art by Gabrielle Dell’Otto, the book is set for a  May 2014 release, and pits Spider-Man in a spy story of sorts, where not only is the Kingpin crashing down on him, but he’s learning more about his secret agent parents and discovers…he may have a sister?
USA Today’s article includes a great interview with Mark Waid, and confirms one key detail - this is a pre-Superior Spider-Man. So no Spider-Ock here.
Check out the flash trailer for the book, right here!
Source: USA Today.
This coming Tuesday, June 18th, the Bryan Singer directed Jack the Giant Slayer hits Blu-Ray, and our dear pals over at Warner Bros want you to take a copy home for free!
Want to know how you can get one? It’s easy as pie - just take the How Brave Are You Quiz in the fun widget below, copy and paste your answer in the comments (with an email address that we can reach you at) and BAM! you’re in the running to win.
We’ll close out comments on Friday, June 21st and pick a random winner from all of the answers submitted.  Just be sure that you’re in the United States to enter.
Should you wish to avoid all of this contest hoopla and grab a copy of Jack the Giant Slayer of your own, swing over to official Blast-O-Rama sponsor Amazon.com and get yourself one!
Good luck, humans!
Yes, we’re a month out from San Diego Comic Con 2013, and the exclusive info is already being revealed.
Today’s news bit comes from Vin Diesel, who went to Facebook this past Friday to reveal that yes, there will be a panel at SDCC 2013 for the forthcoming sequel, Riddick, and share with us a poster which will be available to attendees (above).
The third film in the Riddick saga, Riddick looks like a really fun sci-fi romp, and I have little doubt that the Hall H crowd will be eating out of the palm of Diesel’s hand as he shows off new footage from the film.
Riddick hits theaters on September 6th.
Set to the tones of Kanye West, this first look at director Martin Scorsese’s latest, The Wolf of Wall Street makes it look like a fun and silly film.  And with a cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio flanked by Jonah Hill and Matthew McConnaughey, plus sequences which involve a little person and a chimp, I wouldn’t blame you for making that presumption.
But given the rapid fire segments at the end, plus the fact that it’s based on a true story, once can assume that once they go up…the success of this cast will go down very quickly, and go down very badly.
Check it out.
Looks pretty damn fine to me.
The Wolf of Wall Street hits on November 13th.
If you’re on the side of the fence that enjoyed Man of Steel this weekend, the Hong Kong based figure creators at Hot Toys have the figure for you.
The landmark 200th figure in their MMS (Movie Masterpiece) line, this Superman figure is the spitting image of Henry Cavill, and looks like he walked straight out of the film.
Accessories are minimal (they’ve included a 1:1 scale copy of the Kryptonian Command Key from the film, along with swappable hands and a sweet stand), but the quality and detail is just as high as you’d expect.
Also as high as you’d expect? The price - currently available for pre-order, with a 1st Quarter 2014 release date, this will run you $199.99 - about half a PlayStation 4. But if you love yourself some Kal-El, this just may be worth it. Check out the full gallery below.
[gallery ids=“13936,13937,13938,13939,13940,13941,13942,13943,13944,13945,13946,13947,13948,13949,13950,13951”]
Since the music industry found itself in the post-internet world, bands have been struggling and experimenting with new and different ways to connect to their audience and sell their music.
Bands such as Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails popularized the pay-what-you-want model. Others attempted digital only distribution to avoid having to deal with labels or retailers. Â Even others have turned to crowd-sourcing via KickStarter or Pledgemusic to have their fans fund the completion of an album. Â Today is a new day, however, and Hova’s leading the charge. Â Get ready for the corporately funded album release.
Jay-Z returns on July 7th with his first album in 4 years, Magna Carta Holy Grail. The follow up to The Blueprint 3 is full of the Jay-Z standard collaborators, such as Pharell Williams, Timbaland and Swizz Beats, but he’s got an unexpected one - Samsung.
Starting June 24th, an exclusive free Magna Carta Holy Grail app will be available to users of Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note II devices, and on July 4th at 12:01am, the first million people to download the app will get to listen to the album on their devices.  Word is this is a HUGE deal for Mr. Carter, worth nearly $20 Million.
We’ll have to see who signs up next. For more info on the album and the app, check out this video from Samsung’s official YouTube page or the official Magna Carta Holy Grail site, here.
Source: The Verge
Despite polarizing reviews (we liked it), the much anticipated Zack Snyder directed reboot of the Superman franchise, Man of Steel debuted this weekend to a massive $125 million, making for the biggest June box office debut of all time.
We already know that Warner Bros has green-lit and fast tracked Man of Steel 2, but according to a new post from The Wall Street Journal, we may see it way sooner than any of us have expected.
Citing sources “close to the studio”, Man of Steel 2 is aimed for a release in 2014, with the long in production Justice League movie, combining Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash and other DC Comics heroes following up in 2015.
I say that this is a near impossibility.  Huge tentpole films take years to prep - even the massive Marvel Studios plan allowed for a minimum of 2 years between sequels.  Sure, could a script for Man of Steel 2 already exist? Absolutely - but to rush it out in the span of the year not only could take the toll on Snyder, writer David Goyer and star Henry Cavill, but to then compound it with a Justice League film (rumored to include all of that talent as well) sounds like workload based suicide.
I don’t doubt that the Wall Street Journal has their ears to the ground, but I think they’re placing them near some cow patties. Â Either way, I expect some sort of huge announcement to come from the DC/Warner Bros camp during San Diego Comic Con this year - and Marvel Studios to react in kind. Â It’s a good time to be a superhero fan.
Source: WSJ
Having premiered to what can easily be called a mixed reaction at the Cannes Film Festival this year, Only God Forgives is one of my most anticipated movie going experiences this year.
Reteaming Drive’s director and lead star (Nicolas Winding Refn and Ryan Gossling respectively), Only God Forgives is said to be an exercise of style and filmmaking over plot and substance, and if the end result is as hypnotic as the first trailer, and the latest trailer (embedded below), I could see eating it up with joy.  Will the end result be too much to bare? Or just right?  Check out the latest trailer thanks to Yahoo!, and let us know what you think in the comments.
If the trailer wasn’t enough, we also have 3 new character posters for the film, which are a great example of photoshop filters done right.
[gallery ids=“13917,13918,13919”]
Only God Forgives looks for revenge in theaters and on VOD on July 19th.
Confirming rumors scuttled about a few weeks ago, Deadline.com has received solid word that John C. Reilly will be joining the cast of the intergalactic Marvel Studios installment, Guardians of the Galaxy.
Playing a role described as the Agent Coulson of the Guardians universe, Reilly will be cast as Rhomann Dey, leader of the Nova Corps.
This affirms that the Nova Corps will play a role in the Marvel Studios Theatrical Universe, and certainly gives credence as to why both Guardians and Nova were relaunched late last year as a part of Marvel Comics’ Marvel NOW! initiative.  No word on if a Nova film would be coming down the pike, but considering the NOW! relaunch and his appearance in the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon, making the character’s profile much higher in advance.
Guardians of the Galaxy, also starring Parks & Recreation’s Chris Pratt, former pro-wrestler Dave Bautista and Glenn frickin' Close hits theaters on August 1st, 2014.
Source: Deadline.com
Earlier this week, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas faced criticism for their statement that tickets for blockbuster films may reach $25 to match continued increases in budgets. We may be seeing this predicted future come to life already.
In a move which, if successful, may change the way big name films are marketed, Paramout Pictures has announced a “Mega Ticket” available for World War Z.
Available at only 5 Regal Cinema locations in Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta and San Diego, the $50 ticket offers fans the chance to see the Brad Pitt starring zombie film two days early (June 19th as opposed to June 21st), plus the following perks…
-A digital copy of the film once available (vendor not specified - I’d assume it’s an UltraViolet copy).
-Custom World War Z 3D glasses.
-A limited edition poster.
-A small popcorn.
So, would this be enough for you to drop $50? If not, what would you need to do so? Personally, I’d love to see a blu-ray copy offered.
World War Z drops on June 21st.
While some of the footage in this new trailer for Elysium was in the first trailer released, there is a lot of new content, and from what I hear, they have yet to show us anything from the film’s third act! How cool is that?
I’ve been very excited for director Neill Blomkamp’s next movie ever since the credits for District 9 stopped rolling, so to see it come together so well is awesome to see. This is going to be the big movie of the summer for the hardcore sci-fi nerds, and could wind up being the best movie of the summer, period.  At the least, the response to the future-set class warfare should be interesting to gauge in audiences, especially in a post Occupy world.
Elysium, starring Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, hits theaters on August 9th.
For some of you, I realize that there are only two statements you will need to read to sell you a ticket for Man of Steel. I’ll get those out of the way.
If you disliked 2006’s Superman Returns - don’t worry, Superman actually punches things in this one.
If you are a fervent fan of the original 1978 Richard Donner film - no, Man of Steel does not supplant it as the best Superman film ever. That said, it has a lot going for it, so lets get into it.
With years of anticipation and the future of an entire line of films laying upon it, Director Zack Snyder’s reboot of the Superman franchise has a lot of weight laid upon it.  It’s been seven years since the last time Superman was on theater screens, and unlike that film, Man of Steel is not a continuation of the 1970’s franchise.  This is a new Superman for our current era, and in turn, we start directly at the beginning, on Krypton.
Krypton, which feels in this movie as if it’s equal parts Pandora and Coruscant, is in a time of upheaval. After 100,000 years of society, Krypton is literally and figuratively falling apart. The Kryptionians have stripped their planet of all of its natural resources, and is cracking apart at its core - an issue pushed to its leaders by scientist Jor-El (Russel Crowe). Â On the other side is warrior leader General Zod (Michael Shannon), who feels as if the people of Krypton need to continue to use their planet until every drop is devoured and then take their society to new planets throughout the cosmos. Â What complicates this even further is Jor-El and his wife Lara (Ayelet Zurer) have naturally conceived a son, in a stark disregard for current Kryptonian population control, which allows only the chemical conception of children, each specifically bred to fulfill a role in the world, whether warrior, leader or worker. Â Interestingly enough, it’s not the gestation of this child which leads to the conflict between Zod and Jor-El, but instead the disagreement with Krypton’s leaders on the course of the planet. The fallout of this which causes Zod and his army to kill those leaders and become a sentenced prisoner of the Phantom Zone, just as the planet begins to crack. Â In a final moment of hope and desperation, Jor-El and Lara place their son in a spaceship set for a planet called Earth…a child named Kal-El.
We then jump ahead roughly 30 years, as Kal-El (Henry Cavill) is a human on Earth, working on a fishing vessel. Â Kal-El, or Clark Kent as he is known now, has spent his life in a sort of self imposed exile. Â Clark’s human father, Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner) has pushed to him the idea of keeping Clark’s non-human origins secret, a concept made all the more difficult given how the yellow sun of Earth has made his strength and abilities greater than the average human. In turn, Clark has spent his life moving from job to job, trying to keep his profile low, but constantly rising to the call of action - whether its standing in to assist a waitress at a small-town bar, saving a school bus of children in his middle school years, or in a very impressive sequence, rescuing people caught on a burning oil rig. Â Each time, he walks away from the praise and the glory, never wanting to reveal his secret. Â But after three decades of self-imposed quiet, he wants to know his past - which appears to be contained in a Kryptonian ship recently discovered under layers upon layers of ice in the Arctic by the US government. Â This discovery is also being covered by hardnosed reporter Lois Lane (Amy Adams), and you can start to see how the plot comes together.
In short, Clark discovers his destiny (and a pretty sweet suit - in case you’re wondering, that’s not an S, it’s the Kryptonian symbol for hope), and at the same time, Clark’s entrance into this ship sends a beacon discovered by General Zod and his army - who not only intend to find the last son of Krypton, but use Earth as a new beginning for Krypton - humans be damned.
And that’s really just the first act of the film.  As you can see, it’s quite a bit to take in, and honestly, that’s the biggest flaw of the film. Man of Steel is pulled down in its first act by the weight of what came before it.  The film’s flashbacks, inspirational speeches from both Jonathan Kent and Jor-El and look at Krypton are all riveting, but over time, become a bit too much.  I just wish that someone could have looked at the film and given us only two flashbacks, instead of four, or one key Jonathan Kent speech instead of three.  Considering Grant Morrison was able to so beautifully encapsulate the origin in exactly eight words, this felt a bit over thought.
That being said, once Clark accepts his destiny and dons the suit and cape, the movie is an absolute joy.  Zack Snyder is a director designed to bring superhero action on an epic scale to the big screen and he delivers.  Once Zod’s plan goes into effect and the film turns into a battle between Superman and the remaining Kryptonians, the action is gritty, enthralling, hard-nosed and intense.  If the end sequence of The Avengers was a joyous celebration of large scale superhero destruction, this is the rough and tumble brother, with every punch sending bodies literally flying through buildings or across cities.  In turn, acts 2 and 3 do far more for the film than the first. It’s no longer about whether he should be Superman, he simply is.
And that’s really what allows this movie to excel.  While we have yet to see what Henry Cavill can do as Clark Kent (he doesn’t become the reporter we all know and love until the end of the film), he is Superman. He looks the part, he feels the part.  Once he dons the cape, the confidence, the joy, it’s all there, and it is wonderful.  Just seeing him walk across a room is perfect. The man absolutely embodies the role. Amy Adams does a fantastic job as Lois Lane. Sure, she has a damsel in distress moment or two, but they’re because of her own will, her own strength and her own ability to find herself into (and at times get herself out of) trouble.  The supporting cast is universally strong, with Diane Lane making a great Martha Kent (I still think she’s too young for the role) and Russel Crowe and Kevin Costner adding appropriate gravitas to their fatherly roles, both Earth-bound and beyond the stars.  Heck, Lawrence Fishburne is even perfect as Perry White.  The only gripe with the cast for me is Michael Shannon as General Zod.  For being such a presence in Boardwalk Empire, it’s a shame how limited his role is here, limited to smoldering anger or yelling.  Once the action kicks up, he’s a physically imposing presence, but I was hoping for something with a bit more nuance. I felt he was actually outdone as a villian by Antje Traue’s Faora, Zod’s right-hand-lady, who was both devastating and imposing.
At the end of the day, Man of Steel will sit alongside Batman Begins and The Amazing Spider-Man in the list of superhero films.  Each film was hindered by the weight of expectation and the need to re-establish a world we knew, but set a fresh and necessary course for each character. I have little doubt that Man of Steel 2 will be an absolute joy, and I look forward to seeing what Snyder and Goyer have cooked up next for the Last Son of Krypton.  Despite its flaws, the film is a must see - if just for the incredible action and embodiment of character from Henry Cavill.  See it this weekend.
I get that in this day and age, it’s hard to get audiences to come out and see movies, so the studios are trying to adapt as many existing properties with strong audiences to create movies worth the hundreds of millions of dollars invested.
In that case, explain this one to me - according to The Hollywood Reporter, Fox has just optioned the rights to…Choose Your Own Adventure.
That’s right, the books where you jump around page to page to usually find yourself at a terrible end. Â I’m honestly not sure how this will work as a film. Â As a video game or web series, sure! Let the viewer guide what step they take next. But how it works in a passive cinema experience? I have no freaking clue.
The best options I can figure is live audience voting (highest percentage chooses the next scene) or some sort of weird Jumanji styled film where kids get caught up in an adventure - to which I ask - why would they even need the Choose Your Own Adventure name then?
So weird.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
Perhaps you’re familar with the work of actress Lake Bell from the Adult Swim series Childrens Hospital.  If not, you’re about to be a lot more friendly with her, with the first trailer for In A World…, a film she stars in, directed and wrote. A real triple threat!
In it, she stars as a young woman who dreams of making it as a big time voiceover artist, and with the help of a cast including Demitri Martin, Rob Corddry and Nick Offerman, she may just make it happen. Â This looks like a fun one, guys.
In A World… enters our world on August 9th.
As we are on the eve of the release of Man of Steel, it’s interesting to look back at the evolution of Superman over the years, and nowhere has this been more apparent than on his trademark logo, emblazoned on his chest.
While the S-Shield is probably one of the most recognizable images of all time, just behind the Coca-Cola logo, McDonald’s Golden Arches and the Mickey Mouse logo, it’s had quite the road to get there, and the team at HalloweenCostumes.com (of all places) has showcased the changes over seven decades in one easy to read infographic.  Click through and check it out!
Source: HalloweenCostumes.com
Just in time to cash in on the Zack Snyder name, the first trailer for 300: Rise of An Empire has launched.
Originally set for release this August, the film has been moved to March 2014, and while the visuals certainly seem stunning (director Noam Murro has done a great job of replicating the feel of the first film), I’m having a hard time finding a compelling reason for this film to exist.
If there’s any benefit, as simultaneously being a Prequel, Side-quel and Sequel (taking place before, during and after 300), this probably will be the definitive statement for the 300 franchise.
At the least, this film puts more Eva Green out into the world, and when is that ever a bad thing?
300: Rise of An Empire attacks theaters on March 7th, 2014.
Alright Michael Bay, I get it. Awesome cars are going to be in Transformers 4.
But can we please find out what robots these cars are going to be, or will you hold this out until the first trailer releases?
Anyway, today’s car reveal is a Sonic RS Rally Car. So continues the most conspicuous lineup of cars driven together ever.
As an aside - may I just say that I love that Michael Bay owns Bayhem.com? Brilliant.
Transformers 4 hits theaters in June 2014.
Artist Francesco Francavilla’s made a name for himself in the comics world for his gritty, yet gripping art as scene in his Dark Horse Comics book The Black Beetle and a recent issue of Hawkeye.  His art just draws in the eyeballs, and he’s put together a visual pitch for a DC Comics Elseworld that truly needs to be made real - Batman 1972.
As the title indicates, the comic would be a 70’s era, grindhouse style revamp for the Dark Knight and company, and I would kill to see it come to life. Â Check out his designs, which include a slacker looking Gordon, an awesome Catwoman and a pimp styled Riddler below.
[gallery ids=“13845,13846,13847,13849,13850,13852”]
Why is it always the alternate reality DC Comic books which are the most intriguing?
Source: Project : Rooftop.
Say what you will about GI Joe: Retaliation, but it certainly fared far better than the first film.  With a worldwide gross so far of $365 Million, about $60 million more than the first film, it’s clear that the Dwayne Johnson led sequel was received better by audiences - even with the nearly year long delay to convert the film to 3D.
In turn, it should be no surprise that Paramount Pictures has signed director Jon M. Chu to come back for GI Joe 3.
While there is no release date at this time, bringing back Chu is a smart move from Paramount, and it’ll be nice to see how the Joe/Cobra war continues into a third installment.  Who would have thought that the success of this franchise would be built around a guy who’s prior films were part of the Step Up franchise and the Justin Bieber documentary, Never Say Never?
GI Joe: Retaliation hits blu-ray on July 30th.
Source: Deadline.com.
Given the working relationship between Mondo and Warner Bros over the past year, including amazing posters for The Dark Knight Rises, it probably shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that posters for Man of Steel would be coming from the Austin, TX based poster house.
Not only will we see one design curated by the firm, we’ll be seeing two, including one which you will undoubtably be able to get a copy of. Here’s what’s releasing this week.
[caption id=“attachment_13827” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Ken Taylor - Regular Edition[/caption]
First we have the above 36"x24" print from artist Ken Taylor. Available in both standard and variant editions, these will go on sale on Thursday, June 13th. The standard edition is limited to a run of 300, for $50, with the limited set to a run of just 150 for $75.
[caption id=“attachment_13828” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Ken Taylor - Variant Edition[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_13830” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Martin Ansin - Metal Variant[/caption]
As for the second poster - that’s the more interesting story.  Illustrated by Martin Ansin, the metal variant (yes, printed on Metal) will be limited to a run of 100 24"x36" prints, for $300. That will be released randomly on Friday, June 14th. But the standard edition? That is an open edition print. Starting at Midnight CST, the standard Ansin print will be on sale - all orders received over a 3 day period will be printed and shipped - just $50.  This follows in the footsteps of the open edition run of the Olly Moss Dark Knight Rises print last Summer, which saw over 10,000 copies printed. It will be interesting to see how fans react to the Man of Steel print.  Personally, I think both are breathtaking, and some of the best prints Mondo has done in some time.
[caption id=“attachment_13829” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Martin Ansin - Regular Edition[/caption]
As always, watch @MondoNews for the drop information, keep your eyes locked on their store at MondoTees.com and for full information on these posters, check out this post on their blog. Good luck, and happy hunting.
Just days after announcing the casting coup of Kiefer Sutherland as Snake, Konami and director/producer Hideo Kojima are going big with a brand new 9 minute long trailer for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
Of note, this is the red-band trailer for the game, and it’s quite appropriately deemed as such, given the gore, torture, and overall level of mature themes present. Kojima had warned that the 5th game of the series would be going darker places and it shows.  Check it out, if you have the stomach for it.
Metal Gear Solid V will hit the PS3, 360, Xbox One and PS4.
This September, Marvel Comics will be celebrating the forthcoming release of its new video game, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes with a whopping 21 variants edition covers placed throughout that month’s shipping titles.
Via IGN, we have 3 of the 21, which will be appearing on Indestructible Hulk #14, X-Men #5 and Hawkeye #15.
All are illustrated by Leonel Castellani, and reinterpret classic Marvel covers in the popular block toy form. Check out the gallery of the three covers so far below.
[gallery ids=“13818,13819,13820”]
In case you hadn’t seen anything on LEGO Marvel Super Heroes yet, you’re in luck, as a new trailer dropped today, and we have it for your enjoyment. Check it out!
Source: Comics Alliance
Thanks to, of all places, the Czech Warner Bros YouTube account, we have our first look at the highly anticipated second Hobbit film, The Desolation of Smaug.
We pick up right where we left off in the journey, and this time is again full of action and excitement, including the returning Orlando Bloom as Legolas, the debuting Evangeline Lilly as Tauriel, and yes, it’s DRAGON time, as the final seconds give our first look at Benedict Cumberbatch’s Smaug.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters December 13th.
EDIT: Updated with US embed.
With the positive reviews filing in this morning and the intense amount of hype surrounding Man of Steel this announcement shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Deadline.com has confirmed that Warner Bros. has fast-tracked Man of Steel 2.
There is no indication of a release date just yet, but director Zack Snyder and writer David S. Goyer are both signed on for the film, with producer Christopher Nolan taking a more “hands-off” approach for the sequel, as he will be tied up with Interstellar.
A more interesting bit, confirmed at last night’s premiere, however is this -David S. Goyer is signed to write the long awaited Justice League film as well.  From Batman to Superman and now the full DC universe - it’s very clear that WB thinks Goyer is more than capable to carry it all.
Man of Steel hits theaters this Friday, June 14th.
Source: Deadline.com.
They say the apocalypse is a time where humanity will be forced to reflect on who they are and what they’ve done.  I suppose then it’s only appropriate that in the new comedy This Is The End, some of the leading actors in today’s comedy have taken the time to - over an apocalyptic backdrop - reflect on who they’ve become, at least in the public eye.
Starring the Apatowian crew of Seth Rogen (as Seth Rogen), Jonah Hill (as Jonah Hill), James Franco, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride and Jay Baruchel (guess who they’re playing), the setup is deceptively simple, but played very well. Â Jay has flown into Los Angeles to spend a week with Seth - since Jay never really got into the Los Angeles scene, he remains in he and Seth’s native Canada. Â This is a big deal, as Jay really dislikes Los Angeles, and Seth has been tethered to Los Angeles since making it big as an actor and writer. Â Seth talks Jay into going to a party at James Franco’s house (a hard sell, as Jay really doesn’t like the rest of Seth’s acting buddies), and during the party, all hell breaks loose. Literally, as its the biblical apocalypse.
From there the movie pairs down to the combination of Rogen, Hill, Baruchel, Franco, McBride and Robinson as they try to survive not only the dangers which have destroyed Los Angeles, but also each other.  It sounds like a very non-comedic premise, but it is played out for 100% laughs, between the burns on each other’s public persona (I see that Seth really didn’t like his Green Hornet experience), actors ripping on their existing personas (“Party Time” Michael Cera is the creepiest and funniest thing) and actors doing unexpected things (Emma Watson might be a pure badass.)  Sure, the movie is lined with the standard cock and ball gags, expected as the film is written by Seth Rogen and his Superbad cohort Evan Goldberg, but there is an overlaying level of heart to the movie.  Despite the blood, guts, gore and naughty language, This Is The End is a film about friendship at its core, and the difficulties found when your friends brings new friends into their life who you may not like - and ultimately, how to grow from there.
At the end of the day, your enjoyment of This Is The End will depend on your love for Rogen and crew - if you find them hilarious, this movie will be an absolute blast.  If you’re sick of them, you may get some joy at the way their personas are torn asunder (sometimes literally), but you may not be able to completely dig in, especially given the number of references to their prior work, including a wonderfully sweded trailer for Pineapple Express 2.  Personally, I had a total ball with this movie, laughing back to front, and being amazed not only by a very well kept cameo appearance, but a surreal and hilarious ending.
Sure, Man of Steel will most likely rule the box office this weekend, but you should still make time for This Is The End, if only for a pre-Superman matinee. Where else are you going to get an indepth discussion of DMX?
Oh, and an aside real quick - who the hell gets excited to go to Carls Jr. once you’re in Los Angeles? The only answer is In ‘N Out. Only.
This is the End hits theaters tomorrow, June 12th.
It’s hard to believe, but the company crossover event DC vs. Marvel is 17 years old, and while the content of the book isn’t remembered too fondly, many comic fans remember the amazing selection of Amalgam Comics released during the 3rd and 4th issues of the series.  These books combined Marvel and DC heroes into one universe, resulting in surreal mashups such as Dark Claw (Batman x Wolverine), Spider-Boy (Spider-Man x Superboy) and Super Soldier (Superman x Captain America).  These books were so successful that a second line of Amalgam one-shots were done in 1997.  But since then - silence, and given the harsh nature of the current DC/Marvel rivalry, we’ll probably never see these books - or reprints of them - again.
One comics fan, and talented artist, in particular - Eric Guzman clearly loved the Amalgam Universe, and has decided to return to it in a way, creating DC/Marvel Mashups of his own, including a combination I felt that they missed the boat on - Spider-Bat (Spider-Man x Batman).  Eric went the extra mile here, even creating an amazing rogues gallery for Spider-Bat (I love Doctor Octofreeze), and we’ve got the complete gallery of his designs below.  His art is clean and fun, and I’d love to see any of these characters come to life in a 21st Century Amalgam reboot.
[gallery ids=“13784,13785,13786,13787,13788,13789,13790,13791,13792,13793,13794,13795”]
Source: Deviant Art
We are just months away (or about a month away, if you’re in the UK) from the final part of the Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg/Nick Frost Cornetto Trilogy, The World’s End.  And with the alien, body snatching, apocalyptic bar crawl so close, it’s time to take a closer look at the cast with six brand new character posters courtesy of Empire Magazine.
Each poster places a cast member facing forward, along with the name of one of the pubs they’re visiting during the film. Clearly, there’s supposed to be a correlation between the pub name and the characters being played, unless the ad team really dislikes Simon Pegg and just wanted to call him a cock.
Check them out below!
[gallery ids=“13775,13776,13777,13778,13779,13780”]
The World’s End hits July 19th in the UK and August 23rd in the US.
Source: Empire
Later this week, the first trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the second of three Hobbit films will be released both online and alongside prints of Man of Steel.
In anticipation of that, director Peter Jackson took to the web today to release the first teaser poster for the film and, honestly, it feels just right. That’s Bilbo (Martin Freeman), that’s the entry for the Lonely Mountain…now, when do we see us some Smaug?
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters on December 13th.
There’s been much discussion about the fast mutant hero known as Quicksilver these days, as he’s currently implicated in the middle of the 2 Pac/Biggie style comicbook movie war taking place between Fox and Marvel Studios. See, Fox has the rights to certain heroes in perpetuity, while Marvel Studios (obviously) has had others. That said, while Fox has produced some great films, they have yet to produce movies as financially successful as the Marvel ones, and that’s even with holding the X-Men license.
What has complicated this further is the number of heroes which apparently rest in the X-Men camp which can also be accessed by Marvel - which includes the fast running Quicksilver and his sister, the Scarlet Witch.
Fox intends to have Quicksilver in next summer’s X-Men: Days of Future Past, but Joss Whedon has a much more prominent intention for Quicksilver AND the Scarlet Witch, adding them to the cast for The Avengers 2.
Even with the confusion set to boil over, Marvel is moving full speed ahead (no pun intended), and has apparently approached Kick-Ass himself, Aaron Taylor-Johnson to play ol' Pietro Maximoff.
Taylor-Johnson clearly has the history with the funny tights, and if Whedon thinks he’s the guy, I’m inclined to believe him. Add the rumor about Hanna’s Saoirse Ronan starring as the Scarlet Witch, and you have two perfect young upstarts to mix things up with RDJ’s Iron Man and the gang.
I’m all for this. Set a course for The Avengers 2 on May 1st, 2015.
Marvel seems to be hitting their books out of the park lately, and the reason is simple - they’re being smart.  While you can argue that the Avengers line has been pulled a little thin lately, they’ve been taking characters or teams with multiple books and making sure that each serves a purpose.  This has been especially noticeable in the worlds of Spider-Man and Daredevil, where each has been given a solo book (Amazing Spider-Man and Daredevil) and an anthology styled book where creators get to tell self-contained work (Avenging Spider-Man and Daredevil: Dark Knights).
While I’m not sure if this was the original intent when Frank Cho’s Savage Wolverine was launched as a part of Marvel NOW!, it’s definitely become that book for our favorite angry Canadian, with Zeb Wells and Joe Madueira taking over for an arc next. Â What comes after that?
According to USA Today, it’s going to be an arc written and drawn by the artist known simply as Jock. Best known for his work on Batman, plus an amazing Mondo poster for Shaun of the Dead, Jock will be writing the character starting with issue #9 this September in a sci-fi adventure thousands of years in the future, where Wolverine finds himself on an alien planet.
It sounds somewhat similar to what Brandon Graham is doing on Prophet, but with preview art like the piece above, I am definitely in to see what Jock has in store.
Source: USA Today
As with every other year, all kinds of retailers are bringing all sorts of exclusive swag to this year’s San Diego Comic Con. Of the lists of exclusives revealed thus far, however, one stands above the rest - the Deadpool Corps action figure set from Marvel and Hasbro.
Set for sale for $49.99, this set includes all parts of the franchise extending Deadpool team brought to life by the pencil of Rob Liefeld, but what makes this exclusive really stand out isn’t just the figures, but the delivery system.  The figures will take a Deadpool love to the extreme, as the figures are packaged in a cardboard taco truck…and individually wrapped in taco packaging. How cool is that?
Any leftovers will be available shortly after the con at HasbroToyShop.com, and what are sure to be ridiculous prices on eBay.
Source: Marvel.com
This year has been a big year for Mondo’s Gallery space. Since launching last year, we’ve seen some amazing shows come up, including the SXSWÂ Game of Thrones show and most recently a solo exhibition from artist Mike Mitchell.
Later this month, they’ll return to where they started, but with a twist, as Mondo presents a combination Adventure Time and Regular Show Gallery Show.
Kicking off on Friday night, June 21st and running through July 20th, this show will celebrate Cartoon Network’s newest cross-generational hits with art from dozens of artists, including many of your Mondo favorites. Â Presumably we’ll also see some great new prints from both franchises.
If you’re in Austin, there’s no reason to NOT go - this is sure to be a great time.
Source: Mondo
Michael Bay continues to showcase the new generation of robot heroes of Transformers 4 with the reveal of two more Autobots, or he keeps paying lip service to the car manufacturers sponsoring the film, depending on your level of cynicism.
Today we have a look at Hound, being “played” by a Medium Tactical Vehicle from Oshkosh Defense…
And a look at an as yet unnamed Autobot, which will be a 2013 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Coupe. Shiny.
These are sure to look great in IMAX 3D, right?
Transformers 4 hits on June 27th, 2014.
Source: Michael Bay
Of all places, the final trailer for the next big movie of the summer, the Christopher Nolan/Zack Snyder reboot of Superman, Man of Steel has surfaced thanks to Nokia.
That said - if you’re already sold on the film - maybe it’s time to go on media blackout? With a week to go, I found myself half way through this and shut it off - I’m already sold enough. But perhaps if you need that extra push, this is the trailer for you. The focus here is on two things - the action, and the kick ass score from composer Hans Zimmer - and it delivers them in spades. You know you have to look, right? Click play. I’m not judging.
Man of Steel flies into theaters on June 14th. We’ll have our review that day as well.
In a surprise, major announcement during their Pre-E3 press conference today, video game makers Konami confirmed the rumors that long time voice actor (and noted screenwriter) David Hayter would be out for the 5th game installment, despite voicing Snake since 1998’s Metal Gear Solid.
That said, I don’t think anyone expected this replacement - 24 actor and all around bad-ass, Kiefer Sutherland.
Sutherland was chosen by Metal Gear producer Hideo Kojima to voice the somewhat older version of Snake that stars in the game, made up of two key parts, Ground Zeroes, an open world stealth adventure, and the psychological horror The Phantom Pain.  Sutherland will not just be providing voice acting, but also serving as a motion capture reference for the character, as seen in the reveal interview below.
While I’m personally saddened to see Hayter leave the series, I think Sutherland is a bold, but appropriate choice to star as the latest incarnation of one of gaming’s icons. Â Here’s hoping he keeps his run of “Damnit!"’s going.
Metal Gear Solid V is set for a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 release.
EDIT: As cleared up to me by Phil Kahn - Sutherland is taking the reigns of Big Boss, lead of Metal Gear Solid 3 here, so perhaps we can still see Hayter as Solid Snake? Time will tell.
Finally, Warner Bros is moving forward on a post Man of Steel comic book film! No, it’s not a new Batman! Nope, not Justice League either.
It’s….ARCHIE!
But not the adventures of the Riverdale gang you’re used to, it’s a film adaptation of Afterlife With Archie, a comic coming out later this year which proposes an alternate reality with Archie, Jughead and the gang battling zombies.
No, I’m not making this up.  The comic, as well as the film’s script, will come from the pen of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, responsible for…uh…Glee, the Carrie remake, and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. At least they got the director of Pitch Perfect.
Yeah, this is going to be a crap fest, isn’t it?  I can’t even determine who this film is for - Archie fans will want nothing to do with zombies. Zombie fans want nothing to do with Archie. The venn diagram here is non-existent.
You know that comic book movie bubble? Pop.
Source: Deadline
With six months until the release of the second of the three films making up The Hobbit, The Desolation of Smaug, Warner Bros and Peter Jackson have started the push towards the December release with a long awaited reveal, our first look at Tauriel, the elf warrior played by Lost’s Evangeline Lily.
Tauriel is a controversial character for the films, being a new, whole cloth creation from Peter Jackson and and his co-writers on the Hobbit trilogy, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, but if the first image is any indication, she certainly won’t be sitting in the sidelines, adding some needed elf action to the trilogy.
Full details on the character, including Lily’s expectations of the reaction from the fans, can be seen at the source link below. Check it out!
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug releases on December 13th.
Source: EW.com
With the latest of books from the cast of Parks & Recreation (following the official Pawnee book and Rob Lowe’s autobiography), the man behind Ron Swanson, real life manly man and person whom I long to be as awesome as one day, Nick Offerman is dipping his toe in the author pool with Paddle Your Own Canoe.
Due for release on October 1st, the book sounds like a great mixture of memoir and lifestyle essay and may just be the guide to life you need. Here’s the official synopsis from the publisher.
Source: Splitsider
The push towards digital comics continues to be a big concern for both Marvel and DC. Marvel announced a number of digital initiatives earlier this year at SXSW, but it appears that DC Comics is getting in the game as well with DC2 - presenting two new digital comics formats for the Batman publisher.
The first, called simply, DC2 will premiere alongside Batman ‘66, the long-waited comics version of the 60’s TV series, written by Jeff Parker with art from Jonathan Case and covers from Mike Allred. The DC2 comics will work somewhat similar to Marvel Infinite comics, where with each swipe of a “page” art and sound effects will zoom in, zoom out, and appear randomly. It’s somewhat gimmicky, but can be rather effective storytelling when done correctly.
The second is a more intriguing move - called DC2 Multiverse, this format will allow for a choose-your-own-adventure style read, letting readers jump between options while reading the comic, ending in different results. This will premiere with Batman: Arkham Origins, based on this Fall’s latest Batman video game.
Release dates for these new titles are not yet available.
Source: Wired
While The To-Do List was originally set for a Valentine’s Day release earlier this year, and then was pushed to an August release, response to early screenings has evidently been positive enough for the film to now have a July 26th release.
Looking at this new red-band trailer, it’s easy to see why. The film, starring Aubrey Plaza (Parks & Recreation) as a high school senior in the 90’s who feels like she needs to have ALL of the sexual experiences before college, features an absolute murderer’s row of supporting cast talent, including Clark Gregg, Connie Britton, Bill Hader, Donald Glover, Alia Shawkat and Andy Sandberg among others.
The film is written and directed by Bill Hader’s wife, Maggie Carey, and looks like a nice, fun flick for the late Summer period. I’ll definitely keep it on my to-do list.
OK, I admit, I used this title mostly to have an excuse to link this South Park clip, but in all seriousness, Short Term 12 looks like a pretty damn affecting movie.
Staring Brie Larson (21 Jump Street) as one of a group of caretakers of teenage youth, Short Term 12 absolutely swept up audiences at SXSW this year, and with the first trailer released by Yahoo! this week, it’s easy to see why. Sure, some of the “heartfelt indie film” tropes are there, but this looks pretty damn good.
Short Term 12 starts its roll out to theaters on August 23rd.
Hide the children and get thee to a cinema - MACHETE KILLS is finally on its way!
I first caught this trailer in front of a screening of Fast & Furious 6, but the sound was off (thanks, projector jockey), and now I can watch it and share it with you in glorious HD as Robert Rodriguez returns to his pissed off Mexican as we’ve awaited with bated breath since 2010’s Machete.
The cast is just as surreal as before, including such luminaries as Lady Gaga, Mel Gibson, Sophia Vergara, and yes, even Charlie Sheen the debuting Carlos Estevez. This is going to be a good goddamned time in the movie house.
Machete Kills hits theaters on September 13th.
After revealing three cars from Transformers 4 yesterday, and some spy Instagram’s last night, director Michael Bay has taken the veil off of another of the vehicles representing the heroic Autobots, and this has to be the strangest change yet.
Following a reveal of an almost identical Optimus Prime, Bay has shared the new look for Bumblebee, the typically yellow sidekick and kid favorite, who is now a mostly black 1967 Camaro SS.
Let’s just hope that the darker outside doesn’t mean he’s gone all grim and gritty on us.
Transformers 4 hits on June 27th, 2014
The mad men of 1:6 scale action figures, the team at Hot Toys has once again done their magic and delivered a series of double-take inducing likenesses and detail, this time going back to the well and redoing figures from the 1980’s classic Robocop.
The first figure is part of the MMS series and is understandably, Robocop himself. The figure features many interchangeable features and details (including battle damage), and even a number of voice clips (a first for Hot Toys, I believe).
[gallery ids=“13628,13629,13630,13631,13632,13633,13634,13635,13636,13637,13638,13639,13640,13641,13642”]
As always, quality comes with a price, and this figure is currently up for pre-order at $299.99 for a February 2014 release.
Want something bigger? Why not the deluxe version of the figure, which also includes his mechanical docking station?
[gallery ids=“13643,13644,13645,13646,13647,13648,13649,13650,13651,13652,13653”]
That will run you $424.99 and is also set for a February 2014 release.
Last but far from least - the villain of the piece. That’s right, we’re getting a big honkin’Â ED-209! LOOK AT THIS THING!
[gallery ids=“13654,13655,13656,13657,13658,13659,13660,13661,13662,13663,13664,13665,13666,13667”]
ED’s also set for a February release, and is a whopping $409.99.
If you have a Robocop fan in your life, congrats, your Valentine’s Day is set. For a few years, probably.
I’ve gone on record here before as stating that the cast for Guardians of the Galaxy is looking like one of the most unique ever put together by Marvel Studios, and with yesterday’s scoop from Deadline.com, this continues to be true.
According to their tipsters, joining a sitcom star, a pro-wrestler, a character actor and one of the Na’vi will be….Academy Award Winning Actress Glenn Close.
Yes. Really.
Sayeth them, she’ll be joining the cast as the head of the Nova Corps. Â What makes this particularly interesting to me is that John C. Reilly was rumored this past weekend for a similar role, so now I’m left wondering if he’s out, or if the entire Nova Corps will be made up of actors with extreme acting talent. BRING ON DANIEL DAY-LEWIS!
Guardians of the Galaxy is set for an August 1st, 2014 release.
Source: Deadline
If you ask people about the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, chances are you’ll have this conversation…
“The first one was great? The two after that, not so much.” “What about the fourth one?” “…there was a fourth one?”
And, yes, there was - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and it actually did about $1 billion in box office. Which means that the two sequels they greenlit shortly after release - we’re going to see at least one of them.
The declining quality of the series aside (I honestly enjoyed the second, maybe I’m odd), with the announcement of the directors, I have to applaud Disney for taking a risk with this installment - PotC 5 will be directed by the duo of Joachim RÁ¸nning and Espen Sandberg, who’s claim to fame is that they directed the Oscar nominated film Kon-Tiki (who’s trailer is below).
I have to give them credit for going out of their comfort zone - perhaps an inspired directing choice will inspire Depp to new heights as Captain Jack Sparrow? We’ll know for sure on July 10th, 2015.
Source: Deadline
Say what you will about the Transformers franchise - while the installments have been wildly varying in quality (I enjoyed the latest one, Dark of the Moon, for what it’s worth), they have been massively successful at the box office, racking up over $2.5 Billion.  So, naturally, Transformers 4 is on the way.
The fourth film is somewhat of a reboot, giving us a brand new cast lead by Mark Wahlberg, and including such diverse actors as Kelsey Grammer and TJ Miller (YEAH! DENVER!), but what’s really important in the Michael Bay directed franchise isn’t the people - it’s the glorious car and robot porn.
While the new designs of the robots are yet to be revealed, we now have looks at three of the vehicles.
Michael Bay took to the web to give us this look at the new Optimus Prime, designed by Western Star:
Then, Yahoo! Movies gave us two more vehicles to gawk at.
This C7 Corvette Stingray is said by JoBlo.com to be “Slingshot”, and it’s matched by the below Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse, which will be on screen as “Drift”.
Pretty cars are pretty much par for the course for this series, but lets hope the series continues the positive track started with Dark of the Moon. Transformers 4 transforms and rolls out on June 27, 2014.
For the past few weeks, rumors have been flying about which director would next take on the James Bond franchise.  Would it be Batman legend Christopher Nolan? The new style of Nicolas Winding Refn? Or would it be some Bond Pi with Ang Lee?
Turns out, it will be…none of them! According to Deadline.com, talks between Sony, Bond producers EON and Skyfall director Sam Mendes are looking very serious, to the point where Sony is willing to wait for Mendes to finish his theater commitments to get the ball rolling on the 24th 007 adventure.
This would be a great idea, not just financially (as Mendes' first go generated $1 billion in box office), but critically, as Skyfall is one of the most well regarded installments of the James Bond franchise.  If that wasn’t enough reason for excitement, writer John Logan, who also penned Skyfall is returning for this and the 25th Bond film.  Perhaps we can get a mini Daniel Craig/Sam Mendes/John Logan trilogy within the series?
Sony, set your sights on success - make this happen.
Source: Deadline.com.
In an era where alternative movie posters from the likes of Mondo are worshipped upon as if they are delivered from Nerd Heaven, and the studio released posters are disregarded as Photoshopped messes, it’s interesting to see what posters almost replaced some of the most iconic one-sheets in existance.
In The Iconic Movie Posters That Almost Were, the team at Daybees.com has gotten together with legendary designers Bill Gold, Brian D. Fox, and James Verdesoto and Vivek Mathur to share their rejected pitches for posters that eventually became iconic - posters including Tim Burton’s Batman, A Clockwork Orange, Ocean’s Eleven and Pulp Fiction.
Check out the whole piece at the source, it’s fascinating.
Source: Daybees.
One of the most argued about films of the Summer 2013 season is June’s adaptation of World War Z.
Starring Brad Pitt, the zombie action film looks pretty good - if you can accept the fact that they clearly stopped trying to make an adaptation of the fantastic Max Brooks penned novel the film is very loosely based on.
The road to the screen has been a difficult one - originally set for a December 2012 release, the film was pushed back six months to allow for reshoots, including a complete rescripting of the ending.
The fine folks at Vanity Fair have put together an incredibly compelling article about the making of the film, a movie said to have cost as much as $250 million, and I cannot recommend it enough. Â Early screening buzz has been surprisingly positive - so we’ll have to see if the hard work paid off.
Check the article out here.
No matter how the movie turns out, at least it has to be better than the new poster (at the top of the post), right? World War Z hits theaters on June 21st.
Let’s be honest with ourselves here - Fast & Furious 6 (or Furious 6, as it is named in the opening credits, marking the 6th naming convention for the series in as many movies) is a movie where you don’t really need a review to know whether or not you’re going to see it. The appeal of these films is visceral, a pure lizard brain decision. You know from the word “go” whether you’re in or not.  And that said if this is your bag - you’re going to love yourself some Furious 6.
Directly following up the franchise’s resurrection with 2011’s Fast Five, Furious 6 picks up with our favorite rag tag bunch of car thieves, lead by Dom (Vin Diesel) living high off the hog after stealing $110 million.  Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker) and Mia, Dom’s sister (Jordana Brewster) are living happily with their newborn son, Jack, and Roman (Tyrese), Tej (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) and Han (Sung Kang) are all pretty well off with their place in life.  That’s until DSS agent Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson, returning from Fast Five) asks Dom to get back into the game and help him take down ex-Special Forces solider/heist gang leader Owen Shaw (Luke Evans) in return for full pardons for all of their misgivings.  The part that truly pulls Dom and the gang in?  Owen Shaw appears to be working with Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), who was last seen dying in the fourth film in the series - Fast & Furious.  Add many cars, explosions, and monologues about “family”, and we’re on our way.
The plot, as always, is more than a little overdone, and the dialogue somewhat laughable (especially when Vin Diesel tries to make turns of phrase important).  And honestly, I couldn’t tell you in any way, shape or form what Owen Shaw’s goals or purpose were. Literally, I don’t believe we’re given an idea of what drives him, besides the fact that he stole some technological doo-dad which he intends to sell on the black market, and he and his crew use really cool vehicles.  But none of that matters, as director Justin Lin has planned and plotted some of the most insane and ridiculous action sequences not only in the history of the Fast & Furious franchise, but in the history of action films, period.
Cars go flying in the air, tanks are used, an entire cargo plane is set aflame - and it’s all shot and framed perfectly, a wonderful change of pace from the modern day shaky cam setups we’ve become so accustomed to. Â And what makes these sequences all the more awe-inspiring is the number of them which are done practically. Â Yes, there is some CG work, particularly with some of the physical stunts by the characters, who seem more superhero than street racer this time around, but it never feels cloyingly artificial.
Performances are about what you’d expect.  Any moments of emotion are ham-fisted (one sequence where Paul Walker attempts to cry is particularly awful), but there’s such a fun chemistry between the cast that you can’t help but enjoy yourself.  I could watch an entire movie of Tyrese and Ludacris bickering with each other.  Additionally, while her performance could have been better, the addition of MMA star Gina Carano steps up the hand to hand sequences considerably, as does the appearance of The Raid: Redemption’s Joe Taslim as one of Shaw’s henchmen.
The movie isn’t perfect, it’s never going to win awards, but if you’re looking for some fun, stupid, and relentless action, Furious 6 is the way to go.  The film equivalent of a bacon cheeseburger, you know it’s bad for you, but damn is it fun on the way down.  Check it out this holiday weekend.  And for the love of God, stay through the credits - the setup for Fast & Furious 7 (already set for a July 2014 release) is going to have fans of the franchise and action movies in general vibrating with joy.
On September 17th video game fans everywhere will rejoice as Grand Theft Auto V will finally release for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.  Rockstar Games clearly wants to bolster pre-orders while giving the fans some sweet swag, so today, like with so many other big name games, they’ve announced both a steelbook Special Edition of the game, and a swagged out Collector’s Edition of the game.
The Special Edition of the game can be yours for just $79.99 (a $20 premium on the standard version) and the Collector’s Edition will run a hefty $149.99, and each version will also include some exclusive downloadable content.
Here’s a full rundown of each package, straight from the horses mouth:
[caption id=“attachment_13575” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] The Special Edition[/caption]
The Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition includes:
-Full retail copy of Grand Theft Auto V
-Collectible SteelBook with Exclusive Artwork This special SteelBook features double-sided, never-before-seen artwork of Michael, Trevor and Franklin. Custom color and metallic treatments bring out the detail of the artwork created exclusively for this SteelBook.
-Blueprint Map This exclusive, additional 21.5" x 26.75" map displays a blueprint view of Los Santos and Blaine County. Cryptic markings indicate locations for fast cash and other points of interest for the up-and-coming entrepreneur.
-Special Ability Boost Michael, Franklin and Trevor each have a unique special ability. With this boost, the special ability bar will generate 25% faster.
-Stunt Plane Trials Single player Stunt Plane Trials let you take on additional aerial challenges spread throughout Los Santos and Blaine County.
-Bonus Outfits, Tattoos and More Michael, Franklin and Trevor get bonus outfits in their wardrobes, character specific tattoos at tattoo parlors, and special deals from shopkeepers across Los Santos and Blaine County.
-Additional Weapons When visiting Ammunation stores in single player, merchants will have special weapons in their inventory available for free: the Pistol .50, Bullpup Shotgun and melee Hammer.
[caption id=“attachment_13574” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] The Collector’s Edition[/caption]
The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition includes all the contents of Grand Theft Auto V Special Edition as described above plus:
-Grand Theft Auto V Security Deposit Bag with Logo Key Inspired by the heists in Grand Theft Auto V, this custom 10.75" x 8.5" money bag features a pop-up style lock and laser cut logo key to secure important items. The reverse side features a pressed Rockstar Games logo on the security mount with a framed ID window.
-Grand Theft Auto V New Era 9FIFTYâ„¢ Snapback Cap This exclusive New Era 9FIFTYâ„¢ cap features an embroidered Los Santos logo on the front, a stitched, black Rockstar Games logo on the wearer’s left side, a Grand Theft Auto V’ logo applique on the opposite side, and snapback closure for an adjustable fit.
-Custom Characters for Grand Theft Auto Online Get classic Grand Theft Auto characters to use within the Grand Theft Auto Online Character Creation System.
-Unique Vehicles and Garage Property Players will instantly receive a garage to store custom vehicles. In single player, the garage will be stocked with the 1930’s style Hotknife hotrod and the CarbonRS sports bike. In Grand Theft Auto Online, players will get the high-end Khamelion electric car.
The Grand Theft Auto V Collector’s Edition comes packaged in a premium outer box featuring a foil embossed Grand Theft Auto V logo on the top, finished with a matte, scuff-resistant film lamination, housing all of the contents.
And if that all wasn’t enough, EVERY pre-order, even the regular, vanilla edition, will be getting access to an exclusive in-game vehicle…THE ATOMIC BLIMP!
AWWW YEAH!
So, what edition are you getting?
Source: Rockstar Games
Based off of the reactions I’m seeing on Twitter, Facebook and beyond, it seems a lot of us are listening to Daft Punk’s brand new album Random Access Memories, and also enjoying the hell out of it.
But what if I told you there was ONE MORE SONG?
A tip of the hat goes to our own Wyatt Funderburk (who wrote a fantastic review of the album, if you haven’t checked it out yet), as he made me aware of a bonus track exclusive to the Japanese pressing of the album.
The song is titled “Horizon”, and you can stream it right now over at the NO BPM LIMIT Tumblr.  It’s a super chill track which almost reminds me of M83, if they really got into steel string guitar.  I can ultimately see why the robots left it off of the album, but it’s definitely a b-side worth giving a spin. Enjoy!
A darling of the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes his directing and writing debut with Don Jon, a romantic comedy which places the titular Don Jon in a unique conundrum. He’s found the girl of his dreams (Scarlet Johansson), but it seems that two very different types of films have given them unrealistic expectations.
The cast is stacked, including Julianne Moore, Brie Larson, a perfectly cast Tony Danza and seemingly the greatest integration of a Marky Mark song into a film ever, and this first trailer has me wanting more. Watch it, and let us know what you think in the comments!
Don Jon hits theaters on October 18th.
Posters, trailers, all the goodies are coming out in spades as we get closer to the release of The World’s End!
The World’s End is the latest film combining director Edgar Wright and stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and I can’t wait to see it. Yahoo! Movies released this new trailer this morning, and it continues to bode well for this tale of a group of friends reuniting for a pub crawl, when things start going terribly, entertainingly wrong.
The World’s End is ready for another pint on August 23rd.
One of the biggest questions (strangely enough, considering it’s about giant robots fighting giant monsters) coming from fans about Pacific Rim is simply this - why does it take TWO people to pilot a Jaeger?
Well, director Guillermo Del Toro just released a video exclusively to IGN that explains the in-film science for the piloting system, and it involves a neural link called “Drift Space”. Check it out.
Does that suffice for you? Or do you need MORE ANSWERS?! Well, we’ll see if we get them when Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th.
After the last Man of Steel trailer, I was totally sold on Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot. So much so, I went to Walmart very early Saturday morning to pre-purchase tickets for an early screening.
But perhaps you’re on the fence. Perhaps you need an affirmation that in this Superman film, he’ll actually hit something.
Last night, Warner Bros delivered with a brand new trailer focusing on General Zod, and hard. How could we have forgotten how well Zack Snyder directs action sequences? It certainly looks like this will be the Superman film everyone has wanted. Check it out.
Man of Steel hits theaters on June 14th.
It’s been a hell of a week for the guys from Daft Punk. Their new album Random Access Memories released yesterday, hitting #1 on iTunes in seventy some-odd countries, and later today, their official action figures from Bandai will go on pre-sale.
They may not release until November/December of this year, but later this morning, you’ll be able to purchase each figure straight from Amazon.com. Â These figures, part of the S.H. Figuarts line, are imported from Japan, so they’re a little pricey ($45 each), but as the gallery below shows, they are absolutely perfect versions of the robot DJ duo.
Here’s where you’ll be able to pre-order them:
S.H. Figuarts Thomas Bangalter
S.H. Guy Manuel De Homem Christo
Good luck with the pre-order!
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It’s very rare for a movie to leave little to no impression on me, yet there I was at dinner after seeing The Hangover Part III struggling to remember any funny moments or sequences from the film.  I admit that I didn’t go into the film with the strongest of expectations, having truly enjoyed The Hangover back in 2009 and absolutely hating The Hangover Part II when I caught it on HBO this past summer.  But yet there I was, and I couldn’t toss back a single funny line or moment, instead searching through my head for any reason why the movie even needed to exist.
I think the biggest struggle of the film is that it doesn’t know what it wants to be. Does the film want to be a comedy? Does the film want to be a ridiculous heist movie, sort of a dark-comedy Ocean’s 11? Are they just trying to make a third film happen to meet a contractual demand?  It’s very hard to say.  The plot is somewhat scattershot - Alan (Zach Galifinakis, who remains funny in this film, but could honestly be funny reading the phone book) has gone off of his meds, and is out of control. After a massive freeway accident (involving a decapitated giraffe), the stress kills Alan’s father (Jeffrey Tambor), and it’s up to the Wolfpack - Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms) and Doug (Justin Bartha) - to convince him to check into a facility for help (a hilarious sounding setup on paper).  Somehow, their trip then intersects with a crime lord named Marshall (John Goodman, always great) who enlists the Wolfpack to find Leslie Chow (Ken Jeong) because, well, they knew him in the last two movies.  I get the connective tissue of the plot, but elements throughout the film seem to be placed simply to go “Hey guys! Remember this from the prior films? We’ve got it here! FULL CIRCLE! TRILOGY ENDS HERE!”  At least, that would explain the ultimately pointless cameo for Heather Graham.
I suppose my biggest issue is knowing how great all of the cast members can be outside of this film. Bradley Cooper wowed me in Silver Linings Playbook, Galifinakis is always hilarious, Ed Helms is a solid hand, John Goodman is one of my favorite actors, Ken Jeong has been doing solid work on Community and I think Justin Bartha is worth more than the 10 minutes he’s in these films before he’s removed simply because that’s what happened to him in the other movies.  Even Melissa McCarthy is wasted here. Even director Todd Phillips clearly wishes to be doing more. He’s always been one of the most experimental directors in comedy, giving each Hangover film a glossy edge most comedies don’t receive - I think he’s finally ready to graduate to new projects - perhaps even non-comedic ones.
At the end of the day The Hangover Part III fails because it’s a movie that feels like it exists only because it “has” to. If you do a sequel these days, it’s a given that you have to “complete” a trilogy, and honestly, this creative team would have been better off working on something else - no matter how great I’m sure the money is.
If you never see The Hangover Part III, you won’t be missing out. But if you do, yes, there is a credits stinger - and hopefully it’s the closest we will ever get to a Part IV.  Don’t waste your time or money on this one.
At 10am Pacific time this morning, Microsoft had the official unveiling of their next generation console, called the Xbox One.  Streamed online, and to Xbox users, this was to be their offensive shot to the bow of Sony, who revealed the PlayStation 4 this past February, and Nintendo, who’s thus far unsuccessful Wii-U hit shelves at the end of 2012.
I watched the live stream and honestly, was incredibly underwhelmed. Â Perhaps I’m not the gamer they’re looking for (maybe it was the setting, but the Wired article about the system seemed better than this reveal), but I’m not even sure they know who they’re looking for these days.
The main focus of the first half of the presentation, which ran an hour in length, was about the intense amount of interactivity and connectivity the system had. Essentially, the new Xbox One is much like the Xbox 360 on steroids. You can play games, you can watch Netflix, you can listen to music. Â Additionally, the Xbox One can connect to your cable box, allowing you to watch live TV through your game console. And of course, this can all be controlled with voice and gesture controls from the upgraded version of the Kinect - which comes in the box for every system sold. Â Heck, you can do these things side by side, with “snap” mode - similar to the snap to corners function found in Windows.
It’s very technically impressive, and I’m sure it takes some very sophisticated hardware to pull it together, but who actually was longing for these features? And why do I feel like they will only work properly if you use Microsoft’s baked-in options for movies and music? Â That’s a debate for another day, I suppose.
We then went beneath the hood. Sure, a blu-ray drive is very nice, as is 500GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, but with the games needing to be installed, that storage will be filling up very fast. And who exactly are these specs supposed to excite besides developers? I suppose that’s a problem facing all tech conferences, but it particularly bugged me here. They didn’t seem to know if they wanted to entice the average gamer or the tech head, and seemed to ignore both by trying to match them evenly.
We then moved on to some of the games (after a brief detour into an NFL on Xbox announcement…yay?), and honestly, if you gleamed anything more than “status quo” from the announcements, you’re a better man than I.  New sports titles from EA. A new Forza, which was 100% trailer, 0% gameplay, and a trailer for the new Call of Duty game, Ghosts, which while graphically impressive, didn’t seem to change how the game is and was played in any way shape or form. Even the Activision talking heads seemed to be just finding new ways to say “it’s prettier” this time.
Honestly, the only story that got me excited is that director Steven Spielberg would be producing a television series based on Halo. But even that had it’s foreboding feeling, as it will undoubtedly be exclusive to the Xbox (if not the Xbox one), and their use of the term “premium television program” makes me wonder if there will be a cost in addition to your monthly Xbox Live subscription.
I realize, I sound incredibly cynical here, but I really wanted Microsoft to wow me. After Sony left me bored and Nintendo has left me feeling less than excited about their future, I was Microsoft’s gamer to win over. Instead, I’m left wondering where I’ll play next. I guess I’ll just stick with my Xbox 360 for now, as apparently, the Xbox One will not be backwards compatible anyway.
No release date or price was announced, as Microsoft is now pointing to their E3 press conference on June 11th (one day after Sony’s) to bring on the announcement of new games, and I’d assume concrete release details.
Someone has to take the lead here, and right now, it looks like in the race for the next generation of console gaming, no one is even bothering to run.
The third major comic book movie for Summer 2013, The Wolverine has a lot to prove, considering how bad the last Wolverine solo outing was, and how great the most recent X-Men film was.
With two months until release day, 20th Century Fox has released a new trailer for the film, which gives away a pretty big cameo in the film (right at the start as well, I’m surprised), and lays the plot for Logan’s latest adventure in Japan.
I have to admit, as great as Jackman looks as Wolverine, and as much as I’ve enjoyed his work in the prior X-Men films, I’m just not feeling The Wolverine so far. Perhaps it’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine’s fault. I’m not sure.
We’ll have to see how it all turns out on July 26th.
It’s hard to believe, but this summer will mark the third and final installment of Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s Cornetto Trilogy.  With two films as great as Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz under their belt, it’s hard not to have high hopes for the third film, the appropriately titled The World’s End.
The first trailer looked fantastic, and now we have a new poster with the full cast, and I do believe this is the first time we get a peak at the female lead, played by Rosamund Pike.
If you haven’t read about the film yet, here’s its brand new synopsis.
The World’s End hits theaters in the US on August 23rd.
Source: Focus Features
EDIT:Â And yet ANOTHER poster!
Fresh off of the facing books, we have 3 brand new posters for Man of Steel, the highly anticipated reboot of the Superman saga, for the big screen.
These character posters place the focus on the trinity of headlining Kryptonians from the film, Kal-El (Henry Cavill), Zod (Michael Shannon) and Jor-El (Russel Crowe).
There is also some lovely lens flare. Â You can check them out below.
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Man of Steel hits theaters on June 14th.
We are just three weeks into the Summer 2013 movie season, and it certainly looks like Amazon.com is already in the spirit, as you can already pre-order two of the biggest films (so far) - Iron Man 3 and Star Trek Into Darkness.
Iron Man 3 is only available as a 2-Disc Blu-Ray+DVD Combo pack at this time, but if you want to lock in early (and honestly, if you liked the film and were looking to pick it up, why the heck not), you can get it for just $24.99. As always, if the price drops between now and release date (TBA, but I’d assume Fall), Amazon will make sure you get the lowest price.
With Star Trek Into Darkness, however, you have three pre-order options. Your standard Blu-Ray+DVD+Digital Copy combo pack (for just $19.99)…
…a 3D Blu-Ray+2D Blu-Ray+DVD+Digital Copy combo pack (for $24.99)…
And finally, holy hell, a limited edition Starfleet Phaser Gift Set, which mixes the 3D Combo Pack with a replica phaser from QMx, for just $79.99. That’s an Amazon.com exclusive.
We’ll have to see if this trend continues, as I can see early pre-orders being offered for Man of Steel and Fast & Furious 6. We will do our best to keep you up to date on the latest pre-orders as they’re available.
How do you feel about this new trend of pre-orders being available so early? Do you like it, or do you feel it’s unnecessary? Sound off in the comments.
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With Microsoft unveiling the new Xbox tomorrow, Sony just had to do something to get in the headlines today, right?
Behold an incredibly teasing look at the PlayStation 4, in advance of the physical console’s proper unveiling at E3 on June 10th. It has angles. And is black. And has vents. That’s all I got. What do you see?
We’ll drop in our thoughts on the new Xbox tomorrow. Get hyped, E3 season is here!
Who didn’t see this one coming?
After the sudden cancellation of Star Wars: The Clone Wars earlier this year, you had to figure Disney/Lucasfilm was already planning the next big animated adventure, and sure enough, they’ve pulled the veil back today.
Star Wars Rebels is set for a Fall 2014 premiere on the Disney Channel, overseen by a tremendous creative team including Clone Wars producer Dave Feloni. Check out the full press release, and a video discussing the new project, which takes place between Episode III and Episode IV below.
Leading the development of the series is a creative team of exceptional talent. Screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg (X-Men: First Class, Sherlock Holmes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith) is an executive producer on Star Wars Rebels and will write the premiere episode. He is joined by Dave Filoni as executive producer, who served as supervising director of the Emmy nominated Star Wars: The Clone Wars since 2008. Executive producer Greg Weisman brings with him a wealth of animation experience with credits such as Young Justice, The Spectacular Spider-Man and Gargoyles.
Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “The entire team at Lucasfilm has provided extraordinary creativity and innovation for over three decades, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the expansive and imaginative world of Star Wars to Disney XD’s viewers.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to explore new corners of the Star Wars universe,” said Kathleen Kennedy, president, Lucasfilm. “I think Star Wars Rebels will capture the look, feel and fun that both kids and their parents love about Star Wars.”
The action-filled series is set between the events of Episode III and IV – an era spanning almost two decades never-before explored on-screen. Star Wars Rebels takes place in a time where the Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and hunting down the last of the Jedi Knights as a fledgling rebellion against the Empire is taking shape. Details about the show are a closely guarded secret at this point.
Star Wars Rebels will be produced by Lucasfilm Animation, featuring many of the key talents that made Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Fans attending Star Wars Celebration Europe will be the first to get an exclusive look at the new series. Casting will be announced at a later date. More information about this developing project will be found on StarWars.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/starwarsrebels.
Source: StarWars.com
Ok, this new teaser for the long awaited Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues isn’t that far removed from the one we saw last year, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t funny.
We get no plot details, no real footage, but it definitely makes one thing clear - the News Team Has ReAssembled.
Anchorman 2 is set for a December 20th release.
I think it’s safe to say that Vin Diesel certainly has gained his groove back. Since the success of 2011’s Fast Five, he’s been back on top as a major action star, and with two movies coming this year, it’s hard to bet against his continued success. We’ve already seen quite a bit of this month’s Fast & Furious 6, but we’ve seen very little from the third part of the Riddick trilogy, appropriately titled Riddick.
Fans have been clamoring for this film for some time, and nine years since the last installment, Vin Diesel will return to the big screen this fall as the titular anti-hero, and while the movie certainly seems to have been shot “fast and cheap”, the trailer holds some promise. Check it out, and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Riddick hits theaters on September 6th.
Chances are, you’re seeing a trend in the big, blockbuster movies lately - a three trailer release.
Trailer 1: All a tease, give us a glimpse of the film.
Trailer 2: Hype up the action.
Trailer 3: Give us a final hard sell on the story for the film.
Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim hit one and two without trying very hard. Today, trailer three hit, and well, if you weren’t sold before, you’ll be sold now.
We get the origins of the kaijus, we get more monster action, we get Charlie Day telling us how awesome it all is, and the amazing part for me? For a movie seeming to take place primarily at night, just how lush and beautiful the colors are.
What say you - is Pacific Rim all you need this summer? Or is it still lacking? Sound off in the comments.
Pacific Rim releases on July 12th.
Chances are, if you haven’t heard of The Asylum directly, you’ve heard of their films.  Producing what the press has lovingly dubbed “mockbusters”, they’ve produced direct to video classics including Snakes on a Train, Transmorphers, Abraham Lincoln vs. Zombies and even some original titles such as Mega Shark Versus Giant Octopus.  They’ve faced the wrath of Warner Bros. legal team, with their film Age of the Hobbits, later released as Clash of the Empires, but they keep moving on, producing low budget films at a quick pace.
On July 9th, their next big film hits DVD and video on demand, titled Atlantic Rim.  Chances are, if you’ve been reading this site, you have a pretty good idea of what film it may be related to.  Seeing our regular coverage of Pacific Rim, and our prior mention of Atlantic Rim, the director Jared Cohn (previously of Bikini Spring Break fame) offered us an email interview.
We ask about the inner workings of The Asylum, how Atlantic Rim came to be, and really, how do actors like Treach and David Chokachi approach such a project.  Enjoy!
Our questions are in bold, with Jared’s responses following.
Jared, looking over your IMDB page, you’ve had a wide variety of projects under your belt - what brought you to Atlantic Rim?
First of all thank you so much for having me on Blast-O-Rama. I appreciate you helping out independent filmmakers like myself.
What brought me to Atlantic Rim was the wonderful company The Asylum, I’ve done 9 movies with them, as both an actor and writer/director. They asked me if I was interested and I of course said yes… Giant Robot and Sea Monsters, there was no way I would turn that down. Besides, it was an opportunity to work with amazing, talented actors and a chance to go to Florida for a month, so for me it was a no-brainer. At the end of the day it was an opportunity to make a cool movie, which I happen to love to do.
With a “mockbuster” like this, there clearly is a level of business related decision making leading to Pacific Rim being chosen as the movie to “mock” - why Pacific Rim?
I don’t think Atlantic Rim is “mocking” anything. People throw around the word Mockbuster or other phrases or words that compare one show to another, but for me, it’s a completely different experience. I had nothing to do with the making of Pacific Rim, so with Atlantic, for me it is it’s own thing.
Bring me into the creative process - what’s the typical turn around time for an Asylum project? How soon do you pick the film to pay homage to, how long does the script writing process take, and how long is filming usually?
Filming was 12 days on Atlantic Rim, with a lot more time spent on post production and also there was a good amount of time for me spent on pre-production. The movies that get selected are picked by the producers who know what the market is looking for. They decide on this quite some time before the show goes into production. The have been making motion pictures for 15+ years and are very successful, so one would be foolish to assume they aren’t extremely smart about this process and the details that surround it.
The cast of Atlantic Rim is a unique mixture of actors, including Dances With Wolves' Graham Green, one time Baywatch star David Chokachi and even Naughty By Nature’s Treach - do they typically know what they’re in for? Do they embrace the irony, or do they play it as they would any other film project?
The cast embraced it, they were really cool and did not play the roles with some weird irony or anything like that. They took it very seriously as I would expect from professionals like themselves. Graham Greene is an Academy nominated actor, so there was no doubt that he is a pro. Everyone on the cast and crew are dedicated to their craft. People that think we don’t care about making a good movie, or we are just a bunch of jokers, well those people are very wrong! As for the crew who work with The Asylum, those guys are hard working and very down to earth. There is a lot of misconceptions about what goes on behind the scenes on a show like this.
Have you heard from anyone involved in the production of Pacific Rim? If so, what did they think?
I have not heard from anyone, I’d be happy to talk with someone from the PR camp though, hit me up if you want!
It seems that much of the Asylum business model seems to have built on the “confused grandma” market, especially in the era of Blockbuster - how have things changed since the conversion to Netflix?
The “confused grandma” idea is completely ridiculous. Nobody is that stupid where they would rent the wrong movie! Really?!! Does that ever really happen or is it true that people are interested in the same subject matter?? For instance, if a big Ninja movie comes out, and I happen to love Ninjas, I would rent more than one Ninja movie. Especially if I enjoyed the first one. A lot of companies make cheeseburgers, but I’m not going to walk into a Burger King when I want McDonalds. My thoughts are that idea is an argument that companies fabricated that are losing money and want a scapegoat. It’s a tough industry, it’s not for everyone.
The films of the Asylum have grabbed the “Bad Movie Night” crowd - is Atlantic Rim written to their tastes, with a wink and a nod?
I can’t speak for anyone outside myself. I like to believe Atlantic Rim is a good movie! However, if the Bad Movie crowd embraces it, which I hope they do, then it’s a win-win. ;) (nod).
Finally - what films, past or present, would you want to make a “mockbuster” of?
When The Last Samurai came out, I would have LOVED to have made The Last Ninja.
We thank Jared for joining us here, and to see how it turned out, click play below for the latest trailer of Atlantic Rim. Be sure to check it out when it hits DVD on July 9th. Jared can be followed on Twitter at @Traplightmedia.
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been four years since JJ Abrams restarted the Star Trek franchise, giving new life to the decades long saga of Starfleet’s never ending journey throughout the cosmos. Given that it’s been so long, it’s only appropriate that Star Trek Into Darkness kicks off with a bang.
Starting with the sequence shown during IMAX screenings of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, we are thrust directly into a surreal, red tree covered planet, home to a group of indigenous tribal aliens. Naturally, Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) has done something he shouldn’t have - taking a scroll belonging to them - and is running for his life, while being admonished by medical officer Bones (Karl Urban). Concurrently, a secondary team, lead by Spock (Zachary Quinto) is trying to prevent the eruption of a volcano. As he is being lowered into the volcano, his away team, which includes his girlfriend Uhura (Zoe Saldana) and ace pilot Sulu (John Cho), struggles to keep up, as the volcano is too volatile. Expertly, director JJ Abrams cuts back and forth between the two sequences, never leaving the action. The dialogue is humorous, whip-smart and exciting. The whole sequence is pure Indiana Jones. And by the time the credits finally appear on screen, that’s when you realize - oh yes - you’re in for quite a ride.
This fast and furious epilogue is light and exciting, which is appropriate given the story that follows. A tangled web is weaved as Starfleet’s London office is brought under attack by one of their own, Commander John Harrison (Sherlock’s Benedict Cumberbatch), and from there, all hell breaks loose. Over the course of the action which follows, London and San Francisco (home to Starfleet) are both wrecked, we see action on Earth, in space, and on the Klingon planet of Kronos, and are met with an ever escalating series of action sequences - from the traditional Star Trek spaceship face-offs to exhilarating moments such as a single man launch into space, sort of an interstellar bobsled race, only with no sled and much higher stakes. In short, JJ Abrams and the writing team of Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof continue their Star Trek run as they started it, with non stop, relentless action. There remains more Star Wars in their version of Trek, and once again, as a viewer brought into the series with the 2009 film, I’m completely for it.
Much like the first film of this new saga, what really makes the movie work is the cast. The chemistry remains strong, as Kirk and Spock’s friendship flourishes here, with both Pine and Quinto doing some of their finest work. Quinto in particular shines, living up to Spock’s human half more and more as the series goes on. It’s his moments of realization and growth which really define the film (appropriate given that the first was more about Kirk) and he is thankfully given some defining hero moments within this film. This isn’t to say that Chris Pine is set adrift, however. His Kirk remains as brash and impulsive as ever, and he starts to see the direct consequences of his actions. Still a man looking for the family support he never had, Kirk’s relationship with Commander Pike (Bruce Greenwood, once again doing great work) is a focus of the first act, and results in some of the film’s strongest human moments.
This isn’t to say the rest of the cast is ignored. Bones continues to provide some of the films biggest laughs with his pure exasperation at what his life has become, and Sulu gets some very strong, bad-ass moments of his own. Scotty (Simon Pegg) and Chekov (Anton Yelchin) remain mostly comedic backup, with Chekov having a great reaction to a change of shirt, and Scotty getting to be a hero in his own right. It somewhat disappoints me to say that Uhura isn’t given much more than being the “angry girlfriend” in this film, and newcomer Dr. Carol Wallace (Alice Eve) isn’t much more than a nice face to look at. I truly wish they were given more. It was also a joy to see Peter Weller back on the big screen as Admiral Marcus - he really makes an impact with his role here, and I hope this gets him back in the mix of big time movies.
The best part of the film, however? John Harrison. Benedict Cumberbatch is absolutely captivating as the main villain of the film, and he provides the new crew of the Enterprise with a rival worth fighting (sorry, Nero). While Tumblr may be a little too excited for his work, Cumberbatch makes it clear that he will be headlining big name films for some time to come - this is a star making performance.
All of this being said, the movie is not without it’s flaws. The third act in particular has some of the movies most difficult moments. In short, there are some very overt homages to prior films (so much so, that I, a non-trekkie, picked them up), and based on my discussions with friends after the film, your reaction will vary depending how tied you are to the previous work. Additionally, there is a cameo in the film that could not be more overtly shoehorned in. The audience seemed to appreciate it in the moment, but sitting here hours later, I’m not entirely sure what the purpose was. You’ll have to decide how you feel about these things on your own.
Summer 2013 looked like a heck of a movie going season on paper, and for me so far, we’re two for two. Star Trek Into Darkness zeroes in on what made the 2009 reboot so great, and continues it onward, and I already cannot wait for the third film. Long time fans may have their gripes, but if you’re willing to move on, you’re in for a great time. I cannot wait to see how JJ Abrams tackles the other big sci-fi franchise. Go forth and enjoy.
Before I forget - I did see the film in IMAX 3D. Ultimately, the movie gained nothing by being in 3D, although the IMAX was certainly immersive. If you’re near a “true” IMAX, go for the upgrade. Otherwise, go 2D.
With the fifth season of the sublime Johnny Quest spoof The Venture Brothers set to debut next month, the team at Adult Swim wants to make sure that new viewers can get completely caught up on the action.
In turn, an eight minute recap of the events of the prior four seasons has been released online. What makes this interesting? It’s voiced-over by Gary, also known as Henchman 21, making it a must-watch for both fans and newbies alike. Enjoy!
The Venture Brothers returns on June 2nd.
Just released by Yahoo! Movies, Paramount Pictures has released an official “Public Service Annoucement”, regarding “Crisis Zero”.
Crisis Zero is, of course, actually the zombie event which kicks off World War Z.  I’m a bit bothered at this being called a viral video (a video goes viral, it is not designed as such), but besides that, good stuff, marketing team!
World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, hits theaters on June 21st.
Officially announced as airing on Tuesdays this Fall on ABC, a new, longer trailer for the first ever Marvel Studios TV show, Agents of SHIELD has hit the web.
Running nearly three minutes, you can see exactly why ABC gave this show a pickup. Equal parts superheroes and procedural, I can see fans of all ages getting heavily into this show. I know I’m sold.
Agents of SHIELD premieres this Fall on ABC.
Has their been, in recent memory, album marketing as great as this recent push for the new Daft Punk album?
With just eight days until Random Access Memories is finally released, the French robot duo has decided to give us an unboxing of the vinyl version of the album. It’s not your normal unboxing though. Be ready for the epic, and oh…15 more seconds of the album than we have heard before.
Random Access Memories drops on May 21st.
I do love how Twitter has become the preferred place for official content leaks.
Director Marc Webb, currently working very hard on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has been all about giving fans exclusive looks at characters - considering how hard the New York area paparazzi seem to want to beat him to the punch, I can’t blame him.  Yesterday, he took to the tweets and gave us our first look at Paul Giamatti within the film.
We’ve known for some time that he’d be taking on the guise of the Rhino, but in this image, we see him pre Rhino suit, as Russian thug Aleksei Sytsevich. So, it’s pretty clear we’ll be getting some of the trademark Giamatti rage here.
All I want now is a look at him in costume, and an official still of Electro!
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 swings into theaters on May 2nd, 2014.
Man, the marketing team at Warner Bros is going big on the return of Superman.
After some amazing trailers and really cool posters, they’ve evidently decided they aren’t done yet, and with just over a month remaining, they released three brand new posters for Man of Steel on both Facebook and Twitter.
The first, at the top of the post, features Kal-El flying across his trademark chest emblem.
This one, my favorite of the three, features him rushing into the sky from a blurred Metropolis.
And the last one revealed (so far) seems to be similar to the one at the top of the post, but a much more subtle version with no S-shield.
Which of these will be adorning your walls? Or are we all waiting to see what Mondo does?
Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder and produced by Christopher Nolan, soars on the big screen on June 14th.
Launched in the wee hours of the morning, Netflix has delivered a full trailer for the return of the Fox cult classic sitcom Arrested Development.
It’s been seven long years since the adventures of the Bluth family ended on broadcast television after three seasons, but it seems like they haven’t lost a step.
Puns and strangely enough, animals, abound in this trailer which will have you frothing at the mouth for the return of Arrested Development in less than two weeks. Enjoy!
Arrested Development Season 4 will be available for streaming on May 26th.
Friday evening, the word was official -Â Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is on the fall schedule at ABC.
Sure, it had a somewhat easy path onto television, given that Disney owns both Marvel Studios and ABC, but the fact is, the Joss Whedon produced, Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen (Dr. Horrible) developed show will be airing later this year.
The first promo for the series aired just minutes ago during an episode of Once Upon A Time, but Marvel Studios has, appropriately, put it on YouTube for us to obsess over.
Obviously, the big “surprise” is that Agent Coulson (Clark Gregg), last seen dying in the Avengers is alive and well, but this looks like a fun “superhero of the week” program. Also, am I fanboying out, or is that a look at Luke Cage?
I’m sure we’ll be hearing more during ABC’s upfront presentation this week, but either way, the Whedons have a new show, Marvel Studios has a TV show, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe is officially continuing on the small screen. Get hype!
As I discussed this morning, Warner Bros has just released the teaser trailer for this fall’s space drama Gravity.
The plot seems simple enough, and truly encapsulates the fear and worry that would come with being stranded miles above Earth. Honestly, as awe-inspring as I think it may be, I don’t know that my heart could take seeing this film in IMAX. What say you?
Gravity, starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock hits theaters on October 4th.
It’s been seven long years since director Alfonso Curaon last produced a film, but when it was a project like Children of Men, you learn to stand up and take notice when he finally produces a new film.
His next project is called Gravity, and he directed, co-wrote (with his son, Jonas) and produced the film, which stars George Clooney and Sandra Bullock.  Details have been hush hush for some time, but Warner Bros officially released the first teaser poster (above) for the film, and plans to release a trailer later today.  The concept apparently involves two astronauts who are stranded outside of their spaceship.  As you can assume, things go terribly awry from there.
Gravity looks to be one of the biggest films of the fall, and I cannot wait to see more footage from it. Â It will release in 2D, 3D and IMAX 3D on October 4th.
Set for release this November, Ender’s Game is one of the most anticipated sci-fi films of the year. Based off of the classic novel from writer Orson Scott Card, fans have been hoping for a theatrical adaptation for some time, and Summit Pictures will deliver later this year.
The first trailer was revealed last night thanks to Google, and we have it for you below.
What do you think? Personally, I feel rather…whelmed. Not overwhelmed, or underwhelmed, just whelmed.  Maybe it’s the visuals, maybe it’s the generic Inception thwommed process of the trailer, but something about this movie isn’t clicking for me so far.  They certainly have a rather decorated cast (and the trailer loves to prove that, noting everyone’s Oscar nominations), but nothing about this trailer got me excited.
Perhaps it’s my distance from the source material, but nothing here really blew me away. Â Maybe a second trailer (or even the final product) can.
Ender’s Game hits theaters on November 1st.
It’s been 3 years since Edgar Wright last made a film, and amazingly, 6 years since he, Nick Frost and Simon Pegg made the action film homage Hot Fuzz, but this summer, the Cornetto Trilogy comes to an amazing end with The World’s End.
The first trailer went up this morning thanks to MSN UK and we’ve got it for you here.
The unique mix of British humor and genre homage which made the Frost/Pegg/Wright trio so great is defintely back in effect, and yes, we’re still having problems with fences. Check it out.
The World’s End releases in the UK on July 19th and bounds into the US on August 23rd.
This Summer, the third and final part of the “Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy”, The World’s End hits theaters, and after years of rumors, we’re finally starting to piece together the plot.
We’ve known for some time that the film involved a group of friends reuniting for a pub crawl just like the old days (including Shaun/Hot Fuzz stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, plus Bilbo Baggins himself, Martin Freeman), where everything goes terribly, horribly wrong.
With this new poster, revealed on director Edgar Wright’s Twitter this morning, clearly, this involves meteors and…dudes with glowy eyes?
All will be unveiled soon enough - a trailer is due later this week.
The World’s End hits the UK on July 19th, with the US release over a month later, on August 23rd.
Christopher Nolan continues to build a fantastic cast of talent for his next, top-secret film, Interstellar.  The first two names out, Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway, features his standard casting touch of mixing credible actors with his roster of favorites, and the additional names announced over the weekend certainly fit that mold.
First, Deadline.com reports that Zero Dark Thirty‘s Jessica Chastain has joined the crew of Interstellar as the “third lead”. Given her current high profile and string of Oscar nominations, this certainly bodes well for the movie’s prospects, both critically and commercially.
Also added to the cast…raise your hand if you’re surprised…Michael Caine.  This will mark Nolan’s sixth film with Caine. Caine has become the John Ratzenberger of Christopher Nolan films, having appeared in every one since 2005’s Batman Begins.
Interstellar is set for a November 7, 2014 release.
The countdown is on for the return of the Last Son of Krypton to the big screen, and Warner Bros is thus far doing all of the right things marketing wise - but perhaps you’re wondering if they have a few more Man of Steel posters for you? Of COURSE they do!
Released by WB over the weekend, we now have another poster (up top) and a new wide banner (below) which decidedly push the flight aspects of Kal-El - a nice switch from the in the shadows and arrested fugitive look from the prior posters.
Man of Steel, Zach Snyder’s reboot of the classic Superman saga, hits theaters on June 14th.
This review contains no spoilers.
Last Summer, Marvel Studios run peaked with the incredible The Avengers, a seemingly impossible blockbuster combining five prior films into one seemless adventure, ending “Phase One” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The bet paid off with billions of dollars in box office receipts and arguably the greatest superhero film yet.  In turn, you’d expect that Iron Man 3 would be an easy victory lap - instead, they took a sharp left, and it may have resulted in one of the most unique, and overall strongest films, in the Marvel Studios lineup.
“I am Iron Man” - it’s the phrase that ended 2008’s Iron Man, and a phrase which to this point has also defined the lifestyle of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) - in this adventure, however? The story is more about Stark than his armored persona.  He’s haunted by demons this time out - not the alcoholism of the comics, but instead mental demons -  a case of anxiety and PTSD brought about by his conflicts with Gods, other heroes and aliens during the “Battle for New York” seen in The Avengers. This keeps him up at night, tinkering, creating, building, as that’s all he knows.  When we last saw Tony a year ago, he had just premiered the Mark VIII armor. He’s now at a brisk 42, creating new suits for every need, moment and interest, to protect himself, the world, and most importantly, the woman he loves, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow).  And if that weren’t enough? Demons are appearing in his physical world as well - ex-girlfriends like scientist Maya Hansen (The Town’s Rebecca Hall); leader of rival tech firm AIM, Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce); and an international terrorist with the flair for the dramatic, The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), a villain with incredible savvy and a production team who makes his manifestos to the world look like the slickest video packages this side of Top Gear or the WWE.
Suffice to say, the man is stressed out - and appropriately, the movie then takes a focus on Tony Stark, not so much Iron Man.  This is the most we’ve seen Tony on screen without a suit yet, and appropriately, it works.  While the film’s title says Iron Man 3 (or Iron Man Three as it is written in the brilliant, jazzy credit sequence) this is the story of Stark through and through, and we get to see him tackle impossible odds.  Equal parts Batman, James Bond and MacGuyver this time around, Iron Man 3 may not be the story we were expecting, but it’s a story expertly told.
Sure, the third act is full of the amazing armor battling action we’ve come to expect from the franchise, but the way we get there has rarely been so unique. Any conceptions of a standard Iron Man film have been thrown out, and if anyone is to be thanked, it’s Shane Black.  Black, director and co-writer of the film, is best known for his scripts for 80’s action classics such as Lethal Weapon and The Last Boy Scout (plus an amazing performance in Predator), but in 2005, he directed his first film, the sadly under-seen Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a cracking detective dark comedy which gave us the modern Robert Downey Jr.  It’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang which the film remarkably resembles, with a slowly unfurling plot, a sardonic voiceover by RDJ and even a shared Christmas setting (add this to your list of unofficial Christmas films), and it’s this bold experimentation that makes Iron Man 3 stand out so well within the Marvel Studios filmography.  If the intent for Marvel Studios Phase 2 is to become like Marvel Comics has for publishing, taking a team of universal characters and seeing how they go under the eye of unique creative minds, Iron Man 3 is the perfect example of how brilliantly this will work, and inspires excitement for the future films coming down the pike.
The performances are universally great, with Downey firing on all cylinders in the role he’s defined. He’s matched by a very game Paltrow as Pepper Potts (who finally gets her moment in the sun) and Don Cheadle, who overcomes a mostly indifferent appearance in Iron Man 2 to become a great sidekick to Stark in this edition.  Jon Favreau is also fun as Happy Hogan, although he peaks in an early film flashback.  Guy Pearce does a fantastic job as villianous Aldrich Killian, but the true revelation is Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin.  Is he comic accurate? In no way shape or form - but what they’ve done with him here is a fantastic contrast to Tony Stark, and one of the most challenging ideas of the series - his performance is a bold risk which played out wonderfully, although you can already foresee the internet flame wars coming.  Also of note - yes, there is a post credits scene, and while it may be the least essential since Thor’s, it has one of the most enjoyable human moments yet.
It’s a strange thing to say three films into one series (and seven films into an overarching story), but Iron Man 3 may just be where Marvel Studios has hit their stride. When the theater lights dim, the movie which appears before you may not be what you were expecting, but trust in the movie - you’ll be rewarded in ways unlike any other of the films before it.  Kudos to Marvel Studios for taking the risk, and I look forward to seeing what great risks - and great films - come next.  A hell of a kick off for Summer 2013.
Iron Man 3 is in theaters today.
One of the aspects of geek we’ve been paying far too little attention to here at Blast-O-Rama is the resurgence of tabletop gaming. Whether RPGs, Board Games or Card Games, they’ve experienced quite the return to importance in recent years, fueled by independent games funded on KickStarter and even popular internet shows like Wil Wheaton’s Tabletop over at YouTube’s Geek & Sundry network.
One of the biggest successes of this current resurgence is the amazing card game Cards Against Humanity - sort of a Apples to Apples for assholes (in the best of ways), which started as a very successful KickStarter program and grown to be one of the most popular items on Amazon. Even with their massive success, the team behind the game has never lost their love for the gaming community. CAH has always been offered as a free, downloadable game, and at this year’s Gen Con, they will take it to the next level with the Table Top Deathmatch!
The Table Top Deathmatch is an amazing opportunity for an independent game designer - the CAH crew, in coalition with industry leading designers, will pick one creators game, and award them $7500, towards their first printing.
The full press release is below - this is an amazing opportunity for hopeful designers and a great moment for the gaming community.
Cards Against Humanity will host a one-of-a-kind independent tabletop game design challenge at Gen Con Indy 2013.
Unpublished independent game creators will present prototypes to a panel of industry-leading designers including Mike Selinker (Lone Shark Games, Wizards of the Coast, Avalon Hill) Luke Crane (The Burning Wheel, games project specialist at Kickstarter), Shari Spiro (Founder, Ad Magic), and the creators of Cards Against Humanity.
The most promising game presented will win $7,500 towards the production costs of a first print run with Ad Magic and a table on the floor at Gen Con Indy 2014. “We exhibited at Gen Con last year, and one of the most exciting things we saw at the convention was the playtest hall with these incredible cardboard prototypes,“ said Max Temkin, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity. “We’ve received so much help with Cards Against Humanity from the gaming community and we’d like to pay that debt of gratitude forward.“
Luke Crane, game designer and games project specialist for Kickstarter, said, “Gen Con is the genesis of tabletop gaming as we know it. The Gen Con Tabletop Deathmatch continues the tradition of hackery and innovation that birthed this crazy hobby in 1968.“ He added, “Please submit your games so I can judge your soul apart!“
Shari Spiro, founder of the game printer Ad Magic said, “We’re excited to partner with Cards Against Humanity for this contest. Ad Magic has printed Cards Against Humanity from the beginning and we would love to help give another game the same start.“
Eli Halpern, co-creator of Cards Against Humanity added, “I couldn’t be more excited by this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to crush the dreams of independent game designers.“
Prizes are furnished by Cards Against Humanity, Ad Magic, Gen Con LLC., and Maxistentialism Inc. The Deathmatch design contest is produced by Dammit Liz Productions.
Applicants can learn more and submit their game at CardsAgainstHumanity.com/deathmatch.
Cards Against Humanity is an independent card game that was initially funded on Kickstarter. It’s now the top selling, best rated, and most wished for item on Amazon.com. The entire game is also available as a free download at CardsAgainstHumanity.com.
Later this month, the one-time 3DS exclusive installment of the Resident Evil franchise, Resident Evil: Revelations will be making its way to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
The game hits shelves on May 21st, but guess what? You might be able to win one before you can buy it!
Thanks to the fine folks at Appliances Online, we’ve been given copies of both the 360 and PS3 versions to give away to you, our loyal Blast-O-Rama readers!
We have one copy each of the PS3 and 360 version, so here’s how we’re going to do this:
Reply in the post below with your favorite character from the Resident Evil franchise, and why, plus if you want a PS3 or 360 copy (either/or, not both).  We’ll leave comments open through Friday, May 9th, and then email a PS3 AND a 360 winner - so be sure to put a REAL email address in there! This contest is open to readers in the US, UK and Canada!
If you haven’t seen it yet, the trailer for the game is embedded below - good luck!
Thanks again to Appliances Online for providing the games!
Once again, coming straight from Pacific Rim’s frequently updated Facebook page, we have the “main” poster for director Guillermo Del Toro’s next.
What do they mean by “main” poster? This is pretty much the image you’ll see at movie theaters, probably reconstituted as the DVD/Blu-Ray cover, and so on.
Is this the final poster? Probably not. You can expect at least one or two more, between those that push the 3D, those that push the IMAX screenings, an IMAX FANPIX print, and heck, maybe Mondo has something in their burners.
All that said though, the movie looks great, and I just want it out already. July 12th is the date we’ll all be waiting for.
Really, at this point, I think I just need to quote Arrested Development when it comes to things Pacific Rim related.
ahem
Look at banner, Michael!
Yeah, that’s about all you need to get your geek on here.
Robots. Monsters. Fighting. See you when Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th.
Stop me if you’re surprised….Mondo is doing posters for Iron Man 3.
Continuing in the Marvel Studios lineup after producing posters for Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger and The Avengers, they’ve got three posters for Tony Stark’s latest ride due for release this Friday, May 3rd (the same day as the movie).
The poster at the top of the post comes to us from Phantom City Creative, and is a glow in the dark (ooh!) 24"x36" print limited to a run of 250 for $45.
The second print, which comes in regular and variant flavors, comes from Martin Ansin. The standard edition runs 450 prints for $50, with the variant limited to just 200 at $75. Both are 24"x36".
[caption id=“attachment_13262” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Martin Ansin “Iron Man 3”[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_13263” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Martin Ansin “Iron Man 3” (Variant)[/caption]
As always, for the drop, keep an eye on @MondoNews.
Released by Rockstar Games yesterday, we have another brand new look at this fall’s Grand Theft Auto V.
Technically three trailers in one, this focuses on the three leads of the game, Michael, Franklin and Trevor. Â Full of fantastic pop culture tropes and a promise of more crazy crime action, once you watch these trailers, all you’ll be able to say is “I’m in.”
Grand Theft Auto V hits PS3 and 360 on September 17th.
It seems like only yesterday that we were lamenting the end of the IMAX 12:01 program with a sweet sweet Iron Man 3 poster.
Well, guess what? That program was only the beginning, as IMAX kicks off IMAX FanFix with the 8pm shows of Star Trek Into Darkness on Wednesday May 15th.
You’ll get an awesome print curated by Gallery1988, illustrated by Mark Englert, and the general knowledge that you’re the best fan ever. The full press release is below, and the poster is at the top. A full list of participating theaters can be found here.
The origins are simple: reward the most avid IMAX fans with limited edition, collectible prints for select films. IMAX, together with our studio partners, engage some of the most celebrated artists to create unique art that is exclusively for IMAX moviegoers. We will be offering these prints at the earliest IMAX showing to reward those who see it first!
We’re excited and honored to collaborate with Paramount Pictures, Bad Robot and Gallery 1988 to unveil the first edition in the series: a special STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS print from artist Mark Englert. Fans attending the 8pm IMAX show on Wednesday, May 15th at participating locations will receive this original print.
Posted just moment’s ago on the official Pacific Rim Facebook page:
It included this note.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th.
EDIT: Updated with the official YouTube embed from Warner Bros.
Coming straight from The New York Times this morning - the remaining members of the Beastie Boys, Mike D (Michael Diamond) and AdRock (Adam Horovitz) have signed a deal to produce an official memoir with Spiegel & Grau, an imprint of Random House.
Spiegel & Grau is already known within the hip-hop world, having produced 2010’s Jay-Z book, Decoded. From the New York Times article, one can expect a similarly eclectic look back at the Beastie Boys career, as the book will be less a standard narrative, and more a mixture of oral history, images and other unique content.
This announcement comes almost a year after the death of founding member MCA (Adam Yauch). The book is expected to hit shelves in Fall 2015.
Source: The New York Times
As a new fan to the Fast & Furious series, I’ve been devouring the films like pixie sticks this year, and now I’m ready to jump on board just in time for the sixth installment, due next month.
While I have little doubt we’ll be seeing new posters, clips and behind the scenes featurettes up until the movie’s release, today, Universal Pictures has released the “final” trailer for Fast & Furious 6. There’s fights with fists, fights with cars, fights with a goddamned tank - in short, it looks like the most ridiculous action movie of the summer.  Strap in and click play, it’s about to get awesome.
Fast & Furious 6, featuring every cast member ever, hits theaters on May 24th.
There’s something truly wonderful about the styling of classic toy packages, and there is arguably fewer action figure backer cards more iconic than the cardbacks belonging to the original Star Wars toy line.
Artist Christopher Lee certainly thinks highly of it, as he’s taken the cardback and made it his own in an amazing limited edition print.
Based off of the above image, the print focuses on the “92 back” of the later years, and is available starting Saturday, May 4th at his online store. A 27"x39" print, it can be yours for just $20.
Star Wars not your thing? Don’t worry, he’s done similar prints for Thundercats and He-Man as well.
I don’t know that there’s an image that will make more nerds swear with excitement than a giant robot wrecking things.
In turn, the new poster for Pacific Rim (found on it’s awesome Facebook page) really gets the job done.
Bravo, marketers, bravo.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th. Get here already!
While I’ve long wondered if Pixar is succumbing to sequelitis, the trailers thus far for the Monsters Inc. sequel Monsters University have made me feel like I might be wrong.
The third and final trailer was released by Yahoo! yesterday, and honestly, this looks like an absolute joy! A perfect combination of Monsters Inc.’s buddy feel with an homage to 80’s college films, I will be there day one. What say you? Check it out.
Monsters University scares up some fun on June 21st.
It’s hard to believe, but one month from today, Arrested Development will make its long awaited return to our lives via the fine folks at Netflix.
To keep us going, their official Facebook page shared out a bunch of new character posters for this new season, and we’ve got them for you here, so you can see who has aged well, and who has aged terribly, in the 7 years since the show went off the air.
[gallery ids=“13210,13213,13211,13214,13216,13217,13218,13219,13220”]
Arrested Development returns on Netflix on May 26th.
Announced by an invite sent to all of the major tech and gaming sites today, and confirmed by “Major Nelson” (aka Larry Hryb, director of programming for Xbox LIVE), Microsoft will officially kick off their next generation gaming platform on May 21st at 1pm at their Xbox Campus in Redmond, WA.
The announcement will be available for streaming on Xbox.com, Xbox LIVE or by just tuning into SpikeTV. Â 19 days later (that’s June 9th), they’ll be revealing the games at E3. Â Begun, this next-gen video game war has.
Source: MajorNelson.com.
There is little doubt that after the release of the most recent trailer that Man of Steel has become one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. Fans everywhere are counting down until the film’s June 14th release, but what if we told you that you could see it on Thursday, June 13th at 7pm instead?
That’s what Warner Bros is offering with an exclusive promotion from Walmart.  Starting at 8am on Saturday, May 18th, Walmart will be offering exclusive passes for sale to screenings throughout the United States for the much anticipated Superman reboot, in both 2D and 3D flavors.  Additionally, those who pre-purchase through Walmart will be able to download an exclusive digital comic book, and even pre-order the Man of Steel Blu-Ray and DVD (with content exclusive to Walmart) in advance.
For all the details, you can head to Walmart’s website today, enter your zipcode, and see what stores you can pick up tickets at - and the respective theaters premiering the film. Â Either way, it looks like comic fans everywhere will be getting up early on May 18th.
Is this the future of movie going? Time will tell.
If you look beyond the Transformers of his filmography, it’s easy to remember how Michael Bay became a sought after director in the first place - gritty, nose to the grindstone action films like The Rock and Bad Boys 1 & 2.  Filled with kinetic action, sizzling, music video level visuals and all sort of violence and foul language, he was a master of excess - but he’s been stuck in the world of transforming robots ever since. It’s been 10 years since he’s been behind the camera of a true, hard nosed R-rated film, and with the based on a true story bodybuilder crime black comedy Pain & Gain he may have made his best film in as many years.
Based on a series of articles written in the Miami New Times, Pain & Gain is the real-life story of three bodybuilders, who in an attempt to claim their American dream, kidnap and extort a business owner for millions of dollars.  The leader of the pack is Daniel Lugo, played here by a jacked to the gills Mark Wahlberg.  Lugo’s got a checkered past, having served jailtime for a false business deal which fleeced senior citizens, but he found himself on slightly better times, hired by SunGym in Miami, Florida as a full time lead trainer.  There he becomes the trainer of Victor Kershaw (a hilariously scummy Tony Shalhoub), who has a $3 million mansion, owns a Schlotzsky’s Deli franchise, his own racing grayhound, and a cigarette boat, amongst many other successful ventures. In short, Lugo wants what Kershaw has - and instead of the logical idea of working his way to those goals, he decides simply to take what Kershaw has, with violent force.
Joining Lugo in this insane goal is his steroid-abusing gym sidekick Adrian Doorbal (The Hurt Locker’s Anthony Mackie), and a new recruit to the SunGym, the huge, Jesus loving, recovering cocaine addict Paul Doyle (Dwayne Johnson). They successfully kidnap Kershaw, and over three weeks, torture him, and make him give up literally everything he has - his house, his family, and his deli.  After a botched attempt at murdering him (in one of the movie’s most bizarre, darkly hilarious, and surreal sequences), Kershaw is ignored by Miami police - but becomes the key account of private investigator Ed Du Bois (Ed Harris).  What follows is an insane game of escalation involving murder, horrible attempts to hide said murders, strippers, lies, sex, drugs, violence and yes - a lot of working out.
Michael Bay is clearly having a blast with this film - his camera work, editing and unique setups (he’s clearly a fan of personally mounted digital cameras here) have rarely been this good, and it gives the movie an energy and feel unlike most films out there. It honestly reminded me of Crank at times, and the budget constraints (“only” $25 Million) allow him to focus on the characters. I only wish the actors committed to a shared tone. Wahlberg tries to bring a balance to his serious dramatic and manic comedic personas, and unfortunately commits to neither as Daniel Lugo, leaving a gaping hole as our lead. Mackie is serviceable as Adrian, played mostly for comic relief (there are extensive penis jokes at his expense), but the true revelation in this film is the performance of Dwayne Johnson.
I completely admit an affinity for Dwayne, having been a wrestling fan at his peak and enjoying his acting work thus far, but he’s never been a character so perfect for his skills as Paul Doyle. Doyle in many ways is the dark, sad heart of the film, sort of a Lenny from Of Mice and Men on cocaine.  Mixed between the worlds of an innocent, almost child-like mind, the ability to cause incredible violence, a Superman level physique, an incredible faith in God and yes, a crippling cocaine addiction, the character is all over the map but absolutely riveting. Paul Doyle is reason alone to see the film, and while I truly don’t believe the word “Oscar” will ever be spoken about this performance, I absolutely loved the role and wholeheartedly recommend seeing the movie for Johnson’s work alone.
The film is also peppered with great second-tier actor work, with hilarious moments coming from Rebel Wilson, serving as Adrian’s erectile dysfunction nurse and future wife, Rob Corddry as the owner of the SunGym, and Ken Jeong as Johnny Wu, the infomercial spokesman who unofficially kicks off Daniel Lugo’s crimespree. Â It’s a shame that even with all of these positives the final film strikes uneven.
Was it that this real story was too unbelievable, or that the movie never completely gave into its dramatic or lunatic side? Or maybe it was the Michael Bay need to add in unnecessary gross-out moments to an already gruesome tale? Whichever it was, while Pain & Gain is probably a far better movie than you’d expect, it never lives up to the surprisingly great performance of Dwayne Johnson.  Give it a matinee.
Pain & Gain hits theaters on April 26th.
Discovering a new album from The Appleseed Cast is an odd experience - with frequent lineup changes, rarely the same band has remained together between albums, and with Illumination Ritual, their 8th full-length album, releasing today, again, the status has changed.  But I’m very pleased to say that on this album, their first full-length with Graveface Records (who put out their 2011 Middle States EP), the changes may have made for their most comprehensive album yet.
Listening to the Appleseed Cast’s discography is almost like listening to a selection of brilliant side projects, with the way they link yet each album retains a unique sound and feel. Anchored by singer/songwriter Chris Crisci, they’ve gone from the early 90’s emo sound found in their debut The End of the Ring Wars, to the epic post-rock feel of their 2001 double album Low Level Owl, to most recently, the mostly instrumental Sagarmatha.  Some elements have always remained-  swirlling, rising guitars, lost in the mix vocals, intricate drumming and a driving feel to every song, to persist as a soundtrack of life - but I don’t know that they’ve ever come together as brilliantly as they do on Illumination Ritual.
The biggest change on the album comes with the further integration of keyboards. Since Low Level Owl, electronic elements have always been key - to the point where the 2002 Lost Songs collection was described as old demos combined with LLO-style electronics - but for the first time they feel more like a key element of the songs, less like ambient soundscapes.  This is particularly apparent in “Simple Forms”, but don’t fret - the band hasn’t transitioned to an entirely electronic act.  The opening song “Adriatic To Black Sea” has one of the greatest rocking transitions in any of their songs to date, and “Cathedral Rings” and “Barrier Islands (Do We Remain)” stand to become live favorites.
Speaking of “Barrier Islands”, it’s part of one of the albums best moments, a four song closing suite that transitions perfectly between tracks 7-10, including “North Star Ordination”, which die hard fans may recall as a part of their demo project last year.  The way these four songs link together is one of the albums most exhilarating moments, and has already resulted in many repeat plays.
It’s hard to imagine that given so many of their forebears leaving the industry or otherwise reinventing themselves (or going for that sweet reunion show cash) that 15 years in the Appleseed Cast would still be creating smart, relevant and brilliant music, but perhaps there is true function to the bands internal dysfunction  New lineups continue to give this band  new life, and in Illumination Ritual, it may have provided their best album yet. Sure to be one of the best of 2013, I highly recommend it.
Oblivion isn’t the movie it deserves to be.
I went and saw Oblivion on its opening weekend this Saturday night, and even with a few days to process my thoughts, I still feel decidedly underwhelmed by the film. The problem, however, is that I’m not sure who to blame.
Oblivion on paper is a pretty intriguing setup for a sci-fi film. Set in the year 2077, long after a war between humans and an alien race known as the scavengers, the world is in ruins.  During the war, our moon was exploded, causing radical weather changes and rendering the Earth inhabitable  Those humans who survived left Earth to live on the moon Titan. In their stead, to help the cleanup process, they left one man to assist with a number of automated drones - Jack Harper, Technician #49 (Tom Cruise).  He spends his days working on the Earth’s surface, fixing drones, and his nights with his communications officer and girlfriend, Victoria (Andrea Riseborough), in a house in the sky.  But he’s haunted by visions of the former New York, and a beautiful woman he cannot place. Then one day, he discovers a crashed aircraft - containing the woman of his visions (Olga Kurylenko), and starts to question his entire existence.
The movie is beautifully directed by Joseph Kosinski (Tron Legacy), and hands down - were this a film of only visuals, it would be stunning and intriguing. Shot with Sony’s new CineAltaF65 camera, every frame of this is well composed and beautiful, and the effects are understated and genius - even if the drones may remind gamers of Portal.  The issue is, for all of this beauty? The film is as dumb as a box of rocks.
The script is built around two key twists, and I shall not reveal them for you here, but neither is performed with exacting precision.  The script is bogged down by unnecessary narration and continued repeating of key concepts to and from every character - the plot points are rarely allowed to play out without someone either explaining what is happening, or reminding us later what just happened. By the time that Morgan Freeman shows up as the leader of a rebel group of humans, you’ll practically be begging for the film to finally show you what happened, and not just tell you about it.  Were the flaws in the script the whole time? Or was Kosinski forced to add significant narration to the film? So much of what’s discussed within the dialogue was mentioned by the narration earlier - I could easily see this movie getting copious, Blade Runner style notes from the studio.
Even with a brisk for modern-day sci-fi running time of 2 hours and 4 minutes, and with characters explaining more than doing, the film still feels very slow and unengaging. It also does not help the scripts case that quite a few of the ideas presented were done better by recent films (Wall-E and Moon, for example).
To the films credit, it does feature a brilliant score from French shoegazer M83, so perhaps it would have made a great music video - in fact, I implore Universal to give us a “score-only” option on the eventual blu-ray - but the fact remains, for as much as I loved the look and the feel of the world, the story of Oblivion never gave me a chance to want to stay with it.  Make this one a Netflix rental at best.
One of the things we’ve regularly featured here on Blast-O-Rama is IMAX’s continued push to be the home for midnight movie premieres, particularly with their giveaway series of 12:01am posters.
In the past, we’ve featured their unique, understated prints for Skyfall, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises and Prometheus and others, and we’re disappointed to announce that this series is ending next month with a fantastic poster for Iron Man 3.
Illustrated by comic artist Jock (who has also done some amazing Mondo posters), this features a number of Tony Stark’s armors in flight, and generally, is just a fantastic print.
Maybe they will reinstate the series at another time, but if not, thanks IMAX for giving the hardcore movie goers something special to remember their screenings by.
Iron Man 3 releases May 3rd.
Over the weekend, The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s director, Marc Webb decided to show off two of his new villains for the highly anticipated Spider-Man sequel on Twitter - namely, Dane DeHaan (Chronicle) as Harry Osborn as seen above, and a pre-electrified Max Dillon, as played by Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained), below.
Now, while official stills have yet to be revealed for the other two antagonists (Norman Osborne and The Rhino), one certainly hopes we have a new trend in comic book villainy - all bad hair, all the time.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 swings into theaters on May 2nd, 2014.
Straight from Marvel UK’s YouTube page, we have the premiere of the first teaser trailer for Thor: The Dark World.
There’s explosions, there’s fighting, there’s a love triangle in play, and yes - Loki is back too. Â Looks pretty damn fun.
Thor: The Dark World hits the United States on November 8th. The UK gets it a week earlier, on October 30th.
With two weeks until the release of Iron Man 3 (less than that in other countries around the world), Marvel Studios isn’t resting on their laurels - they’re steamrolling right ahead with the promotion of the next step of Phase 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe - Thor: The Dark World.
A sequel to 2011’s Thor, directed by Game of Thrones' Alan Taylor, this sees Thor (Chris Helmsworth) battling across all of Asgard against some dark and evil elves, lead by Malekith, played by the 9th Doctor himself, Christopher Eccleston.  Returning from the first film are Anthony Hopkins as Odin, Natalie Portman as Thor’s earthbound love, Jane Foster, and of course, Tom Hiddleston as Loki.
The first poster was revealed exclusively by USA Today earlier today, and interestingly enough, is adapted from a casual photo taken during filming. That guy really does look like a superhero all the time.
Thor: The Dark World brings forth the power of the gods on November 8th. Expect the first trailer next week.
Source: USA Today.
While this Summer certainly is full of astonishing looking genre fair such as Star Trek Into Darkness, Iron Man 3 and Man of Steel, there are more than a few fantastic looking, potentially classic original films hitting theaters in the forthcoming months.
One such film is the long awaited re-teaming of the Drive duo of director Nicolas Winding Refn and lead actor Ryan Gossling, the violent Bangkok-bound revenge film Only God Forgives.
After the hypnotic trailer premiered a few weeks back, I’ve been sitting on pins and needles waiting for the next fix, and we have hit the mother load today, with the first official poster for the film and two brand new trailers being released.
The new poster is at the top of the post and has a serious Enter The Void vibe about it, and the two new international trailers below not only continue to simmer like the teaser trailer did, but they underline just how creepy Kristen Scott Thomas will be as Gossling’s mother.
Enjoy!
Only God Forgives makes its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month, and is set for a US release on July 19th.
Source: Collider
Today at CinemaCon, the theatrical exhibitor convention formerly known as ShoWest, where all the big movie studios pitch their next projects to the theater owners, Disney made a big, although probably not unexpected announcement regarding Star Wars…
Starting in Summer 2015 with Star Wars: Episode VII, Disney will be producing one new Star Wars film a year.
Yep, the Star Wars universe is officially becoming a sci-fi version of the Marvel Theatrical Universe.
If they need some ideas for the post JJ Abrams world, might I recommend Mr. Patton Oswalt?
For tonight’s episode of Parks and Recreation he improvised an entire outline for Episode VII, and it’s inspired, manic genius. Enjoy.
Source: ComingSoon
EDIT: According to further details from Bleeding Cool, the plan is for Saga films (Episode VII, VIII, etc.) to alternate with stand-alone films. So, 2015 for Episode VII, 2017 for Episode VIII, and stand-alone movies in 2016 and 2018 and so on.
As we look down the pike to Marvel Studios Phase 2 (starting in two weeks with Iron Man 3), it should come as little surprise that Marvel is already working towards Phase 3.
One of the characters being considered? Doctor Strange.
And if the sources at CHUD are correct, Marvel Studios already has a man in mind…
Justin Theroux.
The screenwriter (responsible for Iron Man 2) and actor (who you may recall from Wonderlust) and also Mr. Jennifer Aniston is apparently right in Marvel’s sights to become Stephen Strange and don the Eye of Agamotto.
No word on a tentative release date, but it’s interesting to see Marvel reaching out to the more surreal and fantastical parts of the Marvel Universe.
Source: CHUD.com.
Zach Snyder has to be feeling good this morning.
Last night, after unveiling the masterful trailer for Man of Steel, he was able to continue his personal hype train, as he revealed the first poster for 300: Rise of an Empire, the sequel to his 2007 film, which he is producing, directed by Noam Murro.
While I am waiting to make full judgement until I see a trailer, after the two stills released so far, and this poster…doesn’t this sequel already feel like it should go direct to video?
Hopefully I’m wrong.
300: Rise of an Empire kicks its way into theaters on August 2nd.
Released just minutes ago by Warner Bros, we have the third, and arguably most magical trailer for Man of Steel yet.
Directed by Zach Snyder, produced by Christopher Nolan, this decidedly Terrance Malick-esq return to the world of film for Superman looks like an emotional epic.
Nothing like I ever thought it would be, this could be the sleeper hit of the summer.
And if that’s Hans Zimmer’s Superman theme? Brilliant.
Man of Steel hits theaters June 14th. Now to rewatch the trailer.
It seems the robot duo of Daft Punk are fans of all technologies, even Vine.
Vine is the big new social network for iOS only, where you can create and share blink-and-you’ll-miss-them 6 second videos.
Today, they took to Columbia Record’s Vine account and decided to share the full tracklist for Random Access Memories.
We’ve got the video below.
If you’d rather read it like a sane person, here goes.
In the world of comics, the closest thing to the Academy Award is the Eisner Award, named after fabled creator Will Eisner.
Presented every year at San Diego Comic Con, it’s considered the highest honor in all of funnybooks, and is voted upon by a jury of peers, all fellow comic creators. The official nominees for 2013 were revealed today, and all of comic fandom is a buzz.
It’s a very impressive selection of choices, including nominations for three of my favorite ongoings today (Saga, Hawkeye and the fantastic Adventure Time comic), with some surprise snubs (nothing for Saga artist Fiona Staples?), but all and all, it’s a murderer’s row of nominations with some difficult decisions needing to be made come voting time.
The full list of nominees is below. Who do you think should win? What got snubbed? Sound off in the comments.
With Fast & Furious 6 set to be one of the most successful movies of Summer 2013, it probably shouldn’t surprise you that Universal Pictures really wants to get the seventh film going (especially with the rumored setup in 6, which we won’t spoil here).
What may surprise you, however, is how soon we’ll see it.
Announced today, Fast & Furious 7, with new director James Wan (Saw), will hit theaters on July 11th, 2014.
Better hope Dwayne Johnson heals from his torn abs soon!
What better way to promote both the forthcoming release of Iron Man 3 and the related LEGO sets (on shelves now) than by re-making the films posters in LEGO form?
That’s what some enterprising marketer proposed, and the results? Pretty damn great. We’ve got the teaser poster up top, and the proper-release poster below.
Sure, they cheap out on some of the suits by using existing LEGO mini-figures as opposed to making custom ones, but the heart is what counts, right?
Iron Man 3 brings forth the suits on May 3rd.
The cast of James Gunn’s outer space adventure Guardians of the Galaxy continues to be unique, with an addition that Walking Dead fans should be excited for.
Joining this Marvel Studios Phase 2 installment is Michael Rooker, known most recently as Merle Dixon on the super-popular AMC show - even though he’ll always be Mr. Svenning in my heart.
Alongside the already cast Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista and Zoe Saldana, he will star as Yondu, a character who even I, as a big Marvel Comics fan couldn’t tell you ANYTHING about.
This marks a continued working relationship between Gunn and Rooker, as Rooker appeared in both Slither and Super.
Guardians of the Galaxy traverses the cosmos on August 1st, 2014.
Source: Deadline
The third (and final?) trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness has hit the web, and it hits all the beats you’d want.
It seems that Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) is out of his element here, leading the Enterprise and its crew into an adventure it may regret as they take on the mysterious John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch).
All sorts of things blow up from there. Check out this, the most space based of the trailers so far.
Are you in for Star Trek Into Darkness on May 17th?
One of the most divisive shows of 2012 (but one of my favorites) was HBO’s The Newsroom.
The latest project from Aaron Sorkin, it took on the world of the 24 hour news cycle, and either riveted or turned off viewers with its perspective of covering news events after the fact.
That being said, this teaser for Season 2 features no new footage from the season, and depending on your opinion of the show will either excited you or cause your eyes to roll.
Personally? Excited.
The Newsroom Season 2 kicks off on July 14th.
Here’s a sentence I didn’t think I’d say after Superman Returns…
I am really looking forward to Man of Steel!
And while we’re supposed to get a new trailer later today, lets all get excited about a bunch of new stills, which come to us thanks to the fine folks at Entertainment Weekly.
I still think Diane Lane is too young (too attractive?) to be Martha Kent, but maybe I’m wrong.
Also, I think this is our first official look at Antje Traue as Faora, as well.
Oh, and am I to misunderstand, or does a certain, prominent corporate logo in one image mean we’re getting Man of Steel slurpees?!
Man of Steel saves the world on June 14th.
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OK, so…back to good news, right?
This June, Pixar returns to the world of Monsters and sends up 80’s college films at the same time with Monsters University,  a look back at the wild college years of Mike & Sully.
To add to the already depth filled world of the film, which has had an amazingly accurate college webpage and more, Disney/Pixar released a bunch of new images yesterday, explaining the fraternities and sororities of the film, and we’ve got them for you.  Enjoy!
[caption id=“attachment_13053” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Oozma Kappa (OK) - A collection of wholesome, good-natured misfits, the adorable brothers of Oozma Kappa (OK) have bonded over their inability to make it through the Scaring Program. With only four bodies in the house, they don’t even have enough members to compete in the Scare Games. What they lack in Scariness and self-confidence, they make up for in heart.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_13051” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Eta Hiss Hiss (HSS) - The Eta Hiss Hiss (HSS) sorority has been around since the beginning of Monsters University and the members are as mysterious as they are terrifying. The HSS sisters might be pale, mysterious and sullen, but these intimidating Goth girls are fierce competitors and tough as nails. Fittingly, their most distinguished alumna is one of the most powerful, Scary monsters on campus who every new Scare student strives to impress—Dean Hardscrabble.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_13055” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Roar Omega Roar (RΝ©R) — The Roar Omega Roar (RΝ©R) fraternity is made up of the best of the best. They’re the smartest, most skilled, Scariest monsters at Monsters University, and come from families with a long, proud history of Scaring. While the RΝ©Rs may be preppy in dress, they are ferocious in action and downright ruthless, if necessary. Self-declared as the most elite house on campus, the RΝ©Rs are lead by Johnny Worthington who presides over the house like an all-powerful monarch. Eager to continue their Scare Games winning streak, the RΝ©Rs will do whatever it takes to stay on top.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_13056” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Jaws Theta Chi (JOX) - Big on brawn but short on brainpower, the Jaws Theta Chi (JOX) fraternity brothers are rarely seen without their flashy letterman jackets. The JOX are brutal competitors who never hesitate to do whatever it takes to beat their opponent, even if it’s breaking the rules. Despite practically living at the gym or on the field, these sports-loving monsters often prove that bigger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to Scaring.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_13057” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Python Nu Kappa (PNK) - Pretty in pink, the sisters of Python Nu Kappa (PNK) are not to be underestimated. Led by their fearless queen bee Carrie, these ladies are smart, cold-hearted and merciless. Covered in pink from head to toe, the PNKs sweet exterior quickly turns terrifying when the Scare Games begin.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_13059” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Slugma Slugma Kappa (EEK) - The athletic sisters of Slugma Slugma Kappa (EEK) spend most of their days working out and running drills to perfect their Scaring skills. Their initiation is a triathlon, and training together 24/7 has strengthened the bonds of sisterhood so much so that these strong, self-assured girls are ready to out-work and out-scare any monster they encounter together.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_13052” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”]<img class=“size-medium wp-image-13052” alt=“CLAIRE WHEELER, GREEK COUNCIL PRESIDENT (voice of Aubrey Plaza) Claire Wheeler is the Greek Council president at Monsters University, and this year she is one of the chosen emcees for the school’s annual Scare Games. Don’t be fooled by Claire’s brooding exterior and monotone drawl—banal in appearance, on the inside she is a galvanizing force of school spirit who diligently warns the Scare Game participants of the dangers they will face. BROCK PEARSON, GREEK COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT (voice of Tyler Labine) This preppy-looking fraternity monster has been chosen to assist the Greek Council president in emceeing the school’s annual Scare Games. Jock-like and what some might refer to as a “meathead,“ Brock is a loud, enthusiastic emcee who relishes the danger of the Scare Games’ challenges.” src=“https://blast-o-rama.com/uploads/2024/337dc481ab.jpg" width=“500” height=“615” /> CLAIRE WHEELER, GREEK COUNCIL PRESIDENT (voice of Aubrey Plaza)Claire Wheeler is the Greek Council president at Monsters University, and this year she is one of the chosen emcees for the school’s annual Scare Games. Don’t be fooled by Claire’s brooding exterior and monotone drawl—banal in appearance, on the inside she is a galvanizing force of school spirit who diligently warns the Scare Game participants of the dangers they will face.BROCK PEARSON, GREEK COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT (voice of Tyler Labine)This preppy-looking fraternity monster has been chosen to assist the Greek Council president in emceeing the school’s annual Scare Games. Jock-like and what some might refer to as a “meathead,“ Brock is a loud, enthusiastic emcee who relishes the danger of the Scare Games’ challenges.[/caption]
Monsters University scares up good grades on June 21st.
Alright, tin-foil wearing Star Wars fans, we’ve got a conspiracy for you.
Popping up over the weekend on the IMDB message boards for Star Wars: The Clone Wars were a few pages of a pitch document for what was being called Star Wars: Reclamation.
According to the anonymous tipster, this is the Clone Wars follow up project being produced by Dave Filoni (head of The Clone Wars), and it’s designed to take place between Return of the Jedi and Episode VII.  It was greenlit in January of this year, and then placed on hold by Disney.
We have the pages posted for you below, and honestly, it reads somewhat reasonable - not very pie in the sky like other fan hoaxes. What say you - real? or fake?
[gallery ids=“13042,13043,13044,13045,13046,13047”]
One of the movies I’m most looking forward to this spring is Oblivion, the Tom Cruise starring sci-fi actioner directed by Joseph Kosinski (Tron Legacy).
While the plot looks somewhat derivative from the trailers shown so far, Kosinski has shown a flair for visual style, and more importantly, an amazing taste in musical collaborators. Tron featured Daft Punk, and with Oblivion, we’re seeing the first score from French shoegaze electronica masters M83.
M83 has been producing fantastic music for a number of years now, but 2011’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming was an absolute masterwork - and I cannot wait to hear how they score a full film. (Honestly, you can stream it already here, but I feel like context will be key)
Also excited about this prospect? Mondo! Our dear friends in poster creation, they’ve lately taken their hobby of producing vinyl albums and made it a full on extension of their already successful print making business, with last month’s Drive release selling out in record time. Appropriately, their next release will be a vinyl of M83’s score, and we’re proud to feature a look at the art for it, by Kilian Eng.
The cover is at the top of the post, but what’s really eye catching is inside of the sleeve, a full landscape piece with some stunning color work.
You can expect the 2xLP vinyl to hit MondoTees.com on April 26th, with a full record store release following on May 28th.
Source: Collider.
In an incredibly effective video release to hype Man of Steel, the long awaited Superman reboot, Warner Bros has released the following video to Facebook -  a warning and a plea from villain General Zod (Michael Shannon), to the Kryptonian Kal-El, also known as Superman (Henry Cavill).
I’m not going to lie, there’s something about this video which got me VERY VERY excited. Maybe because it reminded me of the Joker’s ransom video in The Dark Knight?
Man of Steel hits theaters on June 14th.
While the poster imagery for the JJ Abrams Star Trek sequel Star Trek Into Darkness certainly has been effective, it really hasn’t felt too…well, Star Trek-y.
Honestly, if you took the Star Trek name off of the posters so far, it’d kinda look like it was for the next Mission: Impossible film.
That said, the newest poster isn’t afraid of its lineage - it’s just sending it down in flames, as the new poster features the USS Enterprise having a very bad day.
Perhaps this is why so much of the new footage appears to be grounded on Earth? We’ve got a month to go to know for sure.
And in case you’re wondering - yes, this poster does look familiar.
Thanks to Twitter on that one.
Star Trek Into Darkness Sherlock’s it up on May 17th.
While we in the states have known this cartoon under many different titles, including Battle of the Planets, G-Force and Eagle Riders, in Japan, they know this team as one thing and one thing only…
SCIENCE NINJA TEAM GATCHAMAN!
Gatchaman is considered a classic in Japan, having first aired over forty years ago. The tale of a 5 member teenage superhero team is one which we’re all familiar with world wide, and arguably, was done best with Gatchman, and this summer it’s going to be realized with a super slick, live action film.  Here’s the first, very brief teaser trailer.
Based off the images released, the costumes have equal parts Batman Begins and Metal Gear Solid going for them. But man do those helmets look COOL!
No word yet on a US release, but if you’re in Glorious Nippon, Gatchaman hits theaters on August 24th.
It’s pretty much a given that a character’s costume changes between sequels (unless you’re The Dark Knight Rises), and it looks like that Captain America: The Winter Soldier will be no different.
Captain America: The First Avenger gave us the almost football player-esq suit. The Avengers made Steve Rogers look almost like a Power Ranger. This time, the suit appears to be the best of both worlds, and honestly, it reminds me of the short lived Steve Rogers: Super Solider look (below).
I’m inclined to believe this is the real deal as the art has a similar texture and feel to most Marvel Studios marketing imagery, such as the leaked Avengers designs and the prior Captain America leaked costumes when each were filming.
What say you? Is it a good redesign, or just an excuse to sell more toys?
Captain America: The Winter Soldier hits theaters on April 4th, 2014.
Source: Comic Book Movie
The teaser had me intrigued, and now that the full trailer has been released, I have to ashamedly admit…
…I kinda want to see The Hangover Part III.
Personally, I really enjoyed the first Hangover film, but found the second one to be a boring re-tread of the first.  That said, with a more solid plot, a defined villain (Heck yeah, John Goodman!), and a seeming urge to make this one great, I have a decent feeling about this one, even if its box office success is guaranteed, regardless of quality.
Poor Justin Bartha, he can’t make it through a full one of these films without being removed, can he?
The Hangover Part III hits theaters on May 24th.
Two trailers into the promotion, I’m not 100% sure what makes Now You See Me look like such a fun time at the movies, but I’m pretty sure it’s the stacked cast.
With the Zombieland reunion of Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg, the Nolan Batman duo of Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine, plus solid secondaries like Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher - that’s what’s selling me on this mixed heist/magic film.
Check out the new trailer and tell me what you think. Personally, this looks like a nice summer afternoon matinee.
Now You See Me mystifies audiences on May 31st.
With just about six weeks until the long awaited return of Arrested Development to Netflix with an all new fourth season, the marketing train is rushing forward.
Today brings 9 new teaser posters for the show, which focus on individual props for each of the characters - can you match them all?
Arrested Development Season 4 hits Netflix on May 26th.
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While details remain sketchy at best about the film’s plot, director Christopher Nolan isn’t afraid about letting us know about the cast he’s assembling for his next film - Interstellar.
As always, he seems to be leaning on a mix of actors he’s worked with alongside some bigger names which he’s yet to work with.
On the new side, we have the prospective lead for the film, to be played by Matthew McConaughey.  McConaughey is kind of a left field reveal for me, as I never thought I’d see his acting style mesh with a director like Nolan.  That said, McConaughey has built quite the impressive resume over the past year, with critically acclaimed turns in Magic Mike, Killer Joe and The Lincoln Lawyer.
On the returning side? Catwoman herself, Anne Hathaway is said to be joining the cast.  No real surprise here, as you can tell from The Dark Knight Rises that Nolan brings something unique out of the Oscar winner, and honestly, there are few directors who seem to bring both the critical praise and box office success which Nolan does.  It’s a smart move.
Now to see how they find a way to work Michael Caine into things.
Interstellar invades the galaxy on November 7th, 2014.
It’s been 4 long years since director Neill Blomkamp burst onto the scene with his fantastic sci-fi film District 9. But he’s remained busy.
The one time Halo director seems to have ramped up with his latest project, attracting big names like Matt Damon and Jodie Foster to his new film, alongside his District 9 lead Sharlto Copley.
This is…Elysium.
It’s truly refreshing to see a fully realized sci-fi world on screen, especially with a director as confident as Blomkamp. Elysium certainly isn’t afraid of taking on a social idea either, seeming to focus on the issue of class warfare (literally), similar to how District 9 wasn’t afraid of facing apartheid.
Either way, this trailer certified my ticket, and I’m sure it grabbed you just as hard. The hits just keep coming all summer long, don’t they?
Elysium hits theaters on August 9th.
Some hot off the press video game news for you today as WB Games has announced the release of Batman: Arkham Origins for PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Wii U.
Set before Batman: Arkham Asylum, the game is set to be an origin story for the video game version of Batman (of course), and as this Game Informer cover shows, will definitely feature Deathstroke.
Details remain sketchy otherwise, although this title is not being developed by Arkham Asylum/Arkham City devs Rocksteady, instead it is being handled by WB Games Montreal, who to date were only responsible for the Wii U port of Arkham City.
Handheld gamers will also get their own version of the game, titled Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, set for a PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS release.
Both Arkham Origins and Arkham Origins Blackgate are set for an October 25th release.
Did you guys know that a sequel to Zach Snyder’s 2006 breakthrough hit, 300, hits this summer?
Yeah, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t know, as somehow, the production of 300: Rise of An Empire happened underneath everyone’s radar.
USA Today got the exclusive first look, which is where the images in this article came from, and so far…it sounds exactly the same.
Unlike the first film, based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel, this film focuses on a group of Greek troops who fight the Persian army at sea. According to director Noam Murro (Smart People), the film features six major battles, which take place in different, distinct locations.
The cast is mostly unknowns, with the biggest name being Eva Green (Casino Royale), starring as Artemesia, the commander of the Persian navy.  In lead is actor Sullivan Stapleton as Themistokles (above), who’s biggest role to date seems to be the Cinemax series Strike Back.
Is this a lame duck sequel? We’ll know soon enough - 300: Rise of an Empire hits on August 2nd.
Source: USA Today.
Yesterday, the filming of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the sequel to 2o11’s Captain America: The First Avenger, based on the awesome Captain America run by Ed Brubaker, kicked off filming.
To commemorate the process, Marvel Studios has sent out the first official image from the filming (above) and gave us this sweet press release. Â Some new casting details are in there (including the return of Hayley Atwell), and generally, it does a great job of getting you excited for the film while Marvel Studios pats themselves on the back.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier hits theaters on April 4th, 2014.
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier" will pick-up where “Marvel’s The Avengers" left off, as Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C.
Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1941, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier" features an outstanding supporting cast that includes Sebastian Stan (“Captain America: The First Avenger,“ “Black Swan") as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie (“The Hurt Locker,“ “Million Dollar Baby") as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Cobie Smulders (“Marvel’s The Avengers,“ “How I Met Your Mother") as Agent Maria Hill, Frank Grillo (“Zero Dark Thirty") as Brock Rumlow and Georges St-Pierre (“Death Warrior") as Georges Batroc. Rounding out the talented cast are Hayley Atwell (“Captain America: The First Avenger") as Peggy Carter, Toby Jones (“Captain America: The First Avenger,“ “The Hunger Games") as Arnim Zola, Emily VanCamp (“The Ring 2,“ “Revenge") as Agent 13 and Maximiliano HernÁ¡ndez (“Marvel’s The Avengers,“ “Thor") as Agent Jasper Sitwell.
Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing the film. Executive producers on the project include Alan Fine, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee. The creative production team on the film includes director of photography Trent Opaloch (“Elysium,“ “District 9"), production designer Peter Wenham (“21 Jump Street,“ “Fast Five"), editors Jeffrey Ford, A.C.E. and Mary Jo Markey, A.C.E. (“Star Wars: Episode 7,“ “The Perks of Being a Wallflower") and three time Oscar®-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky (“The Hunger Games,“ “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone")
Marvel Studios’ upcoming release schedule includes “Iron Man 3" on May 3, 2013, and “Thor: The Dark World" on November 8, 2013. The studio most recently produced the critically acclaimed “Marvel’s The Avengers,“ which set the all-time, domestic 3-day weekend box office record at $207.4 million. The film, which shattered both domestic and international box office records, is Disney’s highest-grossing global and domestic release of all time and marks the studio’s fifth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide.
In the summer of 2011, Marvel successfully launched two new franchises with “Thor,“ starring Chris Hemsworth, and “Captain America: The First Avenger,“ starring Chris Evans. Both films opened #1 at the box office and have grossed over $800 million worldwide combined. In 2010 “Iron Man 2,“ starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury took the #1 spot in its first weekend with a domestic box office gross of $128.1 million.
In the summer of 2008, Marvel produced the summer blockbuster movies “Iron Man" and “The Incredible Hulk.“ “Iron Man,“ in which Robert Downey Jr. originally dons the Super Hero’s powerful armor and stars alongside co-stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, Shaun Toub and Gwyneth Paltrow, was released May 2, 2008, and was an immediate box office success. Garnering the number one position for two weeks in a row, the film brought in over $100 million in its opening weekend. On June 13, 2008, Marvel released “The Incredible Hulk,“ marking its second number one opener of that summer.
Whether you’re an Abrams loving newbie or an old school Trekkie, today’s Nerd Alert is sure to interest you.
Our dear friends at Amazon.com have put together an amazing deal, slicing and dicing the price of the Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection box set for today and today only.
Featuring the first six Star Trek films, starring the original TV series cast, the Blu-Ray set is 59% off for just $34.99 and the DVD set is 55% off for just $22.49!
Pick ‘em up and get ready to boldly go where few have gone before - just in time for the premiere of Star Trek Into Darkness on May 17th!
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
Released this morning exclusively by Digital Spy, we’ve got a brand new poster for this summer’s not-terribly-accurate adaptation of World War Z.
The latest in a long running series of “look at this guy’s back!” posters, it shows lead star Brad Pitt hanging out of the back of a chopper, looking at the zombie devastated skyline.
While I’m not expecting a decent translation of the Max Brooks original book, World War Z does look like some fun zombie fightin' good times, so lets all hope for the best, yeah?
World War Z brings on the undead on June 21st.
Source: Digital Spy.
In 2011, Ryan Gosling teamed with director Nicholas Winding Refn for the wonderfully sublime crime film Drive.
This fall, the duo re-teams for a Bangkok crime drama called Only God Forgives, and the first trailer is online.
Refn’s ablity to shoot beautifully ugly films remains here, and honestly, this is one of the most effective and hypnotic teasers I’ve seen in a long time - I had to rewatch it a few times before I remembered I wanted to post it here. Â Check it out, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Synopsis:
With the Summer 2013 production date for Guardians of the Galaxy fast approaching, casting news for the space faring Marvel Studios production is coming fast and furious (but not 2 Fast or 2 Furious).
After the announcements of Chris Pratt as Star Lord and ex-WWE star Dave Bautista as Drax the Destroyer, the movie has found it’s lead female warrior, as the deadly assassin Gamora has been cast - the sultry Zoe Saldana.
Saldana, best known to sci-fi fans as the new Uhura in JJ Abrams’ Star Trek series, and the lead Na’vi Neytiri in Avatar, should thrive in the outer space adventure. We’ll have to see how she feels about being painted green, however.
Guardians of the Galaxy is set for an August 1st, 2014 release.
In what must seem like an inevitability, with the end of the Clone Wars cartoon and cuts to ILM, Disney announced yesterday that they will be closing the once-great George Lucas owned game development company LucasArts.
While mostly known for a wide variety of Star Wars and Indiana Jones games (The Force Unleashed was a popular game for them in recent years), hardcore gamers will always remember them for being the home of amazing adventure titles, such as Maniac Mansion, Full Throttle and the classic Monkey Island series.
Development on Star Wars games will now be outsourced to different companies as LucasArts moves to a licensing model.
While they were never as great as they were in the late 80’s and early 90’s, it’s a shame to see them go. We at Blast-O-Rama hope the bright minds remaining at LucasArts continue to produce great games in the future.
Monkey Island creator Ron Gilbert wrote a fantastic farewell to the company here.
Source: Deadline.com
While many have rumored that Dark Horse Comics may soon lose the Star Wars license due to the Lucasfilm purchase by Disney (who owns rival Marvel Comics), if they are losing it - Dark Horse has decided to go out with a bang.
On the heels of the success this year of the post-A New Hope series written by Brian Wood titled, simply, Star Wars, Dark Horse has announced plans over the weekend to take on, of all things…The Star Wars.
The Star Wars was the name of the original 1974 script by George Lucas, which presented a Star Wars similar to, but very unlike, what we came to know in 1977.  The lead is an Annikin Starkiller, Han Solo is a Lizard of some type, as a whole, it’s very different - but, we’ll be seeing it come to life in comic form!
Here’s the official Dark Horse press release, with the first image of beautiful art at the top of the post. This will be a definite must read for any and all Star Wars fans.
Three years before his 1977 film, George Lucas put down on paper his first story set in a galaxy far, far away—a tale of fantastic adventures, daring escapes, “lazer swords,“ romance, and monsters. A story of Jedi Annikin Starkiller and General Luke Skywalker, an alien named Han Solo, and evil Sith Knights. The screenplay was titled The Star Wars!
“I’m not sure where I first read about The Star Wars—it was years and years ago—but the idea of Luke Skywalker being an older Jedi General, and Han Solo being a six-foot-tall lizard, turned my Star Wars fan brain on its side,“ said longtime Star Wars editor Randy Stradley. “I always assumed this would be one of those stories that would be lost to history,’ so getting to work on bringing it to life is kinda like a dream come true.“
“While researching in the Lucasfilm Archives I’ve found many treasures—but one which truly astounded me was George’s rough draft forThe Star Wars. His first complete imaginings were hallucinating to read—mind blowing,“ said writer J.W. Rinzler. “While working with George on another book project, I once asked if we could adapt his rough draft. He was hesitant. Years later, with Dark Horse’s invaluable help, we showed him a few drawn and colored pages of what it might look like. He gave us the okay.“
Originally conceived in 1974, The Star Wars has been the subject of rumor and legend in the fan community throughout the history of the galaxy far, far away. Now, Lucas has seen fit to grant Dark Horse the right to adapt this fabled story into an eight-issue comic series launching in September!
Confirmed this morning by the official Netflix Twitter account (and the awesome teaser poster above), Arrested Development will return to our airwaves at 12:01am on Sunday, May 26th.
The long awaited fourth season of the show now features 15 episodes, all of which can be streamed on the same day. Â And, if rumors are true, can be watched in whatever order you like.
Hope you didn’t have plans for the day, Bluth family fans!
For those keeping track of your nerdy pop culture calendar, this puts a new season of Arrested Development and the new Daft Punk album within five days of each other.
While the date of the announcement lead many to double-check the calendar, there are no April fool’s here - Pixar is officially moving ahead with a sequel to 2003’s Finding Nemo - Finding Dory.
Set a year after the modern day animated classic, Finding Dory will once again include performances from Albert Brooks as Martin the Clownfish and Ellen DeGeneres as the ever forgetful Dory.
The plot is hazy at this point (the official press release described it as something about “learning the importance of family”, but director Andrew Stanton returns to the animated world with this film.
Personally, my feelings are mixed with this announcement - Nemo is one of the best movies of the Pixar lexicon, but with Cars 2, Toy Story 2 and 3 and this summer’s Monsters University, they are becoming a bit sequel heavy.  Although, two of those films are some of the best animated films ever made - so perhaps it will work out. At least we have two originals, The Good Dinosaur and Inside Out to look forward to in Summer 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Finding Dory hits theaters in November 2015.
Yesterday brought the long awaited release of the Marvel Studios Phase One box set, which, among other goodies, included an exclusive look at the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe - the much anticipated Phase 2.
Kicking off in May with Iron Man 3, and including Captain America: The Winter Solider, Thor: The Dark World, Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant Man and The Avengers 2, there has rarely been a more anticipated slate from any studio.
Of course, this being the internet, much of the concept art and video content has hit the web within hours, and we have it gathered here for you.
First (for as long as it is up), here is the video look at Phase 2, which is more about Iron Man 3 than anything else.
Next is all of the amazing concept art revealed - this includes some wild art from Guardians of the Galaxy (which is giving me a New Hope feel), the first looks at the movie versions of The Winter Solider and Falcon, stills from the Ant Man test footage, and some live action stills from Thor: The Dark World, which indicates that Natalie Portman’s Jane Foster looks to be making her way to Asgard.  Check it all out!
[gallery ids=“12879,12878,12877,12876,12875,12874,12873,12872,12871,12870,12869,12868,12867,12866,12865,12864,12863,12862,12861,12860,12859,12858,12857”]
It’s pretty clear that Rockstar Games is going with the “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” philosophy for the Grand Theft Auto V cover art.
Can’t imagine that we’d expect it to look any other way.
Grand Theft Auto V jacks your PS3 and 360 on September 17th.
Source: Rockstar Games.
OK, can we agree that April Fool’s gags online for the most part, suck?
Minus the fun stuff that ThinkGeek comes up with, and eventually sells, it’s all pretty lame.
That said, I enjoyed what the marketing team from This Is The End, the big Seth Rogen & Company apocalypse comedy put together…
…a fake trailer for Pineapple Express 2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sW67OiY7xVw
Luckily, this then lead to the release of a full on, brand new, gory and hilarious red band trailer for This Is The End itself. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=i24fo2W5EaE
I may never see the relationship of Mindy Kailing and Michael Cera the same again.
This Is The End blows up the planet on June 14.
In the lead up to this past weekend’s Wondercon (the funtacular Spring counterpart to the gigantic SDCC), Warner Bros went hard on the push for the big Guillermo Del Toro Monsters v. Robots flick Pacific Rim.
We’d been featuring the mecha, or Jager as they’re called here, “character” posters as they’ve been released, and a few more came out since we were last able to update.
The three Jagers revealed are arguably three of the best named - the Chinese Crimson Typhoon, the Australian Striker Eureka, and our lead hero ‘bot - the American Gipsy Danger.  All three posters are below.
[gallery ids=“12826,12827,12828”]
If that wasn’t cool enough, Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros also made sure to issue these posters as awesome trading cards, with facts and figures on the back - sorta like the old GI Joe file cards. Apparently, Australia goes beast mode on giant interdimentional Kaiju monsters.
[gallery ids=“12829,12830,12831,12832,12833”]
Finally, the other big news of the con for Pacific Rim showcased YET ANOTHER MECH!
The much rumored comic anthology, officially titled Pacific Rim: Tales From Year Zero will hit shelves on June 5th, and if this Alex Ross cover is any indication, we’ll be seeing an early Jager in action, as the art doesn’t seem to match up with any of the designs showcased thus far.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th.
The first official trailer (sorry, we don’t cover teaser teasers, or Vine teasers here) for The Wolverine dropped this morning, in both domestic and international flavors.
As our first glimpse at the latest solo Logan adventure, I have to say…neither edit really got me all that excited. It looks exactly as you’d expect.
Maybe they’ll work better for you. Â Check ‘em out.
US Version
International Version
Are you excited about Hugh Jackman’s return to wearing claws, or did this do nothing for you, too? Let us know in the comments!
The Wolverine is unleashed on July 26th.
Straight from the UK, we have a new trailer for this summer’s Kick-Ass sequel, the obviously titled Kick-Ass 2.
This new trailer focuses on fan favorite Hit Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz), and her struggles in the new film to adapt to High School.
Thanks to MSN for the video.
You might notice a new poster as well at the top - that’s a nice and close up look at Colonel Stars ‘n Stripes, as played by Jim Carrey. He’s my most anticipated part of the sequel.
Kick-Ass 2 slams into theaters on August 16th.
As I surmised with the last update, the contest going on over at the official Iron Man 3 Facebook page has revealed two more armors.
At the top of the page, we have Mark 17, an original armor design known as the “Heartbreaker”. I think we saw that one in the most recent trailer.
And this armor - well, it confirms a large scale Iron Man armor, but it is not the Hulkbuster as expected. We give you…Igor.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd.
Man, I am way too happy to have Bad Boys/The Rock Michael Bay back.
If you haven’t been paying attention, Pain & Gain is the true story of two bodybuilders in the 1990s (played here by Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) who get caught up in a world of crime and things go terribly terribly wrong.
The first trailer for the film was awesome, but a new red band trailer was released last night thanks to Yahoo!, so now you can see just how hard the R rating is.
I am only slightly ashamed of how much I am looking forward to this movie.
Pain & Gain hits theaters on April 26th.
Round 2 of the Jager based Pacific Rim posters, as today brings the “Stoic Russian Warrior" Cherno Alpha!
Gotta love those giant fists.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th.
Rumor has had it lately that Marvel Comics, seeing the success of DC Comics’Â Earth One line, would be attempting to create an original graphic novel line. Â The goal being that fans who just saw the movies would be able to pick these books up, get a great story without any major continuity ties, and have that story provided by A-List talent.
While Marvel attempted a similar program with the Season One graphic novel program, the talent level for this first release blows the entire Season One project out of the water.
Working together to create the first book, Avengers: Endless Wartime will be writer Warren Ellis (Transmetropolitan) and artist Mike McCone (Exiles)
Here’s the full synopsis for the release:
Avengers: Endless Wartime is bookended by an introduction from Marvel’s The Avengers star Clark Gregg (better known as “Agent Phil Coulson”) and an afterword from the legendary Stan Lee, co-creator of this blockbuster super hero team.
Avengers: Endless Wartime features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app - including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more, as well as a bonus digital edition redeemable for reading via the Marvel Comics app (for iPhone®, iPad®, iPad Touch® & Android devices) and online in the Marvel Digital Comics Shop, all at no additional cost! Avengers: Endless Wartime is available for Pre-Order now at Amazon.com, with a tentative October 2013 release date.  We’ll keep you updated on any further releases to this new original graphic novel series.
In an awesome announcement this morning from Tamashii Nations, who have done an amazing run of figures under the S.H. Figuarts line in Japan, it’s been made official - they are releasing a two pack of hyper articulated Daft Punk figures.
While the details are still early, we do know that the figures will release sometime in November, and vendor Bluefin should be bringing them to the US, much as they have the other figures in the line, which has included characters from Power Rangers, Dragonball-Z, Kamen Rider and Gundam, among many many others.
Here’s the formal write up with all the details we have at this time:
Appropriately timed with the group’s new album announcement and supervised by the artists themselves, high-end action figures of Daft Punk have been confirmed for release under the S.H.Figuarts advanced action figure series from Bandai Japan’s premium collector’s label, Tamashii Nations! The total figure height is approximately 15cm, and as with all S.H.Figuarts figures, these Daft Punk figures feature precise articulation for recreation of a variety of poses. The helmet areas will feature a shiny metallic finish for enhanced realism. Yeah, I don’t know about you, but my nerdshelf is definitely getting a set of Tom and Guy-Manuel.
Source: Bluefin Tamashii Nation Facebook
Last we saw Tony Stark in 2012’s The Avengers, he had just shown off his stunning Mark 8 armor, used in the Battle of New York to defeat Loki and the Chitauri army.
And the big gold and red armor featured primarily within this summer’s Iron Man 3 is confirmed as Mark 42…so…what happened with Mark’s 9-41?
They’re filling in the blanks with a Facebook game, the Iron Man 3: Unlock the Armor promotion, letting you win a trip to the Iron Man 3 premiere, and showcasing armors along the way. They may also play into the movie itself, if the posters and trailer are any indication.
For classic Iron Man fans, the Mark 33 armor (above), known here as the Enhanced Energy Suit, or “Silver Centurion”, should look familiar. Clearly based on the 1980’s Silver and Red redesign, it looks very sharp.
For a more unique look, we have the Mark 40 armor, known as the Hyper Velocity Suit, or “Shotgun”. A very different design from the traditional Shellhead feel.
Will we see more? You’re invited to enter every day, so one assumes we may be seeing new armors all week. If we do, Blast-O-Rama will keep you updated.
In what I hope is the first of many “character” posters featuring the mecha of Pacific Rim, we have a full on, mid battle take on the Jager mech of Japan - Coyote Tango!
My only question - did they intend for this to look like the box for a Gundam kit? And when are the Pacific Rim kits available?
Pacific Rim explodes into your multiplex on July 12th.
Set for a November 1st release, the long awaited adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s legendary sci-fi novel Ender’s Game is, much to the surprise of fans - finally happening.
And the proof is in the pudding, or in this case, the marketing, as today the first poster was revealed over at Yahoo!. Â Featuring Ender in the Battle Room, it’s another in the series of “people’s backs” teaser posters, but effective never the less.
If you, like me, have never read Ender’s Game, here’s the official synopsis to get your mouth watering:
Arriving at Battle School, Ender quickly and easily masters increasingly difficult war games, distinguishing himself and winning respect amongst his peers. Ender is soon ordained by Graff as the military’s next great hope, resulting in his promotion to Command School. Once there, he’s trained by Mazer Rackham, himself, to lead his fellow soldiers into an epic battle that will determine the future of Earth and save the human race.
Based on the best-selling, award-winning novel by visionary author Orson Scott Card, ENDER’S GAME stars Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin. Ender’s Game hits theaters on November 1st.
Marvel Studios has become known for their unique casting. Starting with taking a risk on Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man and continuing to Chris Pratt and Dave Bautista in Guardians of Galaxy, you can’t say that they’ve ever picked the expected choice.
Over the weekend, two pieces of casting came to light for the Captain America sequel, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, expected to be based on the legendary Ed Brubaker run on the comic in the mid-2000’s.
Friday was the first bit of news, from Deadline.com, reporting that - of all actors - Robert Redford would be joining the cast as a senior S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.  Since Marvel producer Kevin Feige has been calling The Winter Solider an homage to 70’s thrillers, it’s only appropriate that the man behind All the President’s Men plays a part, right?
Today, however, brought the strangest of casting news, as UFC Welterweight Champion, Georges St-Pierre will be playing the big screen version of Batroc the Leaper.
Batroc has always been considered a joke - I mean, look at him, but I have a hunch with GSP in the role, the character will be Batroc (probably no leaper), and WAY more bad ass than the character ever has been in the comics.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is set for a April 14th, 2014 release.
Confirmed via a second mysterious ad on Saturday Night Live this past weekend, Daft Punk is returning with a brand new album, titled Random Access Memories.
Set for a May 21st release, the album is 13 tracks long (titles thus far unrevealed), runs about 72 minutes, and you can pre-order your vinyl, CD or digital download now.
GET HYPE! Â In case you missed them here are the two teaser ads so far.
SNL Ad 1: March 3rd
SNL Ad 2: March 23rd
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Brad Pitt starring adaptation of World War Z is going to do an absolutely terrible job at bringing the book to the big screen.
However, it still may wind up as an incredibly effective Summer zombie romp.
The latest trailer hit today, and I have to be honest, for as much as I am bummed that we aren’t getting an adaptation of the book (the sublime audiobook will have to stand as the best version), this looks pretty damn fun.
Directed by Marc Forster (Stranger Than Fiction), World War Z hits theaters on June 21st.
The trailer for the latest Wolverine solo film, titled, appropriately, The Wolverine hits the web on Wednesday, and just before it gets out, Fox is pushing out a some new stills for the film alongside two absolutely dreadful posters.
The main poster is at the top of the post, pushing the 3D aspect of the movie. As far as action movie posters go, it’s not really the worst thing ever - but considering how many times during X-Men Origins: Wolverine Logan found himself screaming “Noooooo!” at the sky, the last thing I want to see before The Wolverine is him doing even more of that.
But hey, that poster is absolutely perfect, compared to this second one, which premiered exclusively at ComingSoon.net. Holy hell, this is first-year graphic designer day one bad.
Let’s hope for the best though - Entertainment Weekly premiered a bunch of new stills today, which include our first looks at Viper (who is now a blonde, but is otherwise comic accurate), the sure-to-be-a-fan-favorite Yukio and ill-fated love of Logan, Mariko. Â Check out the gallery of those stills below.
[gallery ids=“12702,12703,12704,12705,12706,12707,12708,12709”]
The Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th, 2013.
For long time comics fans, this is going to serve as one of the strangest stories ever.
Way way back in 1993, beloved author and creator Neil Gaiman co-wrote a story in Image Comics’ Spawn #9 with Todd McFarlane, featuring a character named Angela, an angelic bounty hunter.
In 2002, the character was the cause of a legal dispute between McFarlane and Gaiman, determining once and for all that Gaiman co-owned the legal rights to the character.
And now, in 2013…Angela is making her way to the Marvel Comics Universe. Really.
In a reveal exclusive to The New York Times, Marvel Comics has confirmed that Angela will be appearing in a “post-credits scene” at the end of the last issue of their current Age of Ultron event, which depicts a dystopian future where the robotic villain Ultron has, and continues to, defeat the heroes of the Marvel U.
Angela will then next appear within the pages of Guardians of the Galaxy #5, which will be co-written by Brian Michael Bendis and Neil Gaiman.
The goal here? Not really sure - but for long-term fans of comics, this is interesting both for the return of Gaiman to comics (who is also returning to the pages of Sandman this year), and the surreal integration of a notable Image Comics character into the Marvel Comics universe.
Source: NYTimes.com.
Some quick news this morning from director Edgar Wright’s Twitter account…
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) March 20, 2013 Yep! The long awaited third part of the “Blood & Ice Cream Trilogy”, Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s next collaboration, The World’s End is now set for an August 23rd release in the United States.
Originally set for release in October, this now brings things more in line with the UK release, which is on August 14th.
Update your calendars accordingly.
The action hits a fever pitch in the latest trailer for the JJ Abrams directed Star Trek Into Darkness, the long awaited sequel to the 2009 reboot.
You’ve got Benedict Cumberbatch being deliciously evil, Alice Eve in her undies, explosions, lens flares and the promise that this may be the most action filled Star Trek movie of all time. Just click play!
Star Trek Into Darkness will hit theaters on May 17th, with IMAX screenings starting on May 15th.
While the kaiju monsters of Pacific Rim continue to be shrouded in secrecy (until the next trailer, probably), Warner Bros isn’t afraid to tease and taunt us with the scope and scale of these creatures.
Two new images from director Guillermo Del Toro’s next appeared today, and much like those we showcased earlier this week, the focus is on kaiju based damage and cleanup.
The cityscape above indicates that cities are willing to rebuild around the bones of fallen kaiju, and as the image below shows, the cleanup process after one of these baddies is defeated is not an easy process (and looks an awful lot like the Gulf Coast).
Now, if we’re looking at the hype and anticipation level for the film, a rare original property in this summer’s mix of sequels and adaptations, one thing comes to mind as a key of success - parody.
The filmmakers at The Asylum, responsible for such direct-to-video, grandmother confusing knockoffs as Snakes on a Train and Transmorphers are taking on Pacific Rim with their their next film - Atlantic Rim. Yes. Really.
No release date is announced for Atlantic Rim, which will star Naughty By Nature rapper Treach and Baywatch star David Chokachi, but sure enough, it’ll pop up on Netflix before you know it.
Pacific Rim, the real deal, hits theaters on July 12th.
As we see more and more pop culture based high-end art prints, we see a greater depth of characters and movie and television history represented.
That said, I never expected to see Darkwing Duck, let alone ANY part of the Disney Afternoon, on any prints any time soon.
[caption id=“attachment_12668” align=“aligncenter” width=“496”] Variant Edition[/caption]
Never the less, artist James Silvani has made it happen with his new piece Dangerous, which will be released on Tuesday, March 26th via Dark Ink Art.
Sure, the Obama/Hope bit is a bit played out, but besides that, I love it, especially the more accurate variant.
Each print is 18"x24", and will run you $50. The standard edition is limited to a run of 250, with the variant having only 50 copies available.
Source: 411posters.
We aww’ed in unison when Funko showcased the first series of Game of Thrones POP! Vinyl figures, and now we get to be immersed in the cuteness of the second series of figures, featuring even more fan favorites.
Representing the George R.R. Martin series in vinyl form is the following figures:
I have to admit, I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed Despicable Me. Between the Pharrell score, the surprisingly effective “Bad Guy Goes Good” story, and the adorable adopted sisters, it really stuck with me.
Thus far, the idea of Despicable Me 2 has been something I’ve enjoyed in theory, especially since the trailers so far have just been general teasers featuring the adorable-going-on-irritating Minions. This seemed to spell bad things for the movie. I mean, if they can’t market it with the actual film, what does that say?
You need not worry any longer, as the first official full trailer for the film has hit, and it features Gru, the girls, and yes, the Minions, as the plot this time takes the former villain into the side of good, as he is brought on to take down other super villains.
It looks like a madcap mixture of humor, heart, and thank goodness, gadgets, as Gru (Steve Carrell) attempts to save the day. Word is the bad guy this time will be played by Al Pacino, but he is nowhere to be seen? heard? in this footage.
Check out the new trailer and a set of stills below.
Despicable Me 2 is set for a July 3rd release.
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Did you find yourself this morning thinking “Man, I love the posters so far for Iron Man 3, but I need like…one more.”
Congrats, Marvel Studios and IMAX have answered your prayers.
Released today, the above poster is intended to promote the IMAX screenings, and basically is a pastiche of all of the released character posters so far, featuring every major player in the film (with Tony and Pepper at the center, naturally).
Is this the last poster for the film? Most likely, but I also wouldn’t be surprised to see one pushed out for the 12:01am IMAX screenings of the films as well. Hopefully something a little more understated.
Iron Man 3 zooms into theaters on May 3rd.
There have been many indie studio success stories over the past few years, but one of the strongest is of Supergiant Games, creators of the fantastic action-RPG Bastion.
Sure, WB Games helps fund them, but Bastion found incredible success on Xbox Live Arcade, Steam, and a perfect iOS port (which is where I discovered them).
They will be heading to PAX East next weekend, and wouldn’t you know it, have their next game in tow, another isometric action RPG called Transistor.
The first trailer was released today, and we’ve got it for you below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GTik6sYT_BE
The beautiful art and unique music returns for this game, featuring a female protagonist with “an extraordinary weapon of unknown origin”, which seems to be clearly inspired by the futures showcased in movies such as Blade Runner.
While no platforms have been announced for the game (I hope for iOS, personally), Transistor is set for an early-2014 release.
Source: Supergiant Games
Today brings forth the highly anticipated home video release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and in today’s special edition of Nerd Alert, we focus on the many exclusive editions of Peter Jackson’s return to Middle-Earth.
If you’re looking for the vanilla, regular editions of the film, Amazon.com brings the best prices, with the 2D Blu-Ray (pictured at the top of the post) on sale for just $21.99, with the 3D edition (above) running you $27.99. The DVD is just $14.99.
Now, what if you’re looking for something a little more special? There are quite a few retailer exclusives - hopefully, you aren’t a major collector.
Best Buy is home to an exclusive lenticular Bilbo/Gollum cover, and the disc contains an exclusive A Hobbit’s Tale Part 1: The Journey Begins documentary.
Target goes LEGO heavy, giving you an exclusive LEGO figure of Bilbo Baggins and a bonus behind-the-scenes LEGO featurette on disc.
Walmart goes surprisingly classy with their exclusive, a 64-Page Digibook packaging and as 4 exclusive bonus featurettes titled The Journey Back to Middle-earth, Bilbo and The Riddle Game, Gandalf and the White Council, and Thorin and the “Song of the Lonely Mountain" accessible through Vudu.
All this being said, Peter Jackson did confirm that there will be a The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Extended Edition hitting stores in time for Christmas. So I wouldn’t blame you for holding out…or you can just win a copy directly from Blast-O-Rama!
Happy shopping, hobbit hunters!
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
Yesterday, some teaser images circulated around the web regarding a brand new comic from writer Brian K. Vaughan (Saga, Y: The Last Man) with beautifully rendered art from Marcos Martin (Daredevil, Amazing Spider-Man).
Today, to the shock and surprise of everyone, they’ve released it themselves, online.
Titled The Private Eye, the first issue has hit the web at PanelSyndicate.com.
The comic is described as follows:
Don’t let them down, Internet. I’ll be snapping up a copy ASAP.
Source: Panel Syndicate.
We all love the 1981 John Carpenter classic Escape From New York, right?
No, we won’t discuss Escape From LA.
Well, I hope you’re ready to learn the origins of Snake Plissken and his eye patch, as producer Joel Silver and Studio Canal have purchased the rights to the film, to create a reboot, expanding the story to a trilogy.
Because that’s what we need. A movie expertly told once, instead stretched out into three films, adding an origin and other details which were unnecessary.
I realize that Hollywood probably doesn’t read this blog (although, considering I’ve had cease and desists in the past, I could be wrong), but I’ll jump on my soapbox for this.
When you have a really great, iconic character like Snake, and he shows up fully formed, missing an eye, in the shit with his government - I don’t question the “why”. I just assume the best possible story why. I don’t need it spelled out to me.
When you do spell it out to me, you get something as poorly formed t as that scene in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, where for some reason we needed an origin for his leather jacket.
The story of film has long been show, don’t tell - how about you stop telling me about what you showed me already?
Source: Deadline.com.
To announce that a trailer will be hitting the web on Wednesday, March 27th, 20th Century Fox has released a brand new still from The Wolverine, the second solo film for everyone’s favorite clawed X-Man.
Starring Hugh Jackman, the James Mangold directed film has promised a very serious take on Logan, and our first glimpse of the film in action should hopefully be a meaty one, as Mangold has made some pretty bold comparisons in terms of what he’s aiming for with the film - comparing The Wolverine to films including Chungking Express, 13 Assassins, Chinatown and The French Connection, among others.
The new still features a well dressed Wolverine with blood on his claws - clearly, someone did him wrong.
The Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th.
While many may have griped at Argo’s win for Best Picture at the Oscars this year, I still admit that the film was one of my favorites of 2012, so I was happy to see the win.  So, understandably, with the breaking news of Ben Affleck re-teaming with screenwriter Chris Terrio, I am excited for the potential project.
The film in question is an adaptation of the forthcoming book Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution.
The book, written by author Nathaniel Philbrick (In The Heart of the Sea)Â tells the story of the battle in Boston (of course) which sparked the American Revolution in 1775. It doesn’t hit shelves until April, but you can read the synopsis, courtesy of Amazon, below:
Philbrick brings a fresh perspective to every aspect of the story. He finds new characters, and new facets to familiar ones. The real work of choreographing rebellion falls to a thirty-three year old physician named Joseph Warren who emerges as the on-the-ground leader of the Patriot cause and is fated to die at Bunker Hill. Others in the cast include Paul Revere, Warren’s fiancÁ© the poet Mercy Scollay, a newly recruited George Washington, the reluctant British combatant General Thomas Gage and his more bellicose successor William Howe, who leads the three charges at Bunker Hill and presides over the claustrophobic cauldron of a city under siege as both sides play a nervy game of brinkmanship for control.
With passion and insight, Philbrick reconstructs the revolutionary landscape—geographic and ideological—in a mesmerizing narrative of the robust, messy, blisteringly real origins of America. This will not serve as Ben Affleck’s next movie as a director, that goes to an adaptation of the novel Live By Night, a prohibition-era crime drama, which he intends to star in as well.
Love him or hate him, you have to respect Affleck for continuing to take creative risks as a director.  Here’s hoping Bunker Hill (and Live By Night) continue his thus far flawless resume as a director.
Source: Deadline
The end of March isn’t just for Game of Thrones for TV nerds, oh no! Fans worldwide are also chomping at the bit for the return of the doctor in the second half of Doctor Who Season 7.
This half season focuses on the adventures of the Doctor (Matt Smith) alongside his new companion, Clara Oswin Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman). As I personally am still watching Season 6 (and have the half season of 7 so far still to watch), I have no idea who she is, or what happened to our dear Amy and Rory.
That said, here’s a trailer (which I personally haven’t watched) for the return of the Doctor, and four posters for the first four episodes of this new half season. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9oEUsKwVqeA
Doctor Who returns to the airwaves on March 30th.
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HBO is going trailer crazy with Game of Thrones! This weekend alone brought three more trailers for the forthcoming season, which brings the total to…five, I think?  All three are great, but the last is particularly epic, for those with time to only watch one.
Just reminds me, I need to get my Season 2 rewatch in. All three trailers are embedded below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lCQnSokNfXY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wfSXhMzWoA4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=R4XSeW4B5Rg
Game of Thrones Season 3 hits on March 31st.
Remember the 1979 sci-fi classic Alien? It did a LOT right, and had a lot going for it.
But you know what it never had? A Burger King tie-in, complete with collector’s glasses.
You know who will fix that? The San Francisco based toy pirates at Super 7, who intend to right the wrong with a series of Fast-Food style glasses for Alien.
Here’s their press release:
Inspired by vintage “Fast Food" glasses, these four glasses present a memorable scene from the movie on the front side, featuring colorful artwork created exclusively for this Gift Set. The backs reveal the four-part lifecycle of the Xenomorph — the menacing ALIEN creature itself. This collectible set includes:
THE SPACE JOCKEY BIG CHAP’ aka THE ALIEN KANE’S CHESTBURSTER RIPLEY & THE AIRLOCK
Each 16 ounce Pint Glass measures approximately 5 ¾" tall. Perfect for use in your kitchen, home bar, or dining area of The Nostromo.
$49.99 Boxed Set of Four
Available Late Spring 2013 — but come see a Sneak Peek at Wondercon!
Alienâ„¢ & © 2013 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved. That reminds me - what is going on with that retro line they promised, anyway…
Source: Action Figure Insider.
Thanks to the Argentinean site CINE 1 of all places, we have six brand new posters for the Mark Millar comic adaptation Kick-Ass 2.
These posters put the masked characters of the film front and center, with posters for Kick-Ass (Aaron Johnson), Hit Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz), the former Red Mist now Mother Fucker (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), plus the new heroine Night Bitch (Lindy Booth) and new baddies Mother Russia (Olga Kurkulina) and Black Death (Daniel Kaluuya).
You can check all the posters out in the gallery below.
Kick-Ass 2 hits theaters on August 16th, 2013.
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The first round of promotional material for Guillermo Del Toro’s monsters versus robots epic Pacific Rim was all about the robots.
Now, thanks to two new images released on the official Pacific Rim Facebook page, we see that the second round of promotion will zero in on the monsters - or kaiju - just as you’d hope and expect from a Del Toro film.
The image at the top of the post is an example of a kaiju’s footprint, indicating the large scale of the monsters to be seen in the July release.
The second image, below, is of kaiju blood, which by the caption provided by the Facebook page, of you not wanting to get it on you, indicates that the blood is toxic to humans in some regard.
More ARG fun that amounts to nothing, or an indication of the world building to be seen in the film? We’ll know for sure once the film hits theaters.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 11th, 2013.
Tomorrow, March 19th, the first of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit films, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits home video.
To celebrate, our dear friends at Warner Bros have reached out to us with the chance to give you - yes, YOU a copy of the film on Blu-Ray+DVD Combo Pack!
How do you win? SIMPLE! Just take the Are You 100% Hobbit Quiz in the widget below and reply with your answer! Fill in a comment by Saturday, March 23rd, and you’ll have a chance at a copy of the film ABSOLUTELY FREE!  Just be sure to put in your real email address, so we can tell you when you’ve won.
Of course, this is for the US only, no PO Boxes or any of that silly business. Good luck!
EDIT: THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! CONGRATS “MIL”!
After rumors which included a return of Steven Spielberg to the directorial chair, Universal Pictures has finally announced the director for Jurassic Park 4, and chances are, you have no idea who he is.
The director will be Colin Trevorrow, who helmed the absolutely charming light sci-fi indie comedy Safety Not Guaranteed. If you haven’t seen the film, it’s a great watch, a mix of an indie romance film and some soft time travel elements.  That said, I can’t say it’s the best highlight reel to determine a guy to oversee dinosaurs.
However, he did adeptly mix high concept with some solid footing for human characters, so maybe he is the right man for the job. Early rumors placed Trevorrow as a possible Star Wars: Episode VII director, so clearly, people in Hollywood are high on him, but we will have to see how he does with dozens of rampaging dinos.
Jurassic Park 4 is set for a June 13th, 2014 release. It better be better than Jurassic Park III.
Source: Deadline.com.
Marvel Studios journey into the stars with Guardians of the Galaxy continues to load up on eclectic talent.  With the unique choice of director in Slither’s James Gunn and lead actor in Parks & Recreation’s Chris Pratt, fans shouldn’t be surprised to see another unusual selection added to the mix.
Joining the cast as the green warrior known as Drax the Destroyer is former WWE star Dave Bautista.
Bautista, who also moonlights in MMA, was last seen on screen in the RZA’s directorial debut The Man With The Iron Fists.  Suffice to say, Bautista has history of being a shirtless musclebound dude, only now he will be green.
Guardians of the Galaxy is set for an August 1st, 2014 release.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
Alright, if you’ve totally missed the internet today, we have some news for you…
Warner Bros has officially given Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas (not the guy from Matchbox 20) the OK to start work on a Veronica Mars film! And Kristen Bell is on board!
Awesome, right? Well…that’s where it gets weird.
The only way that WB will greenlight the project officially is if they raise $2 Million on Kickstarter.  Now, in less than 24 hours, the project has earned $1.7 Million (at the time of this writing), so it’s a fair bet to say that the project will go on, which means everyone will get their film, plus their goodies (like t-shirts, digital downloads of the films, DVDs, blu-rays, etc.)
But now, it’s time to be “that guy”.
Could this be the start of a bad thing? Â You take a property with a huge cult backing and essentially hold it for ransom - making the fans pay to support or initialize the production of the film, project, etc? Isn’t that what studios are for anyway?
Sure, we are currently within a strange era of media where if people want something made, people can support its creation through site such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Â However - when big huge media like Warner Bros is using it for, essentially startup funds and market research, isn’t that abusing a system designed for the Davids, not the Goliaths?
Furthermore - will this cause every lost cult TV show, movie or project to turn into a system of beggars? You’d have to think that the producers of projects like Firefly and Rob Thomas’s own Party Down, among countless others, have to be eyeing the results of this project - if just to follow through and “get theirs”.
Will this lead to a world where instead of a studio taking a risk and supporting original ideas, they make it the general audiences responsibility, if not “fault” to greenlight the future of these projects?
Imagine if tomorrow, this is how Warner Bros decides which DC Comics movie to produce after Justice League. It’s a ridiculous concept on paper, but it’s a reality we aren’t too far from.
This is an exciting day for Veronica Mars fans, and this isn’t intended to ruin any parades - but think about the other message your money may be sending. Just some food for thought.
Source: Kickstarter.
By the time that The Venture Bros. Season 5 finally airs its first episode, it will have marked nearly two and a half years since the final episode of Season 4.  Suffice to say, the fans are rabid, and now we finally have a trailer to start dissecting.
While limited in voiceover, this certainly gives you a lot to chew on - more with Jonas Sr., perhaps another death for the boys - all I know is, I just want to devour the whole thing! Check it out.
The Venture Bros. Season 5 debuts on [adult swim] on May 19th, 2013. Luckily, Season 6 has already been greenlit.
The long-awaited debut trailer for Kick-Ass 2 has finally hit the web.
It’s red band (read: 18+), full of naughty language (as after all, the Red Mists’s new name is The Motherfucker) and it looks pretty awesome.
You’ve got dozens of costumed wanna be heroes, you’ve got Jim Carey as Colonel Stars, and of course, Chloe Grace Moretz showcasing her foul mouth as Hit Girl.
Simply put, if you didn’t like the first Kick-Ass, this isn’t for you. But if you did - get ready for more!  Click play!
Kick-Ass 2 hits theaters on August 16th, 2013.
Source: MTV Geek.
In a somewhat terse announcement today, Lucasfilm has officially announced that the super popular Star Wars: The Clone Wars cartoon, currently airing on Cartoon Network will be ending with the current, fifth season.
They promise future “bonus content” to tie up loose ends, but to “Stay Tuned” for future updates on that content.
Additionally, the Star Wars based comedy series, Star Wars Detours from Robot Chicken lead Seth Green has been indefinitely postponed.
Given that Lucasfilm is now owned by Disney, and both cartoons were to be broadcast on a Disney competitor, not Disney’s male-oriented channel DisneyXD, the announcement should not come as a huge surprise, but is still a disappointment never the less - at least in the case of Clone Wars.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however! Lucasfilm does promise that they are working on “exploring a whole new Star Wars series set in a time period previously untouched in Star Wars films or television programming.” Even money says that goes to ABC or DisneyXD.
Source: StarWars.com.
Ever since DC Comics launched the New 52, the results have been mixed, to say the least.
They started rather strong, but besides certain strongholds like Grant Morrison’s Action Comics and Scott Snyder’s Batman, the reboot has been mired in some unsuccessful titles, shady timelines and general editorial confusion.
That being said, DC looks to be fixing this - but one can worry that with the latest story being hyped to the mainstream press, one of their best books may be ruined in the meantime - the aforementioned Scott Snyder/Greg Capullo run on Batman.
As told to the Associated Press, starting this June, Batman will be showcasing “The Year Zero”, an eleven issue run which promises to show “how Bruce became the Batman, built the cave, faced off with his first super villain.”
This would be a decent idea if we didn’t already have the legendary run of Year One by Frank Miller, and last year’s awful and misguided Earth One from Geoff Johns.  Plus, you know, countless movies and TV shows which have already set the stage.
The idea of retelling the Batman origins, especially in a time barely removed by two mainstream interpretations, seems like a poor idea.
That being said - this past September brought Batman #0, part of the “Zero Month” at DC - and it showcased a Batman earlier in his career. This made for an interesting and enjoyable read, and promised to continue sometime in 2013. Â If this is the intent of “The Year Zero”, this may end up good - let’s just hope that they do not keep a laser focus on the “how” of Batman, but instead the “what”. I want to see him fighting thugs and taking down Gotham crime as it escalates to super-villainy. Â Not the same ol' “Bruce Wayne sees a Bat in his window, decides to become a symbol” story.
Either way, we’ll see how it goes when “The Year Zero” launches in June.
Source: AP.
EDIT: Thanks to iFanboy, here’s the cover for Batman #21, the issue kicking off “The Year Zero” “Zero Year”.
Sadly ignored when it had a limited theatrical release last year, The Raid: Redemption is one of the most exciting and intense action movies ever made.
Filmed in Indonesia, this movie had the plot of Dredd well before Dredd hit theaters. You take one giant apartment building, you put a drug dealer at the top, and then the cops have to fight their way up.  That may not sound like much, but as this (NSFW) trailer shows, the action is intense all the way through.
In an awesome turn of events, Amazon has dropped the price of the Blu-Ray to just $10. Not sure how long this deal will last, but if you love martial arts films and/or glorious theatrical violence, you need to pick it up! Even if the cover-art makes it look like a budget video game.
Go get it!
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On paper, the concept of the directorial debut of the Foo Fighter’s Dave Grohl is an odd one - a documentary charting the history of one recording studio in California - the titular Sound City.  Or, perhaps more importantly, the history of its rare Nave Soundboard.  But once you’re in the thick of the documentary you realize what the film is really about - the battle of analog versus digital.
This argument has been going on forever and continues to this day with discussions of albums mixed for iTunes use, the renewed interest in vinyl and the growth of auto-tune and laptop based music, but the discussion is even larger - the changing of the guard of the musical industry. Â If we are truly at the end of an era of music, Grohl has created a hell of an epitaph.
The first half of the film is about the Nave era of Sound City, started in the late 1970s. We’re taken through the creation of dozens of landmark records, many of the stories told by the performers themselves - Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty and Rick Springfield, amongst many other talking heads. Â Sound City wasn’t a luxury recording studio, it was a beat to shit hole in the wall that you just wanted to record in and get the hell out of. But the sound it created was truly unlike any other. The formative music of the 1970s and 1980s was truly built at Sound City, and in the 90s found a late era resurgence with bands such as Nirvana, Slipknot, Rage Against the Machine, and interestingly enough - the digital heavy Nine Inch Nails.
Every artist interviewed for the documentary exudes enthusiasm for the now shuttered studio, closed in 2011, but more importantly, they express an excitement for the now-lost human element in musical creation. In the era of tape, if you messed up you had to re-record and try again. Now with just a few mouse clicks, Ke$ha sounds like an actual performer.
Grohl was smart enough to realize how this human element of musical creation had to be demonstrated, and wisely uses the second half of the documentary to showcase the creation of Sound City - Real to Reel, a soundtrack album to the film which hits on Tuesday (alongside the DVD and Blu-Ray releases of the film).  This is where the real spark of the film lies. While most likely only the hardcore music nerds will be into the history of Sound City, the former Nave soundboard found its way into the Foo Fighters own Studio 606, and the Foos gladly play host to countless musical icons in this celebration of what was.
You see such rare sites as Stevie Nicks enjoying take after take, the Foo Fighters pairing with Fear vocalist Lee Ving, and what I found the most interesting, a fly on the wall look at the collaboration between Grohl, Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age and Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor which just seems to underline Reznor’s point of digital as tool - not as all-encompassing savior.
The doc appropriately ends with the much discussed combination of ex-Nirvana players Dave Grohl, Pat Smear and Kris Novoselic with the one and only Paul McCartney, and it’s hard not to feel the same level of musical excitement all four parties share during the process. Who would have ever thought that Nirvana and the Beatles would have paired so well.
Never outlasting its welcome, Sound City is an energetic documentary about an element of music you never thought you’d be fascinated by, and stands as a document of the pure power of human collaboration.  An absolutely recommended watch, and you’ll want to have the money ready for the soundtrack as well - the tracks previewed sound just that damn good.
For the past few weeks, Marvel Comics has been sending odd teaser images to all of the big comics sites, promising some important events this weekend at the Austin, TX based music, movies and tech festival SXSW.
Today at 1pm local time, they revealed all, and you can’t say they aren’t making digital comics a thing.
The first order of business? The push of their formerly web-based comic subscription service Marvel Unlimited to iOS and Android. This happened late last week, but still was noteworthy enough to discuss. For just $10 a month, or $5 a year, you can now have access to over 13,000 back issues of the Marvel Comics library, Netflix style. There are some flaws with the system, based on playing with the app (which you can try out for free), such as a somewhat wonky viewer, and the ability to only take 6 comics offline at a time, but I feel like overtime this will be a killer service, and I cannot wait for DC to try something similar alongside it.
Up next was the answer to the Marvel First teaser image…an initiative called Marvel #1. Starting today through Tuesday, March 12th, a whopping 700 first issues and first appearances will be downloadable for free through the Marvel Digital Store and their related app. You can check out the selection here - that is, if the store is up. Understandably, it’s getting hammered at this time.  But this includes a lot of new comics, including issues from the Marvel NOW revamp.
Third was the 52 image - no, we aren’t getting the Marvel New 52, we’re instead getting 52 new Infinite Comics, one per week. The Marvel Infinite Comic is a digital only comic using subtle animations and transitions - it’s a really slick read if you haven’t checked it out, and to ensure that you will, the first series out of the gate stars everyone’s favorite X-Man, Wolverine!
Fourth was the explanation of Project Gamma. This is the most interesting of the concepts as it allows for what is being described as an “adaptive audio experience” for comics. Here’s a quote from the official Marvel PR which helps explain it:
“The music will not speed up as you flip the page,“ he explains. “Its modulated in such a way that whether you’re a fast reader or a slow reader, it will stick with you, it’ll be by your side. This is embedded music to enhance the experience of what you’re already enjoying. And it paces itself to how you’re reading. So that’s really the key.
“If there’s a piano expected to be on there for 30 seconds and plays music for 30 seconds, after that time is over it’s going to randomize in a way that’s completely intuitive. As you’re flipping back and forth throughout pages, it’s not going to be buffering; the audio will enhance that experience and take you back to where you were. You’re not going to hear any break in the music.“ Last but far from least is Marvel.com’s push into original videos, starting with Marvel’s Earth Mightiest Show, starring ex-G4 host Blair Butler. Butler used to be responsible for the Weekly Ink segments on Attack of the Show, so they’re certainly starting with the right person.
All and all, if there is any message to be taken from this - Marvel is not taking the transition from print to digital lightly. We’ll have to see how DC, Image and the rest respond over the next year.
As we get closer and closer to the release of JJ Abrams' second Star Trek film, I think it’s pretty clear that we will not be allowed to know who the main villain of the film is until we’re sitting in a theater seeing the film as it happens.  Sort of refreshing these days.
That’s not to say that we aren’t being marketed to, however!
The third trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness hit over the weekend attached to Oz The Great and Powerful, and what it doesn’t have in length (running just over a minute) it has in wit and action.
The character interplay which made the first film of the new series really pop continues here, and personally - I was sold from the first trailer anyway. Seeing more great looking action just confirms that I’ll have to be in line for that midnight show.
Star Trek Into Darkness hits theaters on May 15th, 2013 in IMAX and May 17th, 2013 in regular theaters.
While we still know next to nothing about the film besides, y’know, “in space”, the next Christopher Nolan directed film, Interstellar is officially on the release date books.
Ready?
November 7th, 2014, hitting in both regular theaters and IMAX.
Interestingly enough, this is a combined effort of Warner Bros and Paramount Pictures. I guess when your last three movies made nearly $3 Billion worldwide combined, people fall all over themselves to work with you.
Source: Deadline.com
While they seem to continue to not want to push that this is the latest film from M. Night Shyamalan, the latest trailer for the Will and Jayden Smith sci-fi survival film still looks pretty damn solid…
…even if the newest poster kinda makes it look like they both have high-top fades.
After Earth hits theaters on June 7th, 2013.
While I was one of the people who throughly enjoyed The Hangover when it hit theaters in 2009, I was not one of the many many of you who saw (and I assume, enjoyed) The Hangover Part II.  I have caught 10 minutes of it on HBO, and it certainly felt like the same thing, but more of it.
That said, this coming summer, the final movie in the series, the aptly titled The Hangover Part III will hit, and if the trailer is any indication, at least the movie isn’t the same as the prior two.
And hey -Â giraffes, am I right?
The Hangover Part III hits theaters on May 24th, 2013.
Hey folks - Marty Day here - your editor in chief and all around awesome guy.
Today, we embark on an exciting new day for us at Blast-O-Rama, as we move from the world of blogging and dip our toes into the world of live events, as thanks to the team at Tugg.com we are sponsoring a local screening of the Japanese cult classic film - Battle Royale!
…that is, with your help.
Tugg.com is almost a Kickstarter for movie screenings - we need at least 80 of you to pre-purchase your tickets (at $12.01 a pop) by Monday, March 25th for the screening to go on as planned. If we do not reach this number, the screening does not go off.
If you’ve never seen Battle Royale before, it’s one of my favorite films of all time - and if you have seen it before, chances are, you’ve never seen it on the big screen.
Let’s make this an awesome event together. Share this with your friends and foes alike, and lets get together, break bread, and enjoy one of the best movies ever -Â Battle Royale.
One of the most pleasant surprises in theaters last year was the Disney computer animated film Wreck-It Ralph.
Sort of a Toy Story or Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the movie was an absolute joy to watch, and was even nominated for an Oscar. If you haven’t yet seen the film, or already saw it and loved it, there are some great deals for the home video release.
If you’re looking for the standard Blu-Ray, which includes a DVD copy of the film (plus the Oscar winning short Paperman on the disc), it can be yours for just $19.99 - 50% off the retail price!
If you have a sweet 3D setup at home, you can pick up the 4-disc version of the Blu-Ray, which includes a bonus digital copy and 3D copy compared to the standard Blu-Ray. That can be yours for $27.99, 44% off retail.
Just looking for the standard DVD? Don’t worry, you can nab that for $16.99, 43% off retail.
So, what are you waiting for - look at your wallet and tell it -Â YOU’RE GONNA WRECK IT!
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
The final trailer for the long awaited third installment of the Tony Stark story has finally hit thanks to Yahoo! Movies (YouTube below thanks to Marvel UK), and there’s nothing more to say about it other than for the love of God, hit play!
We’ve got the stakes raised, we’ve got more Mandarin action, we’ve got Iron Man suits everywhere, and we might have a final shot that finally rivals the suitcase suit reveal…
CAN YOU SAY HULKBUSTER?!
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013. We’ll be vibrating with anticipation in the corner until then.
As we told you about last October, DC Comics is making the very smart move to launch a brand new Superman series alongside the theatrical debut of the long-awaited Man of Steel.
Now, thanks to USA Today, we have our first official look at the book, plus the title for the comic -Â Superman Unchained.
Pairing white-hot writer Scott Snyder (Batman) with legendary comic artist Jim Lee, Superman Unchained will be launching on June 12th, just 2 days before the release of the film on June 14th.
Lee and Snyder are working hard to redefine the classic comic character for a new generation, and luckily enough, the first hit is free. As a part of the Free Comic Book Day giveaway book from DC Comics on May 4th, the first Superman story from the pair will be published.
The book’s success is a no-brainer - big name writer plus a big-name artist should ring up well at your local comic store - but can they keep the character relevant to an increasingly Batman world? We’ll find out in June.
Source: USA Today.
I don’t particularly have a reverence for The Wizard of Oz. Yes, I watched it many times as a child, and yes, I loved the Cowardly Lion - but the story never resonated with me. I much rather would have watched Star Wars or the 1989 Batman again, than spent the time with Dorothy and Friends.  But there’s little doubt that nearly 75 years after its release, the story of Oz is one which continues to resonate today - hence this Friday’s release of Oz the Great and Powerful, a prequel of sorts, helmed by noted director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Evil Dead).
The film focuses on the journey of Oscar Diggs, or as he is better known, the carnival magician known as Oz (James Franco). Â Starting in the early 1900s, we are trust into the world of Oz. Â A carny to the core, his life is a constant performance. Whether doing his daily magic shows, or becoming romantically involved with new girls in every new town, his is a life of pretending to be something greater than he is. But within him there is a struggle - a want and a need to truly be great, like his idols Harry Houdini and Thomas Edison. He doesn’t just want to say he’s great and powerful - he actually wants to be great and powerful.
One night, after a performance which ends on a rather dour note, where he realizes he may be more of a phony than he’d care to admit, his romantic life comes to a head as well. Â Chased throughout the carnival, he leaps into a hot-air balloon, ascending into the air just as a Kansas tornado hits. Â Spinning and swirling through the vortex, Oz suddenly finds himself crash landed into a new world, one which shares his name - the land of Oz.
From there, the story turns into the hero’s journey. As an unofficial prequel to The Wizard of Oz (licensing issues dictate that while they can hint towards the future events of that film, they can never actually acknowledge Dorothy and the gang), this is the tale of how Oz becomes the Wizard.  Sent on the mission to stop the evil Wicked Witch, he comes across three witch sisters - Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams) and befriends a flying monkey named Finley (Zach Braff) and a girl made of porcelain (Joey King).  If you are familiar with the Oz stories, you know where this leads, but even with that the story never plays out in an entirely predictable way.  Characters change dramatically, characters grow, and the world of Oz comes to life.
This realization of this new version of Oz is assisted by a deft combination of wonderful performances and strong filmmaking.
On the acting front, the witch sisters all bring something unique to the film - I’m not sure if they could have been more perfectly cast, especially as certain loyalties change. There’s a depth to each performance, even for characters that could have come off as one-note, such as Michelle Williams' Glinda. Â But the real surprise here is James Franco. While Franco always tends to give 100% in every role, I wasn’t sure if I’d believe him as Oz. Â However, the version here has an odd cocky, yet…sleazy assurance about himself. Â Carny to the core, you truly can see the con man in Franco’s performance. Yet, his aw-shucks appeal which has helped him through so many comedies makes you want him to be a better man than he is. Â At times the movie was connected to Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr., and seeing the final product, I’m not sure if there was an actor who would have been better for the role than Franco. He truly embodies every moment.
Unsurprisingly, however, the strongest element of the film is its filmmaking. Sam Raimi has an intense level of joy here - whether he’s playing with 3D imagery, film aspect ratios and color (the movie starts in Black and White 4:3 and moves to color/widescreen when the movie moves to Oz), or some absolutely stunning CG imagery.  While there were a few composite shots which looked less than believable, the artistry on display in Oz is second to none. The beautiful Emerald City has never looked more astonishing, and with two cast members made completely of CG (Finley and the China Girl), you are never met with the Jar Jar effect - you truly believe in each character. It’s a testament to both Franco’s performance alongside these characters and the amazing animation team that you believe them both, through and through.  It’s worth noting also that one sequence is perhaps the most emotionally effecting computer generated scene I’ve seen since…oh, the Sandman transformation sequence in Spider-Man 3? Raimi gets how to make big budget films work, simply put.  Also, for the hardcore Raimi files - yes, Ted Raimi and Bruce Campbell are both in the film, and we get an awesome POV shot. Sadly, no Oldsmobile.
From the trailers and images released so far, I wouldn’t blame you if you were to assume that Sam Raimi’s Oz the Great and Powerful were another instance of a film like Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland - a movie where Disney gave a known director the chance to re-imagine a classic tale in a whole new light.
Sure, the comparisons are obvious - a stark visual rejuvenation for a new era, a Danny Elfman score - but they end there. Sam Raimi uses a deft hand for direction, a strong focus on storytelling and a surprisingly strong cast to turn Oz the Great and Powerful into one of the strongest family films released in recent years.  Sure, certain elements may be scary for the younger kids (the flying baboons and some of the plant creatures in the Dark Forest are going to be nightmare fuel, for sure), but children of every age should enjoy the film.
Last but far from least - this is one of those rare instances where I am going to recommend, hands down, that you see the film in 3D. Raimi has a LOT of fun tossing things at, toward and around the audience, and I can’t imagine the effects being anywhere as interesting without the 3D assistance. Â It’s worth it for the beautiful opening credits alone.
What can I say - Oz the Great and Powerful truly impressed me. Built off of the work of amazing artists, and a strong performance at the center by James Franco, it’s a wonderful film to be enjoyed for years to come.
Fans hopes and dreams worldwide have come to life this afternoon as Harrison Ford has officially signed on for a much-long awaited and highly anticipated sequel…
Anchorman 2.
Bet you weren’t expecting that, were you?
Neither were we, but this could end up pretty great. When Ford is equal parts angry and humorous, it’s brilliant stuff, so I can’t wait to see him bouncing off of Ferrell and company.
This isn’t Ford’s first time at a news desk, as he starred as a news anchor in the film Morning Glory.
Details remain minimal on the Anchorman sequel, but Ford is said to be playing a Tom Brokaw type in the film.
Anchorman 2 hits theaters on December 20th, 2013.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
While it’s almost easier to list the number of big cult movies which the team at Mondo has yet to do posters for than those which they’ve given the full artistic treatment, for ages, fans have wondered about the long lost poster for the 2011 film Drive, drawn by artist Tyler Stout.
Well, they won’t need to wait much longer, and they can even get the art two separate ways!
The easiest way (most likely) will be through the official vinyl release of Drive’s amazing soundtrack, featuring the work of Kavinsky, College, Desire and composer Cliff Martinez.
The soundtrack will be available on vinyl (a 2 LP set, with random copies with hot pink vinyl discs) starting on March 15th as a part of Stout’s combined gallery show with fellow beloved Mondo artist Ken Taylor.  The vinyl will then go on sale at MondoTees.com starting on March 22nd.
If that wasn’t enough, of course, a full poster will be available as well, and you can get a  look at that below.
Prices and run sizes are to be announced.
Source: Pitchfork.
For months now, we at Blast-O-Rama have been criticizing the way that Warner Bros has been handling the development of the theatrical version of the DC Comics Universe - aiming to put the cart well before the horse, and developing a full on Justice League movie before giving the individual characters proper movie treatments.
Now that positive word has surfaced about the big Zack Snyder Superman reboot, Man of Steel (upon which the fate of Justice League has apparently hinged), the team at Latino Review has dropped a new video today, linked below, which makes some bold claims about the future of Justice League.
Before we go into it, let’s look at Latino Reviews track record - they nailed that Guardians of the Galaxy was next up for Marvel Studios, they seem to have nailed that Iron Man 3 ends with Tony in Space, but according to some denials last week, were wrong about the Planet Hulk claims.
However, this is what they say is happening with Justice League:
Is any of it true? Will the Nolanverse take on the Whedonverse? Will Latino Review keep dishing out the truth? Stay tuned.
Source: Latino-Review.com.
The announcement of a fourth Assassin’s Creed game (this time, it’s pirates!) was met with equal levels of indifference and skepticism.
Despite this, however, UbiSoft is moving forward with the push for Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, and today, we have the first full trailer for the game which promises a new hero, a new setting and “the most diverse and seemless world” ever created for the series.
What say you - are you in for the October 29th, 2013 release? Or are you going to be sitting out this installment? Let us know in the comments.
The shroud of secrecy surrounding Brad Bird and Damon Lindelof’s Tomorrowland has been strong since it’s announcement.
Originally known as 1952, fans have speculated what the movie could be about, including UFOs, Aliens, or even possibly being a cover title for Star Wars: Episode VII.
That said, the team at HitFix has found a log-line for the film being used for casting, and it apparently gives us the basic idea of the plot:
This being said - I hope no one loses their job over this, but if the plot outline is true, this sounds like a very intriguing film.
Tomorrowland is set for release on December 19th, 2014.
Source: HitFix.
If you watched Saturday Night Live on Saturday night, you may have been met by the following, mysterious video ad.
Well, that’s certainly for Daft Punk and that’s certainly new music - but that’s all we’ve got!
Hopefully this is the first indication of a new album for 2013. Â Way to tease us, you wacky French robots!
On March 31st, the highly anticipated third season of Game of Thrones, based on the novel series A Song of Ice & Fire by George R.R. Martin finally premieres on HBO.
The marketing push continues today as they’ve unleashed a whopping twelve character posters for the series (pushing the struggle with darkness the characters will face this season) and a slightly longer trailer for the latest season. Â Check them out.
Are you as hype as we are for Game of Thrones Season 3? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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…and no, we don’t mean a fourth film. Thank goodness.
Although, we are supposed to be seeing an extended cut of the films on Blu-Ray.
Anyway - after originally setting the release date for the third and final Hobbit film, There and Back Again for July 18th, 2014, Warner Bros has announced that the film will now instead be released on December 17th, 2014.
The second film in the series, The Desolation of Smaug remains on its December 13th, 2013 release date.  If you’re wishing to pre-order the first film (An Unexpected Journey) on Blu-Ray, or in 3D, it releases in March, and is available on Amazon.com right now.
After redefining how a comedian can sell a special with Live at the Beacon Theater, Louis CK is returning to his old friends at HBO with his next special, Oh My God.
Premiering on HBO on April 13th, 2013 at 10pm, the special was shot during his latest tour at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ.
According to the press release, the topics include he food chain, animals, divorce, strange anecdotes, broken morality, murder and mortality.
Don’t have HBO (or a trusty friend with an HBO Go login)? Don’t worry - much like Live at the Beacon Theater, CK will be selling the special on his website for $5, a few months after the April premiere.
Source: Splitsider.
Tom Cruise continues as the last man on Earth, as he is pulled into a battle bigger than himself, in a world 60 years without occupation, or so he thought…
That’s the idea behind Oblivion, and with a little over a month until release, Universal has released another trailer for the film - this is the hard sell, action filled one, and it looks like it will continue the mixture of action and stunning visuals promised by the teaser trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MWX1vpkgqww
Directed by Joseph Kosinski (Tron Legacy) with a score by M83 and also starring Morgan Freeman, this really looks pretty great. May the trailer not be deceiving. Or there be a crappy plot twist…
Oblivion hits IMAX theaters on April 12th, regular theaters on April 19th, 2013.
One week from today, Sam Raimi’s much anticipated Oz The Great and Powerful hits theaters.  Starring James Franco as the titular “wizard”, the Wizard of Oz prequel has been getting great buzz, including some very strong early reviews, and to insure your butt in the seat, Disney has pushed out one last trailer for the flick, which you can see below.
While it runs just about a minute and a half, there is some new footage and promises flying monkeys, crazy plants, lions, all sorts of nutty special effects.
If that wasn’t enough, Disney also gave The Nerdist an exclusive reveal of the IMAX 12:01 poster for the film (at the top of the post). Once again, IMAX is pushing the Midnight release hard, promising an exclusive poster for those who come out early for the large screen format. Â While not as artsy as some of the other prints released for IMAX screenings, it certainly is tasteful.
So, has the marketing worked for you? Will you be seeing Oz next weekend?
Oz The Great and Powerful hits theaters on March 8th, 2013.
Remember how awesome the opening credits to Drive were?
I’d say half of what made that opening so great was the soundtrack - a song called “Nightcall”, composed by French electronica artist Kavinsky. It was the perfect jam for a contemplative night drive - and now, Kavinsky has dropped an entire album - titled OutRun.
Released this past Tuesday, I haven’t been able to stop listening to it, and if you want good music for driving, for focusing while working or just to jam out to - this album is it.
Very similar in vibe to fellow Frenchmen Justice, it’s a mixture of 80’s flair, solid guitar licks and all around balls-out dance synths. There’s also some weird storyline in the album about someone being killed and coming back to life via a Ferrari, but that’s only really addressed on the intro and outro. It’s a weird touch, but neither hurt nor helped the album for me.
Tracks worth checking out:
Yesterday, we had the poster, and today, we have the official first trailer for Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 - and if you love puns, holy crap, you are going to love it.
The surreal nature of the animation seen in the first Cloudy remains, and shy of my slight sadness that Mr. T has been replaced by Terry Crews, this looks like another fun animated adventure with Flint Lockwood and the gang.
Check it out.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 hits theaters on September 27th, 2013.
Should we be at all surprised these days when a sequel to a popular gaming franchise is released, especially one year after the prior title?
I suppose UbiSoft had me fooled - I truly believed them when they said that with the Assassin’s Creed series, the numbered ones mattered more.
What’s sequel overkill when some of the games aren’t “sequels”, I wondered?
Assassin’s Creed originally hit in 2007 - the game, while flawed, was beloved enough to result in the absolutely brilliant and amazing Assassin’s Creed II in 2009. That’s one of my favorite games from this generation - and while I had no interest in the “side-quels" Brotherhood and Revelations in 2010 and 2011 respectively - I understood them as smart reuses of existing characters, locations and assets. They were intended to give people who wanted a little more that fix while they toiled on an even bigger third installment. And Assassin’s Creed III followed this past Fall, with three years of development resulting in a brand new character in a brand new setting - taking the game to the American Revolution.
That said, here’s your wrench, gears - we’re already going to get Assassin’s Creed IV this year.
Leaked by a phone camera photo of a promotional poster (one which I was heavily skeptical of), offical word came today from UbiSoft, confirming Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag for PS3, XBox 360, PC and Wii-U release.
Is it overkill? Is it too much too soon? Or will the game and it’s new world of pirates be enough to satisfy gamers?
For me I can say this much - I had my fill. Thanks, UbiSoft, but no thanks. That being said, if you’re a big Assassin’s Creed fan, the official reveal will be on Monday. And the gaming press has already seen it.
Ever since we first posted the concept art from the film, we’ve made no bones about our tentative excitement over Oblivion.
Yes, Tom Cruise is crazy, and yes Tron Legacy was prettier than it was smart, but between out of this world visuals and a promised score by the amazing M83, the positives of the Joseph Kosinski directed film are looking to outweigh the negatives.
That being said, with two new posters released exclusively by Entertainment Weekly, the excitement has been slightly dulled. The top poster certainly is evocative of the first released, with the Brooklyn Bridge this time in ruins.  However, the second poster, below, feels really bland. And knowing how these things go, will be the primary image pushed and become the DVD cover.
But, as they say, you cannot judge the book by its cover. We’re still hoping for another awesome trailer before release, just to push the ticket from a “maybe” to a “must go”. We’ll see.
Source: EW.com.
While we love to debate it, the $400 Million worldwide gross of Prometheus indicates that while not necessarily everyone loved the film - there certainly were many who wanted to see it.
And with that in mind, it looks like 20th Century Fox is moving ahead with, at least, the scripting stage.
During promotion for the film Dead Man Down, The Playlist spoke with Prometheus lead Noomi Rapace, who indicated that a script is in the works:
Personally, I enjoyed Prometheus in the theaters (although it clearly pales in comparison to Alien), and I feel like with a stronger hand, a sequel could work. I’m not sure if the general audience truly is chomping at the bit for it however. We shall see.
Source: The Playlist
The latest lineup of the super popular blind-bagged LEGO Mini Figure series has hit the web, and it looks like another winner.
Series 10 looks to feature from the above official art a wide variety of characters, including:
Source: The Brothers Brick.
If the cast of the forthcoming Spidey sequel The Amazing Spider-Man 2 weren’t already packed enough, Sony Pictures has confirmed that in addition to Dane DeHaan (Chronicle) representing the Osborn family as Harry Osborn, he will be joined by his father - Norman Osborn, as to be played by the always fantastic Chris Cooper.
Cooper is a truly inspired choice for the role, having cut his teeth in countless great character actor roles, including The Bourne Identity, Adaptation and a stint as the main villain in The Muppets.
I think Cooper is a superb choice for the role, even if he wasn’t someone I would have thought of immediately.
All this being said, will they be pulling the Green Goblin trigger early? I think it’s too soon - if I had to guess, they will play the Goblin card in the 3rd film, hinting toward it here - unless Peter Parker will have The Shocker, Electro AND Green Goblin to deal with in one film.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is currently filming in Brooklyn, with a May 2nd, 2014 release date.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
Seen across the web today as a crappy mobile phone photo (which I would never bother you with), Marvel Studios has released the latest poster for Iron Man 3.
After so many character posters, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is front and center. His beautiful mansion is in ruins. He’s broken, beaten down, can’t even get around. His good life is gone. And…there are dozens of armor suits flying around him?
Have they gone rogue? Are they sentient and under his control? Or could this be Armor Wars?
Either way, this poster just got me very excited at the potential.  Apparently, we’ll be seeing a new trailer on March 5th at Noon EST, and it should illuminate the imagery shown here. We’ll get it to you as soon as we can.
Iron Man 3 releases May 3rd, 2013.
Source: Yahoo!
It seems like forever that we’ve been hearing about the reboot for the Fantastic Four - for the longest time, much of the behind the scenes staff has been assembled.
In the director slot, you have hotshot newbie Josh Trank (Chronicle) and producing assistance from Matthew Vaughn (X-Men: First Class) and Mark Millar (in his overseer of the FOX Marvel Universe role), but the final element clearly isn’t up to snuff - the script.
Originally written by Jeremy Slater, Fox has decided to have author/screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith take a stab at a re-write.
Now, on one hand, Grahame-Smith wrote the pretty great novels Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Unholy Night.
On the other hand, he’s responsible for the scripts for the god awful releases from last summer - Dark Shadows and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.
Let’s hope we get more of the “book writer” Seth than the “screenwriter” Seth, shall we?
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
Wow. All you can say, is “Wow.”
LEGO builder Alice Finch became the first ever winner of both the “Best of Show” and “People’s Choice” award at BrickCon 2012, and once you take in her creation, you quickly understand why.
In one of the most remarkable builds we’ve ever featured on this site, her full scale replica of Hogwarts, the wizarding school made popular in the Harry Potter series of books and films, blows away the competition with a build encompassing 400,000 pieces of LEGO.
Dozens of key scenes from the series are recreated here, and it even features its own built in lighting system. It truly leaves you dumbfounded.
We’ve included a gallery of photos below for your perusal, but for even more detailed images, be sure to check out the full gallery on Flickr, and for details on how Alice made this all happen, check out her interview with the Brothers Brick blog.
Wow.
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From the team responsible for the forthcoming Axe Cop animated series, the team at Fox ADHD has put together one of the most bizzarre and surreal animated shorts I’ve seen in a long time…
Scientifically Accurate Spider-Man.
Mixing the classic Marvel hero with what exactly a “true” spider-human would be, it’s irreverent, silly, kinda gross, and I just had to share it with you. Be ready to be scarred, people.
2013 is looking like another big year for computer animation. We’ve long been covering the ascent of Pixar’s latest film, Monsters University, so it only stands to reason that we’d share with you the latest poster, a great mix up of all the new cast members, featured at the top of this post.
What’s very new, however, is the below poster, our first official look at Cloudy with a Chance of  Meatballs 2.
The original Cloudy was one of those movies that should not have been as good as it was, but between the inspired writing, strong direction and fantastic voice cast, it rose above what could have been a poor premise - and made for one of the funniest and most enjoyable films of 2009 - one which stands proudly on my Blu-Ray shelf.
Sadly, the directors of the first film, Chris Miller and Phil Lord (who also helmed last year’s 21 Jump Street) are not returning, since they’re working on the LEGO movie for WB, but I’d still say there’s a shot for Cloudy 2 to work out. Here’s your plot synopsis:
Monsters University hits on June 21st, 2013 and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 releases on September 17th, 2013.
Don’t get too excited about the future of Arrested Development after the return fourth season hitting Netflix this May, fans!
According to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, Season 4 will be the one and only season to be put together by the streaming online video service.  Sayeth Hastings, the season was a “one-off” scenario that was put together under “non-repeatable" circumstances.
Much has been said about the difficulties to get the cast together for the show, so much so that the series was written around the idea of not having all the cast members together at once.  Considering the busy schedules of all of the cast since Arrested Development, I can only imagine that this season was a scheduling nightmare, let alone a second.
But don’t fret too much, Bluth backers! We’ll have 14 brand new episodes of the series in May, and if show creator Mitch Hurwitz has his way - this will lead into an eventual feature.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
I would say that this is a giant spoiler alert, but the headline in The New York Post this week spells it out for you - in this week’s Batman Incorporated #8, Damien Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s son and the current Robin, will die.
It’s considered one of the big moments in Grant Morrison’s run as writer on Batman, and while I could discuss the implications for the story (there’s still 4 more issues of Batman Incorporated after this, so lets not assume that this is really the end for Damien) I think there’s a bigger issue to discuss - why the blue hell do DC and Marvel insist upon major press publicity for plot twists, before the issues come out.
It’s not a question of spoilers - that’s what happens and it is what it is - but it’s a trick which I’ve never understood.
For one, this only happens when characters die - sure, the 1993 Death of Superman got a lot of mainstream exposure, but considering how regularly DC and Marvel play this card in the press, it leads non-comic readers to assume that comics are nothing but random characters dying and coming back. Honestly, they aren’t that far off, but I don’t think this will cause non-readers to turn a corner. Why get invested when everything is blown apart immediately?
Who does this bring to the comic stores then? Speculators. People who come in and buy a dozen copies of these “key” issues, even though this type of event happens twice a year (at least) and everyone eventually comes back.
Also - how does this benefit comic retailers? They don’t get to increase their orders of these key issues - the announcements hit two days before the release of the book - shy of re-orders (which are usually second prints, which speculators never want), this doesn’t really move the needle in a positive way. If anything, DC and Marvel send people to the shops who just want to turn a quick buck, and possibly even cause dedicated readers to miss their favorite book.
It’s short-sighted, it’s a carny move, and no one really wins.
For as much as DC and Marvel wish that their platform of choice was seen the same way as movies, they forget how movies succeed - they make great stories that play to universal audiences - and more importantly, they market the quality - not the shock. It’s not like the ads for The Sixth Sense were “HEY GUYS BRUCE WILLIS IS DEAD IN THIS ONE!”
The Avengers the film played to millions of more people than will ever read the comics because it told a great story, plain and simple - it didn’t try to shake up the “status quo of filmmaking”.
Until someone at DC or Marvel gets it, they will always be seen as a part of a lesser form of art - and that’s sad. And if they keep this up, maybe the death the news outlets will be reporting on is their own.
Source: The New York Post
One of my true heroes in life is comedian, writer, actor and all around awesome guy, Patton Oswalt.
Yesterday, a short documentary about him and his creative process hit the web, titled “To Be Loved and Understood”
Directed by Julien Nitzberg (The Weird and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia), it’s a unique look into the life of a comedian, and what makes their brain tick. If that wasn’t reason enough to watch, there’s also a peek at some of Patton’s new material. Â Enjoy!
After releasing a series of Game of Thrones posters at San Diego Comic Con last year, Mondo will return to the very popular TV franchise for an entire art show to be held during the 2013 South By Southwest festival.
Launching on March 8th, the Mondo Gallery in Austin, Texas will feature a show including art from Craig Drake, Daniel Danger, Jason Edmonton, Horkey, Jock, Phantom City Creative, Mike Mitchell, JC Richard, Tom Hooper, Tim Bradstreet and Ken Taylor (amongst others).
The first two of eight posters will be released on the 8th, with the show running through the 12th.  Furthermore, posters 3-8 will be released two per week until the March 31st Game of Thrones Season 3 premiere.
If that wasn’t enough, the opening on March 8th will also serve as the premiere of the official Game of Thrones beer - Ommegang’s Iron Throne.
So, in short - Game of Thrones fans - set sail for Austin!
Source: Indiewire.
You guys! It’s been like, 10 minutes since we last talked about Iron Man 3!
You know what that means? ANOTHER CHARACTER POSTER! Oh that Marvel Studios, they know how to stay in the nerd brain, don’t they?
This time, it’s a solo print for Tony Stark’s girl Friday, Pepper Potts, as played by Gwyneth Paltrow.  She’s clearly down, and holding a damaged helmet, so they continue to hint toward the darker edge of the film.
Word is that we will be seeing a new trailer for Iron Man 3 next week with the release of Oz the Great and Powerful, so perhaps we’ll have some new plot points to chew on. I feel like for as awesome as the IM3 trailers have been so far, they’ve yet to have the Suitcase Suit moment from Iron Man 2’s trailers.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
Even though filming has just begun on the Marc Webb directed sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man, currently titled The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (I have a hunch it will get a different name before release), we have our first official piece of media from the film.
Sure, Webb has been releasing images here and there on his Twitter account, but they’re behind the scenes - this is real, and it shows a signficant change in the costume from before, as Spider-Man not only has much bigger eye-pieces, they are a sharp white, making the costume look even closer to the Mark Bagley/Ultimate Spider-Man look.
I really love this change - if it’s the only difference from the first movie costume (which I liked more than most), it’s a change for the better, but something tells me we’ll see more once we get a full body image.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 stars Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, Dane DeHaan as Harry Osborne, Jamie Foxx as Electro, Shailene Woodley as Mary Jane Watson and Paul Giamatti as the Rhino. It is set to hit theaters on May 2nd, 2014.
Source: SuperHero Hype
While not officially endorsed by the Academy like those posters seen from Gallery1988, the team at Mondo wishes to celebrate the 85th Annual Academy Awards with a series of poster drops featuring Oscar nominated films throughout the ceremony this evening.
They’ve unveiled three posters so far, but have warned that there are others to be released that have yet to be shown.
In the interest of getting you excited, here’s what they’ve shown so far:
Paranorman (Above), Poster by DKNG. 36"x24" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 290. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $45
Les Miserables, Poster by Olly Moss. 24"x36" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 380. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $50
The Master, Poster by Laurent Durieux. 24"x36" screen print. Hand numbered. Edition of 385. Printed by D&L Screenprinting. $55
If you’re interested in these, or any other of the prints tonight, keep an eye on @MondoNews or Mondo’s official website.
I will try to update with images and artist info as the new prints go up throughout the night.
EDIT (8:53pm) - Now on sale - Django Unchained by Rich Kelly - 24"x36". $45 for the regular, $75 for the variant.
[caption id=“attachment_12115” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Django Unchained (Regular)[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_12116” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Django Unchained (Variant)[/caption]
EDIT (9:03pm) - Two more unannounced posters revealed! Wreck-It Ralph by Tom Whalen and Brave by Dave Petersen
[caption id=“attachment_12127” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Wreck-It Ralph (Variant)[/caption]
EDIT: 11:27PM An absolutely ASTONISHING Argo poster from artist Kilian Eng
EDIT: 11:30pm - Moonrise Kingdom by Jay Ryan
EDIT: 11:44pm - Zero Dark Thirty by Jock
[caption id=“attachment_12199” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] (Variant)[/caption]
EDIT: 11:56PM - Django Unchained by Tyler Stout!!
[caption id=“attachment_12206” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] (Variant)[/caption]
So, for months here at Blast-O-Rama, we’ve had a LiveBlog plug-in which we’ve been dying to use.
Considering that tonight brings on the 85th Annual Academy Awards, we decided that today would be a great day to use it, and I, Marty Day, will be dropping thoughts as the show goes on.
Tonight should be an interesting show, with many of the categories in a dead heat, some surprise wins expected, and a controversial choice in host in Seth MacFarlane.  Personally, while I’ve found recent years of Family Guy to be hit or miss, based on his SNL hosting appearance last fall, I think MacFarlane will be bareable - even if he pulls a Ricky Gervais-lite.
The show begins at 7pm Eastern, and I will try to start blogging right then. Enjoy, and see you on here!
OK, so far, the LiveBlog plug-in from WordPress has failed to work for me, so I’ll be posting updates the old-school, MANUAL way! LIKE WE DID BEFORE THE INTERNET.
Video intro kicks off “The Oscars Red Carpet Live” trying to juxtapose old Hollywood and new Hollywood - it really underlines how much classier everything was then. But hey, Kristen Chenowith is good times.
I won’t be snarking about what people wear, as generally, I don’t care, but I have to admit that Jennifer Hudson looks like she’s wearing a less slutty version of what Lil' Kim wore at an MTV Awards a few years back.
Channing Tatum’s FIRST Oscar night…and FAR FROM LAST. BEST ACTOR, 2014. QUOTE ME.
That’s one commercial break, and no Jennifer Lawrence. If you keep this up ABC, I’m rioting. She needs to be handled like Poochie. Anytime JLaw isn’t on screen, everyone should ask what she’s doing.
Jack The Giant Slayer looks like a pile of shit.
Even money says that Amanda Seyfried is batshit insane off camera.
Wait a minute - they’re doing a new Annie?! And it’s going to have Quvens…Quez…the girl from Beasts of the Southern Wild? When did I miss that?
A video package about costume design: odds of this being repeated during the show proper, extending a bloated awards ceremony even longer? I’d say 2:1.
YEAH! JLAW! Looking like she’s seven feet tall compared to the spritely Chenowith.
Zoe Saldana’s first movies were The Hunger, American Werewolf in London and The Deer Hunter? What an odd mix of films, especially as your first exposure. Doesn’t make up for the crapfest of Colombiana though.
CRYSTAL LIGHT: Not just for your grandma and her poker playing friends anymore.
That awkward walk to the red carpet end for the Daniel Radcliffe interview was a bizarre choice - really makes ABC’s coverage look minor, as if they’re not allowed to shoot the red carpet proper.
“GUYS. TWEET. PLEASE. HELP US PROVE TELEVISION REMAINS RELEVANT.”
Speaking of the difficulty of TV remaining relevant - the “Oscar Road Trip” was really the best idea ABC had? What the blue hell does that have to do with the magic of filmmaking? I know, the red carpet show is fluff, but that is shit.
Jack the Giant Slayer still looks miserable.
And I just found out that for some reason Fancy Feast is tweeting about the Oscars. They have more twitter followers than this blog though. Joke’s on me.
Someone should inform Chick-Fil-A that the audience watching the Oscars are comedians, amateur comedians and the gays.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Drunk, or super charismatic? YOU MAKE THE CALL.
“From Skyfall to Pitch Perfect…” Movies I enjoyed, yes, but I feel like that was the most random combination of movies to use in that intro.
GOOGLE IS OSCARS 2013
The Red Carpet pre-show is supposed to mercifully end at 8, right? 17 brutal minutes remaining.
I’m not sure if I should admit how excited that Windex Touch Up ad just got me.
On the other side, the toothpicking ad for Mutual of Omaha, starring No-Sleeves MacGee.
Hugh Jackman stole my Oscar Mystery gag. Damn it.
Drunk Chris Evans > Any other Chris Evans. Look up his Doug Loves Movies appearances if you haven’t yet experienced the glory.
Robert DeNiro’s face is in a constant state of “Why the Fuck Are You Talking To Me?”
Daniel Radcliffe, ABC’s official stalkee of the 85th Annual Academy Awards.
This LiveBlog now officially brought to you by Ben & Jerry’s Limited Batch Cannoli ice cream.
I’ve seen Once Upon A Time. Don’t believe that ads lies.
SON OF A BITCH THE OSCARS PROPER AREN’T UNTIL 8:30?!
Halle Berry’s hairstyle reminds me - if she pops up in X-Men: Days of Future Past as Storm again, can she have the awesome mohawk look?
ADELE SMASH PUNY CHENOWITH
Clooney looks fucking AWESOME with a beard. Dude needs to keep that look.
Anne Hathaway wearing what appears to be the world’s most expensive apron.
The Oscar Mystery Box was Dorothy’s shoes. All none of you who cared can rest easy now.
Cards Against Humanity just won the entire night.
Lets take a look at Jamie Foxx’s career and remember, dude was Wanda on In Living Color.
The producers of the Oscars doing a remarkable job of underlining exactly why they’ve been behind the scenes the entire time.
“Would you ever consider hosting the Oscars?” A legit question just asked Queen Latifah, answering the question no one had ever asked.
OH SHIT IT’S ALMOST TIME! Even money says Seth MacFarlane kicks off with a song.
Wow! Tommy Lee Jones laughed. As if it were on cue…
First voice from MacFarlane…and a swing and a miss.
MacFarlane appears to have the confidence of a 3rd time open micer.
HOLY CRAP! THE CORPSE OF JACK NICHOLSON HAS MADE IT TO THE FRONT ROW.
Shatner? What the shit?
“Why can’t Tina and Amy host everything?” Hm. I’d be game for that.
The “Saw Your Boobs” bit is saved by Jennifer Lawrence’s reaction shot.
SONG COUNT: 2.
By the way, I’m weirded out that this year’s theme is “Music and the Movies”, and when Jackman hosted a few years back, it was “The Musical is Back!”
I’m fairly sure that’s Jay Pharaoh doing the voice of Denzel Washington for the Sock Puppet Flight bit.
SONG COUNT: 3.
Samuel L. Jackson is not amused. Honestly, I think this has had some moments.
Annnnd we just had a cutaway gag.
Song number….four?
SONG COUNT: 4. And we’ve yet to have an award. Some parts of this intro is working better than others, (the Amy Adams biting a guy gag got me), but…no one edited this?
Octavia Spencer presents Best Supporting Actor.
This reminds me, I really need to see The Master.
And the Oscar goes to…CHRISTOPH WALTZ for Django Unchained. Well deserved - most charismatic performance of the year. Very nice job starting off by showing love to the other actors.
And Jack Nicholson just woke up.
I guess Seth MacFarlane will be doing all of our pre-commercial announcements as well?
Paul Rudd and Melissa McCarthy - two of the funniest people of Hollywood, turning into TV death.
Best Animated Short Film - Paperman. 100% deserved. Arguably stole the show from Wreck-It Ralph.
Best Animated Feature Film - Brave - A good flick, but I’d say that either Wreck-It Ralph or Paranorman were better. Would have been happy with any of the three winning.
I legit forgot that Reese Witherspoon had won an Oscar.
THE AVENGERS! Minus…Scarlett Johannson and Chris Hemsworth. And I think Robert Downey Jr. just shit on the entire audience. Well done.
Best Cinematography - I’d like Skyfall to win here…Life of Pi gets it, another movie which I need to see. The shots in the trailer looked beautiful. Loved the guys speech - real emotion there.
The Avengers get a second award with more witty banter.
Best Visual Effects - Life of Pi. OK, I get it - I need to see it. Thanks, Academy.
Using the Jaws theme as the cut off music is brilliant. Cutting off the bit about how VFX companies are going bankrupt is NOT.
Channing Tatum and Jennifer Aniston are out to present…
Best Costume Design - Anna Karenina. Kind of a dull mix of nominees, lots of period piece look. If anything, I would have given it to Snow White, just because of the surreal edge it gave a standard fairy tale.
Chatum and Jen stay on for Best Makeup/Hairstyling - probably going to go to Les Miserables. And it does. No shock. It made the pretty Hollywood people look ugly.
After an awful binge/purge joke from Seth MacFarlane, Hallie Berry is out for the Fifty Years of Bond bit. EXCITED.
SONG COUNT: 5 - But it’s Shirley F’n Bassey doing “Goldfinger”, so NO hate here.
Beyonce wishes she were that awesome.
Our next presenters - Kerry Washington and Jamie Foxx. The full orchestra doing the Django theme rules.
Whoever is writing the witty presenter banter needs to be shot. Nothing is working, besides the Channing Tatum waxing bit.
Best Live-Action Short -Â Curfew. No opinions here. But why did they get the box seats?
Kerry and Jamie stay on for Best Documentary, Short Subject. I could make up a winner here, and I bet you wouldn’t know the difference. But the actual winner - Inocente? I may have misspelled it.
Liam Neeson is out for the next Best Picture montage-o-rama. I’m pretty sure he was just berating the audience with his scripted words. That, or since Taken, I assume everything he says is a threat. Oh, and I’m totally pushing for Argo as the Best Picture winner.
I’m really warming up to Seth MacFarlane as host, the longer this goes. Sure, his bits have been kinda obvious, but he’s showing a level of comfort and relaxation we never had with the last attempt to grab the young people, the infamous Hathaway and Franco duo.
Ben Affleck is out for Best Documentary.
And the EPIC camera zoom gives it to Searching for Sugar Man.
Jessica Chastain and Jennifer Garner (who I seem to be the only person who likes her) are out for Best Foreign Picture. Or, as many people call it, a snack break. Amour, to the surprise of no one, takes the win.
John Travolta is out after a quick acknowledgement of the remote orchestra. And get ready -Â MORE SINGING.
SONG COUNT: 6. Zeta Jones snoozing through “All that Jazz”
SONG COUNT: 7. Jennifer Hudson is a fucking BEAST though.
SONG COUNT: 8. Here comes the Les Mis montage of doom.
That entire bit seemed to basically say “COME ON YOU ASSHOLES, GIVE US AN OSCAR.” A bit much, even if the performances from the Les Mis cast were of a solid quality.
Chris Pine and Zoe Saldana hit the stage, to me asking - why the hell hasn’t Chris Pine been given anything good since Star Trek, besides Star Trek? Ponder that while they show a montage of the technical awards.
After a bunch of Ted jokes, its stars, Mark Wahlberg and…a CG TED are out to give an award.
Best Sound Mixing - I’m sure you are on pins and needles for this one.
Les Miserables. Eh.
More Ted and Mark Wahlberg bits, leading to…
Best Sound Editing - Again, I know this is a hotly anticipated award. Calm yourselves.
A TIE? Zero Dark Thirty and Skyfall. In a really odd bit, they gave each winner separate announcements and speeches.
A SOUND OF MUSIC ROUTINE! WAY TO KEEP THE YOUNG VIEWER IN, YOU GUYS!
that said, it made me laugh like a fool
Christopher Plumber is out for Best Supporting Actress.
I think Anne Hathaway just choked up at video of her own performance?
Anne Hathaway wins.
Since when did the Oscars have popcorn girls?
And now for an eye-rolling speech sure to be about piracy and self-fellation, the PRESIDENT OF THE ACADEMY!
Sandra Bullock hits the stage next for Best Film Editing. Argo takes it here.
!!!!JLAW ALERT!!!!
And she’s bringing me SONG COUNT: 9 - FUCKIN' SKYFALL BY FUCKIN' ADELE YEAH!
Legally, I now have to embed Paul F. Tompkins' cover of “Skyfall”.
Nicole Kidman is out to judge the entire room and blast the home audience with ANOTHER Best Picture nominee video montage. From the brief footage of Amour, I can tell that movie would reduce me to a pile of sadness.
Kristen Stewart and Daniel Radcliffe are out. Stewart is an odd mix of drunk and hating life.
Best Production Design -Â Lincoln.
Selma Hayek is out for the Governors Awards acknowledgement. And, as MacFarlane gagged, she stumbled her way through the English language.
INTERESTING SIDE FACT:Â Inocente, the Best Live-Action Short winner, was funded it on KickStarter, making it the first crowd-sourced Oscar winner. Could be a sign of things to come.
In Memoriam time, brought to us by George Clooney. I look forward to Twitter telling me who they snubbed.
SONG COUNT: 10 with BARBARA FREAKIN' STREISAND.
11:03. What’s left? Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Actress?
The Cast of Chicago is out, celebrating 10 years since its release (was it that big a deal?) - I forgot about the musical awards.
Best Musical Score -Â Life of Pi
Chicago cast stays on for Best Original Song as Richard Gere is…incredibly off.
SONG COUNT: 11 - Surprise insert performance as Norah Jones does the song from Ted.
“Skyfall” wins. Of course. Such an awesome Bond jam.
Hey, whatever funny thing happens on Kimmel tonight will be on YouTube tomorrow, right? I’ve got to sleep eventually.
Dustin Hoffman and Charlize Theron are out for Best Adapted Screenplay. GODDAMN THIS SHOW IS LONG.
Argo gets another award here. Worth it.
Best Original Screenplay goes to Quentin Tarantino for Django Unchained. QT gets the best reaction from the crowd so far tonight.
The legendary Jane Fonda and Michael Douglas hit the stage, looking fantastic for their respective ages to bring on the big Best Director award. We know Affleck ain’t winning - it’s a toss up for me from there.
Ang Lee wins for Life of Pi. I did NOT expect that.
Jean DuJardin is out to present Best Actress, his first work since winning Best Actor last year for The Artist.
The Oscar goes to JENNIFER LAWRENCE for Silver Linings Playbook. I’m really happy to see that, even as she falls up the stairs. Hugh Jackman was nice enough to try to help her up.
Meryl Streep, the actress to get literally no introduction, is out for Best Actor. I’m expecting a Daniel Day Lewis win.
And Daniel Day Lewis does win, for Lincoln. Points to DDL for being so damn funny in his speech. Wasn’t what I was expecting from such a hardcore method actor.
Now we wait and see if Argo does the impossible and wins the Oscar for Best Picture, or if Life of Pi continues its surprise run of wins.
Jack Nicholson IS ALIVE! HE DIDN’T DIE IN THE FRONT ROW! SERIOUSLY, WHAT WAS HIS LAST MOVIE?
Wait a minute, he’s sharing with Michelle Obama via Satellite? SURREAL.
Best Picture…
ARGO. Ben Affleck is officially an Oscar award winning filmmaker.
SONG COUNT: 12 as Chenowith and MacFarlane do a song about the losers of the night. Good lord.
Your biggest winner of the night? The theme from Jaws.
Biggest loser? Those of us watching on the East Coast.
Maybe we’ll try this again next year, and get more of the staff on it? I’m gonna go to bed. Thanks for reading if you did.
Premiered originally on Jimmy Kimmel Live, HBO has released the first true trailer for Game of Thrones Season 3.
After a number of cryptic teasers, this is our first look at real, honest to God footage of the new season, including HOLY CRAP DRAGONS!
I’d say more, but really, you should just hit play and watch. And watch again. And watch again.
Game of Thrones Season 3 kicks off on March 31st, 2013.
It’s a long time until the November 2013 release of the long-awaited film adaptation of the classic sci-fi novel Ender’s Game.
Despite the long lead-time, Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate want to continue to tease you with new images, as we get a look at the cafeteria of the “Battle School”, with Ender (Hugo’s Asa Butterfield) and Petra (True Grit’s Haliee Steinfeld) enjoying a nice meal. That’s thanks to the fan-site Ender News.
Additionally, Coming Soon has an exclusive look at the sigils for the four Battle School Armies. I wonder if these will be spread amongst the web as hard as the Harry Potter Houses were.
I still have yet to read the book that Ender’s Game is based upon, but I now have to wonder something - given the backlash that the new Superman comic is getting because it will be written by controversial author Orson Scott Card - will this film see the same fate? Time will tell.
Ender’s Game is set for a November 1st, 2013 release.
It’s another day and in turn, another Iron Man 3 character poster for fans to oogle and base speculation upon.
Today brings a close up look at Sir Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin, and finally being able to take in his costuming in full here, you realize just how odd his costume is. It’s like he’s some sort of old, hippie burnout nightmare, with a solid Asian infusion and just a touch of modern-day terrorist.  And no, I don’t get his sunglasses.
Thanks to Empire for the poster.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
Last night, Sony descended upon New York with a big game plan - last night, February 20th, was set as the unofficial kick-off of the next generation of the video game wars. While Nintendo technically started it at the end of 2012 with the release of the Wii-U, Sony fired their shot last night with the unveiling of the much rumored and somewhat anticipated PlayStation 4.
If anything, what was truly interesting compared to past Sony announcement events was that more than ever, in-game footage was the push, as seen with this trailer for Killzone: Shadow Fall, one of many games shown, including an InFamous sequel, the next game from the creator of Braid (The Witness), a new Capcom property called Deep Down and a driving game called DriveClub.
Some interesting tech was shown off as well, including PlayStation Move based 3D modeling, showcased by the team at Media Molecule (the developers behind Little Big Planet). But at the end of the day, what was truly bizarre was how much of the presentation was dedicated to minor changes or improvements - which really does not bode well for the PlayStation 4.
Sure, we had a load of impressive tech demos, but some of the biggest gaming announcements came from PS4 ports of titles already coming to the PS3, including Activision/Bungie’s Destiny, an exclusive PS4/PS3 port of Blizzard’s Diablo III, and the darling of E3, UbiSoft’s Watch Dogs.
In terms of technical innovation, what you were truly left with had was applications of PlayStation Move and Vita controls into the new DualShock 4 (shown above, including a glowing for each controller, plus touch screen elements on the controller itself), and a deep variety of social controls - including cloud based streaming and sharing of gameplay sessions with your friends, and second screen elements to be advantaged by a tablet/phone app.
Let’s break it down simply - the Pros and Cons, at least in my eyes.
The race toward the June 21st release of Pixar’s fourteenth film, the Monsters Inc. sequel Monsters University continues today with a whole bunch of new character posters, as first unleashed to the internet from the chaps at Total Film.
I really love the character designs here, and the look at the younger version of Monsters Inc. villain Randall, here known as Randy, certainly gave me a smile.  You’ll also note some nice student and faculty ID cards in the gallery below.
If that all wasn’t enough, we also have this great new clip, a message to prospective students of the school from Dean Hardscrabble (Helen Mirren). Dig it.
[gallery ids=“12004,12005,12006,12007,12008,12009,12010,12011,12012,12013,12014,12015,12016,12017,12018,12019,12020,12021”]
Despite a number of high profile leaks (including mentions in the Activision Call of Duty lawsuit and a big leak of concept art to IGN), fans have been chomping at the bit for Bungie to finally unveil their big Halo follow up - Destiny.
And this past weekend - they did. Sort of. While the press event seemed to be little more than a tease of future previews of the game, the remarkable and gutsy scale of the project came through.
Designed as a first person shooter, but one with a persistent online world - yet not an MMO or multiplayer game - it’s looking to revolutionize how we game socially - mixing the world of single player and multiplayer games in a way never seen before.  Ultimately, it’s a project better explained by the creators, so appropriately, Bungie has released the first edition of an ongoing documentary about the game - and we have it for you here.
As someone who isn’t really into FPSes, I’m really surprised by how interested I am in this game. Perhaps it’s the art style, perhaps it’s the scale and scope - but either way, Destiny is a project I will keep my eyes on.
Destiny is set for a future Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 release.
Today, the second season of what is arguably the best fantasy series ever put together hits the shelves, as the jam-packed blu-ray set for Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season is finally available.
This set includes the series on Blu-Ray, DVD and a digital copy (as has become normal for HBO releases), and our old pals at Amazon have the set on sale for just $29.99 - a whopping 63% off the suggested retail price of $79.98.
If you haven’t seen the show yet, I cannot recommend it enough. Pick up this set now, and if you haven’t yet, Season 1 is on sale as well - just $44.99.
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
With less than 3 months until its May release, Marvel Studios continues full steam ahead with the promotion and push of their latest shellhead adventure, the much anticipated Fall of Tony Stark -Â Iron Man 3.
To that end, they’ve released two brand new posters this week - the first, at the top of the post, is the character poster for Don Cheadle’s James “Rhodey” Rhodes, seen here all kinds of sweaty in his upgraded Iron Patriot armor.
The second, is a character poster for one of the big villains of the piece, Guy Pierce as Dr. Aldrich Killian. It’s always a pleasure to see Guy Pierce in a film, and I’m hoping his exposure via a big blockbuster like this helps get him more high-profile work.
Last, but far from least - similar to the custom 3D glasses seen for The Avengers and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Iron Man 3 will be getting glasses for the first 3D film of the series.  They come in four flavors (Iron Man, Iron Patriot, War Machine and Tony Stark), and honestly - aren’t all that visually offensive! No word on how they’ll be distributed yet, but I’d imagine they’ll be pushed out for Midnight screenings for sure.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
It’s been far too long since we last saw Zach Galifinakis present his fantastically awkward talk show Between Two Ferns, and with the 2013 Oscars just around the corner, he has returned with two very special editions of the show.
In the first part, Zach sits down with Naomi Watts, Christoph Waltz, Anne Hathaway and Amy Adams. In the second, we get interviews with Bradley Cooper, Jessica Chastain and Sally Field.
Enjoy!
Everyone’s favorite crowdsourced t-shirt site Threadless has finally unveiled the winners of their big Spider-Man contest, and they decided to print a whopping 27 different designs!
As always, the designs go from the clean to the dirty, the retro to the modern, the iconic to the surreal - and if you go through the gallery below, you’ll see that there is a staggering number of great works.
What’s your favorite? Personally, I love the “All Tangled Up!” design. Â You can buy them at the source link below. Enjoy!
Source: Spiderman T-Shirts | Threadless.
[gallery ids=“11916,11917,11918,11919,11920,11921,11922,11923,11924,11925,11926,11927,11928,11929,11930,11931,11932,11933,11934,11935,11936,11937,11938,11939”]
The next step of Gallery1988’s celebration of the Academy Awards has been revealed, and it is a doozy!
To the delight of pop-culture print fans everywhere, the next image following those amazing Best Picture prints is a poster from artist Olly Moss to celebrate the 85 Years of Oscar, by taking the iconic Oscar statue and changing it to fit the Best Picture of that year. Repeat 85 times.
You can view a high resolution version of the print (27"x40", to be released at a later date) here.
Can you name all 85 films?
Some bummer news today, as artist Bryan Lee O’Malley, best known for his Scott Pilgrim comic series has announced that his new book, Seconds, originally set for release later this year, will be pushed to a 2014 release.
According to O’Malley, this is due to a shoulder injury which occurred last year.
As he stated on his Tumblr page:
I’m back to work on it now, but it won’t be out until………
………….2014……………
……Sorry……………………… Luckily, hardcore O’Malley fans get to enjoy the continued release of Scott Pilgrim color reprints through 2013, with the 3rd volume, Scott Pilgrim & the Infinite Sadness hitting in the Spring.
We at Blast-O-Rama would like to wish O’Malley the best in his recovery, and we look forward to the release of Seconds.
Source: ComicsAlliance.
Today marks the home video release of arguably one of the best James Bond movies yet, the absolutely fantastic Skyfall.
And with it, we have two can’t miss deals for the Bond films on Blu-Ray, thanks to our friends at Amazon.
First, we have (of course) the Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital Copy combo pack of Skyfall, hitting retail today for the low low price of $19.99!
If you’re looking for just the DVD, that can be yours for just $16.99.
If that wasn’t enough of a sweet deal, and you need WAY more Bond, Amazon is also offering a killer deal on the Bond 50 Blu-Ray set. All 22 prior James Bond movies can be yours in glorious HD for just $129.99, a whopping 57% off the $299.99 retail price!
What are you waiting for - an official invitation from Your Majesty’s Secret Service? Get on the deals, they won’t last!
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
Fresh from Disney UK’s YouTube page, here’s our first full look at Pixar’s next big movie for Summer 2013, the Monster’s Inc. prequel Monsters University!
Clearly, the focus of the film is the college-age rivalry between Mike (Billy Crystal) and Sully (John Goodman), and it looks like Pixar is doing their best to spoof all elements of the college film, incorporating a wide variety of environments and gags. Â The name Pixar pretty much confirmed a ticket purchase, but this really looks like some light fun.
Monsters University hits theaters on June 21st, 2013.
Earlier this week, the team at Mondo hinted that the next of their highly successful “Mondo Mystery Movie” screenings would be coming down the pike, and today, it was revealed…and I don’t think anyone expected this film, nor the pairing of artists creating a poster for it.
On Saturday, February 16th, 2013 in Houston, Texas, Mondo will present a screening of the 2000 Japanese Cult Classic Battle Royale, and it will feature a collaborative poster from veteran Mondo artist Kevin Tong and Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley.
In short, it’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
Of course, this poster is exclusive to the screening, so if you’re one of the lucky 170 able to attend (there are 125 tickets still left at the time of this writing, according to the link), you can drop $85 to attend the screening, get the poster, and also meet O’Malley after the movie.
That said - the poster is mentioned as a variant, which means for those of us who can’t get to Texas, we may just see a standard edition available sometime in the near future. If we do, Blast-O-Rama will be among the first to let you know. Promise!
EDIT: That was fast! Thanks to the team at Badass Digest, we have the details on the standard poster release - it will be a part of a Tugg.com promotion.
In short, if you successfully get enough tickets pre-sold to a screening of Battle Royale in your town, they will bring the film (and the standard poster, below) to your theater!
It’s like a mixture of Kickstarter, Mondo and one of the best cult films EVER MADE. Here’s the full link with details.
For weeks, pop-culture art show mavens Gallery1988 has been hinting a very special collection of art, and while the full reveal has yet to hit the web, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has officially revealed that they have (through Gallery1988) commissioned a series of nine screen-printed posters celebrating this years best picture nominations.
Thus far, all is known is the prints and the artists - pricing or a release date have yet to be revealed, but they are so fantastic we had to share them right away.
The series includes the following:
Source:Â The Oscars.
[gallery ids=“11872,11873,11874,11875,11868,11869,11870,11877,11871”]
Thanks to a leak from Barnes & Noble listings, official, direct from LEGO images of their forthcoming Iron Man 3 building sets have hit the web, and with them, some minor spoilers have come along.
If you peruse the three sets, you’ll note the mention of Extremis, officially confirming that the third film will connect to the famous Warren Ellis written run of Iron Man (a good read if you have yet to check it out). Â Additionally, with that really awesome destruction of Stark’s Mansion set? Look closely…who’s that in the Iron Man suit?
These sets are scheduled to hit shelves on March 15th, well in advance of the May 3rd release of the film, so clearly Marvel Studios is OK with us knowing certain details early. Personally, this just gets me even more excited. And I love LEGO Mandarin’s crazy hobo beard.
You can see a full gallery of the images below. Enjoy!
[gallery ids=“11863,11861,11864,11862,11865,11860”]
After yesterday’s leak of the rumored Star wars spin-off to star Yoda, and the subsequent confirmation that Disney is indeed planning an entire universe of Star Wars films, it should come as no surprise that more considered titles are surfacing.
Today’s scoop comes from Entertainment Weekly, who’s ear to the ground indicates that the other characters being considered for spin-offs are two of the series most beloved creations - rogue scoundrel Han Solo and mysterious bounty hunter Boba Fett.
The Han Solo film is said to take place between Episodes III and IV, featuring a younger version of the iconic Harrison Ford character - some large shoes (or boots) to fill for whatever actor is pegged for the role.  In the case of Boba Fett, the movie will either take place between Episodes IV and V, or V and VI, and give us a solo tale of the bounty hunter not related to his pursuit of Han Solo.  Considering how much Fett’s backstory has been fleshed out over the years in comic books and novels, it stands to reason that the character would be one of the best picks for a solo film.
Of course, this scoop, like the Yoda rumor, does not have any further concrete details, such as possible attached talent.  In turn, we highly recommend taking this news with a HUGE grain of salt, but the minute that any official confirmation from Disney or Lucasfilm arrives beyond Episode VII, we’ll get it to you.
Source: EW.com.
Of all of the Super Bowl movie trailers, there’s little doubt that the one which packed the most insanity into its short running time was that for Fast & Furious 6.
So, naturally, the marketing team at Universal Pictures just had to wait two days and ramp it up to an even higher level of crazy, with a new trailer that runs almost three and a half minutes and is packed full of science-defying car action. Â Check it out.
Featuring the cast of pretty much every other Fast & Furious film, plus a new addition in Gina Carano (swoon!), this certainly is going to be a very exciting finish for the vehicle based franchise.  I still need to watch all 5 prior to get caught up.
Fast & Furious 6 hits theaters on May 24th, 2013.
After a search which included looks at Joel Edgerton, Jack Huston, Jim Sturgess, Lee Pace, Eddie Redmayne and Zachary Levi, Deadline.com has the exclusive reveal that Marvel Studios has picked their lead for Guardians of the Galaxy - Chris Pratt, of Moneyball, Zero Dark Thirty and Parks & Recreation fame.
Pratt will be playing the lead role of Peter Quill, aka Star Lord, a character who (at least in the comics) is a half-human, half-alien interplanetary policeman.
The Guardians of the Galaxy comic is about to undergo a rather anticipated relaunch as a part of the Marvel NOW program, so, any/all concepts of the character to date may be revised to better reflect the movie’s plans, but as it stands - Holy Crap! ANDY DWYER IS GOING TO BE THE LEAD OF A MARVEL FILM!
Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by James Gunn (Slither), is set for an August 1st, 2014 release.
Source: Deadline.com.
Now that GI Joe: Retaliation is finally coming out next month, Paramount has resumed marketing, and has picked up where they left off with the viral Cobra Special Forces game, looking to recruit you to join everyone’s favorite snake lead terrorist organization.
In fact, they’ve uploaded a brand new recruitment video, voiced by the ever awesome Keith David, and you can view it below.
Looks like if you’re so inclined, there will be a number of live and in person Cobra recruitment events in a number of states (none in Maryland, so we won’t be able to give you first hand impressions), but if Cobra Commander’s your man, and you’re in the right state, go sign up! Be all that you can be!
GI Joe: Retaliation hits theaters on March 29th, 2013.
Originally announced on Twitter by Christina Applegate, Paramount Pictures has confirmed that one of the funniest ladies in comedy right now will be joining the cast of Anchorman: The Legend Continues.
Kristen Wiig, who is best known for her work on Saturday Night Live and 2011’s mega-hit Bridesmaids, will be joining the cast as the wife of Steve Carrell’s not-too-bright weatherman Brick Tamland.  Brick was one of the best characters of an already amazing film, and I cannot wait to see Wiig and Carrell play off each other. Should make for a hilarious element in a sure to be very fun film.
Anchorman: The Legend Continues is set for a December 20th, 2013 release.
Source: HitFix.com.
Ever since Disney bought Lucasfilm, the word has been that the plan is to expand Star Wars into a series of films, building an entire universe, a’la the highly successful Marvel Studios films.
Thus far, all we’ve had confirmed is the JJ Abrams directed Episode VII (plus the denied rumor of a Seven Samurai-esq film from Zack Snyder), but today Ain’t It Cool News reports that the first major spin-off being planed is a solo film for everyone’s favorite little green Jedi, Yoda.
While the details are very sparse (literally, all that’s stated is that a Yoda film is planned), this may be one of the more successful spin-off ideas possible. Yoda’s one of the most beloved characters of the saga, and having lived 900 years, there are many eras where you could set the film. Is it the story of his training? Is it a story about his disciples?  Or, even is his the film based on Seven Samurai?
Time will tell, and of course, once anything is confirmed, we’ll get the details to you right here at Blast-O-Rama.
Source: Ain’t It Cool News.
SPOILER ALERT! BIG SPOILERS! NO TURNING BACK!
It seems that there is a big leak in Marvel Studios, and it’s leading right to the tipsters at Latino Review.
Last week, Latino Review featured a huge reveal for Iron Man 3, indicating that the end of the film will feature Tony Stark heading into space - which leads to a post credits scene in Guardians of the Galaxy linking the two films, and setting up for The Avengers 2. If you’re reading the Marvel NOW relaunch comics, which have set Tony into space, teaming with the Guardians, it’s not too much of a creative stretch, and if anything, shows some synergy between the comics and films side.
That said, last night, they dropped a video blog with some HUGE details on the plans for the end of Marvel Phase 2, and the plans for Marvel Phase 3.
Here are the general bulletpoints, but I recommend watching the video for the full details (and to give some link love to the original tipsters, y’know?)
But is it all true? Something tells me we won’t even know about Planet Hulk until The Avengers 2 hits, so lets keep this under our hats until 2015.
Last night saw the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers in one of the most dramatic Super Bowl’s in modern history, a surreal night full of history making plays and a dumbfounding 35 minute blackout of the stadium.
Between that, however, were a HELL of a lot of commercials, including, most importantly, new trailers for some of the biggest movies of 2013. We’ve compiled all of them here into one post for you for easy access, so enjoy!
World War Z
The Lone Ranger
Oz The Great & Powerful
Star Trek Into Darkness
Fast And Furious 6
Iron Man 3 (TV Trailer)
Iron Man 3 (Extended Look)
I have to admit, the Fast & Furious 6 trailer really surprised me, and I love the “extended look” for Iron Man 3.
What say you? Which trailer did you like the most? Which disappointed you? Sound off in the comments!
Yesterday, this announcement teaser hit Sony’s website, teasing an event called the “PlayStation Meeting 2013”, set for 6pm EST on Wednesday, February 20th.
What’s it all about? There’s no official word, but according to The Wall Street Journal, we’ll be seeing the official announcement of the PlayStation 4, currently nicknamed “Orbis”.  According to their sources, not only will this be the unveiling of the new system, it’s not going to be the only new system we see this year, as Microsoft is apparently preparing their Xbox successor - with both systems aiming for a Holiday 2013 release.
Some, including myself, may ask if the video gaming public is frothing with demand for a new system (even if the consoles are roughly seven years old) but regardless, we’ll be seeing something “important” on the 20th.
It sure seems like Spring 2013 runs far longer in the eyes of developer Rockstar Games, as they’ve officially announced a formal release date for Grand Theft Auto V.
The fifth game in the super popular open-world gun and grab series will hit shelves on September 17th, 2013. Rockstar had originally pushed a Spring release, even starting pre-orders with such a  release date, but has pushed back the game for fine tuning.
Perhaps overseeing not just one, but three protagonists in the biggest open-world they’ve ever created is proving a bit more difficult than expected? Or they just wanted some of that sweet holiday cash.
Either way, Grand Theft Auto V will be hitting your PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 later this year. Unless it’s pushed back. Again.
Yes, Virginia, Bioshock Infinite really is hitting shelves in March, and to further sell you on the game (if you haven’t been already), 2K Games has released another trailer, titled “City in the Sky” to sell you on the story of the 3rd installment of the Bioshock series.
You get a true, long look at the city of Columbia in this trailer, not to mention the beautiful graphics. It’s candy for the eyes, but of course, there’s something darker beneath it all.
Bioshock Infinite hits PS3, 360 and PC on March 26th, 2013.
We’re inching closer and closer to the April release of the DC Comics video game brawler Injustice: Gods Among Us, and Warner Bros Interactive continues to push more and new media from the game.
Today’s big release is two fold - not only do we have a trailer explaining the backstory of the game (have to give the heroes a reason to fight, after all), but we have high quality render shots to give you detailed looks at the new costumes and outfits for the classic heroes and villains.
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure why so soon after a line-wide redesign it was decided to redesign the characters for a video game appearance, but I’m not judging too harshly. Either way, you can see a full gallery below.
Injustice: Gods Among Us hits 360, PS3 and Wii U on April 16th, 2013.
[gallery ids=“11756,11757,11758,11759,11761,11762,11764,11765,11766,11768,11769,11770,11771”]
This weekend will bring a brand new Iron Man 3 trailer (amongst others) during the Super Bowl, and just in time, Marvel Studios has released a brand new poster for the film.
Honestly, it’s one of the cooler posters released for any of the Marvel films yet.
Evocative of classic Iron Man covers, this isn’t a cool shot of armor or giant floating heads, this is Tony Stark in downfall. Clearly, something has gone terribly wrong, and Shellhead is falling to his doom.
What has caused this? How could things go so wrong for the genius billionaire playboy philanthropist? Â Call it a hunch that Sunday’s trailer will reveal all.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013. We’ll have the new trailer for you on Sunday as soon as we can.
After cutting his teeth on the amazing Moon and Groundhog Day-meets-train explosions film Source Code, director Duncan Jones is getting called up to the big leagues.
In an exclusive scoop to the Hollywood Reporter, it’s now confirmed that Jones will be directing the official film adaptation of iconic video game series Warcraft.
The film adaptation of the super popular Blizzard game series is being produced by Legendary Pictures (they who bankrolled the Nolan Batman films and this summer’s Pacific Rim amongst others), and will be Jones' first shot at a huge budget Hollywood film.  At one time, director Sam Raimi was tied to the property, but he was pulled away by other projects (including this March’s Oz The Great and Powerful).
Those who follow Duncan Jones on Twitter know that the man is an intense gamer, and his passion should absolutely show through in the final product.  While some may have apprehensions about a director taking on a huge project for the first time (Moon had a budget of about $1 million, Source Code $35 mil), Jones has shown an incredible eye as a director, and no doubt will flourish with this project.
Warcraft is tentatively scheduled for a 2015 release.
Source: Hollywood Reporter.
The third Simon Pegg/Nick Frost/Edgar Wright creative pairing The World’s End finally hits theaters later this year, and we have two brand new images from the film to peruse.
They come from a new article posted today by Empire (linked below), where Pegg gives some hints to the film, calling it a “much bigger proposition” than Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, and lets us know that the names of each stop on the seemingly ill-fated pub crawl which sets the plot in motion gives a hint as to what happens at each.
You might want to take a look at the first teaser poster to get an idea of what he means. Could be fun at the Two-Headed Dog. Â The second still certainly hints towards some darker action - what do you think?
The World’s End arrives in America on October 25th, 2013.
Source: Empire.
EDIT:Â Here’s a third image thanks to IGN!
Paperman, the beautiful and whimsical short screened before Wreck-It Ralph has been placed on YouTube by the Walt Disney Company.  It’s an absolutely joyous 6 and a half minutes, and if you haven’t seen it, you should. Now. (In HD, if your computer supports it.)
Serving as a showcase of Disney’s new, revolutionary animation technique perfectly blending 3D rendering with a 2D style, the short is nominated for Best Animated Short at the 85th Annual Academy Awards this March.
If you dig it, you’ll probably also enjoy Adam WarRock’s song about the short, which can be listened to and downloaded here.
2011’s The Muppets was an absolute joy of a film, a proper celebration of true entertainment icons, and luckily, it’s not the last caper for Kermit and the gang.
A brand new film has just started production in London, officially titled The Muppets…Again!, and Entertainment Weekly got the exclusive first details on the script, the cast (including appearances from Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell), and luckily enough, an exclusive interview with Kermit himself!
The plot of the film takes the Muppets worldwide as they get caught up in the hunt for a jewel-thief named Constantine (who just happens to look like Kermit), and the flick looks to be another mixture of comedy and songs. Â Click the source link for all the details - if you’re a Muppet fan, you’re sure to be stoked.
The Muppets…Again! hits theaters on March 21st, 2014.
Source: EW.com.
After 35 years of the 3¾" scale serving as the dominant scale for all toys Star Wars, toymaker Hasbro has decided to go big with a brand new line of action-figures.
Sure, back in 1977 the right idea was go small for the Star Wars line of toys, as back when, 8" were the norm - clearly too large for playsets and spaceships.  However, later this year, Hasbro is looking to lure adult collectors in with a brand new 6" scaled line - Star Wars: The Black Series.
This premium line of action figures includes intricate sculpts, an intense amount of articulation, and an amazing eye for detail. Â Eight figures overall are planned for release in this new line, with the first four figure series, including Luke Skywalker in his X-Wing outfit, Darth Maul, R2D2 and a Sandtrooper, hitting in Mid-August.
You can see the first picture of the Luke Skywalker figure above, with an early packaged shot below.  The retail price for these new figures will be $20, versus the $8-$10 of the current line.
Clearly, fans have long kept up with collecting figures from all six Star Wars films (and the Clone Wars cartoon), but this new scale is a chance to breathe new life into the decades long toy line.  I mean, Hasbro needs something to keep buyers interested until Episode VII, right?
No word on the second series lineup (I’d guess it has to include Han and Vader), but one would imagine that we’ll know more about the future of The Black Series after the International Toy Fair next month in New York.
Source: USA Today.
The grey market area of Hong Kong electronics sure loves to give us some theoretically amazing technology, doesn’t it?
Provided the build quality of this new gaming handheld is up to snuff (and that it isn’t blocked from sale, given the number of gaming companies that will probably wish to sue it out of existance), the JXD S7300 HD Gamepad2 is a very impressive looking handheld.
Developed by JinXing Digital Co., the system (which should retail for somewhere about $175) runs Android 4.1, has 1GB of RAM, wi-fi, a USB port, multitouch, motion-sensing, front-facing camera, 1024x600 resolution and HDMI output, looks like a Wii U controller and…most importantly, runs emulators for the SNES, Genesis, Neo-Geo, PlayStation and N64, amongst many other things.  Sure, the system page shows a screenshot of Super Mario Galaxy 2 (hello lawsuit!), but seriously, what an amazing system for classic gamers.
Of course, it would probably sell far better, and actually be able to make it to market if they didn’t actually point this out, but as it stands - I honestly will be watching for reviews to see how it turns out. I’d love a device like this, with built in controls, as opposed to trying to run emulated games on a Nexus 7 or similar Android device.
If you’re interested in buying one now, this looks like one store selling them to US buyers. If you do, let us know how it turns out!
Source: JinXing Digital CO.Ltd.
The ever expanding cast of the sequel to the (mostly) well-received Spider-Man reboot looks to have gained its strangest addition yet - noted character actor Paul Giamatti as The Rhino.
In a scoop exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter, word is that Giamatti is very close to joining the cast of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as the classic Spider-Man villain, who has yet to see action on the silver screen.
Giamatti, best known for quirky acting work in roles such as Sideways, is no stranger to comic book adaptations, having appeared in American Splendor, but even as a HUGE supporter of his work (Win Win is a terribly underrated film), I never thought I’d see him in a project on the scale of this one. That said, Giamatti is said to be quite a fan of the Rhino character from childhood, so it’s cool to see him (possibly) make a dream come true.
He would join a number of new actors coming aboard the film, including Jamie Foxx as Electro, Chronicle’s Dane DeHaan as Harry Osborn and Shailene Woodley as Mary Jane Watson, joining the returning Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Emma Stone as the ill-fated Gwen Stacy.
Also joining the cast, sayeth reporter Borys Kit, is actress Felicity Jones (Like Crazy), for a yet to be announced role.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
The much rumored about Brad Bird directed, Damon Lindelof scripted, George Clooney starring mystery project at Disney titled 1952 has been the subject of much discussion for movie geeks for months. Some even thought it was a cover name for Star Wars: Episode VII (honestly, I would have dug that, myself.), but it’s not!
However, the cover is finally starting to come off. On Wednesday, Brad Bird tweeted an image of the inside of the mystery box which inspired the project (at the top of the post)…and today, Disney issued a press release indicating the new, and proper, name for the project…
Very exciting news out of the UK today, as British music staple NME has reported that French robot-head wearing musical duo Daft Punk has signed to a new label, signaling the release of new material for the first time in years.
Sony officially confirmed today that Daft Punk has left their long-time label of Virgin Records to join Sony’s Columbia Records label, and all indications are that a new Daft Punk album is finally to be released in Spring of this year.
While there have been many, many, many rumored collaborations for this new album, time will tell which are true and which were fake, as no further details are currently available for the long awaited fourth album from Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. This will mark their first album since 2005’s Human After All and first release since 2010’s Tron Legacy score.
Source: NME.COM.
We certainly cannot be the first to report it (sorry, I was on vacation in California), but if no one has yet, let us at Blast-O-Rama confirm the rumors. As of very very late Friday night, The Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm have confirmed that director JJ Abrams will be the director of the beginning of the next Star Wars trilogy - Star Wars: Episode VII.
We’ve covered the development of Episode VII from its surprise announcement in October, and now the project is closer than ever to reality. Abrams has proven himself a rather adept director since getting in the filmmaker’s chair for 2006’s Mission: Impossible III, delivering far better as a director than a producer, following up with 2009’s Star Trek reboot, 2011’s Super 8 and this summer’s upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness. I honestly cannot think of a better director for the role (at least of a name - the rumored Ben Affleck and Matthew Vaughn names are understandable, but don’t feel “right”), and if the rumor is true that Steven Spielberg pushed for the move, you really cannot get a bigger anointment than that.
Here’s the press release in full.
“It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new Star Wars movie,“ said Kennedy. “J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the Star Wars experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.“
George Lucas went on to say “I’ve consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He’s an ideal choice to direct the new Star Wars film and the legacy couldn’t be in better hands.“
“To be a part of the next chapter of the Star Wars saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,“ J.J. Abrams said. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid.”
J.J., his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk, and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kathleen Kennedy under the Disney | Lucasfilm banner.
Also consulting on the project are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg. Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on The Empire Strikes Back, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Return of the Jedi. Kinberg was writer on Sherlock Holmes and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Abrams and his production company Bad Robot have a proven track record of blockbuster movies that feature complex action, heartfelt drama, iconic heroes and fantastic production values with such credits as Star Trek, Super 8, Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol, and this year’s Star Trek Into Darkness. Abrams has worked with Lucasfilm’s preeminent postproduction facilities, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, on all of the feature films he has directed, beginning with Mission: Impossible III. He also created or co-created such acclaimed television series as Felicity, Alias, Lost and Fringe. Star Wars: Episode VII is currently scheduled for a Summer 2015 release.
Last month, we had our first details at the long in gestation Disney Infinity project. Today, it was officially revealed at the El Capitan Theatre by Pixar head John Lassiter, and it represents a very major undertaking in both collectible toys and gaming from the classic House of Mouse.
Sort of a Disney/Pixar based version of Skylanders, Disney Infinity allows gamers to purchase the game, and import characters and worlds from NFC supported action figures and playsets.  Want to unlock Mr. Incredible? Buy the figure. Want the world of Monsters Inc.? Get the playset and scan it.  However, this allows for a near infinite replay value, as with an additional mode called The Toy Box, gamers can mix and match levels and characters from the entire library of Disney projects.  This trailer should help explain things.
What also makes this game so interesting is the incredible complexity of the Toy Box mode, which allows you to create and share levels, a’la Little Big Planet or Minecraft.
Set to launch this June with sets based on The Incredibles, Monsters Inc. and Pirates of the Carribean, the games developers intend to launch the game with a wide variety of figures, playsets and “power discs” (cheaper character add-ons and power ups) available for sale.  Launching for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, this is clearly going to be costly - a starter set will run $75, with figure 3 packs at $10, playsets at $35 and power disc packs running $5, but if it all works as stated, this could become the greatest licensed gaming initiative yet released - and, as said in the headline, a license to print money.
The upcoming DC Comics fighting game from the developers of Mortal Kombat, Injustice, has an official release date and two separate collector’s editions, Warner Bros Interactive revealed today.
The PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii U fighter developed by NetherRealm will officially hit shelves on April 16th, 2013.
For collectors, the Collector’s edition, below, will cost $99.99 (up from the standard $59.99) and include a statue, a special edition comic, a digital copy of Justice League: Doom and 3 downloadable skins for the New 52 costumes of Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman.
For PlayStation and Xbox owners with a little more scratch, the Battle Edition (at the top of the post) will also be available for $149.99 which drops the comic and digital movie, and adds a fully featured joystick.
Source: Polygon.
Filmmaker Zack Snyder has one of the most geek friendly resumes possible, and it looks like he intends to continue, as after Man of Steel completes, he is rumored to be moving to a new Star Wars film.
The project, reported today by Vulture, is said to be a part of the extended Star Wars theatrical universe, and is not part of the forthcoming Episode VII, VIII, IX Trilogy. It was spoken at the time of the Disney/Lucasfilm merger that Disney was looking to grow the Star Wars universe to be similar to the Marvel Theatrical Universe, and this will be the first project.
Snyder’s film is said to be a Jedi filled version of Seven Samurai, with Jedi’s replacing the Samurai, and the swords instead being lightsabers. I’m sure there’s more to the plot than that, but considering the original Star Wars was based on The Hidden Fortress, this is the perfect way to go.
Considering thus far Zack has revisited Dawn of the Dead, adapted 300, faced down the unfilmable Watchmen and is now in charge of Superman, he may just be the perfect candidate for a new Star Wars film - let’s just hope we don’t have another Sucker Punch on our hands.
And no, the above art is NOT from the film - it’s by talented artist Clinton Felker, who created an entire series of hybrid Star Wars/Samurai art.
Source: Vulture.
EDIT - 7:47pm EST -Â Zack Snyder’s reps have officially denied the report. Oh well.
Fan films can be quite a mixed bag, but sometimes the ambition can greatly outweigh any questions of quality or content - this is one of those instances.
Way back in June 2010, then teenagers Jonason Pauley and Jesse Perrotta started working on a live-action recreation of the 1995 Pixar classic Toy Story using real human actors and physical toys in place of the classic characters.  Now, over two years later, the project is complete and online. They even got to hand out DVDs at Pixar (as seen in the headline photo).  I’ve embedded the video below, you have to appreciate how well they pulled it off.  Good job, guys!
Source: Gizmodo.com.
It comes as no surprise that Warner Bros is moving forward with new Batman projects. As arguably the greatest character in the DC Comics lexicon, Bruce Wayne’s alter ego is always being featured in some sort of media.
Fusible.com has kept a close eye on WB’s domain registry and come up with Batman based gold. Many people are looking at this list as a possible hint towards future movies, but we’ll be more realistic - our guess is these are possible titles for the next game in the Rocksteady developed Batman: Arkham Asylum/Batman: Arkham City series.
Without further adieu, here’s the list of domains - is Arkham Universe the next big Batman video game?
As with any long running character, be it in comics, TV or film, a character’s look and style get refreshed over the years. Â In turn, it’s always very interesting to see all of the changes at once.
Designer Maurice Mitchell has looked back on the classic Man of Steel and given us the above infographic, showcasing 75 years of revisions of the classic Superman logo.
Every variant is represented here, from the classic logo seen in the Christopher Reeve movies, to the original police badge esq versions, even rare variants like the sweet Kingdom Come version or god-awful “electric Superman” variant from the late 90s.
Click here for the full size version and enjoy the look back at history.
Source: The Geek Twins.
In what is either a perfect example of how misguided the Internet generation has become, or how transparent the United States Government is trying to be with its people (if not both), The White House officially responded to a Petition this weekend with over 30,000 signatures, requesting that the US Government look into the construction of an official Death Star.
Yes, Death Star. Like from Star Wars.
In the brilliantly titled response, This Isn’t The Petition Response You’re Looking For, the Chief of the Science and Space Branch at the White House Office of Management and Budget, Paul Shawcross responds to the petition with an official rejection.
In the very well detailed response (seriously, you’re going to want to read this), Shawcross articulates the flaws with the plan, up to and including these great bulletpoints:
Source: The White House.
Amazon has fired an unexpected shot in the ongoing digital music wars between them, Apple, Google and players such as Spotify and Rdio.
A new feature of their super popular Amazon CloudPlayer is AutoRip.  This function will allow purchasers of physical CDs to also receive MP3 downloads and streaming copies (via the CloudPlayer) automatically at no additional cost.
What makes this really interesting and exciting is that this feature is being matched retroactively. Â Whatever supported albums you’ve purchased from Amazon.com since 1998 will automatically be available via this service.
In our first hand experience, this wasn’t too fruitful, as we’ve only bought one album through Amazon in the past. What is interesting, however, is that if you bought albums as a gift, they will appear in your history. Of course, any albums bought third-party or used will not count towards your total.
For full details, check out the linked press release.
Source: Amazon.com.
Yes folks, once again, Oscar season has arrived, and the Academy has narrowed down their picks for what they feel to be the finest films and performances of the year.
Perhaps you agree, perhaps you don’t - and yeah, they’re probably not all our favorites here at Blast-O-Rama, but on February 24th, someone is walking away with a statue.
Here are the official nominations for the show, the 85th Annual Academy Awards, which will be hosted by Seth MacFarlane.
Let us know your thoughts - and your picks - in the comments below.
This is a list of the “major” categories. For ALL nominations, click here.
Best Picture
Amour Argo Beasts of the Southern Wild Django Unchained Les Miserables Life of Pi Lincoln Silver Linings Playbook Zero Dark Thirty
Best Director
Michael Haneke - Amour Benh Zeitlin - Beasts of the Southern Wild Ang Lee - Life of Pi Steven Spielberg - Lincoln David O. Russell - Silver Linings Playbook
Best Actor
Bradley Cooper - Silver Linings Playbook Daniel Day-Lewis - Lincoln Hugh Jackman - Les Miserables Joaquin Phoenix - The Master Denzel Washington - Flight
Best Actress
Jessica Chastain - Zero Dark Thirty Jennifer Lawrence - Silver Linings Playbook Emmanuelle Riva - Amour Quvenzhane Wallis - Beasts of the Southern Wild Naomi Watts - The Impossible
Best Supporting Actor
Alan Arkin - Argo Robert DeNiro - Silver Linings Playbook Phillip Seymour Hoffman - The Master Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained
Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams - The Master Sally Field - Lincoln Anne Hathaway - Les Miserables Helen Hunt - The Sessions Jacki Weaver - Silver Linings Playbook
Best Animated Feature
Brave Frankenweenie Paranorman The Pirates! Band of Misfits Wreck-It Ralph
Fans are on pins and needles as Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception director Christopher Nolan has started to seek out his next project.  Rumors have placed him with overseeing a film about Howard Hughes for years, but The Hollywood Reporter reports that Nolan will be jumping back on the sci-fi train instead.
A film called Interstellar is the rumored project, a film about time-travel and worm holes. Formerly a project toyed with by director Steven Spielberg, the latest draft of the script is by Jonathan Nolan (Christopher’s brother, and co-writer of The Dark Knight Rises and The Prestige), which makes the project an easy move for Christopher Nolan, known to work with a standard base of collaborators.
Other than the time travel angle, not much is known about Interstellar, besides that the script is based on the theories of  theoretical physicist Kip Thorne.  The project looks to be overseen by both Paramount and Warner Bros.  Those with knowledge of the project indicate the script is complex and multi-layered, making it a choice fit for Nolan as director.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
This week, the poster people at Mondo have a rather unexpected release ready for their mouth-foaming fandom - an intricate poster based on the 2005 film adaptation of V For Vendetta!
The iconic Guy Fawkes mask has been turned into a montage of flames and scenes from the film under the pen of artist Caesar Moreno. This 24"x36" print is limited to a run of 300, and is a steal at $35.
The drop will be tomorrow (watch @MondoNews), and I’ve included a gallery of detail shots below. Check it out!
[gallery link=“file” ids=“11606,11607,11608,11609,11610,11611”]
Surprising news from Hasbro today as they announced that the iconic tokens of the classic board game Monopoly will be changing forever!
Now through February 5th, fans are being asked to vote on the official Monopoly Facebook page to choose which of the classic tokens (the race car, iron, Scottie dog, wheelbarrow, shoe, top hat, thimble or battleship) gets to continue on into future games. Â The lowest voted token will be replaced with a brand new one, which coincidentally, you get to pick as well. Â The new generation of token possibilities include a ring, a helicopter, a cat, a guitar and a mustachioed robot.
I think it’s pretty clear the Wheelbarrow will be replaced by the Robot in a hot minute.
For Monopoly purists, a special “Golden Token” edition will be released to Target stores next month which includes all of the classic tokens for one last time, and serve as the only set to also feature all of the new tokens.  It will run you $18.  Of course, you can expect the classic tokens to be restored in time for the next anniversary year of the game.
Source: USA Today.
Here’s some very unexpected, yet awesome news - the theatrical adaptation of the DC/Vertigo comic Y: The Last Man is back on!
It’s been announced today that the film, based on the wonderful comic by Bryan K. Vaughn, is back in development, but with a new director in mind -Â Dan Trachtenberg.
Name sound familiar? Trachtenberg is best known across the web as the former host of Revision3 web show The Totally Rad Show which ended its run late last year.  Trachtenberg arrived on the radar of many in Hollywood with his amazing Portal: No Escape fan film.
Last in development with director DJ Caruso (Disturbia) and star Shia LaBeouf attached, the story stars an amateur magician named Yorick, the ssurvivor of a massive plague which elminates all men on Earth, with the notable exception of him. Running from 2002-2008, it’s one of the most beloved comic series of the modern era, and we at Blast-O-Rama can’t wait to see it come alive!
Source: Deadline.com.
Following in the footsteps as such great franchises as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Batman and Lord of the Rings, Travelers Tales has announced this morning that there will be a LEGO Marvel Super Heroes game hitting for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, Wii U, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS systems.
Details are mostly light at this time (not surprising, considering release is still a year out), but the game intends to include over 100 playable characters, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, Galactus, Loki, Thor, Black Widow, the Hulk, Hawkeye and Deadpool. Â Of course, dozens of classic Marvel environments will be included in the gameplay, and you can assume it will remain the standard mix of light puzzle and platforming.
If the game is as fun and breezy to play as the prior installments, I’d say Travelers Tales has another hit on their hands.
Source: Marvel.com.
It looks like the Internet once again got it’s way.  I’m not sure where the trend started (I do know it lead to the casting of Mark Wahlberg in Transformers 4), but Warner Bros has turned rumor into reality as Guillermo del Toro has confirmed to IGN that he is working on a DC Comics movie based in their “Dark Universe”.
Spoken about earlier this year, the rumor was denied by del Toro (but followed up by stating that he would be interested in such a project), and now it seems he will be overseeing a film uniting the fates of DC Comic’s batch of dark magic based characters, including Swamp Thing, John Constantine, Deadman, Etrigan the Demon, The Spectre and Zatanna.
Of course, the next question will be, “Where does this fit on Guillermo’s plate?”, as  he has many other projects on the burner, but if there’s any man to oversee this unique comic film, I think we can all agree it’s him.
We’ll keep an eye on this story and update you as we know more.
2013 has been an interesting year for fans of Pixar, as after a rather tight lid had been kept on all things besides Monsters University, a large amount of content, related to both forthcoming and past projects have hit the web.
It all started with a peak at concept art for their 2014, 2014 and 2016 releases, which appeared on a New Year’s celebration card sent to ComingSoon.net.
It contained art from…
May 30th, 2014’s The Good Dinosaur
June 19th, 2015’s Untitled Pixar Movie That Takes You Inside The Mind
and the 2016 release, currently named The Untitled Pixar Movie About Dia de los Muertos.
All looks really cool, right?
Next, from artist Katy Wu, we had a full gallery of artwork from the unproduced film Newt. Newt, if you recall, was set to be the Summer 2012 release from Pixar, but was later announced cancelled. Rumor is the similar plot of Rio was what killed the project, but darn if the artwork isn’t pretty.
[gallery link=“file” ids=“11578,11577,11576,11575,11573,11572,11571,11570,11569”]
Finally, in what I feel like is the most exciting reveal, we have our first look at the short attached to Monsters University, titled The Blue Umbrella.  A brief clip was uploaded by The Wall Street Journal yesterday, and the look is absolutely astonishing - the most lifelike CG they’ve created yet.  Usually, the shorts serve as a testing ground for Pixar animators, which leads me to ask…what are they working on now? Check it out.
I think it’s safe to say that even for those who considered Brave a misstep (not I), or are skeptical of Monsters University (yeah, that’s me), Pixar is still working hard to create magic. Color me very excited for this next round of films.
After an amazing 2012, you could easily expect Mondo to rest on their laurels and coast into 2013. Of course, that’s not what they’re doing, as they kick off the year with posters for one of the biggest movies of all time - Jurassic Park.
Designed by Ken Taylor, who produced amazing posters for Drive, The Avengers and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea last year, I admit this isn’t one of my favorite designs they’ve done for Jurassic Park, but I have little doubt it will look amazing in your home theater room.
The standard version, pictured at the top of this post, will run 475 pieces for $50, and the variant (below) is limited to a run of 225 for $75. Each measures 24"x36".
Both prints will be available later today, so watch @MondoNews for the drop!
Thrusting the viewer right into the world of New York City bicycle messengers, you wouldn’t be wrong if you assumed that Premium Rush was an adrenaline fueled ride through one of America’s greatest cities by way of two wheels. However, by mixing up too many different plot elements, and not entirely deciding on a deadly serious or tongue in cheek tone, the movie falters, and may just be one of the worst releases of 2012.
Told in a non-chronological style, our movie starts with bicycle messenger and our lead, Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) crashing into a car and being flung into the street. The movie moves backwards from there to establish how Wilee got into such a crash. Â He’s quite the devil-may-care messenger, considered one of the best in the game. Perhaps this is because he rides without brakes? Â He gets his deliveries, he gets them to their destinations quick, and wouldn’t you know it, with one unique parcel -Â everything goes wrong. Â To elaborate upon that would illuminate the entire plot from there, so lets just say the final package involves a flamboyant rival named Manny, an NYPD detective with a gambling problem, a love triangle where none of the participants have ANY chemistry at all, a Chinese crime ring, a surprise cameo by Sleigh Bells and another role for Aasif Mandvi where he serves no purpose but to yell at delivery people.
Sure, the movie has its brighter moments - I really enjoyed the on screen maps, and the “messenger vision” moments where Wilee ponders different biking paths were well done, but with a very uneven level of pacing and acting, it’s very hard to completely immerse yourself into them. Levitt seems to take the role very seriously, and isn’t awful as the lead. Â His on-screen romance with Vanessa (Dania Ramirez) is hardly believable, and the character seems to have been added via a studio note demanding an insert for any female audience members who are dragged into seeing the film with their boyfriends. Â From there, depending on your perspective, either the worst or the best part of the movie is the antagonist, Detective Robert Monday (Michael Shannon). Either he completely blows the film with his over the top acting, or is the only one to realize how much better the movie would have been if it were an 80’s style actioner, versus, well…whatever it ended up being. Â At least Michael Shannon looked like he had a good time.
Looking over the resume of writer/director David Koepp, he certainly has had his hits (writing credits on Jurassic Park and Spider-Man) and misses (directoral credits on Secret Window and Ghost Town). I just wish a consistent tone could have been met - had this been taken as seriously as Commando, perhaps Premium Rush would have been a far more enjoyable film. As it stands, the film has its brighter moments, but is an uninvolving mess.  Better luck next time, everyone.
This year was the biggest year yet for us at Blast-O-Rama, as we’ve grown from a pop-culture based blog from one person to a full-featured read for all sorts of interests, with our ever wonderful staff of six.
To showcase each of our unique tastes, we decided to do things a little differently than most sites for their year-in-review posts, and let each of our writers compose a unique look back on the year prior based on their interests and tastes.
Here’s what we have.
2012 was an interesting year personally with the world of pop culture - I consumed more media digitally than physically, I found my interest in video games fall off, and was surprised by some of the movies which I fell in love with.
However, instead of adding to the pile of top 10 lists, I figured I’d point out everything this year that made my year in media consumption great, and hopefully point you in the direction of some things you missed.
The iPad
This March brought me my first tablet, as I picked up the 3rd Generation iPad.  Sure, I like many others was miffed when the 4th Generation model popped up so close to the end of the year, but I honestly don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.  I love the retina display, I love consuming content on this device, getting web content in some of its best form in a hand-held tablet, playing games (although there are still some games which I don’t feel right playing on a touch screen), and most importantly, reading full color comics.  Which brings me to my next point…
Digital Comics
After about a five year stint of being a trade only reader, the world of digital comics grabbed me hard as soon as I got a tablet, and since then, I’ve been a single issue reader again.  With DC’s New 52, Marvel NOW!, Avengers vs. X-Men and an astonishing variety of amazing indie titles hitting the “shelves” this year, I’ve become a regular Wednesday reader again. And with no longboxes taking up space in my apartment (something I’m sure my girlfriend appreciates), it’s easier than ever to be a comics reader, not collector.
Spotify
As someone with a 90GB music library on his computer, you can imagine that I really love my music. And with Spotify, it’s never been easier to try it out literally everywhere. I pull up longtime favorites, new albums which sound interesting, bands I’ve been meaning to check out, and playlists of my pals literally anywhere I can go.  While there’s still much to be decided from an artist payment standpoint, I can honestly say that the “stream anything, everywhere” concept of Spotify has truly changed the way I listen to music, and more importantly, how I store it.  I really love this damn program, and hope it benefits all parties sooner rather than later - as it progresses though, they have my $10 a month.
Looper
As anyone following the updates we posted here on Blast-O-Rama may have noticed, I had very high expectations for Rian Johnson’s latest movie, and when Looper hit the theaters in September, it not only hit the expectations I had, but exceeded them. Brilliant time travel logic mixed with a Blade Runner-esq realized version of the future, matched by great performances, Looper is probably my favorite movie of 2012.
Saga
The amazing creation of Y The Last Man writer Brian K. Vaughn and artist Fiona Staples, this pseudo Romeo & Juliet spanning many planets and alien races has grabbed my attention from the first issue and quickly became one of my favorite reads. Consistently imaginative with beautiful art, it’s a true lynchpin of the Image Comics rebirth this year.
The Avengers
I have to admit it - I really had a bad feeling in my stomach that this movie was going to fail. While I’m a Joss Whedon fan, I’m hardly a full on browncoat, and the earliest trailers made the movie look small in scope and scale. How wrong I was. Whether in theaters in May or on blu-ray at home since it’s release, The Avengers completely delighted me with it’s sense of interpersonal humor and eye-popping action. I’m not sure how well the movie would have worked without the brilliantly orchestrated five films before it, but Marvel Studios nailed the landing. Bring on Phase Two!
Hawkeye
With The Immortal Iron Fist, writer Matt Fraction and David Aja reinvented a classic C-list Marvel Comics character, mixing superheroics with a Hong Kong action flick feel. The team finally got back together this August for Hawkeye (or Hawkguy as the fans know it), and they may have completely outdone themselves. Giving a street-level heart to the longtime Avenger, Hawkeye has mixed brilliant characterization, ridiculous villains, car chases, women and everything great into one comic package. It’s like if 70’s filmmakers got to make modern-day comics, but with beautifully minimalist artwork. If you aren’t reading it, go to your store (or jump on your tablet) and fix this immediately. SO GOOD!
The Dark Knight Rises
Ok, so it’s not as good as The Dark Knight, but Nolan really made arguably the best third installment in any franchise ever here. Also, it doesn’t hurt that I’m in it. (I was one of the many extras in the football game scene). Oh, and screw what anyone says, Bane’s voice ruled.
21 Jump Street
The biggest surprise of the year for me, I went into the preview screening expecting to tear the movie apart. Instead, I found myself seeing one of the funniest big studio comedies since the rise of Apatow. This is the movie that made me fall in love with Channing Tatum as a concept, as opposed to (as I always joked) glorified set dressing. If you haven’t seen this yet, fix it. Brilliant stuff.
As a last bit - every year, my friends and I like to make best of mixtapes for the year. In turn, here’s my playlist for 2012, available on Spotify. I hope you enjoy!
With the best of lists starting to get published for 2012, it’s already time to start discussing what could be great in 2013.
Based on the strength of it’s cast and trailer alone, I nominate for you The Place Beyond The Pines.
A multi-generational crime drama overseen by the director of Blue Valentine and featuring an amazing cast including Ryan Gossling (Drive) and Bradley Cooper (The Silver Linings Playbook), this looks like a winner. Check out the trailer and the synopsis below.
Luke (Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling) is in constant motion, a high-wire motorcycle stunt performer who travels from town to town with the carnival. Passing through Schenectady in upstate New York, he tries to reconnect with a former lover, Romina (Eva Mendes), only to learn that she has in his absence given birth to their son Jason. Luke resolves to forsake life on the road and to provide for his newfound family, taking a job as car mechanic with Robin (Ben Mendelsohn). Robin soon discovers Luke’s special talents, and proposes to partner with him in a string of spectacular bank robberies. But it is only a matter of time before Luke will run up against the law – which comes in the form of Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper).
Avery is an ambitious rookie cop navigating a local police department ruled by the menacingly corrupt detective Deluca (Ray Liotta). When Avery, just beginning to balance his profession and his family life with wife Jennifer (Rose Byrne) and their infant son AJ, confronts Luke, the full consequences will reverberate into the next generation. It is then that the two sons, Jason (Dane DeHaan) and AJ (Emory Cohen), must face their fateful, shared legacy. The Place Beyond The Pines is set for a March 29th, 2013 release.
One of the most anticipated films for us at Blast-O-Rama for 2013, Pacific Rim looks to be jam packed with monsters and robots.
But it’s easy to forget that there will be human moments, too. Luckily, Warner Brothers reminds us with this new still from the film (above), featuring a commanding Idris Elba talking to Rinko Kikuchi.  What are they discussing? I’d assume life or death matters, for sure.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th, 2013.
Source: Collider.
In the heart of the holiday season, Rockstar Games has decided to release five more screenshots from their long-awaited open world sequel - Grand Theft Auto V.
What makes this most interesting though? Unless they’re just being a bunch of teases, these give away that GTA V’s world will be the first to incorporate full water travel, including sharks and submarines!
Grand Theft Auto V will hit Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in Spring 2013.
Source: Kotaku.
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While the movie was far from family friendly, we did describe Django Unchained as the “perfect Christmas gift” in our review.
However, if you’re picking up some late Christmas presents, perhaps the perfect pickup for the nerdy Tarantino fan in your life will be a set of the 8" action figures coming from NECA?
In an appropriately retro style, similar to the MEGO figures of the 1970’s, each is poseable, and has full cloth costuming.
The six figure lineup includes Django, Dr. King Schultz, Broomhilda, Stephen, Calvin Candie, and Butch (the Bob the Goon of the line). Â Prices seem to vary online, but appear to range at about $30 per figure. Â A full gallery appears below.
[gallery ids=“11366,11368,11367,11370,11372,11371”]
While it may come off as hyperbole, reading through the details described by Polygon in an exclusive article released before the holiday, Disney Infinity may be one of the biggest moves in gaming ever.
Set to be formally announced sometime next month, Disney Infinity is the long-term result of years of development and experimentation from the team at Disney Interactive.  Scheduled for release on consoles, iOS and Android, the game is somewhat of a sandbox - you’re given the a variety of different Disney based worlds (Andy’s Toybox here, the world of Monsters Inc. there, etc.) and your choice of characters from all throughout the combined Disney and Pixar history, and you can play almost any type of game, depending on the character you’ve chosen.  Wreck things as Ralph, fly and shoot lasers as Buzz Lightyear, race as Lightning McQueen…and pick up your game from the console on your iPad or vice versa.  Now imagine a new Disney movie comes out, with new worlds and characters…you’ll be able to get them involved too.
Apparently the “Toy Box” mode found in the game versions of Toy Story 3 were the first hint of this project, and in January, we’ll have a better idea as to how this all works, but from the onset, this sounds like an incredible revolution in gaming, with some of the world’s most beloved characters serving as our dip into what could be a very large gaming pool.
If everything works, this could be the beginning of a change of how games work (imagine if the next Grand Theft Auto is the “last”, with new cities, characters and stories being released over time). Â Stay tuned for more details as we get them.
Source: Polygon.
Everything old is new again, as much like in the fall of 2006, 2013 will see two separate magician films hit theaters. However, unlike 2006, which had The Prestige and The Illusionist, these films are looking to be a bit less heady, and a bit more over the top, focusing on the Vegas-style magician.
Earlier this year saw the reveal of the trailer of Now You See Me, a Summer 2013 Vegas magician heist movie. However,  the first to hit theaters will be the comedic duel between a Siegfried and Roy style magician (Steve Carell) and a Criss Angel/David Blane type (Jim Carrey) - The Incredible Burt Wonderstone.
The first trailer just hit and looks pretty darn funny, check it out.
We’ve also got a bunch of posters and stills from the film, which you can browse below. Â Given that it’s been a while that Jim Carrey had a big comedic role, it’s nice to see him in a role where he can really lose himself, and Carell looks to be up to matching him. Oh, and I never complain about seeing Olivia Wilde in a movie.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone hits theaters on March 15th, 2013.
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We got a teaser poster, we got a teaser trailer, and since then, we haven’t heard much.
However, just before the holiday, Paramount Pictures officially announced a release date for Anchorman: The Legend Continues.
The Will Ferrell headlining sequel will hit theaters on December 20th, 2013, with production finally starting in March. Here’s hoping it’s a good one!
Source: Deadline.com.
Who would have thought that of all people, Tony Stark would be in the holiday season?
In this new shot provided by Marvel Studios, we see our dear Tony (Robert Downey Jr.) stuck in the snow, as we’ve been hinted he would be in all prior trailers for Iron Man 3.
If that wasn’t enough, though, they were kind enough to also send along this new still, with Tony, again, all beaten up.
Looks like Iron Man 3 will be a rough time for ol' Shellhead.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
Acting as essentially a third part of a revenge based trilogy (following the split-into-two Kill Bill and the joyous Hitler-killing fantasy of Inglourious Basterds), director Quentin Tarantino has decided to deliver us all a bloody and violent Christmas present, and he’s named it Django Unchained.
Much how Inglourious Basterds turned years of World War II tension into a celebration of film and violence, Tarantino focuses on a revenge fantasy to provide catharsis for America’s dark history of slave trading.  Using the spaghetti western as the template, Django Unchained puts the titular Django (Jamie Foxx),  a slave freed by a dentist turned bounty hunter (Dr. King Schultz, played with indelible joy by Christoph Waltz), on a journey of death and destruction as he seeks to find his long lost wife, Broomhilda (Scandal’s Kerry Washington).  But don’t think that this is just Tarantino just indulging his love for westerns and applying them towards a controversial direction - similar to Basterds, he goes beyond the “aren’t movies so COOL” style of filmmaking presented in his earlier work. While homages to other work are here, they aren’t the focus - instead the universal language of film used to ease us into rougher territory.  And rough this film can be.
Much can be discussed about the use of violence in this film - but what’s interesting is that violence is used in so many different forms here. You have violence as brutality (the awful “Mandingo fights” overseen by plantation owner Calvin Candie). You have violence as history (the brutal whippings and mistreatment towards slaves). You have violence as catharsis (pretty much every scene where Django is unleashed). You even have violence as humor (note an early run-in between Dr. Schultz and a local sheriff).  In a time where once again filmic violence is being discussed in the headlines, Tarantino presents how the intent can radically redefine the message of something shown on screen, and does so regularly.  I’m sure future film classes will have a field day with the ways that the movie re-frames different elements - see how in one scene whip scars are used for horror, but in another, an air of bad ass legitimacy.
There really is much to on chew in this film.  The performances are universally stellar, with Jamie Foxx at an all time peak (it’s very hard to imagine this film with the original star, Will Smith, in mind) and Christoph Waltz using the amazing charisma he demonstrated with Hanz Lanza in Inglourious Basterds, but this time, as a hero.  You have wonderfully comedic work from Don Johnson (yes, that Don Johnson) as plantation owner Big Daddy, plus a great cameo from Jonah Hill in arguably the movies funniest scene.  Leonardo DiCaprio does a fantastic job of turning his pretty boy history into something dark and twisted - his Calvin Candie is the most devious villain in Tarantino’s entire filmography.  However, the biggest surprise for me? Samuel L. Jackson.  Playing Candie’s right hand man, Stephen, he’s arguably the best role that Jackson has ever had.  Similar to how DiCaprio turns his famous face into somewhat of a farce, as Stephen, Jackson turns many of his acting ticks into something darker. I’m almost wondering how much of the role is intended as a criticism of the majority of Samuel L. Jackson’s work to date - as honestly, Tarantino has been the filmmaker to use him at his best.  Also, be sure to keep an eye out for many of Tarantino’s regulars, including Michael Parks and a very well hidden Zoe Bell.
Sure, many of the Tarantino tropes remain (retro looking credits, an anachronistic soundtrack), the wonderful Kerry Washington is terribly underused, and the script has a somewhat lengthy ending with an odd detour. But the fact remains this -Â Django Unchained is an absolutely unbelievable roller coaster of a film, and if you can handle the violence, it gives you a little bit of everything. Humor, drama, the light and the dark, and an interesting look at one of the ugliest periods in American history. Â Maybe it’s not the normal way to celebrate Christmas, but I certainly looked at this film as a gift. Highly recommended.
To celebrate the wrap up of shooting for the next Simon Pegg/Nick Frost/Edgar Wright flick, the apocalyptic (sense a trend today?) The World’s End, Pegg tweeted the first official still, seen above.
Clearly, this is a great reunion of childhood friends (including Pegg, Frost, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine and Eddie Marsan), and Simon Pegg hasn’t gotten out of his Cure loving years.
The World’s End hits theaters on October 25th, 2013.
In a rather timely move, given the whole “Mayan Apocalypse” thing, to hype the release of this summers This Is the End, the post-apocalyptic directorial debut of Seth Rogen and his writing partner Evan Goldberg, they’ve released a red-band (NSFW) first look at the film, via Yahoo!.
The cast of the film is full of all of your Apatowian favorites (including Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, James Franco and others), all of whom seem to be playing themselves in a madcap, vulgar and violent adventure through the end of times.
I think Danny McBride using the phrase “Academy Award Nominated Person” alone has me in.
This Is The End hits theaters on June 14th, 2013.
Originally set for release in the crowded Christmas season, director Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of the classic novel The Great Gatsby was pushed into the Summer 2013 season, to give it some breathing room.
To remind you of its release, Warner Bros have released some new posters and a trailer for the film (which will be in 3D) and it looks as crazy, trippy, and well, Luhrmann-esq as it did before. Heck of a cast, too. Check it out!
We’ll have to see how the noise and fury of Luhrmann’s style meshes with the classic story.  However, there’s still some time to go, as The Great Gatsby hits theaters on May 10th, 2013.
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I know we don’t really like Michael Bay much here (although I felt that Transformers: Dark of the Moon turned out way better than it should have), but it’s easy to forget how damn interesting his first films were.  Movies like The Rock and Bad Boys 1 & 2.  Well, I think Michael Bay is looking to get his old mojo back, as the first trailer for Pain & Gain has been released, and it’s full of the vivid colors, stupid action and crazy camera angles that made those movies great.
Here’s the trailer, with the synopsis following.
Pain & Gain hits theaters on April 26th, 2013.
While the world of toy collecting has definitely taken adult collectors into consideration in the modern era, it’s somewhat crazy to know that in 1979, Kenner not only made a toy for the Ridley Scott psychological horror/sci-fi classic Alien, but they EVEN MADE A COMMERCIAL FOR KIDS!
Check it out.
The really crazy part, of course, is when you realize that the alien’s attacks are supposed to be symbolic of rape. So, it’s a fun time commercial where the kids are hiding from their rapists!
Btw, if you want one of the vintage figures, get ready to pay through the nose. A quick glance on eBay shows that they’re going within the three figures range, loose.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching HBO’s dark fantasy opus Game of Thrones, there is literally no better time than right now to start.
The blu-ray collection of the amazing first season is currently on sale at Amazon.com with a whopping 60% discount - retailing for $99.98, the collector’s edition set (which includes Blu-Rays, DVDs, Digital Copies, and a sweet dragon egg) can be yours for just $39.99.
Consider it an amazing Christmas gift for yourself, and then get ready to pick up Season 2 in February, just in time for Season 3 in March! Head to Amazon.com today and get ready to spend your holidays immersed in a show featuring dragons, blood, sex and death. That’s the best type of holiday, right?
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
In Irrational Games/2K Games continue attempt to convince us that BioShock Infinite is really, really, for real this time coming out in March, they’ve released a new video from the game containing the first five minutes (roughly) of in-game play.
Personally, I’m not ready to watch it, since I’d like to be tossed in when the game starts, but if you’re wanting and willing, the below video is all yours. Enjoy!
BioShock Infinite hits shelves on March 23rd, 2012. We think.
Clearly inspired by the armor seen in the Christopher Nolan Batman films (The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises in particular), this Batman Hoodie may have the best of intentions, but I have little doubt it will make you look like a complete fool.
Even Marc Ecko can’t make it look cool on a pretty lady model in the (slightly nsfw) photography on the website listing.
But hey, if you have $149.50 and think the Star Wars hoodie line wasn’t goofy looking enough - go nuts, Bat Fans!
Source: Laughing Squid.
Promised last week, the full trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness has hit the web, and while it still doesn’t answer any questions (like who the hell the villain is), it certainly keeps you interested.  This looks really, really good either way - even if it looks like we’ll have another movie with the “villain gets captured in the second act” trope.
Cue the Inception THWAMS, it’s trailer time.
What do you think so far? Did you see the 9 minutes proceeding The Hobbit this weekend? Let us know in the comments.
Eleven years ago, Peter Jackson, with the help of New Line Cinema, did the impossible. He took J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy and brought it to life. Taking a group of mostly low-profile character actors and an unproven visual effects team, he did the unprecedented - made three films in one back to back moment and turned the beloved books into classical legends.
It’s hard to look back now and think about how those films weren’t supposed to work. Even now, I wonder how different the world of film would be if Jackson had failed. Would we have 2 hour plus epic films in theaters every week? Would dramatically accurate adaptations to known properties still be taken as seriously by movie studios? It’s an interesting thing to ponder. But as many wanted when The Return of the King was released in 2003, Peter Jackson has returned to the world of Middle-Earth (after a long and difficult journey there) to give us how the story began - The Hobbit.
The Hobbit was the first release in the Middle-Earth saga, published originally in 1937. Originally set for a trilogy with two other Lord of the Rings films in 1995, the Rings trilogy quickly became the focus. But after the success of the three films, and some impressive legal wrangling, The Hobbit was set in late 2007 as two films - to release in December 2011 and 2012 respectively. A flirtation with Guillermo Del Toro as director (his credit remains on the final screenplay) lead to the eventual return of Peter Jackson as director, a delay to 2012 for the first film, and over the summer, the expansion into a new Hobbit trilogy.
But as dramatic and exciting as this was for the fans - at the end of the day, it’s about the film. And today, the first film, An Unexpected Journey hit cinemas. Set 60 years before Fellowship of the Ring, it’s the tale of Bilbo Baggins (played here by Martin Freeman of Sherlock, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and The Office fame) as he went from a gentle hobbit to an adventurer of legend.
The die is cast as the story thrusts us into the legendary past of the dwarves of Middle-Earth - their kingdom in Erebor lost due to the strike of a powerful dragon named Smaug. The dwarves persevere on, although spread among the world, and a plan is hatched by wizard Gandalf the Grey (the returning Ian McKellen) and rightful dwarf heir, Thorin Oakenshield to take back the Lonely Mountain of Erebor and allow the dwarves to reclaim their history.
How does a simple hobbit become involved, you ask? Gandalf has always known Bilbo, since Bilbo was a child, and remembers him as a hobbit with a heart for adventure - and tells the dwarf party (13 gregarious dwarves strong) that Bilbo would make a perfect burglar to top off their team. This is a journey that will send him all across Middle-Earth, and after some indecision he joins them, and with that, we are off and running.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has a lot of weight on its shoulders. Following an undeniable classic trilogy and having to setup a new one is a lot to do - but don’t worry, this won’t have you wishing that Peter Jackson never revisited this world. While the movie (and presumably the series) is much lighter hearted than the Lord of the Rings Trilogy was, you still enjoy. From the first shot of the kingdom of Erebor to the final shot of this film, you are riveted. It’s amazing how transfixed you can become into a fantasy world when you are guided from a master filmmaker. WETA Digital truly shines here, with amazing environments and photo-real creatures mingling with human actors, with only the Uncanny Valley separating them. Hobbits, Elves, Trolls, Dwarves, Giants and more come to life before your eyes in a more joyous way than the Rings trilogy, which could be dour at times.
That said, the film isn’t perfect. At a nearly three hour running time, this shorter story turned dramatically longer sags under its own weight at times. Entire sequences feel unnecessary - the council in Rivendale could have been excised, I feel - and there are many moments where you’re anticipating the “To Be Continued” to arrive. Luckily, this is countered by some solid action beats, including the story of Thorin becoming “Oakenshield”, a madcap battle through the Goblin Cave, and a personal favorite, a fight between rock giants.
Performances in the film are mostly solid - the returning Lord of the Rings cast members deliver just as you’d like, and Martin Freeman is absolutely perfect in his role of Bilbo Baggins - he almost feels like an old hand in Middle-Earth, just as you’d want him to. Sadly, for such a large portion of the cast, the Dwarves aren’t truly fleshed out. They’re given some minor character traits (He’s fat! He’s goofy! He’s old!) and for as solid as Richard Armitage is as Thorin Oakenshield, he feels a bit like Aragorn-lite here. I must make note of Sylvester McCoy’s turn as Radagast the Brown - he is absolutely ridiculous, almost as if he’s from a much more dangerous and subversive film, and I hope we get more of him in the rest of the trilogy (if not the extended versions as well). Performances remain key to the series, of course, as for as much as I enjoyed the action mentioned above, I found the most riveting scene to be the meeting of Bilbo and Gollum (played here again by Andy Serkis, who is SUCH a joy to watch in the role).
If the movie has a flaw it is this - much of the drama is removed from the film simply because you know exactly how certain situations will play out. Its as if we’re now getting Harry Potter Years 1-3 after the dramatic success of 4-7. While drama can be built and certain moments absolutely hit, a certain amount of wind is gone from the sails.
All of that being said, at the end of the day, even though you know its destination, I feel that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey remains a journey worth taking. Grab your family this weekend and go on an adventure.
Worth mentioning - I saw the film in 2D, 24 Frames Per Second, so I cannot speak to how good or bad the 3D or the much hyped higher frame rate turned out. The movie was shot digitally, so there is some of the digital funkiness found here, but overall, everything looked great.
With all of the excitement surrounding the pending production of X-Men: Days of Future Past, it’s easy to forget that next summer brings a brand new solo adventure for the most popular X-Man, Logan - better known as The Wolverine.
Released in the wee hours of the morning, this new teaser poster designed for the international market certainly has its aim at setting a mood, and if the still image wasn’t enough, Fox also released a pretty cool motion poster, embedded below.
Of course, the proof remains in the pudding, and as we’ve yet to see a single scrap of footage of Hugh Jackman’s return to the role that made him famous, I can’t say whether it’s going to be good or bad - just that it’s coming down the pike. Here’s hoping they change that soon.
The Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th, 2013.
We’ve very much looked forward to the Guillermo Del Toro directed robots vs. monsters flick Pacific Rim here at Blast-O-Rama, and this evening, the first trailer has officially been unveiled.
We’ve got giant robots, we’ve got epic speeches from Idris Elba, we’ve got the voice of GLaDOS, we’ve got amazing looking monsters, what more could you want?
If you said a closer look at one of the robots, don’t worry, we’ve got one of those as well. Behold -Â GIPSY DANGER!
[caption id=“attachment_11254” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Thanks to Hero Complex for the image[/caption]
In case you haven’t been following our continuous coverage of the film, here’s a full synopsis. NOW GET HYPED!
After the release and generally indifferent reception to the cover art unveiling for BioShock Infinite, Irrational Games head Ken Levine took to the web today to announce that fans would get to pick the opposite side of the reversible cover art for the game.
Six choices are available, but if none of them float your boat, don’t worry - apparently an entire library of downloadable, printable covers will be available once the game launches.
A full gallery of the cover options appears below (that’s my selection there at the top), and you can vote at the source link.
BioShock Infinite hits game consoles on March 23rd, 2013.
Source: Irrational Games.
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One of the most anticipated entertainment events has to be the 2013 return of Arrested Development, the cult FOX TV show which ended in 2006, but will find new life on Netflix in the Spring.
Yesterday, some very interesting news came about, as Netflix confirmed that the previously scheduled 10 episode season will be extended to a 12-to-15 episode run. Â Apparently filming was going so well that they discovered a lot more content to work with, and creator Mitch Hurwitz has been given the OK to review the current footage and find the best way to incorporate the additional character arcs.
When’s the last time you heard of a show being extended due to quality, as opposed to success? Well done, FOX and Netflix!
Source: Deadline.com.
I know, as a relatively new Whovian (currently half way through Series 5), I probably shouldn’t be looking at this, but for those who are completely caught up, here’s the new trailer for the 2012Â Doctor Who Christmas Special, “The Snowmen”.
Looks like you get a look at the new companion (Jenna-Louise Coleman), and I have to say - evil Snowmen are an inspired choice of villain. Â I really enjoy whenever shows have a themed Christmas special, and I can’t wait to see this when I get caught up.
“The Snowmen” will air on both BBC One in the UK and BBC America in the US on December 25th, 2012.
No one would blame you if you thought that this week’s release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey would result in a poster from Mondo. However, they decided to take a little bit of a left turn from that, and based on what we’re getting - I think it’s totally worth it.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you The Lord of the Rings as envisioned by Olly Moss.
Moss has long been one of the most beloved members of the Mondo artist stable, and this really is some of his finest work, which given his past pieces (such as My Neighbor Totoro, the Star Wars Trilogy and those amazing Captain America posters) is truly saying something.
The regular edition is a 15"x36" print (good luck, framers!), limited to a run of 580 pieces for $50.
Variant hunters will want the orange variant (above), limited to 285 prints for $90.
This poster goes on sale tomorrow, December 13th at a random time. Keep an eye on @MondoNews for the drop.
EDIT:Â 2:26pm - Now updated with detail shots posted by Mondo.
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Now that GI Joe: Retaliation really is, for real, hitting theaters next year, Paramount Pictures is doing its best to get you back in line for its release.  Ergo, a brand new trailer released to Yahoo! Movies.
The Channing Tatum quotient is definitely way up, and I have to admit, like the trailers before, this looks like a stupid and fun movie. Explosions, Ninjas and the Rock - how can you go wrong?
Guess we’ll find out soon.
GI Joe: Retaliation hits theaters in 2D and 3D on March 29th, 2013.
We are just days away from the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which means…of course, it’s time to already start talking about the sequel, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Originally set as two films, the Hobbit series was stretched into a third earlier this summer, increasing the excitement (and the box office revenue) for Peter Jackson’s return to Middle-Earth.  Entertainment Weekly was able to grab the exclusive for the first image from the film, which features a very scared Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), presumably locking eyes with the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).
Now that we know where this is heading for the second film, you may be wondering, what’s the idea for the third? Based on some 120 pages of appendices written by J.R.R. Tolkien, the third film will feature the Battle of Five Armies, guaranteeing that both trilogies end with massive battles. Just how we like them.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits theaters on December 13th, 2013, with The Hobbit: There and Back Again following on July 18th, 2014.
Source: EW.com.
Pixar’s next big movie, Monsters University is fast approaching its release in theaters, so to continue to keep it on people’s radars, they released two new images today to Entertainment Weekly.
The first, above, features Billy Crystal’s Mike as he makes his way into his first day of college. Do you remember your first day in class? Were we ever so young?
The second, features Mike during what appears to be a hazing by Sully. The creature in Mike’s arms is somewhat of a mascot animal. Sure has weird eyes though.
I suspect we’ll get a new trailer full of plot info once Monsters Inc. is re-released in 3D early next year. In the meantime, look over these images and ponder.
Monsters University hits theaters on June 21st, 2013.
Source: EW.com.
Tomorrow, Thursday, December 13th, in one of the more interesting marketing tie-ins I’ve ever heard of, long running gameshow Jeopardy! will feature an entire category based on Marvel NOW!.
The full press release is below - I look forward to Alex Trebek being a total prick when people get the answers wrong. Check your local listings for airing times/channels.
“The Answer: Marvel NOW! on JEOPARDY!. The Question: How is Marvel reaching new fans and bring them into comic book stores to experience the most exciting new series of the year?’“ said David Gabriel, SVP Sales, Marvel Entertainment.
Check your local listings and tune in to JEOPARDY! Thursday, December 13 to see the historic Marvel NOW! category and test your own knowledge of the Marvel universe.
For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW. For more on JEOPARDY!, please visit jeopardy.com.
About Marvel: Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com
About JEOPARDY!: JEOPARDY!, the winner of a 2011 Peabody Award and 30 Emmy Awards, including the 2012 Emmy for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Program, was inducted into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most awards won by a TV Game Show. The series is the #1-rated quiz show in syndication with 25 million viewers each week. JEOPARDY! is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. It is distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and internationally by CBS Television International, both units of CBS Corp.
As the can’t stop/won’t stop world of Angry Birds continues on into its third year, the Swedish developer behind the pig murder simulator has announced officially that the nuanced tale of birds being flung into wooden and stone based structures will be transitioning from every game console ever created to the silver screen.
To be developed by Despicable Me producer John Cohen and former Chairman of Marvel Studios David Maisel, Angry Birds' film interpretation is looking to hit theaters in Summer 2016.
What makes the project interesting is that they will be looking to fund the film outside of the studio system, to retain full control over the final project.
I suppose this then means we’ll also be seeing Angry Birds: The Movie: The Game sometime in 2016.  Fingers are crossed for a crossover with the forthcoming Star Wars sequels.
Source: Rovio.
While the first trailer left me somewhat cold, the new trailer for The Lone Ranger certainly grabbed my attention.
Focusing more on the setup for the film, and possibly adding a supernatural element to the character, this two-and-a-half-minute trailer gives you a lot more of the interaction between the titular ranger (Armie Hammer) and Johnny Depp’s Tonto.
The scale and scope of the movie certainly looks rather adventurous, and I never thought I’d see trains used in such kinetic action - I guess that’s what a gigantic budget can do.
The Lone Ranger hits theaters on July 3rd, 2013.
With the continued growth of pop culture art shows on each coast, every gallery is looking to have their show stand out.  The Bottleneck Gallery in Brooklyn, NY is launching a new show (with the help of Silver Screen Society) this Friday night, December 14th, and it may be one of the coolest ideas yet - Alternate Endings.
Over sixty artists have taken on selecting one of their favorite films and altering the editing in some dramatic way.  This can be humorous (see Andres Lozano’s Seven), sad (David Sizemore’s Up) or simply bizarre (Kyle Fewell’s Predator), but each time celebrates what makes each film great - even in their subversion.
The opening is at 7pm Friday night, with the show running through Friday, January 4th, 2013. Â Any art not sold during Friday’s opening will hit Bottleneck Gallery’s website on Saturday, December 15th at Noon. As always, we’ve included a gallery of artwork below.
The Bottleneck Gallery is located at 60 Broadway in Brooklyn, New York.
Source: /Film.
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Releasing on June 7th, 2013, After Earth is another far flung sci-fi film for the year, featuring Will Smith and his son Jaden (The Karate Kid) as a father and son who crash land onto Earth 1,000 years after humanity has abandoned it, and are forced to fight for their own survival.
The first trailer has hit the web, and I have to say, it hits all of the right notes, for as bored as I’ve become with Will Smith as a performer.
What is interesting, however, is how the movie doesn’t push its director, the one time huge name M. Night Shyamalan. While his position in the directors chair has me worried and already predicting the twist ending, the first trailer has me rather optimistic about After Earth. What say you, dear reader?
It’s certainly a more somber Superman than we’ve known, but two trailers in, I’m more intrigued by Zach Snyder’s version of Superman than any prior.
The tease is working for me, as I really know very little about the film so far, but it certainly has it’s emotional hooks in.
What do you think about Man of Steel so far?
Man of Steel hits theaters on June 14th, 2013.
Last weekend brought about the 2012 edition of the Video Game Awards on SpikeTV.
While the awards themselves are usually tripe, the gaming industry has decided to make the night important by revealing exclusive trailers for rather important games. Â Usually these are the blockbuster top-tier titles coming out, but on Friday night, one trailer stood out.
That would be for the game The Phantom Pain, by a new developer called Moby Dick Games.  Check out the trailer.
As you can see, it’s a very different game, putting you in the shoes of an amputee patient, who is in a military hospital when things start going very wrong. An action-horror title from the looks of things, this is one hell of a debut.
…
Or is it?
Quickly after the reveal of the trailer, fans started researching the game extensively, first discovering the website of Moby Dick Games, which is rather stark and low on detail for a game development company.
Then someone noticed something about the logo for The Phantom Pain. I’ll let this GIF say it all…
That’s right. The Phantom Pain is Metal Gear Solid V.
The clues are literally hiding in plain sight, with Moby Dick Games being headed by CEOÂ Joakim Mogren…Joakim being an anagram for Kojima, as in Hideo Kojima, director of the Metal Gear Solid games.
Certainly is a new direction for the series, but is this trailer also a red herring? Time will tell. Well played, Konami.
We’ve shown you the stunning concept art. We’ve shown you the intriguing teaser poster, and now…we have the first full length trailer for Oblivion.
And, so far…it kinda looks like a high-action version of Wall-E, but with Tom Cruise as our robot, and Morgan Freeman being evil.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing however, as you’ll see in the trailer below.
Bizarre use of the New York Yankees cap aside, this looks pretty good, and I think Joseph Kosinski continues to be a filmmaker with a hell of an eye. Lets hope that this flick can showcase his storytelling chops.
Oblivion hits theaters on April 19th, 2013.
The early 2000’s were an amazing time to be online - and most of it was due to one little file sharing program, called Napster.
The granddaddy of all P2P programs, Napster truly changed how we share content over the web (for better and for worse), and while some of its successors had their moment in the sun (I miss Audiogalaxy, myself), nothing truly had the impact which Napster did.
Nearly a decade after it was gutted and tossed aside, filmmaker Alex Winters (yes, as in Bill & Ted) is looking back on Napster with a brand new documentary, called Downloaded. Here’s our first look at its trailer.
Downloaded is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and as you can see, looks to be a hell of a watch. I can’t wait until it gets picked up for distribution…or maybe it’s better to just download it off the web?
Source: Ain’t It Cool News.
Just three days away from the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Amazon.com is offering a fantastic deal on the Blu-Ray release of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: Extended Edition.
Retailing for $119.98, Amazon is offering a whopping 67% off, so it can be yours for just $39.99!
This includes all three films in their extended configurations, plus the exhaustive DVD extras found on the original Extended Edition DVD sets, resulting in a shelf crunching 15-disc package.  I own this set myself, and the HD transfers for the films are amazing - not to mention each film is a bit more digestible in two sittings.
If you don’t already own this set, I highly recommend you pick it up today - this is the lowest I’ve seen it for sale. Head over to Amazon.com now.
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
Earlier this week, we featured some breathtaking artwork from the movie Oblivion, the new film from Tron Legacy director Joseph Kosinski.
Today, we have the first poster for the film, which stars Tom Cruise as a drone repairman stationed on a far-distant future version of Earth, and if this poster is any indication, it looks like the film will live up to the amazing concept art.
Here’s the official synopsis for the film.
Guess what guys? BioShock Infinite is delayed, again.
Raise your hand if you’re surprised.
At least this time, the delay is minor.
Scheduled originally for February 26th, 2013, the game is now set for release on Tuesday, March 26th, 2013.
According to Ken Levine, director of the project, the idea came from the new head of Irrational Games, Rod Ferguson.
Here’s his quote to Polygon:
Source: Polygon.
I really hope that your teeth are in great condition, because the level of sweet adorableness from the new Cosbaby figures from Hot Toys may render them a mangled mess of cavities.
From the Pixar classic Monsters Inc., we have a full line of figures, and they really are incredibly adorable.
Here’s Hot Toys press release, which includes an estimated release window, and we have a full gallery of the figures below.
SO CUUUUUTTE!
Monsters, Inc.: Cosbaby (S) Series specially features:
Special features: **Snap kits with joint articulations **Amazing detailed accessories
Note: Simple assembly is required.
Packaging : Window Box
Release date: Q1, 2013
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The latest in the seemingly never ending series of Guillermo Del Toro projects is one which I certainly never saw coming.
Pan’s Labyrinth, Del Toro’s 2006 film, a haunting and moving dark fairy tale, will see a new life as a musical for the stage.
Details are still early, but Paul Williams, best known for writing songs for the Carpenters, Three Dog Night and David Bowie, as well as composing the Muppet classic “Rainbow Connection” and the score of Phantom of the Paradise, will be penning the lyrics. Gustavo Santaolalla, who composed the scores for Babel and Brokeback Mountain, is handling the music.
No word on dates or the location for the launch of the musical, but I for one cannot wait to see the Pale Man singin' and dancin'!
Source: Deadline.com.
The latest nerd deal to come across my desk here at Blast-O-Rama is sure to be a great one for you muggles out there, as Amazon UK is offering up a region-less set of all eight Harry Potter films for a ridiculously low $33.62 shipped!
You get all eight movies, including the extras from the standard releases of the films (not the fancy stuff from those gigantic boxed Ultimate editions), plus a nice slipcase which really demonstrates how rough Daniel Radcliff looked by the end of the series.
Harry Potter - The Complete 8-Film Collection is in stock now at Amazon UK, and you should have here in the states in roughly 10 days, based on my past adventures ordering from them.
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
Encompassing an insane number of licenses and pop-culture icons, the Funko line of Pop! Vinyl figures just continues to amass more and more awesome characters and designs.
Due to hit in late January, the second series of Marvel Comics figures may just be some of their best yet.
The line-up will include Dr. Doom, Deadpool, Dark Phoenix, Beast, Silver Surfer and arguably the most adorable Ghost Rider ever made.
As always, check your local comic store and novelty shops for these, and expect to pay around $10-$12 for each.
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In what hands down has to be one of the most adorable promotional photo albums ever made, the official Facebook for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has posted a gallery of images featuring the cast of the film (Bilbo, Gandalf and all of the dwarves) “meeting” their LEGO versions for the first time.
There is such pure joy in these photos that I just had to share them.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters on December 14th, 2012.
Source: Facebook.
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Just takes a little bit of buzz to get things going these days, I suppose.
Remember how yesterday I was just writing about the awesome concept art for Oblivion, the next movie from director Joseph Kosinski, who helmed Tron Legacy? I’m not sure if they’re related, but no sooner does Oblivion start to get press, than Disney announces that Tron 3 is back in development.
In a scoop which was exclusive to The Hollywood Reporter, it’s being said that the script, which has gone through a number of revisions, is back in development under writer Jesse Wigutow.
Wigutow has yet to have a script hit the screen, but he’s worked on a number of Disney projects, including an adaptation of Peter and the Starcatchers, and a film called Parallel. In the “this may break bad” department, he also worked on the ill-fated script for the remake of The Crow. Joseph Kosinski is still attached to direct.
Time will tell if the family Flynn will find their way back onto the screen again, or if this is just another movement toward Development Hell.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
Hey guys, remember last summer, when we were all excited for the potential of GI Joe: Retaliation, and then with like, less than a month until release, Paramount pushed it back until March, where most of us have already forgotten it would be coming out?
Well, they’ve released a new poster on Yahoo!, which I’d wager is the final design, and it definitely underlines how much more Channing Tatum we’re getting now.
Oh, and yeah, it’s in 3D now too. Hope you remember that!
GI Joe: Retaliation hits theaters on March 29th, 2013.
Full of dark, explosive imagery, the announcement trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness has hit the web.
Framed by a voice-over from thus far unnamed villain played by Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), this announcement trailer makes it very clear that this time around, things will not be easy for Captain Kirk and the rest of the crew of the USS Enterprise.
I’ve included two versions of the trailer below - the US release, and the Japanese release, as the Japanese version includes a few extra shots, including quite the Wrath of Khan call back.
US Version:
Japanese Version:
A longer trailer will hit the web on Monday, December 17th. As a big, big fan of the 2009 JJ Abrams reboot, this looks fantastic, but I cannot speak to how it would look from a long time Trek fan’s perspective. What say you, Trekkies?
Star Trek Into Darkness hits theaters on May 17th, 2013.
With all of the amazing posters Mondo has done, somehow, they avoided the world of Looney Tunes.
So of course, that changes now.
Releasing tomorrow, Thursday, December 6th, 2012, Mondo kicks off a series of Warner Bros. cartoon related posters with two prints featuring some of the more monstrous shorts in their collection.
First, you have Hyde and Go Tweet (at the top of this post), the Sylvester and Tweety classic, as paid homage by Phantom City Creative.  This 18"x24" print is limited to a run of 260 for just $40.
More of a Bugs Bunny fan? How about this poster for Hair-Raising Hare, designed by Michael De Pippo! It’s also sized to 18"x24", also limited to 260 prints, and also will cost just $40.
Each features some beautiful, classical design work, and are sure to be a beautiful addition to your walls.
As always, the prints go on sale at a random time, and @MondoNews is the account to watch on Twitter. Best of luck, Looney Tunes fans!
For over 25 years now, fans have said that Ender’s Game was an unfilmable novel.  The sci-fi novel from Orson Scott Card, with its tough themes of young children being recruited for war would be difficult enough to get green-lit, let alone with the massive amount of necessary special effects.
However, Paramount evidently disagreed, as late next year, the film version will finally hit theaters, and thanks to Entertainment Weekly, we have our first look at the film.
The image showcases Asa Butterfield (Hugo) as Ender, as he is stared down by Colonel Griff, played here by Harrison Ford. Â It’s also a quick look at the living quarters of the Battle School, where children are trained for battle.
Personally, I’ve yet to read the book (I suppose I should now), so I’m left asking you the readers - does this adaptation look good, or are you already skeptical?
Ender’s Game hits theaters on November 1st, 2013.
Source: EW.com.
Argue if you want about how Tron Legacy lived up to the legacy (heh) of the 1982 original, but there is little doubt that the film amazed visually.
Directed by former music video auteur Joseph Kosinski, the film grabbed you with every frame, and its blu-ray is an absolute visual delight.
Kosinski has remained mostly quiet since the 2010 release of the film, but next Spring, he will return with the Tom Cruise starring sci-fi film Oblivion.
I know, Cruise can be hit or miss - but as some concept art has leaked to the web, I think one thing will be true - the movie will be a treasure for the eyeballs. Â This is seriously some artwork I can lose myself in.
And hey, if that doesn’t work, the movie is set to be scored by M83, so at least we’ll have a decent soundtrack.
Here’s the official blurb for Oblivion:
Source: io9.
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In 2004, director Shane Carruth made his debut with the mind-bending, scientifically accurate and shocking time travel film Primer.
Since then, he’s been biding his time working on his follow-up, and even served as a consultant for the time travel concepts of the film Looper.
But now, he’s ready to unveil his next film.
Debuting at Sundance 2013, here is the first teaser trailer for Upstream Color.
The teaser is discomforting, entrancing, and tells you really nothing about the film…yet, I couldn’t help but be completely intrigued by it. I tried to see if the film synopsis for Sundance gave us anything more, but…nope.  I am almost reminded of how I felt after seeing the Tree of Life teaser. I still need to see that…
One thing that we don’t get to cover as regularly here on Blast-O-Rama as I’d like is the world of street art. Â However, it’s something that I avidly enjoy, and one of the highlights of my San Francisco trip last year was stumbling upon the art of Banksy while walking the streets.
However, an artist who perhaps isn’t quite getting as much press as he should is Hanksy, a “parody” street artist who mashes pop culture concepts with wonderfully rendered street art. He got his start mixing Banksy pieces with images of Tom Hanks, hence his unique nom de plume.
A mini documentary about Hanksy hit the web this week, titled “Spending Time With Hanksy”, and joins him as he puts up two new pieces of art. Â It’s a heck of a watch, and I highly recommend you check it out. Enjoy!
Source: Laughing Squid.
As the Foo Fighters enter an extended hiatus, all eyes are on its leader, Dave Grohl.  After selling millions of records and rocking nearly as many faces, he now focuses on a new era in his career.
Having directed more than his fair share of music videos, Dave’s now moved on to producing his first ever film, a documentary about the legendary recording studio known simply as Sound City.
The first trailer has hit the web, and we have it for you below.
Sound City looks to be an interesting film, not just showcasing the studio, but taking on the ongoing discussion about the digital shift for recording - whether the switch from analog has hurt the human qualities of recorded music, and what that means for the future.
I definitely wish to check it out when it gets a proper release. In the meantime, if you’re lucky enough to attend Sundance or SXSW this year, the film will be screened at both.
Here’s to your new career, Dave!
Source: /Film.
As we’ve featured here before with their awesome Optimus Prime print, the team at Acidfree Gallery is doing amazing things with the Hasbro license, and for fans of Transformers and GI Joe, new prints are being released regularly which are absolutely drool-worthy.
Next up in their ongoing series is the first of a set of COBRA themed prints from artist Rhys Cooper.
Featuring the bespectacled villian Baroness, this print is a 12"x36" 5-color screenprint.  The regular edition (above) is limited to a run of 100 for $50, with the metallic ink variant (below) running $65, limited to a run of 55 copies.
[caption id=“attachment_10971” align=“aligncenter” width=“266”] Metallic “Baroness” Variant[/caption]
If you need a Baroness for your wall, keep an eye here - the prints go on sale tomorrow, Thursday, December 6th at 12:30pm EST.
I haven’t seen Ted yet, but all indications based on its box-office is that  Seth MacFarlane is quickly translating his massive success on television into one on the big screen.
And as he’s never one to slow down (considering he has three TV shows on the air, a fourth in development, and Universal has green-lit Ted 2), he’s already working on a new movie fast tracked for a Summer 2013 release - a western.
Titled A Million Ways to Die in the West, MacFarlane intends to direct and star in the movie, which he co-wrote with Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild (who also co-wrote Ted).  The idea is that the film will be similar in tone to Blazing Saddles, but underline the dangerous and painful lifestyle of the 1800s.
Of course, we can expect racy jokes all around.
While many people have rightfully pointed out the decline of Family Guy in recent years, I can’t blame the guy for working as hard as he can, especially when he gets to oversee passion projects like the relaunch of Cosmos.  That, and his episode of SNL might have been the best of the season.  His hosting the Oscars may not work out so great, but if Ted was a decent flick (I’ve heard good things, I’ll be checking it out on home video), and this works out as well - more power to him.
A Million ways to Die in the West is set for a Summer 2013 release.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
While Monsters Inc. may not have been everyone’s first choice for a sequel from Pixar, there’s no doubt that the first teaser trailer for the prequel, Monsters University (as attached to Brave) gave moviegoers some hope that seeing Sully and Mike in College would lead to comic gold.
We’re still about six months out from the film’s release, but Pixar is making sure that Monsters University is on your mind with two brand new posters.
The US poster is clean and simple enough, but I have to say, I almost enjoy the international poster more (below). Just love that messy dorm room feel.
Now, Pixar films have usually played it safe with their soundtracks, but a bit of news about the Monsters University soundtrack hit yesterday, and it sorta broke my brain.
Contributing to the soundtrack will be….Mastodon.
Yes, the southern metal gods will be doing a brand new song for Monsters University, as will Randy Newman, sayeth Consequence of Sound. How about that. What a combo.
Monsters University, bizarre soundtrack and all, will hit theaters on June 21st, 2013.
Coming straight from Marvel.com, we have a look at four new images from Iron Man 3.
In addition to a close  up look at War Machine’s new coat of Iron Patriot paint, we get our first look at Rebecca Hall (The Town) in the film. She’ll be portraying Dr. Maya Hansen, who (in the comics at least) was responsible for creating the Extremis virus. This adds to the fan speculation that the film will include Extremis, a bio-electronic virus designed to be somewhat similar to the super-soldier serum used by Captain America.
Directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Iron Man 3 is due to hit theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
Source: Marvel.com.
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Whoops, look like we missed a Pacific Rim Jaeger blueprint late last week.
However, this one is worth the wait, as it’s definitely one of the more unique designs showcased so far.
Released to Yahoo! Movies Hong Kong, “Crimson Typhoon” is the official Jaeger of China.  Not only does it feature a unique three-armed design, but it is the only Jaeger to use three separate pilots.  It’s a very striking look, and I (much like with the other designs), can’t wait to see it in action.
Clearly, the anticipation is building for Guillermo Del Toro’s next film, and evidently, Warner Bros has faith that the hype will produce some strong dividends.  How do we know this? Deadline.com is reporting that Del Toro has officially started writing the script to Pacific Rim 2 alongside writer Travis Beacham (who wrote Pacific Rim).  Bodes well for the films prospects, and for those of us who want more robots fighting giant monsters on the big screen.
Pacific Rim hits theaters July 12th, 2013.
Over the past 10 years, there has rarely been a comedic talent so influential and important as Judd Apatow.
Mixing heart with over the top, vulgar and sometimes completely gross humor, he’s created and overseen some of the best comedic works of the modern era in both film and television.
Just in time for the release of his latest film, This is 40, Gallery 1988 is celebrating his work in a show titled appropriately enough, A Tribute To Judd Apatow.
Featuring artwork from landmark television programs like Freaks and Geeks to such classic comedy films as Anchorman, The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Superbad, this truly is a great artistic look back at the work of Judd Apatow. Sure, there are some works I would have liked to have seen featured better (looking at you, Undeclared and Funny People), but it’s an amazingly well curated show.
I particularly love the gross body hair art for The 40-Year-Old Virgin, and the dual purpose Anchorman/Garbage Pail Kids homage.
If you’d like to see the show in person, it opens tomorrow night and can be viewed through December 30th.
The show is at Gallery 1988’s Melrose location (7020 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, CA), and artwork will be available for sale on Gallery1988.com starting on Wednesday.
As always, we present a preview gallery of art below.
Source: /film
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Just confirmed on director Marc Webb’s Twitter…
And that’s that. Dane DeHaan, last seen as the tortured, superpowered teen Andrew in Chronicle will be Harry Osborn in the sequel to The Amazing Spider-Man.
Those who saw Chronicle can agree that DeHaan can play the role of outsider turned psychopathic villain like a fiddle, so if he does completely ascend into the Green Goblin mantel, he’ll be fantastic in the role. I look forward to seeing him mix it up with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone.
Now, to get official confirmation on Shailene Woodley as Mary Jane and Jamie Foxx as Electro.
The Amazing Spider-Man sequel spins into theaters on May 2nd, 2014.
EDIT:Â Here’s the official press release from Sony, which confirms Shailene as MJ and Jamie Foxx as Electro.
The screenplay is by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci and Jeff Pinkner based on a previous draft by James Vanderbilt. The film will be directed by Marc Webb and produced by Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach.
The casting of DeHaan as Harry Osborn was confirmed this morning in a tweet by Webb (@MarcW) who wrote “Meet Harry Osborn. So excited to have him on board. @danedehaan.”
“Dane is an exciting and extraordinary young actor and he is a fantastic addition to our cast,” Webb said.
The new film in the Spider-Man saga is set for release in 3D on May 2, 2014. Production will begin in early 2013 in New York.
Webb, Garfield and Stone previously teamed on this summer’s blockbuster The Amazing Spider-Man, which has taken in more than $751 million worldwide.
DeHaan caught moviegoers’ attention with his performances in four 2012 releases: Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, opposite Daniel Day-Lewis and Lukas Haas; John Hillcoat’s Lawless, alongside Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, and Jason Clarke; Bradley Rust Gray’s Jack & Diane, with Juno Temple and Riley Keough; and one of the year’s biggest sleeper hits, the adventure thriller Chronicle, directed by Josh Trank. He began his film career with director John Sayles and actor Chris Cooper in Amigo.
DeHaan next stars in Place Beyond the Pines alongside Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling. In addition he will star in Atom Egoyan’s Devil’s Knot, with Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth, about the fate of the West Memphis Three; and John Krokidas’ Kill Your Darlings, with Jack Huston, Daniel Radcliffe, Ben Foster, and Kyra Sedgwick, set in 1944 amidst the Beat Generation.
Mr. DeHaan first came to industry attention with his portrayal of Jesse in the third season of the critically applauded drama series In Treatment, starring alongside Gabriel Byrne. This was followed by a guest arc in the fourth season of the popular horror series True Blood.
In 2010, he received an Obie Award for his performance in Annie Baker’s The Aliens, directed by Sam Gold. The Rattlestick Theater production was cited as “Play of the Year" by The New York Times. Mr. DeHaan made his Broadway debut in with American Buffalo, Robert Falls’ 2008 staging of the classic David Mamet play.
Released via a Facebook game to promote the home video release of The Dark Knight Rises, we have a brand new poster for Man of Steel.
This image from the Zack Snyder directed, Christopher Nolan produced Superman film once again pushes the darker, more somber nature of this version of the DC hero, as it showcases him in handcuffs, being walked by a number of soldiers or guards.
It’s certainly not your standard, iconic Superman image. Interesting.
Man of Steel hits theaters on June 14th, 2013.
The long in-development alternate history shooter BioShock Infinite is finally on its way to hit shelves in February.
To underline the release, 2K Games released the games cover art over the weekend and its…alright.
Prominently featuring the lead character, Booker DeWitt, it certainly nails a lot of what makes the game so interesting (the revolutionary war era, airships, blue skies), but…I’ll be damned if it doesn’t look like a sequel to Uncharted.
Oh well, the thing could arrive in a wet paper bag and I’d still be excited to play it. The gallery below features a look a the PC, 360 and PS3 versions. Looks like the PS3 gets a copy of BioShock for free!
BioShock Infinite hits shelves on February 26th, 2013.
Source: Kotaku.
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In just over a week, 9 minutes of the long awaited Star Trek reboot sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness will be screened alongside IMAX showings of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
So, of course, this means its time to start revealing even more about the top-secret JJ Abrams directed film, and it kicked off today with the release of the first poster (above) and the official synopsis.
The poster certainly has a Dark Knight Rises feel, and gives an ominous tone to the film. Interesting look for Kirk, too, rocking a sweet leather trenchcoat. EDIT: That’s not Kirk! That’s Cumberbatch! And yes, that’s London you see there.
We still don’t know who the villain is, besides someone being played by Benedict Cumberbatch (of Sherlock fame), but perhaps the synopsis will tell us something.
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.
With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.
As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew. What? No idea still? DAMN YOU ABRAMS!
Star Trek Into Darkness hits theaters May 17th, 2013.
The race to Summer 2015 is on, with a hotly anticipated showdown between Disney/Marvel Studios The Avengers 2 and Warner Bros/DC Entertainment’s Justice League looking to go head to head.
The rumor mill started firing on all cylinders last week as HitFix.com reported that Joseph Gordon-Levitt was being courted to return as Batman in the DC superhero team up, and today, Latino Review (who correctly reported that a Guardians of the Galaxy movie was in development) claims to know who the villain is.
Brace yourself, folks…
…it’s Darkseid.
And that…really underwhelms me.  As bad ass as Darkseid is, this is going to make Justice League look like a “me too!” film. Even more than it already is.
Here’s the problem right now with the WB playbook for the DC Theatrical Universe. They want all of the glory with none of the work.
Marvel Studios took four years and 6 movies to build up to The Avengers. Each hero was given a shot, made to look important, and then the threat of The Avengers looked huge because all of these heroes were banding together for the first time.
In the case of DC? Green Lantern failed, then Christopher Nolan (rightfully) didn’t want to open up his universe to play. Man of Steel may relaunch Superman well (and is looking to be the catalyst of the DC Theatrical Universe), but that would really be all they would have going into Justice League.
Sure, much of the world knows who Batman, Aquaman, The Flash and Wonder Woman are, but the grand team up has yet to be earned.  Add that with The Avengers 2 having Thanos as a villain, and you will have  WB/DC looking like they’re just trying to rip off The Avengers.
Yes, Thanos really was Marvel’s attempt to have a Darkseid-esq character, but to the general public, he was seen on-screen in The Avengers first, and…well, this is really going to make DC look like the RC Cola to Marvel’s Coke. Not even a Pepsi.
We’ll see if this pans out. In my opinion though? They need a new villain and FAST.
Source: Latino-Review.com.
This Tuesday, December 4th, 2012, the last installment of the Christopher Nolan Batman saga will hit shelves with the DVD and Blu-Ray release of The Dark Knight Rises.
Like with most movies these days, you’ll get the most bells and whistles from the Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack.
The best pricing for the disc is at Amazon.com for just $18.99, which is also the price you will see at Best Buy, if you prefer your brick and mortar retails.
If you’re looking for a unique version of the movie, you have 2 additional options.
Target presents a digibook, which will retail for $24.99. The cover is lenticular and goes between an image of Batman and an image of Bane.
Best Buy gets an exclusive steelbook edition, also for $24.99, featuring the awesome teaser poster image.
The cheapest for the standard DVD, however, seems to be Amazon.com for $14.96.
Go and get yourself some Bat-Action!
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
The unveiling of the Jaeger mechs from Guillermo Del Toro’s Pacific Rim continues today, as thanks to MovieFix, we have our first look at the official Jaeger of Australia, “Striker Eureka”.
Featuring retractable blades, a missile launcher, and escape pod (plus some sweet wings), this is certainly the most tricked out of the bots showcased so far. Now, I just want to see them in action.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 11th, 2013.
Source: MovieFix.
Honestly, I can’t decide which I’m more excited for this holiday season - The Hobbit or Django Unchained.
Either way, if you hadn’t already been sold a ticket to Quentin Tarantino’s latest film starring Jamie Foxx as the lead character, perhaps the new final (?) trailer will do the trick, full of action and violence. You know, the good stuff.
Here’s an embed thanks to Yahoo!
Craig Thompson, author of the amazing graphic novels Blankets and Habibi could easily retire now as one of the all-time greats of the medium. But of course, he’s back hard at work on a new book.
He posted the above teaser to his blog earlier this month, and now, thanks to Publisher’s Weekly, we have an idea of what the next project holds for Thompson.
Titled Space Dumplins, the book is a full-color all-ages graphic novel to be published by Scholastic. The story is said to be about “a little girl and her misfit friends who set out to rescue her father from the belly of a planet-eating space whale.“  I assume the character in the preview art (named Violet) is the lead for the book.
Space Dumplins has no announced release date at this time.
Source: Publisher’s Weekly
After the signing of Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart earlier this week to the time bending First Class sequel X-Men: Days of Future Past, you knew it only had to be a matter of time before they went after the franchise player.
And that time is now -Â The Hollywood Reporter is stating that Hugh Jackman is being courted to return as Wolverine in the forthcoming fifth X-Men film (which would count as his seventh appearance as Wolverine overall, including his two solo films and his First Class cameo). Â Given that Wolverine is such a key player in the original comic storyline, it was only a matter of time before they brought him into the mix.
I guess the only question is now - will this be a brief cameo? Or will we get to see him mix it up in both timelines? Only time will tell.
Hugh Jackman next appears as Wolverine in The Wolverine, releasing July 26th, 2013. X-Men: Days of Future Past is set for release on July 18th, 2014.
Source: Hollywood Reporter.
Wow, the marketing team at WB is really laying it on thick for Pacific Rim, aren’t they?
After yesterday’s viral videos, letter, and mech blueprint reveal, we now have two more blueprints and another letter!
From the Japanese site Eiga.com comes the blueprint for the awesomely named Jaeger of Japan “Coyote Tango” (at the top of this post).
From Russia, we now also have the blueprint for their Jaeger, “Cherno Alpha”.
[caption id=“attachment_10857” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Cherno Alpha[/caption]
And if you’re willing to take the time to translate, French movie site Allocine premiered this letter to Dr. Jasper Schoenfeld, mentioning  a “Project Pittsburgh”.
I wonder what goodies we’ll get today!
Pacific Rim hits theaters July 11th, 2013.
In this amazing age of crowd funded projects, more and more creative talents are turning toward Kickstarter to make their dreams a reality.  However, far more focus is being placed across the web on the creation of new ideas, not the delivery.  In turn, we present an ongoing feature here at Blast-O-Rama - I KICKSTARTED THIS!
As we all back, and receive our goodies from different projects, we’ll review not only the final product, but also how it turned out versus the original promise set in the Kickstarter pitch.
Today we take a look at Fairy Quest!
What Is It?:Â
Reteaming writer Paul Jenkins with artist Humberto Ramos, best known for their collaborative works on Spider-Man, amongst other properties, combined forces to create a brand new title - Fairy Quest. This first volume is a 48 page, large sized European style hardcover, and they asked fans to help them raise $60,000 to get it printed.
What Tier Did You Select?:
I pledged $30, which entitled supporters to a beautiful, hardbound, shrink-wrapped copy of “Fairy Quest 1 — Outlaws by Paul Jenkins, Humberto Ramos and featuring gorgeous color and design work by our old pal and collaborator, Leonardo Olea.” From the photos on the page, the book simply looked stunning, and as a big fan of Ramos' work, I had to just check it out.
What, If Any, Push Goals Were Met?:Â
There weren’t any traditional push goals for the campaign, but as the KickStarter went on, Jenkins promised all backers (in addition to their selected items) a free magnet, a free window cling sticker, a PDF of a bonus story, and a PDF of the book itself. The latter became offered to all tiers after there was some confusion between backers and Jenkins around the language used on the KickStarter itself.
[caption id=“attachment_10843” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Bonus Magnet and Window Cling Sticker[/caption]
How’d It Turn Out?:
For the most part, very well. Â The book absolutely is beautiful (minus some minor printing errors I experienced - page 1’s color was noticably lighter than the rest of the book - I would have taken a photo, but it was difficult to capture properly). Â The story itself, taking the characters of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf and turning them from enemies to friends who are mostly “acting”, was rather smart. Â The book proposes the idea that all fairy tales come out of a world called Fablewood, and they live side by side. However, under the oppressive Mister Grimm and his Thought Police, each character must keep their story straight. Â This causes Red and Mister Woof (as he’s called when he’s not ‘acting’) to seek out something they’ve been told is called the “Real World”. Â It’s a truly fun read, and Ramos' artwork is fantastic, and the writing is perfect for the all ages audience.
That said, the Kickstarter process was not without its flaws. In addition to the previously mentioned difficulties communicating between backers and Jenkins, shipping was delayed without much explanation. Estimated delivery was promised in August 2012, and I finally received my copy towards the end of September. Some would say that delay is insignificant, but copies were being sold at DragonCon 2012 (in early September), and were even being offered on their online store before backers received their copies.  The updates page lists comments from confused backers, wondering what the status of their shipped items would be - and while the book finally arrived wrapped within a bonus tote bag (coincidentally promoting Fairy Quest’s appearance at DragonCon), it also had slight damage on the sides of the book.  All and all, the process didn’t leave the best taste in my mouth.
[caption id=“attachment_10844” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] The Surprise DragonCon Tote Bag[/caption]
Of course, the post script is that Jenkins and Ramos have since sold the title for reprinting to BOOM! Comics (which they were completely in their rights to do), but considering how backers were still receiving shipping updates as recently as November 15th, one couldn’t blame the backers for feeling neglected.
Also - while I definitely received everything else, there is no word on the PDF of a secondary story, as promised to all backers.
A Kickstarter Success? Or A Kickstarter Gone Wrong?:
Lets call it a boondoggle right down the middle. In this new era of direct-to-consumer sales for creatives, we’re bound to hit more bumps in the road before the process is completely smoothed out. Â This certainly hit many of them.
As for Fairy Quest itself? The book is enjoyable, came out looking (mostly) great, and if they attempt to KickStart a second volume, I’d still back it and hope they learned their lesson. You can buy a copy of your own via their Online store today.
Wow, Warner Bros is going all out with the Pacific Rim viral stuff today, aren’t they?
The latest is a mixture of news footage from a Kaiju attack.  If you look closely, you can barely make out footage from the film, which has been shaken and roughed up for a hand-held, live news feel.  Rest assured, however, this is NOT how the movie looks. No Cloverfield here!
The trailer release next month can’t come soon enough! STOP TEASING US, DEL TORO!
Pacific Rim hits theaters July 11th, 2013.
The information dump from Pacific Rim continues today as Wired.com is the exclusive (and proper) home for a release of a blueprint for one of the fighting robots from Guillermo Del Toro’s next big film.
The robot, or Jaeger as it is called, is code-named the Gipsy Danger and is designed for pure Kaiju stomping, and features plasma based weaponry and a dual piloting system.  Also, it seems that the Kaiju have acidic blood, given the mention of the weapons dual purpose of “sealing off toxic bleeds.” And look at the scale compared to a full-sized human!
Something tells me these will end up on the walls of geeks everywhere once the movie releases over the summer. Click here for a full-sized version.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 11th, 2013.
Source:Â Wired.com.
The parade of posters for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey continues today as IMAX has unveiled that they will continue their trend of giving out posters for Midnight screenings (as seen with The Dark Knight Rises and Prometheus among others, including most recently Skyfall).
If you catch the 12:01AM IMAX screening (which will most likely also be in 3D and 48fps), you’ll have your pick of four character posters, featuring illustrations of Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin and Gollum. Â A full gallery appears below.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters on December 14th, 2012.
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The hotly anticipated Guillermo Del Toro directed giant monsters versus giant robots movie Pacific Rim is kicking off the next phase of its marketing today with the Total Film exclusive release of a viral letter (above) and a viral video, indicating the global growth of the Kaiju menace.
We’ve even got a broadcast of the Kaiju Emergency Alert System.
All signs lead back to the official website for the Pan Pacific Defense Corps, which is currently counting down to December 12th.
I think that means that on 12/12, we’ll finally have our Pacific Rim trailer. Get hyped, y’all.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 11th, 2013.
Source: Total Film
After featuring many deals on my personal Twitter feed, I tossed out the idea of making a regular segment here on Blast-O-Rama for great deals on Nerdy items.  With the holiday season fast approaching, it only seemed right, so look forward to many posts featuring deals as I find them. In the meantime, welcome to the first Nerd Alert!
Today brings some fantastic deals from Amazon UK, as they have put an amazing price break on some of the greatest geek trilogies of all time on Blu-Ray.  Each of these sets are regionless (meaning they can and will play on your Blu-Ray player in the states, without any changes or fixes) and having ordered from Amazon UK in the past, I can tell you that the shipping is unusually fast, and you should have your order in about a week or so.  Here’s what’s on sale.
The Complete Matrix Trilogy (The Matrix, The Matrix Revolutions, The Matrix Revelations) -Â $16.20 SHIPPED
Jurassic Park Ultimate Trilogy (Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park 3) - $17.68 SHIPPED
Spider-Man Trilogy (Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man 3) - $17.58 SHIPPED
Back to the Future Trilogy (Back to the Future, Back to the Future: Part II, Back to the Future: Part III) -Â $17.58 SHIPPED
All items include a Blast-O-Rama affiliate link. Ordering through these links support Blast-O-Rama and allow us to continue featuring great deals moving forward. Thanks!
You have to love marketing companies.
A document prepared by a marketing agency for the forthcoming release of Destiny, the up-until-recently top-secret first post Halo game from Bungie, leaked to IGN yesterday, revealing roughly a dozen images of concept art, not to mention the concept for the hotly anticipated game.
Bungie quickly confirmed the leak, and revealed an official piece of concept art themselves (pictured at the top of the post), inviting fans to “Go ahead.” and “Take a peak”.
According to the IGN leak, the game is a shooter which is “fun and accessible to all”, and “social to its core”, “designed for your inner seven-year old” and features “a world to explore with friends, both old and new.“  That would lend credence to the rumor that Destiny would be an MMO, but it may just be marketing speak for a strong online co-op element.
Here’s the official game synopsis from the leak:
I’ve included the images from the IGN leak below, but I highly recommend checking out the full article, linked in the source. Â As for my thoughts? This is some beautiful artwork. Here’s hoping the final game looks a tenth as beautiful. We know Bungie can do shooters, I look forward to the strong artistic element coming through.
Source: IGN
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If you had told me that one of my favorite comics this year would be Hawkeye, I would have said you were crazy.
But since its first issue released in August, writer Matt Fraction (aided by artist David Aja) has added an amazing, human, street-level touch to the Avengers' archery specialist, and the comic has become one of my must-reads every single month.  So, I’d be telling you to read this anyway.
But, this coming January, a very special issue will hit the stands.  Hawkeye #7 will feature a special two-part story, written by Matt Fraction and drawn by artists Steve Lieber and Jesse Hamm, which sees Clint Barton and Kate Bishop (the other Hawkeye) navigating New York and New Jersey as Hurricane Sandy hits.
It’s not your typical “issue” based comic, if prior issues of Hawkeye have been any indication, and is sure to feature all of the antics and humor you’ve come to expect from the series. What makes the issue very special, however, is that Matt Fraction has guaranteed that he will donate every dime of his royalties directly to the Red Cross. Whatever he makes from the book, they’ll receive. And that’s putting your money where your mouth is.
Hawkeye #7 hits shelves and your favorite digital comic apps in January 2013.
Source: Marvel.com.
As you’ve probably learned by now, here at Blast-O-Rama we love our high quality prints.
What you probably haven’t realized however, is that we also love classic cartoons, which is why we just had to bring this Kickstarter to your attention.
Designed by artist Rob Loukota out of Chicago, this print titled “The ACME Corporation” is a beautiful and gigantic 24"x36" poster printed on bright red paper featuring all 126 of the ACME products featured in the 43 classic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies featuring Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner.
Each item is etch in perfect detail, very similar to the catalog entries of the time. Â Of course, like with all Kickstarters, however, he has to hit a goal for you to get your products.
However, with 27 days to go as of this writing, he’s a mere $300 away from his goal - so make the awesome happen. With just a $30 support, you can have this print on your walls. Awesome work, Rob!
Source: Kickstarter.
We already knew that the sequel to X-Men: First Class was going to take the mutant franchise reboot from the swinging 60s into the far off future, but it now looks like that X-Men: Days of Future Past will unite the original X-Men trilogy with the new series, with the signing of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen.
The story was confirmed by director Bryan Singer (returning for the first time since X2: X-Men United) via his Twitter account.
I know, X-Men: The Last Stand kinda is the odd man out now, what with that movie having killed Stewart’s version of Xavier, but lets not worry about timeline issues - Stewart and McKellen are fantastic as Professor X and Magneto, and it will be great to see them do their thing again.
What’s really cool is that we’ll see them interact with James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as well, as Singer also confirmed their casting (along the very popular Jennifer Lawrence returning as Mystique and Nicholas Holt returning as Beast).
This news has made me dramatically more excited for X-Men: Days of Future Past. Here’s hoping that the resulting film retains the momentum built up from First Class. I do wonder, was this Mark Millar’s first big move as the comic movie head for Fox?
X-Men: Days of Future Past hits theaters on July 18th, 2014.
Fans of high-end toys and The Avengers both have awaited for one key announcement to finish their team, and Hot Toys is delivering, as next year they will release a figure commemorating the awesome work of Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson.
In the standard 1:6 scale, the figure once again features all the best elements of Hot Toys work - beautiful detail (look at dem freckles!) and brilliant accessories, including his ill-fated Captain America trading card set.
As always, I’ve included a gallery of images below, and if you have the $175 (or an incomplete Avengers set), you can pre-order it today at SideshowCollectibles.com for a June 2013 release.
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This past Friday, if you’re in America, chances are you were either sleeping off a giant Thanksgiving meal, re-heating leftovers for round 2 (or 3, or 4), or shopping.
If you were on the interwebs, however, the movie poster mavens at Mondo had something special in-store - a series of surprise poster releases all throughout the day.
No details on the films being featured, no listing of sizes, no info on print runs, nothing. Just some surprise drops from arguably the premiÁ¨re poster house in the US.  And man oh man did they deliver.
Here’s what dropped on Friday:
Of course, if you must have these, eBay would be your friend, but really, what a cool and fun way to celebrate the holiday. I have a hunch we might see something similar around Christmas time.
A full gallery of the posters released, including the variants, appears below.
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You’re Nintendo. You are trying to repeat the success of the Wii with your new system, the Wii U, and now, the hardest thing for you to push is that unlike say, the Balance Board or WiiMotionPlus, the tablet controller isn’t just a Wii add-on, it’s part of a whole new system.
So, what do you do in the meantime? If you said re-release the Wii in a smaller format, you’re right!
Just announced for a December 7th release, the Wii Mini takes the classic Wii system, removes the Gamecube compatibility and Wi-Fi access, and puts it into a square, kinda sexy body.
Will this cause confusion for parents this Christmas season? I have little doubt. However, it won’t confuse everyone, as for now, the Wii Mini is a Canadian exclusive.
Still is pretty, though.
Source: Kotaku.com.
One of the most enjoyable reads of 2012 for me was the whimsical and joyful Darth Vader and Son.
Written and drawn by Jeffrey Brown, the book took classic Star Wars villain Darth Vader and put him into all sorts of silly and endearing fatherly moments with his son Luke Skywalker and was a great read for geeks of all ages. It was just the type of book that glued a smile right on your face.
Well, this April, we get a sequel as we finally see Darth handle raising his daughter in Vader’s Little Princess.  That’s right, it’s Daddy-Daughter Day with Vader and Leia.
Here’s the official blurb:
Vader’s Little Princess will hit shelves in April 2013.
Source: Chronicle Books
HEADS UP: THERE AREÂ SPOILERS FORÂ THE DARK KNIGHT RISES IN THIS POST. SORRY.
Normally, I really don’t like to report on rumors, only things that have a really solid backing behind them. However, this rumor is getting a lot of traction, so I figured I should at least write about it, and give my two cents.
The DC Theatrical Universe has struggled to get moving.  While the Christopher Nolan Batman films have resulted in a multi-billion dollar franchise (one which has been completely inclusive of and to itself), all other attempts at bringing the DC Comics heroes to the big screen have been poor to say the least.
2011’s Green Lantern was supposed to set things into motion for an eventual Justice League film (a’la Iron Man for the Marvel Theatrical Universe), but the movie fizzled at the box office.
Word is that Zach Snyder’s Man of Steel this coming Summer will instead be the catalyst for a 2015 Justice League movie (going head-to-head with The Avengers 2), and interestingly enough, we might already know who the new Batman will be.
According to sources reporting to HitFix.com, Warner Bros is currently negotiating with Joseph Gordon Levitt to appear in Justice League as Batman, and we may even see him in costume as a tease in Man of Steel.
What makes this even more interesting is that the rumor also says that another (non-indicated) actor from the Nolan series of Batman films is in talks to join this DC Theatrical Universe as well.
Here’s where I’m unsure - while it makes clear sense, especially given that the end sequence of The Dark Knight Rises dictates that Levitt’s John Robin Blake inherits the Batman legacy, John Blake isn’t really Batman to the majority of the public - Bruce Wayne is. Further more, those films have always operated in a bubble.
That said - there’s $1.08 Billion in box office for The Dark Knight Rises that says that the public knows John Blake as the “new” Batman, and they may accept him.  And if you’re Warner Bros, looking at a DC slate that so far is Man of Steel and Justice League, while Marvel has Iron Man 3, Captain America: Winter Solider, Thor: The Dark World, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Avengers 2 and Ant Man (not to mention Wolverine and X-Men: Days of Future Past), you want to jump on the money train as fast as possible.
Perhaps Nolan, producing Man of Steel, has given his blessing. Either way, I remain skeptical until proven otherwise. Â Enjoy the chaser of salt on this one.
Man of Steel hits theaters on June 14th, 2013, with Justice League currently scheduled for 2015.
Source: HitFix.com.
For the Evil Dead remake, it has a pretty hefty history of its shoulders.  Not only does it have to actually turn out to be a good movie, but it also has to live up to the three decades of fervent fandom the original possesses.
And now, Tri Star Pictures has just thrown the gauntlet down with the new poster.
In a style similar to the posters seen for The Social Network and Thor, the new Evil Dead poster claims that it will be “The Most Terrifying Film You Will Ever Experience.”  The red band trailer previously featured here looked pretty damn awesome - but the most terrifying film ever? Even with the cute as a button Jane Levy?
Gutsy move, marketers. Gutsy move.
Evil Dead hits theaters on April 12th, 2013.
Source: Yahoo! Movies.
Full admission here - I know Jim Brown, the crazy man behind Morlock Enterprises, who is putting together this Kickstarter.
That said, this really is one of the coolest things I’ve seen on the crowd-funding site in a long time.
Perfect for your friend who loves to LARP and make an awesome breakfast, Combat Kitchenware mixes a variety of pans with a sturdy, hand-crafted metal handle, so you don’t feel like you’re just frying an egg, you’re holding the hilt of your finest sword.
Available in a variety of configurations including a do-it-yourself handle kit, an 8" teflon pan, 10" teflon pan, and even a full cast iron pan, these are definitely some of the best geeky kitchen accessories you could ever own.
Besides, you know you want to own one before ThinkGeek.com gets the exclusive rights to them or something.
It’s the perfect holiday gift, and an amazing way to turn an average stir fry into an epic journey. Click the source link below, and help fund them today.
Source: Combat Kitchenware by James Brown — Kickstarter.
After rumors over the years about how Wayne’s World 2 caused a rift between Dana Carvey and Mike Myers, I never thought I’d be able to say this, however - it looks like Wayne’s World 3 just may happen.
Of course, back in February 2011, they did make a surprise appearance in character on SNL when Carvey hosted (seen below), but even still, I never thought we’d see the series continue.
According to JoBlo.com (via Entertainment Weekly), however, this is exactly what’s going to happen, and Mike Myers is currently finishing the first draft of the script.
Sayeth them:
Of course, I have my worries - the last major starring roles we saw from them in theaters (respectively, The Love Guru and The Master of Disguise) were awful, to say the least. Not to mention, Myers is currently 49 and Carvey is 57. Given that there is no start date, could we still love a 50-year-old Wayne and 60-year-old Garth?
Here’s hoping it’s not another Blues Brothers 2000 situation. Wayne’s World 1 & 2 hold a special place in my heart, and to see them tempered by a poor third installment would be sad to say the least. But if they pull it off?
Source: JoBlo.com.
Believe it or not, Terminator 2: Judgement Day is old enough to drink. Released over 21 summers ago, the James Cameron directed time travel action flick still holds up as one of the best event movies of all time.
To celebrate its lasting legacy, the Hong Kong 1:6 scale toy madmen at Hot Toys have been working on an entire series in their existing DX line, but the latest figure, the DX T-800 (Battle Damaged Version) may just be the greatest yet!
Featuring all sorts of exposed gore and robotics, this figure also features the eye to detail Hot Toys has become infamous for. Â The eyes move, the robot eye lights up with an actual LED, arms and heads can be interchanged to show different levels of damage, the figure even comes with a T-1000 statue to recreate moments from the iconic final battle from the film.
As always, this level of perfection comes with a price tag. While not as high as the debt that Arnold left California in when he left office as Governor, the figure still costs a hefty $315.
We’ve got a slew of images for you below, and if you’re interested, Sideshow Collectables is taking pre-orders now for a June 2013 release.
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Really, once again, not much to say. We’ve got a date, we’ve got some dialogue, and if you’re a nerd worth your weight in geek, you just got stupid excited.
Game of Thrones Season 3 hits HBO on March 31st, 2013.
Take one part Oceans 11, one part The Social Network and a heavy-handed serving of The Prestige and you have a movie which appears to be custom-made for me - Now You See Me.
The story of a group of magicians who pull off a billion dollar heist and the international hunt for them, it’s certainly a left-of-center plot to say the least.  The first trailer hit over the weekend, and while much of the reaction across the web has been mixed, I personally find myself in the positive column.  Here’s the trailer thanks to Yahoo!.
Is it up your alley? Or do you have less than zero interest? Sound off in the comments below.
Now You See Me hits theaters on June 7th, 2013.
We had the original reveal of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line from LEGO back during NYCC in October, but now, a whole slue of images have hit the web, which seems to make up the entire first series of the line.
The TMNT set is due to hit stores early in 2013, and they clearly have a set for every price point in mind, from the 90 piece “Kraang Lab Escape” set to the large-scale 620 piece “Shellraiser Street Chase” set. Â No prices are announced at this time, but as always, expect to pay more per piece.
In full, the line is as follows:
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Clearly this weekend was a big one for art shows. We already featured a show on the East Coast, so lets head back to the art show hotbed - the West Coast, as Gallery 1988’s Los Angeles location presented one of the coolest shows I’ve seen in a long time - Rated G.
A solo gallery event from artist Justin White, he’s taken dozens of cult classic films and TV shows and put them through a unique filter based on cel animation. Each piece is actually an animation cell, with a plain background covered by cel artwork.
Whether it’s gory films like Fargo, shows like Saved By The Bell, or classics like Casablanca, Justin White sees it through with wonderfully hilarious detail.  I particularly enjoy how classic films are filtered through in an almost Steamboat Willy-esq style.
A full gallery of the pieces appears below. The show runs now through November 30th in Gallery 1988’s Los Angeles location.  Should you want to own any of these pieces, they are available here, with a handful also available as collectable prints.
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One of the most intriguing films coming out next year, in my eyes at least, is the early spring release of Oz The Great And Powerful.
With an eclectic cast including James Franco as the titular Oz and the trio of Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams as the Witches, this is certainly one of the more unique groupings behind a Disney tent pole.  Add Sam Raimi’s return to big budget filmmaking after the Spider-Man Trilogy, and you have the makings for either a masterpiece or a massacre.  The first trailer grabbed me with its insane Technicolor visuals, and the same continues here, but I can’t help but get a Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland vibe - and I enjoyed the film more than most.  You can click play to watch the new, longer trailer below.  I am apprehensive, but still positively looking to the film. Maybe you’ll feel the same.  A full series of stills also appears in the gallery below.
Oz The Great and Powerful hits theaters March 18th, 2013.
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The world of Pop Culture art shows continues to expand, and after last fall’s Crazy 4 Cult NYC show, it looks like more shows are finally expanding to the East Coast, after primarily being based around Los Angeles.
The Bottleneck Gallery has put together a show which opened Friday night (and is available for viewing through December 7th, 2012) which is all about the best groupings from the world of pop culture, titled The Gang Is All Here.
Whether it’s ensemble casts from TV shows, gangs from classic films or even cities (look at that amazing bead based Simpsons piece, titled “Springfield” - that’s 140,000 beads!), the show features amazing work from dozens of artists, and we’re lucky enough to bring you a sample gallery below.  If you’d like to see the whole show, it’s located at 60 Broadway in Brooklyn, New York. If you can, I highly recommend seeing it in person.
A selection of pieces from the show are now on sale here!
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Breaking news from Paramount Pictures - IMAX 3D screenings of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will also come with an unexpected surprise when it hits theaters on December 14th, 2012.
Nine minutes of the highly anticipated Star Trek sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness will be screened alongside the first installment of Peter Jackson’s next major trilogy.  Currently set to appear in 500 theaters across the United States, these 9 minutes were shot using IMAX cameras, and will serve as the first taste of the next installment in JJ Abrams reboot of the classic sci-fi series.
Star Trek Into Darkness arrives in theaters on May 17th, 2013.
It really doesn’t get any easier to report than this. As per the above image, released to the official Game of Thrones Facebook page, Season 3 will be premiering on HBO on Sunday, March 31st, 2013.
This season will once again run 10 episodes, and is expected to be based on the third novel, A Storm of Swords.  Mark your TiVos.
The day fans have long-awaited is finally here, as Rockstar Games has unveiled a new trailer for Grand Theft Auto 5.
This time, we have our first true look at the 3 protagonists and a hint of the story - but most importantly, the dramatically increased new scale of San Andreas. Â How can you NOT be excited by this?
We’ve also got some new screenshots for you below, and if that wasn’t enough, I even tracked down the awesome Stevie Wonder song from the trailer so you can enjoy it on its own.
Grand Theft Auto 5 hits PS3 and 360 in Spring 2013. Pre-orders are available now.
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That’s right, it’s a Japanese toys post by someone other than Chris K!
Chris regularly has featured the beautiful PlayArtsKai figures, as put together by video game mavens Square Enix.  They’ve done beautiful versions of characters from countless video games and now they will expand into the world of movies with figures based on this past summer’s final Batman movie - The Dark Knight Rises.
These 10 inch, super articulated figures feature a more stylized version of Batman and Bane, but never the less are striking toys which are sure to grab the eyes of the Batfan in your life.
The only problems? They’re $60 each and will not release until March 2013.  Either way, the figures can be pre-ordered now.  And when Gotham is ashes? You have our permission to play. Check them out at AmiAmi - Bane, Batman.
As the world of high-end screen printed posters continues to grow, we’ve now moved on from celebrating classic movies to now celebrating the classic toys of our childhood.
The team at the Acidfree Gallery have teamed up with toy maker Hasbro to produce posters of the 80’s classic Transformers and GI Joe lines.  The latest print releases on Friday, November 16th, and is drawn by a Blast-O-Rama favorite - Kevin Tong.
Featuring Autobot leader Optimus Prime (from Transformers, of course), this print will have three variants. The main timed release, pictured at the top of the post, is a 16"x24" print for just $40. The print will be on sale for 24 hours starting at 9:30am Pacific, and all orders will be fulfilled.
Of course, based on a toy, there just HAVE to be variants!
[caption id=“attachment_10523” align=“aligncenter” width=“432”] Metallic Variant[/caption]
The metallic version is limited to a run of 50, is 24"x36" and will be yours for $100.
[caption id=“attachment_10524” align=“aligncenter” width=“432”] Large-Scale Poster[/caption]
Additionally, there’s a larger variant of the timed release, also 24"x36", limited to a run of 100 for $75
On the plus side, both variants come with exclusive, signed trading cards. On the negative - the drop will be at random. So as always, if you’re looking, be vigilant, and happy hunting!
While the trend in animation these days seems to be directly headed towards continued 3D realism, one studio sticking steadfast to the world of 2D animation is Studio Ghibli.
Headed by the beloved Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli consistently churns out some of the most wonderful films in the history of animation, but while they’ve stuck to their guns on 2D animation, one does wonder - what would their designs look if they were more realistic?
Digital artist Andrew Michael Golden decided to see this through, and has put together some wonderful, eye-opening and overall well done images of Ghibli classics (including My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky and Princess Mononoke, among others) if they existed in real life. A full gallery appears below.
Source: AndrewMichaelGolden.com
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There are few things in the world like a proper James Bond movie.
That’s the exact thought which raced through my head during the opening sequence of Skyfall, the 23rd installment in the legendary spy franchise, the third starring Daniel Craig.
And as Bond raced, zipped, rode motorcycles, fought on a train and even used construction equipment (a touch which is becoming a Craig trademark, it seems), the breathless pace was one which left my heart racing and a huge grin on my face. And that was all before the opening credits. Â This pace kept up, and by fusing equal parts classic Bond bravado with the modern, sleeker (yet harder hitting) edge of the new films, I think it’s safe to say -Â Skyfall is easily the best of the new batch, if not one of the finest James Bond films ever.
Since relaunching the James Bond franchise with 2006’s Casino Royale, the films starring Daniel Craig have taken a harder line toward the character. The fights are harder, the character, rougher around the edges, a dark orphan who kills for his country because that’s all he knows - and he’s willing to do anything to get the job done. It’s been a stark contrast to the classic films starring Sean Connery and Roger Moore among others, and what makes Skyfall so interesting is how it focuses on this dichotomy over the years with the character. The movie focuses on the past, while barreling towards the future.  You see it in the characters, the casting, and even the plot.
Ostensibly, all James Bond movies fall into the same pattern - there’s some sort of villain/terrorist, he has some gigantic drummed up plot, and it’s up to MI-6, through secret agent 007, James Bond, to fix everything.  Repeat 22 times, and you end up here.  What makes Skyfall so interesting, however, is how the stakes are grown, simply by making them all personal.
The story kicks off as an encrypted list, containing the identities of MI-6 agents embedded in terrorist organizations around the world, is stolen. Â However, it’s not some gigantic corporation or terrorist who takes the list this time - it’s someone who clearly has an axe to grind with M (the returning Judi Dench, perfectly grumpy as always). Â And that person? The eccentric Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem), an agent of chaos who lurks in the shadows, with plan upon plan upon plan…who also happens to be a former, and bitter MI-6 agent. Â He contrasts perfectly with James Bond, who is portrayed here as an “old dog”. Considered by many to be an agent of a lost time when spies and murder were necessary, the blunt instrument of justice and country is starting to feel his age - not just physically, but mentally. He’s breaking down after years of stress, which means he’s the perfect plaything for Silva.
The Bond/Silva/M relationship is one of the most interesting elements of the film, mixing elements of the Joker/Batman relationship seen in The Dark Knight with a whole bunch of parent issues.  The movie sees them through, but what is perhaps most remarkable, is that in a movie that lets you ponder so deeply about the level of the characters commitment to their goals and who they truly are inside, is that it never once lags.
You’re given enough information to ponder, and you do, at least while you’re not distracted some of the most kinetic and pulse-pounding action sequences in a Bond film yet. Train derailments, shoot outs in courthouses, and an absolutely surreal and beautifully shot fight in an office building in Shanghai are among the sequences you’ll see, and believe me, the movie will never let up. There are also some great callbacks to James Bond history, so for those who are lavishly devoted to the character, you will love the winks and nods to the 50 years the character has been portrayed on film.
The cast is wall to wall fantastic. Daniel Craig remains a great James Bond for the current generation of movie goers, Judi Dench does fantastic work with a greatly expanded role, and I really enjoyed seeing Ralph Fiennes as the new character Gareth Mallory (who I have a hunch we’ll be seeing more of). Ben Whishaw is a great modern version of Q, but the true highlight of the movie is Javier Bardiem. Time will tell, but I definitely feel he will be one of the most memorable Bond villains. Silva is over the top and flamboyant at times, but always feels unhinged and incredibly prepared. You will be captivated by him. I know I sure was.
The action on screen is met with beautiful direction by Sam Mendes. I had a feeling that the man who made American Beauty and Road to Perdition would give us a solid Bond film, but he went all out here. A special nod goes to cinematographer Roger Deakins, who put together some jaw dropping shots for this movie (see every moment in Shanghai), and I think Skyfall might be proof positive as how well digital photography has matured in filmmaking.  Just great stuff that I cannot wait to revisit on Blu-Ray, and if you have the option to see in IMAX, I cannot recommend that any harder. And yes, Adele’s theme is pretty great in full surround sound, and the opening credits are once again a visual treat.
50 years on, James Bond remains as compelling a character as he was when he first took the screen. By properly saluting the past while setting up the incredibly promising future for the series, Skyfall is an absolute joy, and is hands down the best of the Daniel Craig run. Happy Birthday, James. Here’s to 50 more.
I suppose that it shouldn’t come as a surprise that if Lucasfilm can keep a sale to Disney top-secret, that an actual, honest to God treatment for Star Wars: Episode VII can be kept quiet as well.
And that’s the big rumor today. Â Apparently, a full treatment had been prepared by Lucasfilm just in time for the purchase by the Walt Disney Company, and honestly, I think they have a good writer in mind, even if it’s not one that you might have expected.
The writer in play? Michael Arndt.
Having first made a name for himself with the Oscar-winning screenplay for Little Miss Sunshine, Arndt has branched out with a diverse variety of work. He wrote the screenplay for Toy Story 3, handled the script for next year’s Hunger Games installment, Catching Fire, and clearly has impressed the Disney camp, with scripts for the 2015 Pixar film (currently titled The Untitled Pixar Film That Takes You Inside The Mind) and the Phineas & Ferb feature.  He’s also dabbled in sci-fi, writing the script for next summer’s Oblivion.
So it’s clear he has the chops, it’s clear he can work with existing characters (did anyone think Toy Story 3 would be THAT good?), and it’s clear studios love him.  But will the fans? And will this treatment mean anything by the time the film actually gets into production? Or is it just rumor and scuttlebutt? Stay tuned.
Source: Deadline.com
Hands down, the most anticipated game for 2013 has to be the long-awaited release of the latest open-world game from the team at Rockstar Games - Grand Theft Auto 5.
Hitting this coming Spring, there has been a shroud of secrecy around it for years, and Rockstar is finally ready to take it off.
In the December issue of Game Informer magazine, the first details were exclusively revealed. Â A full 18 page article is in the issue, but we can share some information for you now.
The game features three separate protagonists, all of whom are on the cover (above).  You have Michael, a retired former bank robber living a life of privilege due to a deal with the FBI, Trevor, a longtime friend of Michael’s, who is psychotic, drugged out and violent, and finally, Franklin is a car thief.  You can switch each character to play out different missions and mini-games, and even choose to play as them in their relative downtime.
The in-game world is the largest Rockstar has programmed yet, the size of the worlds of GTA 4, GTA: San Andreas and Red Dead Revolver combined.  You can even explore the ocean floor!
Also of note - don’t expect any celebrity cameos. They’re focusing on creating characters, as opposed to you playing a game of “who is that I hear?”
For further information, pick up the December issue of Game Informer. It hits stands soon, and is available digitally now.
Grand Theft Auto V hits shelves for PS3 and 360 in Spring 2013.
The road for World War Z from fantastic novel by Max Brooks to big Summer blockbuster starring Brad Pitt has been a bumpy one, fraught with re-shoots and budget issues.  But still, with a basis as strong as the book, a fictionalized oral history of a world-wide undead epidemic, it had to turn out good, right?
Well, the first trailer hit today and it looks…pretty damn generic. Here, take a look yourself.
Honestly, the whole thing has a 2012 by 28 Weeks Later feel. And I wish I were more into it than that.
If you were a fan of the book, you know that the best way for the project to translate, at least literally, would be to go mocumentary. Instead, we have something which feels like World War Z in name only.
Could it still be a good movie? Sure. But…I can’t say that, as a fan of the book, I’m entirely pleased at how this looks. How do you feel?
World War Z hits theaters June 21st, 2013.
It’s rare when I’m rendered speechless by a marketing move, but here we are.
In the ever so long lead up to the release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, New Line Cinema has decided to release seventeen new posters for the movie.
Add that to the existing posters, and the still yet to be released final one-sheet, and you’re looking at a film that may have nearly 30 posters once it releases in December. Of course, I’ve presented all 17 below.
And this doesn’t even include however many posters the next two films in the Hobbit trilogy may receive. I sure hope the Tolkien fans have a lot of wall space.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters on December 14th, 2012.
Source: Empire Online
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Way back at the beginning of October, comedian/actor/my hero Patton Oswalt went to the web and asked if anyone had a costume of Spider-Man villain Doctor Octopus for sale or trade.
See, his little daughter was going to be dressing up as Spider-Girl for Halloween, and ever the supportive parent, he wanted to dress up alongside her.
I guess it helps to have friends in high places, as, of all people, Mythbusters co-host, special effects artist and all around awesome guy Adam Savage rose to the cause, offering to make Oswalt a costume.
As the above picture shows, Savage was quite successful, and the below video shows how he made it. For full details, including more behind the scenes photos, you can view the source link.
Now, how do we get Patton in as the villain in The Amazing Spider-Man 3?
Source: Tested
You can’t say Universal Pictures is letting the cat out of the bag with Despicable Me 2 yet, oh no.
With their first teaser trailer focused upon the lovable Yellow Minions, the second trailer…takes a similar approach. Still nothing from Gru and the girls, still nothing from the new villain (voiced by Al Pacino), just more Minion goodness. But does the villain make an invisible appearance here? And is he obsessed with cats? You watch the trailer and make the call.
Despicable Me 2 hits theaters on July 3rd, 2013.
On its plot and voice cast alone, Wreck-It Ralph is a film that would have been an easy win for me.  I’m 28 years old and am a solid product of the video game generation. From the Nintendo Entertainment System through the Genesis, Super Nintendo, Saturn, Dreamcast, three generations of PlayStation and multiple Xboxes, people of my age know video games better than possibly even members of their extended family.  So, to sit down at a movie that is essentially all about gaming could have gone two ways - it could have been a perfect love letter to the format, or been an incredibly cloying in joke.
The latter result could have been incredibly easy to put together. String together dozens of video game references, slap on the 3D animation, and laugh your way to the bank. Â I’m sure some lesser studios would have had zero issues making this film that way, but Walt Disney Animation Studios has created a film which is both a true love letter to gaming and a story in the classic Disney tradition.
The plot of Wreck-It Ralph is simple enough to describe.  Ralph (perfectly voiced by John C. Reilly) is the Donkey Kong-esq villain of a game called Fix It Felix Jr.. For 30 years, he’s smashed up a penthouse as the hero, Felix (played with just the right touch of aw-shucksness by Jack McBrayer), fixes the windows, saves the residents, and ultimately defeats Ralph. Again and again and again.  Then one day, even after seeking solace in the Bad Guys Anonymous support group, he’s decided he’s had enough of being the villain, and decides to prove himself as a hero in other games.
The excitement appropriately follows from there, and director Rich Moore (The Simpsons) and writers Jennifer Lee & Phil Johnson have crafted an amazing life for the characters of games.  The surge protector at your local arcade doubles as a train station called Game Central Station, where characters not only congregate and socialize (the 80’s classic Tapper serves as their bar), but characters can jump from game to game.  Two other arcade games take special importance in Wreck-It Ralph - the Gears of War-esq first person shooter Hero’s Duty, lead by a female super soldier named Sgt. Calhoun (Glee’s Jane Lynch)  and the saccharine Mario Kart clone Sugar Rush, which features a cast of hyperactive children, including Vanelope Von Schweetz (played by a snotty and hilarious Sarah Silverman).  Each game environment is perfectly rendered, and the animation styles and attention to detail do a wonderful job of separating each game world.  The characters in Fix-It Felix Jr. have bizarrely stilted animations, to indicate their 8-bit origins, the world of Hero’s Duty is dark and grimy, and the world of Sugar Rush is sure to cause a candy craving, with each environmental element perfectly rendered, from taffy to cookies and other assorted sweets.
What’s most interesting for me is how like most Disney films, the movie does push a message, but it’s far from the most traditional one. Â Wreck-It Ralph pushes forth the idea that you truly can become anything if you put your mind to it - but, in a non-Disney twist, you’ll probably face some pushback from people who don’t understand your goals. Â It’s a taste of reality not normally seen from the House of Mouse, and I really liked its implementation here.
While I have some minor discrepancies with some rather ham-fisted product placement (not to mention a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo that made my eyes roll), I cannot deny how damn happy this movie made me feel. Wreck-It Ralph really is a great hero’s journey, and is a beautiful love letter to the world of video games. As soon as I left the theater, I was left with a huge itch to head to an arcade.  No matter your age, 8 to 80, chances are, you’ll love this movie. It’s a true crowd pleaser with beautiful animation and a real heart.
Also, much like Pixar’s features, Wreck-It Ralph gets a beautiful short before the film starts. Titled Paperman, it’s a brief, but wonderfully rendered black and white romance story, using new technology which provides 3D animation that looks like hand drawn content. It’s a beautiful short, and was the icing on the Wreck-It Ralph cake.
According to sources close to the Hollywood insider newspaper Variety, Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained, Ray) is in talks to star in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 as the lead villain, Electro.
While I can’t say Foxx is my first pick to take the role, he’s certainly built a hell of an acting resume over the past decade, and given how damn good he looks to be in Django Unchained, I could see this working out well.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 hits theaters on May 2nd, 2014.
Source: Variety.
While details remain quiet about the follow up to 2011’s The Muppets, based on casting, I think it’s safe to say Jim Henson’s creations are going international.
Thus far, the James Bobin directed sequel is looking for a Russian femme fatale, a male lead with “questionable intentions”, and an inspector from Interpol, leading one to believe that the sequel will be a tale of spies.
While you should expect numerous cameos like the first film, the casting for the Interpol inspector is enough to sell me - Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds, Django Unchained) is in negotiations for the role. I don’t know that there’s a single character actor who could generate more excitement about the film.
The Muppets 2 is in production, with no set release date at this time.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
It’s not often enough we feature a Kickstarter here, something we really should fix (although we will be continuing our I Kickstarted This! series soon), but considering you dear readers, we stumbled upon PÁ³stumo the other day and just had to feature (and back) it.
While yes, PÁ³stumo is designed by friends of Blast-O-Rama Darren Gendron and Obsidian Abnormal, the minds behind Hello With Cheese and Commissioned, it’s also a damn fine zombified take on the classic playing card structure.
The standard spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds have been converted to shovels, human hearts, baseball bats and brains respectively, and each piece features wonderfully gruesome art by Obsidian.
Here’s a video of him designing one of the cards. He even created his own font for the thing.
As of this writing, you can sponsor the KickStarter and get a package of the cards for as low as $9, but higher tiers also get you an uncut sheet of cards and even some fancy dice or poker chips!
If this sounds like your bag, click the link below and support this amazing looking project.
Source: Kickstarter
You might have missed it among the new comic releases yesterday, but DC Comics dropped one of the most fun books of the year yesterday with the dÁ©but of Dustin Nguyen’s Batman: Li’l Gotham!
Set to be a monthly series, Nguyen’s beautiful watercolor artwork mixes with the full Bat-family with issues set in that month’s major holiday.  Releasing on Halloween, the first issue was, understandably, a great Batman story set on Halloween, with Damien Wayne learning how Halloween works. It sounds a bit more cloying than it is, and the comic (co-written with Derek Fridolfs) is just a joy to read. The art is full of fun Batman references, and if the comic holds up, each edition will put a smile on your face every month.
If you have the proper device, I think you have little reason to not check it out - it’s a dollar.
Go get it.
Straight from the horse’s mouth, Rockstar Games has announced that Grand Theft Auto V, the latest in their open-world cops and robbers saga, will launch in Spring 2013.
Set for release for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Rockstar did not announce an exact release date, but said that pre-orders would be available starting November 5th, 2012.
This game promises to be huge, with the developers promising “the largest and most thriving game-world [they] have ever created.”
Color us giddy.
Source: Rockstar Games.
With Captain America: The Winter Soldier heading towards an early 2013 start, the details on cast members, both new and old are flying like crazy.
Of course, as previously mentioned, The Falcon will be making his Marvel Cinematic Universe dÁ©but with Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker) taking on the wings of the classic Cap sidekick.  The big new dÁ©but, however, is big bad Crossbones, one of Captain America’s most infamous foes.  Taking on the role of the big bruiser is Frank Grillo, most recently known for starring in The Grey.  I certainly hope they don’t make the Hollywood move and remove his mask, as it’s one of the most striking elements of the character’s look.
Now, given that this is post Avengers, you can expect a whole slue of returning cast members, including some new to the Captain America franchise.  According to Variety, S.H.I.E.L.D. will be in full effect, with appearances from Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) and Black Widow (Scarlet Johannson).  And, if the title didn’t give it away, yes, Sebastian Stan will be back as Bucky Barnes.
All and all, this is looking like a solid sequel casting wise - here’s hoping the plotting holds strong.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is set to hit theaters on April 4th, 2014.
One of the first podcasts I subscribed to and subsequently became enamored with was Never Not Funny. Hosted by workhorse comedian Jimmy Pardo, his unique style of improvised and conversational humor has become one of the highlights of my week over the past 5 years that I’ve listened. Â (And, to be honest, much of my early Super Art Fight hosting material was based on his persona.)
He’s long been running a live event called “The Writer’s Room” at the UCB Theater in Los Angeles, and the show nearly was picked up by Comedy Central under the title “Jimmy Pardo Needs Jokes”.  The concept is simple enough - a stand up performs, and a group of writers come up with roast style gags on the spot which Jimmy then reads and uses immediately after the comedian’s set.
It’s a really fun mixture of game show and humor, and luckly, the Nerdist Channel picked it up for distribution on YouTube as Write Now! With Jimmy Pardo.
The first episode went up earlier this week, and I enjoyed it enough that I felt like I had to share it with you.
Be sure to subscribe to the Nerdist Channel for new episodes of Write Now! and other great shows every week.
What goes around comes around.
After being replaced with Brett Ratner for the end of the X-Men trilogy, the critically panned X-Men: The Last Stand, Bryan Singer will be returning behind the camera for the sequel to 2011’s X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past.
It’s been an interesting journey for the First Class sequel - originally, First Class director Matthew Vaughn was to return, but he will instead be replacing Singer as the producer for the movie.
X-Men: Days of Future Past is based on the classic 1980’s comic series, and if rumors hold true, will mix together the First Class cast with the cast of the original Singer series.
X-Men: Days of Future Past will hit theaters on July 18th, 2014
Source: Deadline.com
With today’s shocking announcement that The Walt Disney Company has purchased Lucasfilm, there are many questions from fans. Â Disney had a phone call to their investors earlier today, and here’s what we know so far.
The deal, as it stands, mostly involves future Star Wars content, not the existing films.
Apparently, Lucas wrote a treatment for Episodes VII-IX, and this was what caused Disney to make the purchase. While Lucas will not actually write or direct the films, it’s his outline which will guide the films.
All Lucasfilm properties are included.
That’s right, Disney now also owns Indiana Jones, Willow and Red Tails. Don’t expect Indiana Jones 5, however. Indiana Jones was mentioned by name during the investment call as being a difficult proposition moving forward - I’d guess that Disney, at this time, doesn’t wish to work through the red tape with Paramount to get another film made. Plus, you know, Harrison Ford’s getting up there in age.
Existing Licensing Deals remain as is, for now.
Similar to how the Disney comics remained with BOOM! Studios for the remainder of their contract, the Star Wars franchise remains with Dark Horse Comics. For now. Here’s hoping this doesn’t lead to the really great sounding Star Wars comic from Brian Wood to get cancelled early…or, if it does end up great, Marvel picks up where Dark Horse leaves off.
Don’t hold your breath on the “Original Original Trilogy”.
While I think that a blu-ray release of the original cuts of A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi would be the first step towards making fans super happy with the Disney buy out, apparently we shouldn’t expect it any time soon. I see it as a no brainer, but as they’d have to work things out legally with 20th Century Fox and get Lucas’s approval (as he will continue to oversee Lucasfilm, even as retired), this could take a while.
All work on LucasArts Games remains the same, for now.
That means the ultra impressive looking Star Wars: 1313 is still in development. Again, for now. Things could change as LucasArts is now owned by Disney, who has their own video game company - Disney Interactive. I get the feeling that this deal came as a surprise to many of the departments under Lucasfilm.
Industrial Light and Magic and Skywalker Sound remain autonomous.
While Lucasfilm certainly built much of their fortune on the back of the work of ILM and Skywalker Sound, while Disney will technically own each, they will be allowed to continue to work on their own projects for any company or studio.
Again - the only new thing really confirmed at this time is Star Wars: Episode VII, set for release in 2015.  That summer now looms huge, with the potential release of The Avengers 2 and Justice League that same summer.
I remain cautiously optimistic here, but as always, we cannot judge until we have actual new content to view.
I don’t know that anyone could have seen this coming, but it’s happening - The Walt Disney Company announced that they have purchased Lucasfilm from George Lucas for $4.05 Billion.
The details are still hazy, but according to an article posted by The Hollywood Reporter, George Lucas is quoted as saying:
One things for sure - with ownership of Marvel and Lucasfilm, Disney now controls my entire childhood.
I’ll update with more details as I have them.
EDIT - 4:24pm
The proper press release from The Walt Disney Company is online. Two bits of note -Â Star Wars: Episode 7 is set for 2015, and more films are expected to follow.
Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing. The final consideration will be subject to customary post-closing balance sheet adjustments.
“Lucasfilm reflects the extraordinary passion, vision, and storytelling of its founder, George Lucas,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “This transaction combines a world-class portfolio of content including Star Wars, one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time, with Disney’s unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets to generate sustained growth and drive significant long-term value.”
“For the past 35 years, one of my greatest pleasures has been to see Star Wars passed from one generation to the next,” said George Lucas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lucasfilm. “It’s now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I’ve always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime. I’m confident that with Lucasfilm under the leadership of Kathleen Kennedy, and having a new home within the Disney organization, Star Wars will certainly live on and flourish for many generations to come. Disney’s reach and experience give Lucasfilm the opportunity to blaze new trails in film, television, interactive media, theme parks, live entertainment, and consumer products.”
Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Lucasfilm, a leader in entertainment, innovation and technology, including its massively popular and “evergreen"Â Star Warsfranchise and its operating businesses in live action film production, consumer products, animation, visual effects, and audio post production. Disney will also acquire the substantial portfolio of cutting-edge entertainment technologies that have kept audiences enthralled for many years. Lucasfilm, headquartered in San Francisco, operates under the names Lucasfilm Ltd., LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, and the present intent is for Lucasfilm employees to remain in their current locations.
Kathleen Kennedy, current Co-Chairman of Lucasfilm, will become President of Lucasfilm, reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Additionally she will serve as the brand manager for Star Wars, working directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build, further integrate, and maximize the value of this global franchise. Ms. Kennedy will serve as executive producer on new Star Wars feature films, with George Lucas serving as creative consultant. Star Wars Episode 7 is targeted for release in 2015, with more feature films expected to continue the Star Wars saga and grow the franchise well into the future.
The acquisition combines two highly compatible family entertainment brands, and strengthens the long-standing beneficial relationship between them that already includes successful integration of Star Wars content into Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris and Tokyo.
Driven by a tremendously talented creative team, Lucasfilm’s legendary Star Warsfranchise has flourished for more than 35 years, and offers a virtually limitless universe of characters and stories to drive continued feature film releases and franchise growth over the long term. Star Wars resonates with consumers around the world and creates extensive opportunities for Disney to deliver the content across its diverse portfolio of businesses including movies, television, consumer products, games and theme parks. Star Wars feature films have earned a total of $4.4 billion in global box to date, and continued global demand has made Star Wars one of the world’s top product brands, and Lucasfilm a leading product licensor in the United States in 2011. The franchise provides a sustainable source of high quality, branded content with global appeal and is well suited for new business models including digital platforms, putting the acquisition in strong alignment with Disney’s strategic priorities for continued long-term growth.
The Lucasfilm acquisition follows Disney’s very successful acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel, which demonstrated the company’s unique ability to fully develop and expand the financial potential of high quality creative content with compelling characters and storytelling through the application of innovative technology and multiplatform distribution on a truly global basis to create maximum value. Adding Lucasfilm to Disney’s portfolio of world class brands significantly enhances the company’s ability to serve consumers with a broad variety of the world’s highest-quality content and to create additional long-term value for our shareholders.
The Boards of Directors of Disney and Lucasfilm have approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, and other customary closing conditions. The agreement has been approved by the sole shareholder of Lucasfilm.
The new Hugh Jackman starring film, The Wolverine certainly has had a long and winding road toward its release, but as the movie is filming in Australia, 20th Century Fox has done a great job of keeping fans excited.
A few weeks ago, we had the first image from the film (a rather jacked Logan), and now we have the first teaser poster, a beautifully illustrated image, similar to Japanese wood block prints. Â Appropriate, given that the new film is taking place in Japan, and pitting Wolverine against the Silver Samurai.
The Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th, 2013.
As I work my way through the fantastic sequel, This Book is Full of Spiders, I find myself very much looking forward to the theatrical adaptation of John Dies At The End.
Guess the timing is perfect, then, for Magnet Releasing to unveil the proper trailer for the film, which couldn’t feel more right if it tried.
The movie will hit VOD on December 28th, 2012, with a short theatrical run to follow on January 25th, 2012.
For those who have read the book - are you as excited as I am? And for the new people to John Dies At The End - has this trailer sold you? Let me know in the comments.
Of the deals presented to ousted Community show runner Dan Harmon since his unfortunate removal from the show, I always figured that the Adult Swim one would be the best.
This is proving to be true, as his animated project, Rick & Morty is the first to be officially picked up.
The half-hour cartoon, features a gifted inventor (and his not so gifted grandson), and will hit the airwaves with 10 episodes either late in 2013 or early in 2014.
The ball’s in your court, CBS and Fox.
Source: Deadline.com.
When it burst on the scene back in 2009, Axe Cop quickly became one of the most beloved webcomics in the history of the medium.
The bizarre yet perfect combination of art by a 29-year-old (Ethan Nicolle) and writing by, bizarrely enough, his then 5-year-old brother Malachai, the comic was the story of a cop, with an axe, who due to the great jumps of logic that only five-year olds can provide, fights in space, battles babies, and becomes president of the world.
Fox Animation clearly took a shining to the property, as it has been decided that Axe Cop will lead off the Fox ADHD late night animation block starting next year.  To get us all excited, they’ve released the test footage, an adaptation of “Ask Axe Cop #47”.
The cartoon isn’t just wonderfully accurate, it even brings the awesome with voice talent, choosing to have Axe Cop voiced by Nick Offerman, better known as Parks & Recreation’s cantankerous Ron Swanson.
Check it out!
Axe Cop will hit Fox in Summer 2013.
Source: The Comic’s Comic
With the blu-ray release of Brave and Finding Nemo hitting shelves next month, it’s time to start looking ahead to the next major Pixar project, Monsters University.
While all we have seen from the Monsters Inc. prequel thus far is a brief, albeit hilarious, teaser trailer, Disney has released some new images of characters from the film to the web.
Thanks to Upcoming Pixar we have a full gallery of the images below, which include looks at the younger Mike & Sully, plus new characters like Squishy, Art and Terry & Terri. Check ‘em out!
Monsters University hits theaters on June 21st, 2013.
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While I cannot speak for the entire Blast-O-Rama writing pool, I can confirm that at least two of its writers (including myself) are avid Converse All-Star wearers.
That also should be enough for an official sponsorship, Converse! HINT HINT.
Anyway, the point of the post is as follows - for their Fall/Winter 2012 collection, they will be unleashing a wide selection of licensed shoes, including selections from DC Comics and the 1980’s cartoon classic, Thundercats.
The adult selections include Thundercats, Superman, the Joker, Poison Ivy and Bane, and will run $60. The kids, however, get shoes for the early 2000’s Cartoon Network Teen Titans cartoon, plus a nice Robin design. They will run just under $40.
A full gallery appears below.
Source: Comics Alliance
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It seems that it is a big day for action heroes here on Blast-O-Rama, as it looks like Universal is going to make another go at relaunching the long beloved Conan the Barbarian franchise.
After a no go with Conan the Barbarian, the 2011 film starring Game of Thrones' Jason Momoa, the new film, Legend of Conan will return with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the lead.
Sounds crazy, given that Arnold’s 65 years old, but this will actually deal with an older King Conan, as briefly glimpsed in the 1982 original. Word isn’t confirmed as to whether this will negate 1984’s Conan the Destroyer, but with the movie getting the fast track for Summer 2014, I’m sure we’ll all know soon enough.
Source: Deadline.com
After a short but sweet teaser trailer, 20th Century Fox is back on deck to give us a longer look at the 5th installment of the Die Hard series - A Good Day to Die Hard!
Terrible title aside, this is looking like a fun outing with both generations of McClaine - John (Bruce Willis) and his kids Jack (Jai Courtney) and Lucy (Mary Elisabeth Winstead).
If you’re looking for an actual plot from this movie, here’s the synopsis.
We at Blast-O-Rama aren’t really the type to get political. Well, on here at least.
That said, with about a week until the US Election, we wanted to feature this important endorsement which hit YouTube today.
Joss Whedon, writer and creator of such projects as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Angel and the current creative head of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has decided to come out for Mitt Romney.
Unedited, here are his remarks.
If you excuse us, we’ll now be working on our parkour.
Hey All!
As you’ve probably noticed by watching the news, Hurricane Sandy is fast approaching the East Coast.  Because of this, odds are good that you will see a slowdown in posts, if it is indeed the apocalyptic event they’re calling for.
Myself, Chris P., Chris K., Katherine and Jason are all in the path of the storm, so unless Wyatt’s going to take over everything else, expect some slowdown until all services return to normal. I’m going to try queuing some content for you to read on Monday, but overall, yeah, this could break bad.
As soon as we can, we will return to standard Blast-O-Rama programming.
The team at Funko! Pop Vinyl truly have created a steady niche for themselves. Their unique style has been applied to dozens of licenses from DC Comics to Game of Thrones to Elvis and even the Muppets - it’s even to where I saw a Funko! Batman t-shirt at Target the other day.
Next year, they will be increasing their brand even further, with a series based on some of the greatest toys and cartoons of the 1980s -Â Masters of the Universe!
Five figures will be a part of the line, which has yet to have a proper release date announced. Â The list of figures will be He-Man (of course), Skeletor (uh-huh), She-Ra, Spikor (Huh?) and Hordak (who looks awesome).
A full gallery of the line appears below, and you can expect them to retail between $10-$12 when they hit shelves.
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Starting last year with the release of Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, IMAX has started a really classy push towards special Midnight showing release posters for big name films.
Over the summer alone, I can recall exclusive posters for The Avengers, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises and Prometheus.  Well, this trend will continue into the fall, as they will have an exclusive poster for Skyfall.
The latest James Bond film actually hits IMAX theaters a day early (November 8th, instead of November 9th for non-IMAX screenings), so if you are bold enough to see the movie in the wee hours of that Wednesday night/Thursday morning, you’ll get a sweet, classy, black and white print of Daniel Craig as Bond to remember it by.
Source: Superhero Hype.
One of my favorite developers for iOS is the team at Rocketcat Games. Since appearing on my radar with Super QuickHook, the amazing, SNES styled grappling hook racing game, I’ve devoured their games. Their last outing on iOS was the fantastic top-down RPG, Mage Gauntlet, but before returning to the world of Mage for their next game, Rocketcat has teamed up with Madgarden to create an homage to classic arcade fighters - the brilliant and sublime Punch Quest.
If you were a fan of games like Final Fight and Double Dragon, Punch Quest is probably the game for you. An endless runner, similar to Jetpack Joyride or Canabalt, you play a warrior who punches his way through a never-ending series of environments or opponents. A tap to the left is a leaping uppercut (which doubles as a jump) and a tap to the right works as a rushing forward punch. You continue forward, punching ogres, skull warriors, bats, ghosts and all kinds of baddies, until unfortunately, you die. Sometimes, you even find yourself riding a dinosaur or turned into a gnome! (Of COURSE there would be gnomes.) And then you get to do it all again.
As with all endless runners, there is a weird sense of constant, impending failure, as the idea is to keep going yet eventually fail so that you have a new record to outdo. I’ve always found that these sorts of iOS games are the best. You’re provided an easy to understand goal, easier to understand controls, and then you later, rinse and repeat to your heart’s content. It’s the right type of gameplay while waiting in line or with a few minutes to kill in a doctor’s office. What makes this game really smart, however, how they’ve adapted Jetpack Joyride style goals. Not only are you fighting to make it farther than before, but now you’re also aiming to hit 5 uppercuts, a consecutive series of combination hits, or other goals, using some of the advanced techniques you use along the way.
What’s that? The magic word of all iOS games, unlockables? Yes, like prior games from Rocketcat, there are tons of customizable elements for your warrior. You can edit your characters colors, edit the gender, and if that wasn’t enough each run (and accomplished goal), earns you the in-game currency called “Punchos”. These can then be used to purchase new attacks and customizable elements, like facial hair, scars, helmets and the Rocketcat trademark - hats. You earn Punchos on every run, but they can be bought by the thousands through in-app purchases (varying from 20,000 for $1.99 to 450,000 for $19.99). However, don’t think of this as a blind money-grab. Punch Quest is being offered for free, and at no point did I feel like I was being forced into an in-app purchase. The game offers the chance to earn every upgrade through trial and error, but if you’re looking to unlock content early, I think it’s only fair that they give you the ability to pay for it.
I feel like I’m overlooking the graphic and audio elements of the game, but as you can see in the screenshots below (from the iPad version), Punch Quest retains a retro feel without being cloying. Graphics are clean and crisp, and the animations remain smooth throughout. The equally as retro soundtrack is decent, if not unmemorable, but considering it’s covered by the sound effects of your hero punching through skulls, bats and other baddies, it’s probably best that it isn’t too distinct.
The app itself is universal, working on both your iPhone and iPad, and supports the retina and extended resolutions found on the iPhone 4, iPhone 5 and 3rd generation iPad.
All and all, Punch Quest is a great burst of energy and is full of enough unlockables to keep you interested for months (if not years) to come. While it clearly follows in the footsteps of Halfbrick’s success with Jetpack Joyride, don’t think of it only as another pretender - this game definitely deserves a space on your iOS device. Now, if you don’t mind, I have more hats to unlock. Time to get punching!
Punch Quest for iOS is available now in the Apple App Store. This app was provided by the developer to Blast-O-Rama for the purposes of review. The game was played on both a 3rd Gen iPad and an iPhone 4s.
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Folks, I think we finally have it - the first ever remake that makes the fans happy.
Ever since it was announced, fans have wrung their hands with worry on the potential of an Evil Dead remake, but the first red band, gore filled trailer is out thanks to IGN, and…it looks really damn good.
It’s an interesting twist on the original, as instead of Bruce Campbell’s Ash as the lead, we have Jane Levy of Suburgatory fame taking the lead, but I think the change helps keep this project feel like its own thing.
What say you, dear readers? Sound off in the comments.
Evil Dead will hit theaters on April 13, 2013.
Cloud Atlas is a difficult movie.
On paper, a nearly three-hour drama which takes the audience through six separate timelines while attempting to reveal the universal truths of humanity isn’t the easiest pill to swallow. Yet from the first glimpse of the film, in its beautiful six-minute trailer, you got the feeling that the directorial team of Lana and Andy Wachowski (The Matrix) and Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) had truly touched upon something special.
Cloud Atlas isn’t really easy to describe.  The movie shifts and shakes from one story to another. You have a story of a lawyer in the 1800’s, a composer in the 1930s, an investigative journalist in the 1970s, a publisher in modern-day, a cloned restaurant server in 2144 and a post-apocalyptic world, set “106 years after ‘The Fall’”.  Actors appear and reappear in different timelines, not as the same characters however. Some switch from the hero to the villain, some change race, some even change sex, but the idea is to reveal a universal truth of humanity. Our lives are always intrinsically linked, between love, life and death, we are always combined and our stories start to fall together.
Each story goes down a different path - the modern-day story of a book publisher quickly becomes a humorous escape film, the story of the cloned server lives up to its Blade Runner-esq set design and develops into a sci-fi tale about freedom, our lawyer in the 1800’s becomes the catalyst for the freedom of a slave, the 1970’s investigative reporter becomes embroiled in a pitch perfect crime drama. There’s barely a genre not represented here. The sheer scope and scale of the project is enough to engulf you. Not enjoying where the story on-screen is going? Don’t worry, they will be cutting back to the other soon. Pain is met with humor, triumph is met with defeat, closure is met with the opening of a new door. It’s an amazing achievement in editing, and somehow with all these stories told over such a long period of time, you never feel like the film is dragging.
It’s clear that the filmmakers were more enamored with certain timelines than others (the Neo Seoul sequence in 2144 clearly had the Wachowski’s creative juices flowing), but no story feels cheapened. Somehow, every story has a clear three act structure, and usage of creative juxtaposition clarifies the meaning of certain stories by the sequences that came before or follow from other stories. The uniting theme of the connective fiber of life itself becomes abundantly clear, and while every story seems unique, each story illuminates the next in brilliant, unforeseen ways.
Much has been spoken of the creative use of a central cast throughout the film, using extensive makeup techniques to allow the actors to morph into different roles depending on the timeline they appear in. Sometimes the makeup does a fantastic job of hiding the actors (you’re going to have a lot of fun with the IMDB page when you get home), while in others, the makeup is jarring and bizarre (notably with any instance of changing an actor’s race or sex).  Still, the acting is the heart of the project. Tom Hanks goes from a conniving doctor to a brilliant nuclear scientist to a British gangster to a post apocalyptic survivor, and is believable in each role.  Hallie Berry is fantastic as a reporter in the 1970s, but unfortunately is almost forgettable in her other parts along the way. The true stand out has to be Jim Broadbent, who is given two absolutely meaty roles, as both a lost composer with a mean streak and a bumbling buffoon of a book publisher.  If he isn’t at the least nominated for an Oscar as best supporting actor for his work here, something has gone terribly wrong.  Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that if you’ve ever longed to see what Hugo Weaving would look like if he were Nurse Ratched from One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest, this is the film that finally delivers.
Not every beat of the film is perfect, however. Besides the aforementioned issues with certain makeup jobs, there are some very odd choices in storytelling, and at times the acting even devolves to camp (I’m looking at the imaginary voodoo devil played by Hugo Weaving in the post-apocalyptic era). Some stories you wish were full films of their own, and while you are given the complete story, you’re left wanting for more detail.
Hours after the credits rolled, I find myself still dissecting and pondering the film. This is not a movie for everyone, nor do I believe that everyone will love it.  Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the source material (a novel by David Mitchell), so I cannot speak to the quality of the translation.  What I do know is this -  Cloud Atlas is a truly epic undertaking in film-making  As you let the film wash over you, all you can do is admire the scope and scale of what is being attempted, even if the landings don’t hit as hard as you will hope.
The Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer had the audacity to create something truly brilliant and original, in a movie making marketplace which may completely refuse to accept it. Cloud Atlas is a film which I look forward to dissecting and discussing for years to come - and that may truly be the highest compliment you can pay a true work of art.  Is the movie for you? I cannot really say. But I know that it was for me, and I look forward to revisiting it again and again.
Going into today’s press conference from Apple, we knew one thing for sure - we would be seeing a brand new iPad, a smaller variant designed to combat the Nexus 7 tablet from Google, and the Kindle Fire HD from Amazon. But there were a number of surprises along the way - some exciting, and some not so exciting. Here’s what you missed if you missed out on the press conference.
The Mac mini received a much requested spec bump including an updated graphics card, more RAM and something called “Fusion Drive”. Â An additional add-on, this gives users the best of both world’s of computer storage. It’s a hybrid of a hard disk, and solid state media, providing a 128GB solid state drive combined with a 1TB hard drive. The Fusion Drive “automatically and intelligently manages your data so that frequently used apps, documents, photos, and other files stay on the faster flash storage, while infrequently used items move to the hard drive.” Sounds like a pretty slick piece of hardware. Pricing starts at $599 for the Mac Mini, with the “Fusion Drive” costing an additional $250.
This was also followed up with the much-anticipated announcement of the 13" version of the MacBook Pro Retina. The specs are very similar to the 15" version released late in the Summer, but are now in the more popular 13" form factor. Pricing starts at $1699 for that.
The most intriguing new release in my eyes was the brand new iMac. Â The all-in-one desktop wonder has somehow become even thinner, with an edge of just 5mm in size. It’s a stunning looking machine, and I have honestly no idea how Apple engineered this. The Fusion Drive is also available for these new beauties, which start at $1299.
With a 7.9" form factor and an aluminum casing similar to the iPhone 5, it’s a very pretty little machine, and Apple is clearly aiming for the Nexus 7 here, as they even showed direct comparisons in usage and web browsing.  But there are a few issues I can see. Ultimately, the innards are exactly the same of an iPad 2, down to the non-retina screen resolution, pushing the mini version two generations behind the full-sized model.  Additionally, the pricing is a giant bag of hurt.  The direct competition for the iPad Mini, the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD cost $199 for their entry-level models. The iPad mini? $329. Given the increased cost should you want more than 16GB of storage, or 4G Wireless accessibility, this could be a big problem for Apple this holiday season, but only time will tell. The iPad mini hits on November 2nd, and I expect the standard fervor upon its release.
All of the new hardware is currently available for pre-order on Apple’s online store.
When you think of The Hobbit, what restaurant do you think of?
It’s probably not what you thought of, but Denny’s is hoping that you’ll be thinking of them this Fall.
Starting on November 6th, a full series of Hobbit based breakfast, lunch and menu items will be available in anticipation of the December 14th release of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Amongst the 11 items will be “Hobbit Hole Breakfast,” “Frodo’s Pot Roast Skillet,” “Gandalf’s Gobble Melt” and the “Build Your Own Hobbit Slam,” which includes limited-time items such as “Shire Sausage.”  Yes. Really.
Still don’t believe me? Here’s the TV ad for the promotion.
Put me down for those Red Velvet Pancake Puppies.
Source: Advertising Age
Promised with yesterday’s teaser trailer teaser (not a typo!), Marvel Studios has released the first official trailer for Iron Man 3.  Here it is.
As you can see, this time around, the times are tough for Tony Stark, facing adversity from The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), scientist Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce) and I think even his own armor?
It’s amazing how different the tone is for this installment, even from just two minutes of footage. I suppose Tony Stark has been the wise-ass hero in his suit of armor for far too long - now, he has to pay the price. I have to admit, the 3rd movie is rarely the best, but this is a pretty damn effective trailer. Plus, you know, it’s technically the 7th movie in the Marvel Cinematic Saga.
Here’s the official plot description from Marvel.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
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The full court press of Iron Man 3 marketing continues.
With the full trailer coming tomorrow, and the teaser for that trailer having hit over the weekend, Marvel.com has split the middle by choosing today to reveal the new poster for the film, featured above.
It’s an interesting choice of image, featuring Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in his workshop, surrounded by his armor - and it certainly is a nice reprieve from the standard floating heads poster. You can see the new gauntlets and boots on Tony, but not the full new armor.
If that wasn’t enough, Entertainment Weekly grabbed the exclusive of the first look at Ben Kingsley as The Mandarin!
I’ll admit, he looks a bit more like a Lord of the Rings dwarf than a Asian master of space rings, but he still looks like he could mess you up in a second.
Now let’s get the damn trailer already.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
Source: Marvel.com.
If 2K Games had kept to their original schedule, we’d be all drooling in front of our televisions playing BioShock Infinite right now, but delays happened, and well, we’re not.
However, that doesn’t stop the game from making us drool. Over the weekend, a new trailer titled “The Beast of America” hit the web, and yeah, this looks like the game to beat in 2013.
I’ve been looking for a game experience which captivates me as much as the original BioShock did back in 2007, and while it’s going to be nearly 6 years later, I really think BioShock Infinite will live up to the hype. Even with all the developmental chaos behind its creation.
BioShock Infinite hits PlayStation 3, XBOX 360 and PC on February 26th, 2013.
On Tuesday night, Apple.com will be the exclusive host of the first true trailer for Marvel Studios next big superhero flick, Iron Man 3 (at least until someone rips it to YouTube).
There’s little doubt that fans are excited about seeing the first footage from what could be the final Iron Man film, but over the weekend, I think the marketing went a bit too big, as we now have a 17 second peak at the trailer. That’s right, it’s a trailer for the trailer. Either way, here you are.
Some nice peaks at things in there, including Tony’s new armor, the back of the Mandarin’s head, and something going terribly awry for Pepper Potts.
But hey, lets add more content to this post, as we’ve got a few new images from the film, including the Iron Patriot armor, which I have a sneaking suspicion is a redeco’d War Machine.
Iron Man 3 hits theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
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Fans everywhere have wondered - when will the Dan Harmon-less fourth season of Community finally premiÁ¨re on NBC? Now, thanks to a new sketch released online, we know.
It will be on October 19th. Sorta. We’ll let Troy and Abed explain it all.
Community’s 4th Season premieres…uh, eventually!
With the release date of the new James Bond film, Skyfall approaching (and coming even sooner in the UK), the marketing geniuses for Coca-Cola Zero are going all out with their “Unlock the 007 in You” campaign.
One of the coolest bits is this setup for free tickets they did in a train station. Â Click play, and you’ll want to have sound on too. It’s almost like a flash mob, but something even cooler, so you can feel like James Bond. Check it out.
Skyfall hits theaters on November 9th, and Coke Zero is available in stores now.
One of my favorite joys of the infancy of The Food Network was the fantastic US presentation of Fuji TV’s Iron Chef (which, in a round about way, I can thank for my work with Super Art Fight, I suppose).
It’s been 13 years since the proper Kitchen Stadium in Japan was closed, but on October 26th, the proper version of Iron Chef returns.
Sadly, however, Chairman Kaga will not be along for the ride. It was revealed today that the new host will be Hiroshi Tamaki, best known for his appearances in several Japanese films and TV dramas.  If you ask me, he’s a little too pretty to follow Kaga, but then again, I’d probably be skeptical of anyone taking on the cape.
No word on if or when Food Network will bring this version of Iron Chef to the states, but hopefully it will be soon!
Source: Kotaku
With the dust from New York Comic Con settling, it should come as no surprise that some Marvel Studios news has come out of the convention - what that news is, however, may be a surprise.
During a panel on the next phase of Marvel Entertainment’s TV projects, Jeph Loeb officially announced that Clark Gregg will return as Agent Phil Coulson in the pilot of ABC’s S.H.I.E.L.D. series.
Yes. Coulson, who we all saw die in The Avengers will return for the TV series. How will that work? Not really sure, but I think we all knew that dastardly Joss Whedon would have something under his sleeve.
In further Marvel Studios news, Disney announced some updates today on the forthcoming film slate.  On the bad side of things, Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World will be post-converted from 2D to 3D. In better news, however, Edgar Wright’s Ant Man is officially dated for November 6th, 2015.
I realize that the appeal of time machines is typically built around the idea of preventing national catastrophes. Killing Hitler, stopping 9-11, making it so Lucas cannot create the Special Editions - but I think a real joy would be to go back to 2003 and tell the world that Ben Affleck would become an Oscar level director.
With 2007’s gut-wrenching Gone Baby Gone and 2010’s Boston-based heist caper The Town, Ben Affleck has already created two amazing films. And now with his latest release, Argo there is absolutely no denying it - Affleck has become one of Hollywood’s best directors.
Based on a story so surreal that it needs an on-screen text disclaimer that it is undeniably “Based On A True Story”, Argo is set during the 1980 Iran Hostage Crisis. In a time of international turmoil, US and Iran relations were at an all-time low, and during a protest, angered Iranians stormed the US Embassy, taking 52 Americans hostage. During the siege, six embassy employees were able to escape to the home of the head of the Canadian embassy. The CIA became aware of this, and decided to plan an extraction, to get these six Americans home. However - finding the best way of retrieving them became a problem. The standard covers were blown - they couldn’t be English teachers, as English schools had been closed for months. They couldn’t be there to teach agriculture, as it was Winter in Iran. What could they do? In an inspired moment, CIA agent Tony Mendez (played here by Ben Affleck) looks to the sci-fi movies of the 1970’s and finds inspiration - what if they were all Canadian filmmakers, scouting desert locations to double as a far off land. But the alibi had to be air tight, so the fake movie had to start a very real production. The film, titled Argo, becomes the project of Mendez, Oscar winning makeup effects director John Chambers (John Goodman) and a known film producer (played by Alan Arkin, acting as a composite of a number of real Hollywood bigwigs). Ads are taken out in the trade papers, artwork and storyboards are created, costumes are designed, and there’s even a huge press event to announce the film - everything to help the alibi, and help Mendez extract the Americans.
The film does an excellent job of balancing wry dialogue and humor with an almost indescribable feel of tension. From the first shot of the film (following an excellent 1970’s homage in the logo sequence), you are met with the two sides of the movie - a mix of Hollywood film-making and dark, dramatic realism. A beautiful sequence of storyboards explains the history of the American history with Iran, and cuts harshly into archival footage of the revolution in the streets. We’re thrown just as quickly into the siege on the American embassy, and Affleck never lets up, keeping the tension and the pace high, almost at a claustrophobia inducing level. Brilliant editing is in play here, and it becomes a staple of the film, including a sequence juxtaposing the Argo press conference with the harsh statements being made in the media, both by Iran and the United States. While the big time nature of Hollywood is played for laughs, the movie never falls into full fledged satire. The goal is for you as the audience to understand the outlandish nature of the task, but remain aware of the underlining anxiety. The ending sequence is just as strong, as the attempt to get the Americans out keeps your heart pulsing through every step. You never get the Ocean’s 11 feeling, where everything is in the bag - you know that each phase will be a fight, and you’re right there with them.
Much has been said about Argo as being a “70’s Film”. While the 1980 period costuming and decoration may be one of the reasons why, I think it’s also due to the strong casting. There really isn’t a star in the bunch, just top to bottom character actors, all of whom give themselves to their roles. Affleck is fantastic as Tony Mendez, a man who clearly is the best at what he does, while he struggles with the rest of life. His chief at the CIA is played perfectly by Bryan Cranston, who walks away with some of the films crankiest and most hilarious lines. Goodman and Arkin are a joy throughout their scenes, and I have no doubt they have some beautiful exchanges on the cutting room floor. It’s a shame then to say that the only non-standouts in the film were the hostages. While peppered with some great character actors in their own right (Tate Donovan, a barely recognizable Clea DuVull), they felt more like props than fully fleshed characters. It was almost as if they were all painted with the same brush - they all want out, they’re all skeptical of Mendez, but they will proceed with the plan (minus the one guy who puts up a bit more of a fight). I suppose that helps us keep the story flowing, as opposed to getting hung up on six different viewpoints, but in retrospect, they felt a bit wasted.
That said, there really isn’t much else bad that I can say about the movie. Argo is one of the best movies I’ve seen this year, and honestly, one of the most tense and engaging drama’s I’ve ever seen. See it in theaters now, and I have little doubt it will be getting more than one Oscar nomination this winter.
Argo is in theaters now.
It’s easy to forget, but New York Comic Con is actually all about the comics.
Earlier today, DC Comic’s mature readers imprint, Vertigo revealed two new projects from two of the biggest creators today.
Coming in 2013 from Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, The Underwater Welder, Animal Man) is the intriguing Trillium.  Described as a love story taking place 100 years in the past and concurrently thousands of years of the future, this will be unlike anything Lemire has done to date.  He will be both writing and drawing the 10 issue series.  As Lemire is still winding down Sweet Tooth, you shouldn’t expect this until later in 2013.  A full interview went up on Comic Book Resources earlier today.
Also announced for next year is the next Vertigo series from Scott Snyder (Batman, American Vampire, Swamp Thing) -Â The Wake.
Teaming up with Snyder will be artist Sean Murphy (Hellblazer). Details are sketchy on this one, besides a Spring 2013 release date, but how cool is that preview art?
EDIT: No sooner than I hit publish, Comic Book Resources has an exclusive interview on The Wake, too! This sounds really great - a sci-fi/monster mashup that should wind up rather exciting.
High quality images of another Mondo NYCC exclusive have hit the web, and we couldn’t wait to bring these to you.
For the third time, Mondo commemorates the absolutely classic animated film, Brad Bird’s The Iron Giant.
Rendered beautifully by Mike Mitchell, the print also features a variant (below).
Again, we do not know the print run, nor the size or cost, but if you’re in New York, you know what to do.
After years of hype and hope, the final installment of the “Blood & Ice Cream Trilogy” is on its way.
The two prior films, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, pairing director/screenwriter Edgar Wright, actor/screenwriter Simon Pegg and actor Nick Frost have been favorites of audiences over the past few years, but it will all come to an end with, appropriately, The World’s End.
Starting as story of a group of childhood friends who reconvene in their 40’s to re-create a legendary pub crawl, it quickly escalates into something greater, and far more apocalyptic.
Featuring an incredible cast including Paddy Considine (Hot Fuzz) and Martin Freeman, the film is set for release in the UK on August 14th, 2013 and October 25th, 2013 in the US. Today, Empire has scored the exclusive reveal of the poster, and we’ve got it for you above.
And yeah, I’m pretty sure this will be all about the end of the world. Bring on the footage, guys!
Source: Empire.
This year at New York Comic Con, our favorite posterhouse, the mad men and women at Mondo are exhibiting for the first time, and of course, they’ve brought a bunch of new posters in tow.
Fans have reported seeing everything from Phantasm to Lord of the Rings, but the first poster we have official images of is that for the cult zombie romantic comedy classic - Shaun of the Dead!
Beautifully rendered by comic artist Jock (who did a great backup in this week’s issue of Batman), we have no idea of the print run, size or cost, but there is an absolutely brilliant variant, pictured below.
No word on if or when these will be available to non NYCC attendees, if at all, so if you have a friend on the showfloor, start bugging them now!
With the 75th anniversary of Superman coming up in 2013, plus the new Zack Snyder directed movie Man of Steel hitting theaters, it’s only proper that DC Comics goes all out in celebrating the last son of Krypton, right?
At NYCC yesterday they announced the crown jewel in their plans for Superman next year - a brand new ongoing written by Batman writer Scott Snyder and drawn by superstar artist and DC co-publisher Jim Lee.
The first piece of preview art is posted above, and while the comic has yet to be officially titled or dated, it’s a clear big name move from DC to make an impact in the world of comics.  If Snyder’s Superman is half as good as his run on Batman to date, this will be an absolute must read. And say what you will about Jim Lee’s art, but he has a clear following, and he’s coming off of a very successful run on Justice League, so I have little doubt the fans will follow.
Once we know the title or date, we’ll let you know, but until then, let your imagination run wild.
Source: Comic Book Resources
Up until now, the movie Gangster Squad was known more for its forced reshoots due to tragedy than for the content of the film itself.
But now, a series of reshoots and a release delay later, Gangster Squad is ready to be shown off, and based on it’s new trailer - this is going to be a good one.
I wouldn’t have thought that the guy who brought us Zombieland and 30 Minutes or Less (Ruben Fleischer) could be such a competent director of crime drama, but based on this footage, he nailed it.  Of course, the super stacked cast, including Ryan Gossling, Emma Stone, Josh Brolin, Sean Penn and Nick Nolte couldn’t hurt.
Gangster Squad releases on January 11th, 2013.
Fresh off the NYCC floor, we have a new piece of promotional art for Guillermo Del Toro’s next big thing, his giant monsters versus robots movie, Pacific Rim.
The poster, appearing above, is a wonderfully brilliant piece of propaganda style art featuring the Jaegers, which is what they are calling the giant mechs in the universe of the film.
Del Toro is appearing at NYCC this weekend, and announced something very cool for people looking forward to the movie - there will be an official prequel graphic novel!
Set before the film, the comic (published by Legendary Comics) is written by the film’s screenwriter Travis Beacham (Clash of the Titans) and covers the story of the world of the film from the first attack by a giant monster, right up until the opening of the flick. Â No word on artists or release date yet, but once we have it, we’ll share it.
Pacific Rim is set to hit theaters on July 12th, 2013.
Source: Superhero Hype
2012 was a grandstand year for the LEGO Super Heroes line. Â After a great Batman series a few years earlier, lines for both DC and Marvel appeared this year, with great sets based on both the comics and the films.
This will continue into 2013, with two new sets being showcased this weekend at NYCC.
On the DC side of things, we have a Dark Knight Rises inspired set, with “The Bat vs. Bane Tumbler Chase”. Featuring Bane’s camo version of the Tumbler, plus the new flying Bat (with a Batman, of course) and a bonus Jim Gordon mini figure, this is a wonderfully kiddie version of the dark Christopher Nolan Batman universe.  This set will run you $40.
With Marvel, we have a set from the new Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon - “The Daily Bugle Showdown”.  $50 gets you a full version of the Daily Bugle building, a sweet looking aircraft, and mini figures of Spider-Man, Nova, the Beetle, Dr. Doom and of course, J. Jonah Jameson.
A full gallery appears below.
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This weekend is New York Comic Con, and much how San Diego Comic Con has become the big event of the Summer for all things nerd, NYCC is filling the East Coast void as becoming the big geek show of the fall.  In turn, expect a lot of announcements from this weekend to pop up on the site.
The first big announcement comes from the lovely Danish folks at LEGO, who are making the dream of many kids of my generation by announcing the first in their series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sets.
Based on the brand new Nickelodeon series (which I haven’t seen yet - any good?), there will be multiple sets in the line, but the first showcased is the Shellraiser Street Chase.  This $60 set includes the Shellraiser (which appears to be the modern version of the Party Van), a pizza truck, and 5 different mini figures (Leonardo, Michelangelo and the villains of the Krang, a foot solider and a dog pound).
I assume additional sets are coming, as they’ve also revealed the first images of mini figures to appear in further sets, which include (of course) Raphael and Donatello, Splinter, and of course, SHREDDER!
This is awesome.  No release date is announced at this time, but I’d expect early next year.
Source: Gizmodo
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One of the big surprises for me this year was how damn good Chronicle turned out.
While from the trailers, you could surmise that the movie might end up as a bad cash-in of the popular found footage and superhero genres. Instead, you had a dark, brooding film, which ultimately reminded me more of Akira than anything else.
Given that the movie was cheap to produce and made a tidy profit, Fox is looking to produce Chronicle 2. The film is now in the scripting stage, with original screenwriter Max Landis, and apparently it’s hitting some snags.
Max’s father John Landis (the famous director) was being interviewed by The Playlist when the topic of the sequel came up, and here’s what he had to say:
Of course, now that word has gotten to the internet about the troubles, it should be interesting to see how things play out from here. Will Max Landis be dismissed? Will they start the spin control? Will John Landis learn to not speak about his son’s business?  Will Chronicle 2 be crap?  We’ll all find out soon.
Chronicle 2 has no release date at this time.
I really didn’t think it would be possible for me to get more excited about Quentin Tarantino’s next movie, Django Unchained, but a brand new trailer has been released which sets more of the stage for the plot, and it does a hell of a great job of selling a ticket to me.
Similar to Inglorious Basterds, it feels like Tarantino’s doing a great job of taking a really dark and uncomfortable subject (in this case, slavery) and using it as a way to build up a darkly humorous adventure of revenge and violence.
If you saw the prior trailer, of note this time is some further information about Leonardo DiCaprio’s lead villain role as Calvin Candie, plus our first look at Jonah Hill’s role in the movie.
You can bet I’ll be one of the first in line to see Django Unchained when it hits on December 25th, 2012.
As amazing and wonderful as the current state of LEGO releases is, the dedication of custom builders greatly outdoes any retail set.  And few creations match the size, scope and effort seen in this custom LEGO Batcave.
Carlyle Livingston II and Wayne Hussey dedicated 800 working hours over a 3 month period to create this Batcave, which is made of 20,000 different pieces and weighs over 100 pounds. The eye for detail is simply stunning - multiple bat cycles, motorized elements including a mechanism to raise the batcopter and a turntable for the Batmobile, a custom batcomputer and appropriately moody lighting, this is just an incredible build.
You can view my favorite images of the Batcave in the gallery below, but I wholeheartly recommend checking out the source link for images of the build process, plus some videos of the motorized portions of the cave.
Source: Flickr
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Much to my surprise, The Amazing Spider-Man turned out to be one of the better movies of Summer 2012.  While I’m a given to love the character, I must admit that I was apprehensive when seeing it in theaters, and I was happy to see it worked out well.
With a potential release date of May 2nd, 2014 already in the books, Sony Pictures is moving fast to get the second film in the series rolling. Last week, they announced that both director Marc Webb and lead Andrew Garfield (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) would be returning.  Emma Stone is apparently still in discussions to return as Gwen Stacy.
Today, Variety announced in an exclusive scoop that talent agents have been handed early breakdowns for the cast, and the villain for the piece is looking to be the classic Spider-Man villain Electro.
If he is indeed the villain of the piece, this will be the first time Electro appears in a Spider-Man film. Â Originally, way back when James Cameron was rumored to be working on a Spidey flick, Electro was his choice of villain, but it never panned out. I think this would be a great choice of big bad for the second film.
If that wasn’t enough, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is also looking to be the debut of Mary Jane Watson.
In the case of MJ, word is that Shailene Woodley (The Descendants) will be the famous redhead in this film interpretation. I haven’t seen her in any films prior, but it’s nice to see that the Ultimate Spider-Man love triangle of Peter, MJ and Gwen will be making it to the big screen.
If that all wasn’t enough, word is, we could also be seeing Harry Osborn in the sequel as well. Given the Oscorp references in the first, it was only a matter of time before the Osborn’s showed up in this version of the Spider-Man universe. Â I wonder if we’ll see Harry go evil before Norman, however?
With filming scheduled to start early next year, expect confirmation on both of these points very soon.
Source: Variety.
In the anticipation for the Summer 2013 release of Pixar’s next big movie, Monsters University (the prequel to Monsters Inc.), they’ve officially launched MonstersUniversity.com, which actually serves as the unusually comprehensive website for  the actual school of the same name.
The site features a student store, a full map of the campus, and information on different events around campus among other pages - it’s remarkably detailed, and if it weren’t for the movie, I’d just think it a really well done parody of the average college website.
I haven’t found any easter eggs or hints towards the plot, but if any pop up, I’ll be sure to let you know. In the mean time, I’ll be pledging for Gamma Roar Roar.
Monsters University hits theaters on June 21st, 2013.
Due to hit on November 23rd, 2012, just in time for Oscar hopes and dreams, Hitchcock stars Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs) as the iconic director. I have to say, they did an incredible makeup job for this. It really looks like a quirky and intriguing look at the man behind the camera, and the process behind making arguably his most famous work - Psycho.
Also appearing in the movie is Scarlett Johannson as Psycho star Janet Leigh and Helen Mirren as Alma Reville, Alfred Hitchcock’s wife and regular collaborator.
What say you, has the trailer grabbed you and talked you into a seat this November?
Earlier today, we were able to share with you the reveal of Green Arrow’s appearance in Injustice: Gods Among Us, but now, we also have the game box art, which includes two more characters as yet announced.
A gallery of all 3 box arts (360, PS3 and Wii U) appears below, but the cover gives away the appearance of The Joker and Green Lantern in the game. Expect official renders/screenshots featuring them to follow. While these are the European box arts (you can tell by the rating system used), I expect the US to remain identical.
Injustice: Gods Among Us hits shelves in April 2013.
Source: The Verge.
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The latest poster company to end up on my radar is Mystery Box, based out of London.
I haven’t heard of their projects before, but if they keep bringing posters as awesome as these Terminator 2: Judgement Day posters we’re featuring today, they’re going to be well-known in no time.
Officially licensed by Studio Canal, two prints were created - the first (featured at the top of the post) is by James White of Signalnoise. Â The second, featured below, is by Tom Muller of hellomuller.
Each print measures 18"x24", and will be available for $55. White’s print is limited to a run of 425, with Muller’s print limited to 200. For the people who want something really nice, there will be an exclusive metallic variant of White’s print, limited to a run of 90, for just $90.
The prints will be available in Mystery Box’s online store on Friday, October 12th, and the official drop time will be revealed on their Twitter. Best of luck, poster hunters!
It should have stood to reason, but the wildly successful Adventure Time TV series spun off into an equally successful Adventure Time comic for Boom! Studios.  It’s consistently been one of my favorite reads every month, featuring the same surreal sense of humor as the show, but using the expanded frame of a comic series to allow it to stand on its own (it also resulted in Adventure Tim, a character that needs to hit TV).  Add that there are variant covers and back stories every month from some of the best talents in the world of independent and online comics, and you have a diverse read that reaches the front of my stack every time a new issue is out.
This same process has resulted in a brilliant mini-series for Marceline and the Scream Queens (written and drawn by Octopus Pie’s Meredith Gran) and caused Boom! to snatch up the rights to Pendelton Ward’s upcoming online series, Bravest Warriors.
The Adventure Time gravy train will keep rolling on, however, as Boom! revealed today the next mini-series coming down the pike - Adventure Time With Fionna & Cake!
Based on the popular gender swapped episode of the series (resulting in human boy Finn and dog Jake being replaced with female Fionna and cat Cake), this six issue mini series will be launched in January 2013, and will be written and drawn by Adventure Time storyboard artist Natasha Allegri, who originally cut her teeth in the online comics game before going big time.
The first cover is at the top of the post, and if this holds up to the standard set by the Adventure Time ongoing and the Marceline mini series, this will be a heck of a read!
Source: Comics Alliance
Developed by the team who brought us Mortal Kombat, one of the most anticipated games for 2013 has to be Injustice: Gods Among Us.
A fighting game pitting the titans of the DC Comics universe against each other in one on one combat, we’ve been pretty excited about the game here (even if some of the character designs are kinda wonky). With a few months until the release, Warner Bros. Interactive and NetherRealm Studios have been slowly revealing the cast of playable characters, and have just announced that Green Arrow will be joining the cast.
Appropriately, the announcement comes as Arrow is about to premiÁ¨re on The CW, a sort of Smallville for the character.  It’s an intense bout of corporate synergy, as Warner Bros. owns The CW, is producing Arrow, owns the company developing Injustice and also owns Entertainment Weekly, who scored the exclusive character reveal.
Oliver Queen is the 10th character announced for the title, who’s cast includes icons such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, along some oddball choices like Cyborg and Solomon Grundy.
Injustice: Gods Among Us is due to hit for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U in April 2013.
Source: EW.com.
While the RZA’s directorial dÁ©but The Man With The Iron Mask is still a few weeks out from release, that isn’t stopping him from lining up his next project.
Just announced last night was his official signing to produce and direct an adaptation of Happy!, the new creator-owned comic written by Grant Morrison (All-Star Superman, The Invisibles) with art by Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan, The Boys).
A gritty crime drama (to a point), Happy! stars Nick Sax as the lead, a foul-mouthed hitman and former cop, who is terribly injured in a hit gone wrong.  As he awakens in the hospital, he finds himself able to see and communicate with an adorable blue cartoon horse. Yeah, it’s that kind of book.
The first issue hit last week, and is already receiving rave reviews. Â Grant Morrison is set to pen the script, insuring that the adaptation from panels to screen should be mostly painless.
The RZA’s The Man With The Iron Mask hits theaters on November 2nd, and the first issue of Happy! is on shelves now, with issue #2 scheduled to release end of the month.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
The awesome poster curators at Spoke Art are heading to the East Coast to be a part of this weekend’s massive New York Comic Con.  We’ve featured their work in the past with their Castro Theater poster series, but this weekend, they’ll be bringing along a special preview of their latest show celebrating the work of director Wes Anderson, the 2012 installment of Bad Dads.
The artists showcased are a who’s who of the poster circuit, including names like Tim Doyle and Dave Perillo amongst others, and if that wasn’t cool enough, they’ll be selling a full selection of their prints, including limited numbers of the aforementioned Castro Theater series, and the latest installment in Tim Doyle’s “Unreal Estate” series, featured below.
Many of the artists will also be in attendance to sign their prints, so be sure to visit Booth #3220 between Thursday-Sunday at NYCC - it’s going to be a treat and a half!  A full selection of preview art is showcased in the gallery below - be sure to check it all out!
Should you wish to buy prints, I’d imagine the remainders will eventually show up in Spoke Art’s online store, but I expect most of these to be available for the full, proper roll out of the Bad Dads show later this month in San Francisco.
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One of 2011’s best films, the serene and thoughtful yet brutally violent Drive will most likely not be receiving a sequel. Yes, a sequel novel hit in April, titled Driven, but for director Nicolas Winding Refn and actor Ryan Gossling, Drive is all they will be saying about the enigmatic Driver.
However - what if he were to appear in other movies? Sayeth Refn to The Citizen:
Now just to get author James Sallis to write off on it all…
Hands down, one of our favorite movies here this year is Looper, Rian Johnson’s time bending hitman movie.
So far, the box office has been pretty great, but what if you’re already itching to see the movie again, and you don’t want to wait for the DVD release to listen to a commentary this time around?
Rian Johnson’s got you covered, as he’s released a commentary track on MP3 to the web, and we’ve got it for you here.
All you need to do is download, toss it on your phone, and cue it up when the movie starts. Do be sure to wear earbuds, because really, who wants to be that guy?
Now, for those who are looking for a little more post Looper analysis, Noah Illinsky’s decided to break down the different timelines of the film in an easy to follow infographic.
Originally posted to Wired, the graphic DOES CONTAIN SPOILERS. So if you don’t want to know, look away!
Between creating a new hour of stand up every year, selling his own show tickets, and writing, starring, producing and handling damn near everything else on his Emmy award winning show Louie, it’s hard to imagine that there is a man on this planet busier than Louis CK.
You ask - how will he follow up his amazing 3rd season? By taking a break.
Alongside FX Network president John Landgraf in a press conference today, Louis CK announced that the 4th season of the show will not go into production until September or October of 2013, to allow Louis a longer period of time to write, a’la the extended hiatus seen with Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm on HBO.
Further more, Louis noted that he hopes the series to go for 9 seasons, with each 3 season arc counting as a “trilogy” of sorts. The 4th Season, now set to premiere in Spring 2014, would mark the beginning of a new arc.
Louis CK will be spending the rest of the year on tour, so expect a new special from him sometime in 2013.
Source: TVLine.
One of my favorite reads of the past few years is John Dies At The End. A surreal horror comedy, it’s the tale of two smartasses who find themselves in the mix of a bizarre interdimentional mystery after taking a drug called “Soy Sauce”. I read it almost exactly two years ago, and this past week, the sequel, This Book Is Full Of Spiders hit the shelves.
In a movement which is just as important to John Dies At The End fans, and the illiterate, the movie adaptation is finally looking toward release, having been picked up by Magnet with an On-Demand premiere now set for December 27th, 2012 and a small theater roll-out to follow.
To celebrate this announcement, they released the first poster for the movie this morning, and interestingly enough, it’s a bright yellow punch to the face, going for a 1970’s poster feel, with small vignettes from the film filling every corner. All and all, I like it! Now here’s hoping the film lives up to the book.
Source: io9
The release of the Disney homage to all things video game Wreck It Ralph is fast approaching, and to keep fans excited, they’ve decided to give us all a look at the game that Ralph is from, Fix It Felix Jr.!
In case you missed the game in the 1980s, Disney has helpfully uploaded a commercial from 1982, to give you an idea all about the game.
OK, you got me, it’s the next step of the marketing plan, but much like the Toy Story 3 ads for Lots O' Huggin' Bear, this is a great way to build the mythos of a movie and maintaining a great, consistent universe.
Wreck It Ralph hits theaters on November 2nd, 2012.
With the November 9 release of Skyfall, MGM/Sony is trying to make it clear to the public at large that James Bond is back and he is better than ever.
After countless delays, the third movie of the Daniel Craig era of Bond is finally about to release, and to underline how much the series is moving forward, yet appropriately minding the 50 years of history that came before it, the new theme for the film has been released.
Performed by British songstress Adele, “Skyfall” hit the internet over the weekend, and honestly, it couldn’t be more perfect. If you haven’t checked it out yet, here you are. It’s as Classic 007 as a song can get, and returns to the traditional style of theme, after many didn’t enjoy Alicia Keys and Jack White’s attempt for Quantum of Solace (I sure did like the Jack White guitar riff on there, though).
What say you, is this a great Bond theme? Or is it towards the bottom? Sound off in the comments!
…but damn if it’s not enough to get me excited.
Honestly, I had forgotten that A Good Day To Die Hard was even scheduled for this year, but this teaser trailer did a good job of reminding me. I may have some residual good will from both Looper and Moonrise Kingdom, but I really am enjoying Bruce Willis right now. If you haven’t seen the teaser yet, here you go.
Either way, Mary Elizabeth Winstead is returning as Lucy McClane, so at least that part will work out.
A Good Day To Die Hard hits theaters on February 13th, 2013.
In and out and development hell since 2002, Disney has finally got everything going with their reboot of the TV classic, The Lone Ranger.
Featuring Johnny Depp as Tonto and Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as the titular ranger, this movie has had quite the journey to the screen, with a massive budget dedicated to the project, directed by Pirates of the Caribbean’s Gore Verbinski. The first trailer released last week, and honestly, it didn’t do much for me, but maybe you will see something I didn’t.
Debuting in theaters on July 4th, 2013, Disney has a lot running on this project, but personally, I’m going to have to see a lot more from it before my nerd brain starts drooling. What say you, readers?
Since obtaining the DC Comics license with their Batman sets earlier in the 2000s, the team at LEGO have done amazing work, but I think this is truly their best to date.
A set called “Arkham Asylum Breakout”, this building set allows kids, their parents or, most likely, adult collectors to build an amazing replica of the infamous insane asylum/jail jam-packed full of Batman’s enemies.  I love the eye of detail in this set, and some of the obscure choices for mini figures (Arkham City-styled Robin, Dr. Harleen Quinzel and the orange jump-suited Joker) are truly inspired.
The set will be available in January 2013, and retail for $160. The official details, as well as an extensive gallery, are below.
Ages 14+. 1,619 pieces.
US $159.99 CA $209.99 DE 159.99€ UK 129.99 £ DK 1399.00 DKK
The villains have broken out of Arkham Asylum and must be stopped!
Sound the alarm! The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow have escaped from Arkham Asylum with the help of Dr. Harleen Quinzel. These villains are about to wreak havoc in the streets of Gotham City! Help Caped Crusaders Batmanâ„¢ and Robin swoop into action and put those good-for-nothing criminals back where they belong! Chase after the security van as it breaks through the gothic gates! Then throw each villain back behind bars in 8 highly detailed rooms. Includes 8 minifigures: Batmanâ„¢, Robin, The Joker, The Penguin, Poison Ivy, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, Scarecrow and a guard, all with assorted weapons or accessories
Depending on your opinions on the respective franchises, Angry Birds Star Wars is either a smart mixing of two beloved properties or a prime example of corporate synergy gone terribly awry, but either way, it’s real, it’s announced, and it’s coming for, iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, Mac, PC, Windows Phone and Windows 8 on November 8th.
Alongside the Rovio produced game will be (naturally) an entire selection of games and toys designed and released by Hasbro. The games all fall under Hasbro’s Jenga line, and involve various ways of taking the rage filled birds (now dressed as Star Wars characters) and tossing them at structures filled with the Empire-clothed pigs. They even have a Koosh slingshot! There’s certainly some self aware marketing in play (I think “Early Bird” figure set is very clever), and honestly, I think kids are going to have a lot of fun with these toys.
Do we really need more Angry Birds and Star Wars stuff on the shelves? Probably not - but if kids like the toys, and if the game remains as fun as Angry Birds Space was, I think this will be another license to print money come this November. …even if the Angry Birds Star Wars DLC on every box gives me major pause.
You can view the full gallery of toys below - no gameplay footage has been released yet, sadly.
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The poster producing team at Skuzzles sure is making the most of their working relationship with film studio MGM. Last week, we showcased their posters for the 80’s classic Teen Wolf, and later today they release a brand new poster for another classic from that decade - the Jean Claude Van Damme epic Bloodsport!
Designed by artist Randy Ortiz, this 18"x24" print is limited to a run of 175, and will be on sale at Skuzzles.com later today for just $35, an absolute steal in the world of screenprinted movie posters.
There’s no doubt that Bloodsport is one of the greatest action movies of all time, and now it has one of the classier posters of all time. Plus, I think it’s the first instance of a screenprinted movie poster that will look great hung up in a gym! Go get yourself one.
[caption id=“attachment_9660” align=“aligncenter” width=“300”] This will be you after you buy it.[/caption]
Today, the DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack of Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows hit shelves, and to celebrate the release of the disc, we at blast-o-rama have been given a copy by Warner Bros to give to YOU, our dear readers!
Just use the app above and take the Are You Creepy Enough? Quiz and post your results in the comments section.
We’ll take your answers through 11:59 PM Eastern, Friday, October 5th and one random person will be selected to receive the combo pack. Be sure to leave your real email address in your comment, so we can have the disc sent straight to you! This post will stay stickied to the top of the blog, so if you’ve already entered, scroll down for the new posts!
Best of luck!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! Congrats to ‘Kevin’ for his win!
As a young boy growing up in the late 80s and early 90s, one of the most lasting memories for me was that of my first experience with Hollywood blockbusters.
Every summer, there seemed to be one movie which was designed to rule the Summer. Now, of course, I realize there are many, but in 1989 with Tim Burton’s Batman, I was drawn in completely. The next summer, 1990, I was enraptured by the possibilites of Dick Tracy.
Growing up a comic fan, my parents nurtured this by getting me the collections of the daily strip, and I even remember having a figure or two from the movie toy line. However - I don’t really recall the movie all that well. For years, it’s been tied up in legal wrangling, and this resulted in the DVD being out of print for ages.
But, it all changes on December 11th, as Disney is finally releasing the movie on blu-ray.
What I do remember of the film was its intense technicolor palette, and I can’t help but feel like it will shine on HDTV.
The question is - will it hold up well? Or will it wind up being one of those things better left in my childhood?
We can pre-order at Amazon today and find out together.
We feature a lot of fan posters here on blast-o-rama, but I feel a sub-genre of fan poster which is greatly under-represented is that of posters which reconstitute a film or its concepts.
With his series of posters titled Fett Noir, artist Dean Reeves takes the characters and concepts of Star Wars and reconstitutes them as Noir film classics.  In a way similar to how Star Wars originally reinvented the movie serial for modern audiences, these take classic Star Wars tropes and remixes them to fit the world of Noir, with perfectly pitched graphic elements and design.
Should you wish to have prints of these posters to adorn your walls, they can be purchased on Etsy today for just over $26. Â A gallery of all 4 designs is below. Enjoy!
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[caption id=“attachment_9617” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Teen Wolf, regular edition.[/caption]
For as great a job the custom poster world has done of worshiping cult movies, I feel we’ve left an entire important region out - where are the posters for the comedy classics?
Much like the Oscars, the high end screenprinted poster world hasn’t been giving their due to the great comedies which birthed a generation of film geeks, but luckily, the team at Skuzzles.com is making a change, and giving a true cult classic its due - Teen Wolf.
With a design by Ghoulish Gary Pullin, this 24"x36" print is limited to a run of 165, and will be available tomorrow, Friday, September 28th, 2012.  Available for just $40, this print is officially licensed by MGM, and does a great job of celebrating the Michael J. Fox classic.
[caption id=“attachment_9618” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Teen Wolf, variant edition.[/caption]
Should you be interested in something a bit more limited edition, check out this glow in the dark, “full moon” variant. Limited to just  75 prints, this is the perfect gift for the hardcore Teen Wolf fan in your life.
Want one of these? Of course you do - be sure to get to Skuzzles.com tomorrow, and tell them blast-o-rama sent you!
This certainly is an unexpected announcement.
Following the formal announcement from Marvel Studios seating Joss Whedon as the architect of Phase Two of their super popular series of superhero films (culminating in a sequel to the $1.5 billion grossing The Avengers), I figured the next step would be Warner Bros getting with the program and selecting either a proven comics or film talent in charge of the DC Theatrical Universe (Chris Nolan, Zach Snyder, Guillermo Del Toro, Mark Waid, Grant Morrison, I don’t know - SOMEONE.)
Instead…we’re getting another architect, for a different Marvel Universe - the universe of films owned by 20th Century Fox, which currently includes the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises. And the man to be in charge? None other than infamous comics writer Mark Millar.
While this does not indicate the beginning of a cohesive film universe on the Fox/Marvel side of things, this does indicate an overall wanting of quality from 20th Century Fox.  We can argue the merits of Mark Millar as a writer all day long, but given that his run on The Ultimates inspired much of the Marvel Studios Film Universe (up to and including The Avengers), and his comics Kick-Ass, Wanted and Nemesis have all been produced or greenlit as films, he certainly knows how to bridge the gap between comics and film. Even if his idea of a great magazine name is CLint (get it?).
The first films to be consulted upon by Millar will be the forthcoming The Wolverine, the First Class sequel X-Men: Days of Future Past (helmed by Millar buddy Matthew Vaughn) and the Fantastic Four reboot, helmed by Chronicle director Josh Trank.
The full press release appears below. An odd and interesting day for the comics world, for sure, and an interesting look as to where things could go, if Millar is successful.
Millar wrote several celebrated Marvel books such as The Ultimates, Civil War and Wolverine: Old Man Logan, before moving on to found Millarworld (millarworld.tv), where he continues to develop existing film franchise titles Wanted and Kick-Ass, as well as newer comic properties The Secret Service, Superior, and Nemesis — the latter also in development at Fox. Millar will work with Fox on developing new avenues for its “X-Men” and “Fantastic Four” tentpoles.
Commented TCF production president Emma Watts: “We are excited to be working with Mark. In addition to his groundbreaking Marvel work, he is simply one of the most original voices in comics today and will be an invaluable resource to us and to our filmmakers as we look for fresh opportunities to innovate within our shared Marvel universe."
Upcoming for the studio is THE WOLVERINE, starring Hugh Jackman, directed by James Mangold; X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, helmed by Matthew Vaughn; and a reboot of “FANTASTIC FOUR, to be directed by Josh Trank (Chronicle).
“As someone who has spent his entire life obsessed with both comic-books and movies, this is essentially my dream gig as it’s a unique combination of both,“ stated Millar. “I spent ten years working at Marvel and am really happy with the work I did on the comic side of things so the idea of working with these characters now in a brand new medium is enormously exciting for me. I really like the Fox team, love this bold new direction they have for their franchises and am proud to be working alongside some of modern cinema’s biggest talents. James Mangold is incredible, Matthew Vaughn’s one of my closest pals and Josh Trank gave us, in my opinion, one of the greatest superhero movies of the last decade with Chronicle. The invitation to join this crew was maybe the coolest phone-call I’ve ever had.“
About Mark Millar Mark Millar is the writer of Civil War, Marvel’s biggest-selling series of the fifteen years, Ultimate X-Men, Wolverine: Old Man Logan, Spider-Man, Ultimate Fantastic Four and The Ultimates (described by Time magazine in 2010 as the best comic series of the decade). His Millarworld line of comics boasts a roster of creator-owned books such as Wanted, turned into a blockbuster movie starring Angelina Jolie; Kick-Ass, which starred Nicolas Cage; and Nemesis, which Fox is presently developing as a theatrical feature. Kick-Ass 2 is currently filming in London and Toronto, starring Jim Carrey and Chris Mintz-Plasse and Universal is also developing his War Heroes series with Mike DeLuca producing. The Secret Service, co-created with Watchmen legend Dave Gibbons and X-Men First Class director Matthew Vaughn, is also currently indevelopment. In his native UK, he’s the editor of CLiNT magazine, an advisor on film to the Scottish government and managing director of his film and television company Millarworld Productions.”
About 20th Century Fox Film One of the world’s largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, 20th Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world. These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions and Twentieth Century Fox Animation.
Think back if you will to the first time you saw a film like The Matrix or Blade Runner.  What stayed with you? Sure, the visual style and effects, but more than anything, what stuck with you is that you were seeing the fully realized vision of a strong creative force.  They were movies that never talked down to you. Movies that looked at a concept in a way you hadn’t yourself, and saw it all the way through. Movies that never made you feel stupid, and trusted in you to fill in the blanks and follow the film.
With a night’s rest behind me, and my brain still swirling from the story and imagery presented, I’m pleased to say that Looper is another one of these films, and truly cements filmmaker Rian Johnson (Brick, The Brothers Bloom) as a true creative talent.  If that wasn’t enough, it also sits as one of the most original and challenging films I’ve seen for all of 2012.
At its core, Looper is a story of time travel.  Set in the year 2044, our lead is Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt).  His job is that of a looper. Sometime in the decades after 2044, time travel is invented and immediately outlawed.  However, the world of organized crime has no qualms with using it.  When they need someone eliminated, they send that person back in time to 2044, where a looper (a special hit man) is waiting, killing the person immediately.  Like so, they are removed from the timeline, and all is good.
Loopers tend to live a live fast die young life style. They’re young, they have lots of money (each kill gets you a few dozen bars of silver), and they’re self-destructive. Â Life as a looper is a mix of murder, drugs and women. Â It’s a prosperous, but empty existence.
Why is it so empty? One day you’ll have to “close your loop”. Â All loopers are set with a shortened life. You’ll find yourself with a kill in front of you, and instead of the normal payment of silver attached to their back, you’ll find yourself with a reward of gold - and that tells you that the person placed before you is…yourself. You effectively end your own life, and are given the next 30 years to enjoy it. Â For Joe, however, when his 2074 version of himself arrives (played by Bruce Willis), 2074 Joe isn’t ready to be killed - and he goes running, setting the movie on its course for time twisting and exciting action.
Why is 2074 Joe running from his 2044 killer? It’s about more than just a selfish want to keep living, it’s about something bigger than himself. And it’s this driving force which takes Looper from being a decent movie about time travel to being a truly great one.  It turns what could be a simple mind-bending action film into one which brings up the big questions - questions about fate, life, family, love and destiny.
Set in a not too distant future, Looper could very easily be filmed in a modern-day world with no real changes, and we’d accept it as an audience. Instead, Rian Johnson envisions a world with a more violent and caustic middle class, a world where jet bikes are real (but could be better), cars have solar panels poorly slapped on them, and we’ve clearly been headed through a deeper depression from what we see today.  Even the glimpses of the 2074 era are believable, with the rise of the Asian world, definitely feeling like Blade Runner having come to life. It certainly says something then that the end of the film takes place on a farm.  Whether it’s an intentional stripping away of the future world to make the characters and the bold nature of their lives stand out or not, it’s a strong choice, albeit an unexpected one.
The acting is pretty great from top to bottom, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt doing his best Bruce Willis impression (aided by rather solid prosthetic work) and serving as the perfect cool, confident and cocky noir hero.  Bruce Willis returns to form, mixing compassion, horror, and a drive I haven’t seen in him as an actor in years.  Of course, he’s also given moments to shine as the action hero he made his millions as, including a brutal and jaw dropping fight in a nightclub.  My favorite character of the film has to be Abe (Jeff Daniels), the leader of the loopers, a man sent back through time to make sure the 2044 era of organized crime remains up to par. He’s equal parts knowing hippie and frustrated father for the loopers, clearly sick of his job, and just wanting to maintain the status quo. The heart of the film is actually two characters who are barely addressed in the trailers - a mother, named Sara (Emily Blunt) and her child, Cid (Pierce Gagnon).  To discuss them would be to get into some late in the film material, but Emily Blunt does a fantastic job in her role, and Pierce Gagnon might be one of the most effective child actors I’ve ever seen.
Just under two hours in length, Looper takes you on an unbelievable journey through time and emotion, and walking out of the theater, all I could think of was how badly I wanted to watch it again, and debate the film with friends. And I truly think that’s the best thing you can say about a film - not only was it good, but you want to rewatch, rediscover and ponder for years to come. I give it my highest possible recommendation, and highly advise you see it this weekend - the movie truly deserves the audience.
Serving as the first installment of the “Kandy Kaiju” line, Mint Chip Milton goes on sale today at Noon Pacific Time (3PM Eastern), and can be yours for just $25.  It will be available here.
A brilliantly green and brown ice cream cone gone rogue, I absolutely love the design of this figure, and can’t wait to see what’s next in the “Kandy Kaiju” line.
Source: Super7.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 25th, The Avengers finally hits shelves on Blu-Ray and DVD.
If owning the best movie of the summer wasn’t reason enough to pick up the disc, Disney/Marvel Studios have put together an awesome deal, which was exclusively revealed earlier today on /Film.
See that poster at the top? Yeah, that’s yours. FOR FREE.
Each disc will come with a code for avengersofferassemble.com. Head to the site, put your code in, and you can get that poster for free. If you’re willing to pay an extra $20 (and shipping, of course), you get three more posters.
Three of the posters are by Matthew Ferguson, and the fourth is the cover from Avengers Assembled #1, by Mark Bagley.
Here are posters # 2 and 3 by Ferguson (which commemorate great moments from the film, so SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT), and #4 is obviously by Bagley. All are 18"x24".
Will you be picking these up? Sound off below.
Source: /Film
In the latest of moves which proves that Hollywood studios are reverting closer to closer to being the proverbial oroboros, Universal Studios has green lit another take on it’s classic horror series, The Mummy.
Having first hit the silver screen over 5 films between 1933 and 1955, and more recently as a Brendan Fraser led trilogy over the years 1999 and 2008, The Mummy will again be hitting the silver screen in Summer 2014.
Produced by Transformers screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, with a script from Jon Spaihts (Prometheus), it was announced today that the movie will be directed by Len Wiseman (Live Free or Die Hard, Total Recall (2012)).
Yeah. I can already tell your expectations are high.  The latest version is said to be darker and grittier (aren’t they all?), and look to emphasize the scarier elements of the Mummy character, as opposed to repeating the wonderful Indiana Jones feel of the Fraser run.
Here’s hoping it turns out better than it sounds.
Source: Deadline.com
In this amazing age of crowd funded projects, more and more creative talents are turning toward Kickstarter to make their dreams a reality.  However, far more focus is being placed across the web on the creation of new ideas, not the delivery.  In turn, we present a new ongoing feature here at blast-o-rama - I KICKSTARTED THIS!
As we all back, and receive our goodies from different projects, we’ll review not only the final product, but also how it turned out versus the original promise set in the Kickstarter pitch.
Our first look is at The Creators: “Bullied” by Michael S. Bracco.
Full disclosure, Michael Bracco and I both serve as management for the live art competition SUPER ART FIGHT. No products were donated for this review, nor does he have any input on its content.
What Is It?:Â
“Bullied” is designed as the first part of an ongoing series, titled The Creators. Sort of an artistic version of X-Men (or a more grounded version of Heroes, with a creative slant), The Creators is the story of young teens with unique abilities, which allow their imaginations and drawings to come to life, typically with dangerous consequences.  The purpose of the Kickstarter was to fund the first 20 page preview comic for the series.
What Tier Did You Select?:
The $10 Pledge, which included a signed copy of the comic, a digital copy of the comic and a thank you on the website. Â Additional tiers included original art, and exclusive t-shirt. Â Having more art than wallspace, and far too many t-shirts, I opted for just the book.
What, If Any, Push Goals Were Met?:Â
Setting his goal at the small, but realistic level of $300, funding completed at just over $5400. Â At the $3000 mark, the book became a full length, 40 page tale, serving as the proper first volume of the series, plus all backers at the $10 or greater level received an art print. At the $4500 mark, he included an exclusive bookmark and art print for all $10+ backers.
[caption id=“attachment_9587” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] The Post-Push Goal Perks.[/caption]
How’d It Turn Out?:
Bracco did a great job with communication throughout the entire Kickstarter process. He made it clear to his backers how humbled he was by their support, and kept them up to date for the progress on the book. Â The digital copy of the book was promised for an August 2012 release, and was delivered in mid-August. Â The physical copy was promised in September, and arrived to backers sometime within the first three weeks of the month. Â All promises were fulfilled.
As for the final product of The Creators, the comic itself is one hell of a first volume.  Michael Bracco, after the space faring adventures Novo and Adam Wreck, finally places a series on Earth, and delivers in spades.  The initial setup for the series, while clearly taking nods from series such as X-Men, Heroes and The X-Files, still feels original and full of life - much of this is due to Bracco’s unique linework and lettering style, which makes the pages feel unlike any other comic you’ve read before.  I was absolutely hooked from each page to each page, and I cannot wait to see the next part of the series - which, as Kickstarter backers know, could take one of a few different incarnations.  I foresee The Creators becoming a big thing, and it makes me feel great to know that I was able to fund it from the ground up.  I highly recommend you pick up your own copy today.
A Kickstarter Success? Or A Kickstarter Gone Wrong?:
A fantastic success.
Growing up, there were few things I enjoyed more than the 1966Â Batman TV series. Â And now, as an adult, I can appreciate it on a whole different level. Â From the campy writing to the fun acting, from the amazing costumes and the true-blue “funny book” feel, it’s a truly distilled version of the comic book aesthetic in a television format.
Well, now it’s been met along with beautiful graphic design in something called The Batman ‘66 Project.
Designed by Dylan Todd, he’s mixed stills from the classic series with a modern graphic design eye, resulting in beautiful jpgs perfect for admiring on the project’s tumblr (linked below), on your desktop, or as your phone/tablet’s background. It’s really lovely stuff, and a great celebration of a great show.  Go check it out now!
Source: THE BATMAN ‘66 PROJECT.
While I don’t think there’s a single X-Men Origins: Wolverine apologist all across this dear internet, I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say that we’re all remaining generally optimistic about the forthcoming Logan solo vehicle The Wolverine.
While no longer helmed by Darren Aronofsky, the James Mangold directed film features Hugh Jackman’s return to the role that gave him his fame and success, the clawed mutant and beloved member of the X-Men known as Wolverine.  Based on the 1982 mini-series Wolverine by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, we will see Wolverine slice and dice his way through Japan, battling Yakuza members and the Silver Samurai, while most importantly, falling in love.
The potential in this film is pretty great, but given how Origins turned out, skepticism remains high - but with 20th Century Fox releasing the first still today (above), one thing is for sure - Hugh looks goddamned amazing in the film. Now lets give everyone something more to bite into, OK?
The Wolverine hits theaters on July 26th, 2013.
This past weekend, the 2012 edition of the Small Press Expo invaded the commuter town of Rockville, Maryland. Â It was a jam-packed affair, with more artists than ever, more attendees than ever, and generally, a perfect encapsulation of the current, amazing state of the independent comics world.
Creative artists are able to produce comics easier than ever, whether publishing on the web, through the multitude of amazing indie publishers (such as Top Shelf Comics or Oni Press) or by appealing directly to their fans via Kickstarter.
It was my third year attending the show, and the first time for my girlfriend, and my experience this year just underlined why SPX continues to be my favorite show go to as an attendee. Every table provided something unique and eye catching, and for as proud as I am of the things we picked up, I feel like there were dozens of items I regret having not picked up. Â Sure, I was at the show in an official capacity, performing alongside Super Art Fight, but even if I weren’t, I would have moved heaven and earth to be there this weekend.
Either way, I wanted to share my hauls with you, dear reader. Call it a mix of wanting to brag, and wanting to share some great work.
Amazing Everything: The Art of Scott C. Scott Campbell has quickly become one of my favorite artists going today, between his amazing art appearing in various pop culture art shows, and his sublimely fantastic Great Showdowns site (which has a book of its own coming out this October).  I knew for sure I wanted to pick up his first book at this show, and upon meeting him, he couldn’t have been a nicer guy. He signed and personalized my book, and apparently, I’m the first Marty he’d ever met.  That’s a cool and interesting statistic to learn.
Boat Print from Ramsey Beyer As you’ve probably gathered from the content on this site, we’re big fans of art prints, and since the lady is moving in, we’re making moves to get even more amazing art on the walls. This print comes from Ramsey Beyer, a Baltimore area artist behind everydaypants, a great comic and art site.
Art Print from Sam Bosma I was not familiar with the work of Sam Bosma before the show, but his art grabbed my eyes as soon as I walked past his table. I could have easily bought everything from his table (there was a Kaiju print in particular that I loved), but this was the one I had to have on my wall.
Art Print from Becky Dreistadt Ever since the lady saw a video on Becky on SoulPancake’s YouTube channel, she wanted to see and get more of her work. While the Tiny Kitten Teeth book ended up a bit out of our budget (spent too much too soon) we got this beautiful art print to spice up our walls. Seriously, how cute is this thing?
Beartato And The Various Things That Happened Anthony Clark is an artist I consider myself friendly with, and he’s always been a joy to talk to. Also a joy? His comic, Nedroid Picture Diary, which I assume you’ve probably read by now. Last year, I picked up his first two collections, and this year, he released his third, Beartato and the Various Things That Happened. I can’t wait to crack into it, and he was nice enough to sketch in his latest release for me.
Art Prints by Mike Mitchell I’ve long followed the work of artist Mike Mitchell, and this year, we finally picked up some of his work. Â The lady grabbed the Ariel print, and thinking of me, she picked up ol' Bill. Â They’re both part of his super fun “Just Like Us” series, and I love them to pieces. Don’t you?
Bits In Multiples of 8 I previously saw Bits In Multiples of 8 on Kickstarter, and unfortunately forgot to pledge for it before it’s deadline. But, how could I really go wrong with a locally created, video game based art book? Suffice to say, the $10 was theirs.
Two Star Wars Fan Comics The brainchild of Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb and a collection of creators, these two comics, titled “Only What You Take With You” and “…And Don’t Forget The Droids” are smart, funny and adorable. Totally a great pick up.
The Punchclock Hero Holiday Special Hand delivered to me by the Ohio native Joe Hunter, this is equal parts a sentai love fest, and great story for the holidays. An awesome read, and I can’t wait to see what Joe puts together next.
All and all, I had an absolutely fantastic weekend, and I already can’t wait for SPX 2013. Â I’ll just need to remember to budget better. And maybe I’ll see some blast-o-rama readers there next year?
Given that it looks to be the best geek film this fall, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Mondo has worked with their team of artists to develop a poster for the time-traveling hit man film Looper.
With its big US premiÁ¨re occurring this coming at Fantastic Fest, they teamed with Martin Ansin to create two different posters for the movie, a Gold variant and a Silver variant. No word on print run, size or price, are for sale at the Alamo Drafthouse theater starting on September 21st.  Apparently, the Gold and Silver variants make sense upon seeing the film. As I am trying to stay spoiler-free as much as possible on this one, I could not begin to tell you what that means.
[caption id=“attachment_9513” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Looper - Gold Variant[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_9514” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Looper - Silver Variant[/caption]
I really love how Ansin appears to have made four separate moments work alongside each other in this print - brilliant, mind-bending work.
I’d assume whatever leftovers are available (if any?) will hit Mondo’s site soon, so as always, keep your Twitter clients locked on @MondoNews for more.
A movie sure to be in Oscar contention this year is the hotly anticipated Steven Spielberg directed Lincoln.
Starring the always immersed in character Daniel Day-Lewis as our sixteenth president (in, thankfully, non vampire hunting form), the first trailer hit the web last week, and to put it simply, it looks like a hell of a thing.
I’ve gone on record before about how packed the end of this year appears to be for Oscar level films, and with Lincoln’s trailer, I think there’s no doubt that this will be in the mix as well.
Lincoln releases November 9th.
We’ve featured posters from the working relationship before, but the team up between Spoke Art and the Castro Theatre in San Francisco, CA delivers once again, as they have produced posters for two of the most beloved films of the past few decades, Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, and a series of posters for the Jim Henson fantasy epic Labyrinth!
Here’s what you can get today, straight from Spoke Art’s online store.
First, celebrating Kill Bill, we have this stunning print.  Designed by Alexander Iaccarino, it reminds me heavily of the Tyler Stout print Mondo produced last year, but in a good way, as it encapsulates so many of the best moments from the film.
For the Labyrinth fans, there are two great prints - one designed by Max Dolton, and the other designed by Sam Smith.  Special note about Sam Smith’s print - it glows in the dark.
[caption id=“attachment_9501” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Max Dolton’s print.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_9504” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Sam Smith’s print.[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_9503” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Smith’s print - glow in the dark detail.[/caption]
Labyrinth is being screened along with Phenomena, so Smith created a print for that as well, which also glows in the dark.
[caption id=“attachment_9505” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Glow in the dark detail.[/caption]
All prints are limited to a run of 100, measure 18"x24", and can be yours for just $50. Do it up!
After four long years, we’re finally getting the return of Daniel Craig as James Bond in this November’s Skyfall.
I’ve been super excited since the first trailer released for the film, and my excitement is maintained by the new poster released earlier this week.
Seen at the top of this post, it’s a unique composition for the poster, giving the credits at the top, and tossing Craig (along with the iconic 007 logo) to the bottom, while in the middle of a firefight. I really like it, if only for the choice of layout, which is sure to allow it to stand out among most posters at your local multiplex.
If that wasn’t enough cool Skyfall stuff for the week, word via Showbiz411 has come that the theme song for the film (titled, naturally, “Skyfall”) has been performed by British songstress Adele. Thus far, the Craig Bond films have had fantastic theme songs, and I don’t foresee this letting anyone down. Adele’s classic vocals will undoubtably mix perfectly with the throwback vibe of James Bond films, making the series 3 for 3 on opening tunes. Of course, once it gets released, we’ll be sure to feature it here.
Today has been a huge day for the video game wizards at Nintendo.
Starting in Japan, and extending to the US and Europe, 3 separate press conferences were held to announce the release dates and pricing for their next generation home console, the Wii U.
The Wii U is built around the innovation of the tablet-esq “GamePad” bundled with each system, serving as a Nintendo DS-esq second screen for certain games, and even allowing you to play the game without use of a television on others.
The system will be rolled out world wide at the end of this year, with the United States releasing first, on Sunday, November 18th, followed by Europe on Friday, November 30th and Japan receiving the Wii U last on Saturday, December 8th.
The console will be released in two variants - a basic version for $299.99 (US) featuring a white 8GB Wii U console, a gamepad, AC adapters, a sensor bar, and an HDMI Cable. For $349.99 (US), you get the Deluxe package, which includes all that found in the basic pack, and upgrades to a a black, 32GB console, with charging cradles and a free copy of Nintendoland (the WiiPlay-esq game to show off the GamePad, which now includes a Metroid themed level, as shown at the press conference).
Of note - owners of the Deluxe package also get enrolled in what is called the “Deluxe Digital Promotion”, which promises subscribers discounts for digitally downloaded content with frequent purchases.
Additionally, a new product called Nintendo TVii (yes, really) was shown, a mixture of DVR and social network integrating the Wii U with your TV watching, allowing you to choose programs to watch, suggest programs to friends, and discuss live TV with your fellow Wii U owners.  The press conference also showcased a number of games, including launch titles New Super Mario Bros U and Nintendoland, the Wii U version of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and the surprise announcement of a Nintendo exclusive Bayonetta 2, a sequel to the Devil May Cry-esq shooter released a few years ago.
Personally, having yet to spend any hands on time with the system, I am still on the fence, but Nintendo is planning a multi-city mall tour to showcase the new games and control system, to take people like myself and convert us in time for the November release. Will it pay off? We’ll know soon enough.
Source: The Verge
[caption id=“attachment_9485” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “Twin Pines Mall” - Standard Edition[/caption]
It’s been a good year for Mondo fans, as many holy grails for the licensor have been made into poster form. And what’s better is that they keep going back to the well.
We’ve seen multiple Jurassic Park posters, we’ve seen multiple Lord of the Rings posters, and now, they return to the world of Back to the Future for a brand new poster.
Similar to the “Fortress of Solitude” and “Batcave” prints we’ve seen from the DC universe, this print showcases one of the key locations from the film, Twin Pines Mall.
Created by Mark Englert, this 12" x 36" print (shown above) is limited to a run of 375, and will be $50.
For the variant hunters, there is a really smart and really funny variant that will be available as well.
[caption id=“attachment_9484” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] “Twin Pines Mall” - Variant Edition[/caption]
This is limited to a run of 150, and will be $75. Â If that wasn’t cool enough, they also feature GLOW IN THE DARK INK!
[caption id=“attachment_9483” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Glow in the Dark detail (simulated).[/caption]
These posters will go on sale on Thursday, September 13th at a random time. Watch @MondoNews for the drop.
Lets get this out there - 3D is a gimmick. But 3D, like any good gimmick, can be used well in the right hands. Â In this day and age, when directors can shoot movies in 3D from the start, and plan accordingly, there is zero excuse for post conversion from 2D elements.
So, as you can imagine, it breaks my heart to announce that word has hit today that Pacific Rim, director Guillermo Del Toro’s giant monsters versus giant robots adventure is being converted into 3D.
The first line from the article, as broken by Variety, really says it all…
I don’t know that this is so crazy - make a good movie, and people will see it.  The Avengers broke a billion dollars. Avatar broke a billion dollars. Did the 3D help the box office? Absolutely. However, they were movies in the hands of adept filmmakers who planned on using 3D the whole time.
This is a shame.  But we can send a message - see the movie as it was meant to be seen - in 2D! Let your money talk for you.
While I have little doubt that this will not change the quality of the film being released, it really bothers me to see a movie with so much potential forced to fit a corporate ideal.
Pacific Rim hits theaters on July 12th, 2012.
One of the movies I have the highest expectations for this Fall is Wreck-It Ralph, the forthcoming video game based animated film starring John C. Reilly as the titular character, a not-quite Donkey Kong type who decides he’s finished with being the villain, and embarks on a journey through other games to become a hero.
A new trailer hit the web today, and it’s full of more of the video game references and superb voice acting which charmed us the first time around.  Thanks to Yahoo!, check it out below.
Wreck-It Ralph hits theaters on November 2nd, 2012.
This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure to take in what is becoming a late Summer/early Fall tradition for comic fans all across the United States, the 13th annual Baltimore Comic-Con.
Having started in the year 2000 as a one day event in a hotel ballroom in Towson, the event has grown into a two-day monster, embedding itself in the Baltimore Convention Center in an ever-growing, ever-expanding room. Â Each year, the event has taken over more and more of the convention center, and while the show has yet to match the size of the biggest geek event in Baltimore (Otakon, pulling over 32,000 fans this past July), it never the less has shown a remarkable level of growth, especially for a show which keeps the eye on one thing and one thing only - comics.
I attended the convention on Saturday, and immediately was struck by the year on year change in attendance. Perhaps it was a different way of routing lines, but fans were seen lining up around the building, something I had never seen in years prior. Â Upon walking on the show floor, the proof was in the pudding, as the walkways were full with fandom, ever enthusiastic to find the important book for their collection, to meet their favorite creators, or to have their minds blown with something new from the Artist’s Alley.
Perhaps it was the guest list, featuring such big names as Marvel icon Stan Lee; the superstar writing and art duo behind DC’s relaunch of Batman, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo; and Baltimore Comic-Con first timers Frank Quitely (All Star Superman) and Garth Ennis (Preacher). That’s just a drop in the bucket in terms of big name guests, as Baltimore Comic-Con has always, and has continued to, bring an amazing combination of star talent from the golden age through the artists making their names today.  I mean, just look over the 2012 list. If you can think of someone in comics, chances are, they were there, and if they weren’t, they were kicking themselves on Twitter for missing it.
For me, the highlight of the event was getting to meet and obtain a signature from writer/artist Jeff Lemire.  I became aware of his work last year with his DC/Vertigo published title Sweet Tooth, and after having read, and loved his latest book The Underwater Welder digitally, I just had to get a physical copy signed, and thank the man for his work.  He was incredibly friendly to the large line that came for him (Lemire has gained serious traction in DC since taking over Animal Man), and tirelessly signed each book.
All and all, the large mass of fandom that descended upon Charm City seemed to have a great time, and based on my conversation with members of the Artist’s Alley, that enthusiasm was met with solid sales for the exhibitors as well, a positive sign for future growth of the show. Â While the miles and miles of longboxes may be the lifeblood of the show, it’s the fostering of new talent which will keep the show going, and based on the assumed increased attendance, this bodes positively for future shows.
If anything, that’s the true value of a show like Baltimore Comic-Con - while larger events on the East and West coast are drawing more bodies by grabbing Hollywood names and talent, this show has grown exponentially by focusing on the product that got them started - the modest and humble comic book. Â Perhaps this will some day allow Baltimore Comic-Con to rival shows like Otakon in attendance, if not start to take on certain rivals in New York and San Diego.
All I know is this - I’m very lucky to have a show like this in my backyard, and I cannot wait to go back next year.
[caption id=“attachment_9462” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Nosferatu: Standard Edition by Christopher Cox[/caption]
The limited run, screen printed movie poster is having a true renaissance these days, and with new artists arriving on the scene every week, poster fans are truly experiencing an embarrassment of riches.
New to the poster game is artist Christopher Cox. He will be releasing his first project this week, an homage to the classic German horror film, Nosferatu!
Hitting his BigCartel store on Thursday, September 13th, this awesome poster will be available in, as has become standard, both a standard and a variant edition.
The standard edition appears at the top of this post, and a 24"x36" print limited to a run of 170 for just $55.
[caption id=“attachment_9463” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Nosferatu: Variant Edition by Christopher Cox[/caption]
The variant replaces the black background with a blood-red outline, and also adds a glow in the dark ink to the mix. And, appropriately, it’s in German!  The variant is limited to a run of 70, for just $75.
These posters arrive just in time for Halloween, and would be the perfect accompaniment to your spooky home decorations, or serve as a great holiday gift for the vampire fan in your life. Â Check ‘em out on Thursday!
One of the most anticipated movies of Summer 2013 has to be JJ Abrams' return to the world of Star Trek.
Since helming the 2009 reboot, JJ Abrams has been very quiet about his plans for the sequel, and even now, with filming completed, we still know very little.
Yes, part of the movie is filmed in IMAX. Yes, Benedict Cumberbatch of Sherlock is in the film. But that was about all we knew. Until today!
Let’s start with the good news.  The movie will be released on May 17th, 2013, so we have less than a year to go.
On the bad side? The film is titled…Star Trek Into Darkness.
Not Star Trek: Into Darkness. Star Trek Into Darkness. We are moving forward into space into the dark.
OK. So it’s not the best title. But lots of great movies have weird names! Remember how awkward Batman Begins sounded?  Maybe this doesn’t mean anything! Or…this is the first misstep.
Less than a year to find out. So let’s get excited starting NOW!
Source: Deadline.com
We at blast-o-rama love movie posters. And what I love even MORE than movie posters (yes, there are some things) is wordplay.
So when the work of Austin Richards and Des Creedon came in front of my eyes, I was immediately in love.
A project called Removie Posters, they drop a letter from popular movie titles and create not just a new title, but a poster and the description for the film.
It’s a fun project that I hope really takes off, but in the meantime, they have a regularly updated Tumblr, and thus far, each one has brought a smile to my face.
Check out the Removie Posters Tumblr, and enjoy. Unfortunately, they don’t offer prints, but maybe if they get popular enough, we can get them on our walls.
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Hands down, one of my favorite MCs in the world of hip-hop is Talib Kweli.
He first grabbed my attention as one half of Black Star alongside Mos Def, and his 2002 solo album Quality put him on the map for me as a top-tier talent.
Later this year, Talib will be releasing a new album titled Prisoner of Conscious, and to hype the release, he’s joined forces with producer/DJ Z-Trip for a new mixtape titled Attack the Block.
Yes, like THAT Attack the Block, the movie which was my favorite of 2011, and featured the amazing score from Basement Jaxx.
The opening track is Attack the Block themed, and samples dialogue from the film alongside the bomb-ass score, and is a must listen. Check it out.
Should you want to download the full mixtape (and why wouldn’t you?), you can do so now at DatPiff.com.
Ever since they expanded their line to include the Pop! Vinyl figures, the team at Funko has been producing some amazingly adorable versions of all sorts of members of pop culture. From superheroes like Batman and Spider-Man, to Kiss and The Beatles, and of courseStar Wars, they’ve always created great figures, in a unique and friendly style.
This November, they expand their line to include one of the hottest shows on television today - HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Based on the popular A Song of Ice and Fire series from George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones has quickly gobbled up fans all across the globe (myself included) with it’s mixture of mature storytelling and strong fantasy elements. Also, boobies and violence.
The six figure line includes many fan favorites, although they definitely left some key names open for a second or third series. You’ll be able to collect figures of Tyrion Lannister, Ned Stark, Dani Targaryen (with lil' dragon!), Khal Drogo, The Hound and of course, a White Walker.
Based on prior releases, you can expect to spend $10-$12 when they hit the shelves this Christmas. I think I know what I’ll be asking for from Santa. A full gallery appears below!
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Later today, the fine poster printing team at Mondo will be releasing their third poster with the Jurassic Park license, and for this instance, they’ve taken a decidedly different, yet definitely awesome approach.
They ask a question few have - What if it all worked out?
To paraphrase a quote from the film, Jurassic Park was supposed to be like Disneyland, only the Pirates of the Caribbean couldn’t eat the tourists. That said - what if Newman didn’t gunk up the gears! What if Hammond was smart enough to go vegetarian only with his dinosaurs? What if the park actually opened?
Well, with the newest poster in Mondo’s Jurassic Park line, artist Kevin Tong has decided to make that dream somewhat of a reality, with a bbrilliantly colored, friendly poster to advertise the park.
This is definitely one of the most unique approaches to a poster from Mondo seen yet, and the more I look at it, the more I can’t take my eyes off of it. It’s so inviting, so friendly.
Should you want one yourself, the poster goes on sale later today on MondoTees.com for just $45. Limited to a run of 275, this is a 24"x36" print, so you should have an easy time finding a frame for it.
As always, stay tuned to @MondoNews for the drop. Happy poster hunting!
I’m not sure if I’ve ever gone on record about it, but 1998’s Metal Gear Solid is my favorite video game of all time.
Created with a cinematic eye, but a strong focus on engaging, developed gameplay (a key mix which is lost out on many, even today), the game was beyond its time, and holds up well, even 14 years later.
I’ve loved the installments since, even as bizarre as the writing has become, but with the reveal of the next game in the series, it feels like Hideo Kojima is truly advancing to the next level with his next game -Â Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes.
Previewed first in Japan, and then shortly thereafter at PAX in Seattle, the game takes the stealth Metal Gear gameplay and advances it to a whole new world, literally - an open world, giving fans the chance to sneak in an almost Grand Theft Auto style environment.
The trailer revealed online (Japanese with English subtitles) focuses more on the story, but based on word from both unveiling events, I can’t wait to see what all is planned.
One key aspect - while not stealthy at all, seems full of the trademark surreal Kojima style of humor. Apparently, players will be able to call on helicopter support at any time from anywhere - and a song of your choice will play. Â When demonstrated, “Flight of the Valkyries” was used, but I can think of more than a few songs which might result in some unintentional humor.
But enough about me. You’re here to see the trailer. Check it out.
Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes is set for release on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
OK, so as we’ve already reported here, Peter Jackson has received his wish, and The Hobbit will now consist of three films.
But, you may ask - when will the three be released? And what’s the new movie going to be called?
This weekend, Warner Bros released a proper press release to explain what’s going down.
I’ve featured it in full below, but for those who want the gist, here’s your new Hobbit calendar.
The Studios also announced the title of the second installment in the franchise, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, which will be released on December 13, 2013. The first film in the trilogy, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, opens this holiday season, on December 14, 2012. Shot in 3D 48 frames-per-second, the trilogy of films will be released in High Frame Rate (HFR) 3D, other 3D formats, IMAX and 2D.
Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, stated, “We wanted to have a shorter gap between the second and third films of ‘The Hobbit’ Trilogy. Opening in July affords us not only the perfect summer tentpole, but fans will have less time to wait for the finale of this epic adventure.”
Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, added, “‘The Hobbit: There and Back Again’ will be an action spectacle and an emotional conclusion for this already much-anticipated trilogy. Opening in the summer will maximize playability for what promises to be an event film for fans the world over.”
From Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson, the trilogy of films is set in Middle-earth 60 years before “The Lord of the Rings,” which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
The screenplay for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, the first film in the trilogy, is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro. Jackson is also producing the films, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.
Under Jackson’s direction, all three movies are being shot in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo technology. Additional filming, as with principal photography, is taking place at Stone Street Studios, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and the two remaining films in the trilogy are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television licensing, being handled by MGM. Consider your next two years booked!
With absolutely astonishing figures set for release for both Batman and Bane from The Dark Knight Rises, you had to expect that Hong Kong’s best, the team at Hot Toys would be working on completing a figure of the third and final piece which keeps the movie working, that of Selena Kyle, as portrayed by Anne Hathaway.
Well, I’m happy to say that the 1:6 scale figure has finally been announced, as as the below photo gallery will show, they spared no expense.
Sure, you can see her posed on the sure to be expensive in-scale bat pod, but Hot Toys brought the same, eerie lifelike look to the figure that they have to all of their toys, and is bound to leave fans excited.
Here’s the full breakdown of the figure, courtesy of Hot Toys.
The 1/6th scale Selina Kyle/ Catwoman Collectible Figure specially features:
Costume :
Weapon:
Accessories:
Special Edition — Bonus Accessory (for selected markets only):
Artists:
Release date:Â Q1, 2013
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different A full gallery appears below, and you can pre-order the figure today (with an exclusive accessory!) from Sideshow Collectibles. Due out in March 2013, it’ll run you $195. Maybe you’ll have to commit a cat burglary or two of your own to afford it?
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Why is it always the unpublished ideas that are the most intriguing? Â Is it because they never have the opportunity to let us down, and are left with unmatched promise?
Add this to the list. Apparently before DC went all New 52 on us, Chris Ryall of IDW approached DC Comics with a pitch to mix up the classic robot vehicle heroes of Transformers with the iconic superheroes of Justice League. That’s right - JLA/Transformers.
He had artist Phil Jimenez draw up some images to hype the possibility, and I’ve added the big promo shot to the top. Look at the possibilities! Optimus Prime as a Green Lantern! A Bat-Transformer! Megatron versus Superman!
How cool would this have been? Alas, it now resides as a “what if” and not a “will be”…but maybe we here on the internet could make it happen. Fingers crossed.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
With Labor Day having just past, I think its time to start looking forward to Valentine’s Day.
Too much too soon? Coincidentally, “too much too soon” might also be a great way to describe the plot of The To-Do List, an extremely out there romantic comedy hitting next Valentine’s Day starring one of my celebrity crushes, the lovely Aubrey Plaza.
The plot is somewhat simple - Plaza plays an enterprising young woman who decides that its time for her to start trying everything she can with members of the male persuasion, and keeps a list of it all. Predictably, things go hilariously awry, and her male suitors include most of alternative comedy, such as Bill Hader and Donald Glover.
The first trailer is a red-band trailer (read: NSFW), but is a promising look for what could be a great comedy to kick off 2013. Check it out below.
The To-Do List hits theaters on February 14th, 2013.
It’s been 4 years since the Will Ferrel/John C. Reilly comedy Step Brothers hit theaters, and while it didn’t change the world, it sure was damn funny.
I mean, it wasn’t for lack of trying, it just came out after The Dark Knight, and honestly, I think anything would have a hard time following that up.  But I’ve had the pleasure of following back up with the movie over the past few years on multiple occasions, and it holds up as a delightfully surreal film, perhaps one of Ferrel’s underrated comedic roles.
Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels this way, as this past Friday night, Gallery 1988 opened up a tribute art show to the film, which will be open in their Venice, California location through September 22nd.
The lineup for the show features many of their regulars, and all gave some great work to the project, some doing standard fare, others really going all out. What pieces are my favorite? Personally, I love Mike Mitchell’s “Fancy Sauce” piece, and I love how Oliver Barrett’s piece incorporates Huff and Doback’s bizarre sleep talk.
A gallery of the work appears below, but having just visited their New York based Crazy 4 Cult 4 show a few weekends back, I cannot underline how great it is to take these pieces in in person.
Gallery 1988’s Venice location is at 214 Pier Avenue in Santa Monica, CA, zip 90405. If you can, go see yourself some awesome art. It’ll be a great time. Promise.
Source: /Film.
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Now it looks like they’re expanding into unique vinyl toys using the license, and the first selection, a Homer Buddha, looks pretty darn great!
Due out on September 6th for $50, this unique variant of one of televisions most beloved fathers is sure to get snapped up quick. You can preorder it today on Kidrobot’s webstore.
Source: TOYSREVIL.
I’ve had a theory lately as a full grown adult. That being that now that my generation is in charge of major companies, we’re now making things that we would have wanted as a kid, and selling them to ourselves as adults.
This is why all the new Nerf guns and LEGO sets rule so hard.
And, now I’m pretty sure that one of us is running things at Lionsgate Entertainment.  This November, they’re releasing a complete collection of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series on DVD, collecting the 10 prior season sets. Pretty standard stuff. But what makes this so damn awesome is the 23 discs are going to be housed in a honest to God NINJA TURTLE PARTY VAN!
Typically, I forgo super fancy versions of DVDs, just wanting a quality version with extras that fits great on my DVD shelf. But in this case, OH MAN.
Retailing for $100, this collection will be in stores on November 13th, 2012.
The creative team at Rockstar sure knows what they’re doing.
They build the fire with the first Grand Theft Auto V trailer, and every few weeks, they drop some new screenshots to keep us excited for the game.  Nothing that gives away plot or game mechanics, but images that just leave you wondering “is this what’s happening next?” And for me, honestly, it’s really working.
Last week, Rockstar revealed a series of new screenshots, split into “Transport”, “Leisure” and “Business”, and each one shows off the beautiful new graphical engine, some of the new vehicles we might see, and what could be new mini games. Â That said, what I think is really exciting is that we have ZERO idea what will actually happen in the game, even now!
Check out the gallery of images below, and let us know what you think will go down in the new Grand Theft Auto below.
Grand Theft Auto V hits for 360, PS3 and PC sometime in the not terribly distant future.
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I realize that perhaps I am taking this on with a level of cynicism, but after looking at two of the projects announced at Star Wars Celebration (the giant Star Wars convention put on by Lucasfilm), I think I might actually be finally sick of Star Wars.
Look, I actually enjoyed the prequels (even Episode I had its moments), and I really love The Clone Wars, but…yeah. You’ll see.
One of the biggest announcements from the con was the official reveal of the new Star Wars cartoon from the creators of Robot Chicken. Since the new toon went into production under the eyes of Seth Green and Matthew Senerich, I was wondering how this would go - expecting it to be Robot Chicken: Star Wars the series. But the new cartoon, titled Star Wars: Detours is anything but.
Here’s the first look. Maybe you’ll feel differently.
But I think we can agree upon this - continuing their ongoing partnership with Disney, Lucasfilm has allowed for probably the ugliest merchandise hybrids ever. Behold -Â STAR WARS CARS.
Yes. Like the Pixar movie Cars. I guess if I were 6, I’d be stoked. As it stands, these things scare the heck out of me, a terrifying example of corporate synergy. A full gallery appears below.
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Maybe I’ve just outgrown the series. Stay tuned for when I blog positively about the next Star Wars thing!
With the keys to Marvel Studios in his hands, Joss Whedon is officially moving ahead alongside ABC for the first live-action television series to tie into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And it’s title? S.H.I.E.LD.
As predicted by many (including myself), the project focuses directly on the mysterious men and women who make up the organization seemly tasked with keeping the world involved with and safe from the many superpowered heroes and threats which have started to appear since 2008’s Iron Man.
No cast or plot is announced at this time, but Joss Whedon will be co-writing with his brother Jed Whedon and Jed’s wife Maurissa Tancharoen who worked with him on the script for the Avengers. Joss is apparently considering directing the pilot now as well.
Geeks, nerds, movie fans and comic fans - get excited. It’s very rare that we get EXACTLY what we want, and this is a case where we are. Let us hope that the series takes off huge, and more projects like this get greenlit. I am VERY excited.
Source: Deadline.com.
Ever since getting the DC Comics license, Mondo has kept their DC related output to a minimum. We’ve had one Superman poster, two Batmans, and an admittingly awesome Super Powers print, but compared to the output for say, Star Wars, we haven’t seen too much.
Well, I guess Mondo got a fire beneath them, as on Thursday, August 30th, they’re releasing a new print celebrating the greatest hideout ever…The Batcave!
This 20"x29" print is designed by JC Richard and is limited to a run of 500, at a cost of $50.  As always, the drop will be best discovered on Twitter, by following @MondoNews.
Personally, I love the emotion to this print, and the little details, like the Jason Todd Memorial and the giant T-Rex are all just right. Well done, Mr. Richard. Well done.
I realize that as a Baltimore native, it’s kind of a given that I’d love the music of Wye Oak. And I do, but I swear it’s not due to my geographical location. Â They’re just an amazing duo, creating a stunning wall of sound, wrapped around the smoky and etherial vocals of lead singer/guitarist Jenn Wasner.
So, of course, now that Wasner is working on solo material as well, I had to get all sorts of hyped about it.
Under the name Flock of Dimes, Wasner went on a brief tour earlier this year, and now she’s prepping her first official release, a 7" record featuring the song “Curtain” backed with “Apparition”. The sound is equally similar to, and completely unlike, the Wye Oak material, but closer in sound to the free [adult swim] single Wye Oak released earlier this year.  Simply put, it’s wonderfully sublime, and I can’t wait to hear more from her.
The single officially releases on September 25th, but you can stream “Curtain” now. Check it out, and hopefully you’ll enjoy!
As DC’s New 52 enters its second year (and more importantly, DC wishes to retain the new readers which the New 52 grabbed), it should come as no surprise that they’re going straight for the mainstream headlines.
And the mainstream they have indeed impacted, with the reveal of the cover and story of tomorrow’s Justice League #12. Written by Geoff Johns and drawn by Jim Lee, this latest issue of the big name superhero team series draws the eyes with its cover, indicating that after decades of pussyfootin' around it (and honestly, most of the real world thinking it’s already happened), Superman and Wonder Woman will be shacking up.
In a story exclusive to Entertainment Weekly (EW, like DC Comics, is owned by Time Warner. Huh.), Johns reveals that this issue will feature the pair hooking up. And uh. Not much else. I know! Why bother sharing the plot reasons for this duo to get together, let alone lose their pre-New 52 love interests (Lois Lane and Steve Trevor).  I always thought the love interests were unique for each character, as Lois showed how much Superman really cared about humans, and the Steve Trevor thing was some weird male/amazon/human/God fantasy.  But hey, why focus on interesting stuff like that when you can just have superpeople super get it on.
And in is what is NOT AT ALL tasteless marketing, Superman and Wonder Woman now have Match.com profiles. Really. Check them out. Here’s Kal-El, here’s Diana.
Either way, if you want to read it, check your local comic store and Comixology tomorrow. I’m sure there’s a good reason why they’ll be banging.
Source: EW.com
Full of World War II wiz-bang action, beautiful jetpacks, an aerodynamic helmet and an adorable Jennifer Connelly, 1991’s The Rocketeer holds up as one of the most unsung superhero films of all time.  Lost in the aftermath of the amazing success of Terminator 2: Judgement Day, The Rocketeer holds up even today as a great example of a quality early comic book film, even if the box office didn’t do as expected.  In fact, it’s arguably why director Joe Johnson received the Captain America: The First Avenger spot.
Sadly, in 2008, Rocketeer creator Dave Stevens passed away, but in the years since, IDW has done a masterful job of retaining interest in the character, with reprints of Stevens original work, two compilation series under the title Rocketeer Adventures and a brand new series launched last week from A-List talents Mark Waid and Chris Samnee.  So it seems like the time to strike the iron is now, and appropriately, Disney (who retained the rights to the character) are said by Vulture to be exploring the idea of a new Rocketeer film, 20+ years later.
Now, given that Disney owns Marvel, and Marvel Studios is absolutely dominating the world of comic book movies, couldn’t this be seen as an example of cutting off their nose to spite their face? Â Honestly - I think it’d be a brilliant move. Â In a world where the same people own Hot Topic and Abercrombie & Fitch, there are fewer things smarter than being your own competitor.
That said - I sure hope the movie is as good as the original, otherwise, why the hell are they bothering?
Source: Vulture
Released at the end of 2011, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia was a huge hit in Japan, and just as big for importers in the United States.
Unprecedented, this 274 page hardcover book featured cover to cover official Zelda art from 20 years of games, including never before seen development artwork, a short manga, and of course, all of the official imagery fans have come to love over the years.  This first-time tome was snatched up here in America, despite it being completely in Japanese.
Fortunately for those who waited, in January 2013, Dark Horse Comics will be bringing over the official English version.  Evidently, people really wanted this book, as it has already ascended the Amazon.com best selling list, and took down the housewife s&m fantasy Fifty Shades of Grey to take the top spot.  Should you be interested in pre-ordering it, you can do so here.
The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia hits shelves on January 29th, 2013.
Ok, that’s somewhat of a mean joke, given how goddamned awesome Peter Dinklage is, but this forthcoming statue of Tyrion Lannister from Game of Thrones is still pretty freakin' awesome.
Standing at 10 inches tall, this statue comes to us from a combined effort of Dark Horse and Gentle Giant, and will be releasing in February 2013 for just $200.
Just in time for the April 2013 debut of Game of Thrones season 3. I can’t wait to see what awesomeness Tyrion gets involved in this season.
Don’t spoil this for me, book readers.
Anyone can wear an official video game tee. Hell, maybe you’ve got some sweet shirts from Threadless.
But are you a bad enough dude to rock a hoodie that makes you look like RYU?!
If so, the “Master Hoodie” from Mega Hood Sweaters is the way to go.
Currently available for pre-order at $60 a piece, this hoodie will let you shoryuken your way through the cold weather, while looking like one of the greatest world warriors of all time.  Grab one today for a November release.
Source: Mega Hood Sweaters
Given that ever since SDCC 2012 Marvel Studio news has been coming fast and furious, I should start condensing the updates as they happen.
Here’s the two biggest bits of news from last week:
After announcing that they’re basically giving Joss Whedon the keys to Marvel City, Marvel Studios has announced that The Avengers 2 will be hitting theaters on May 1st, 2015, just shy of 3 years after the first one blew our minds earlier this year.
The other big update - it looks like Marvel has chosen a director to head the Guardians of the Galaxy film, and it’s an odd choice - BUT A GREAT ONE!
Director James Gunn, responsible for the movie Slither, and one of my favorite movies, the dark comedy Super, is apparently the lead choice to take on the project. He wasn’t on my radar at all, but the more I think about it, I love it. He made Slither work, and I think he could do the same for a bad-ass talking raccoon.  Either way, it gives me an excuse to embed the amazing opening credits for Super. Enjoy.
Sometimes, as amazing as the movies we get each year, there’s nothing more awe-inspiring or excitement inducing as a look at what could have been.
Late last week, Sandman creator Neil Gaiman opened the floodgates and broke a lot of nerd hearts, as he unleashed to the web images of his pitch to Warner Bros. for a full fledged Sandman motion picture.
Beautifully illustrated by Jill Thompson, these images are nothing if just a taste of what could have been one of the most brilliant, surreal and astonishing comic to film adaptations ever made.  I’ve included a comprehensive gallery below, but should you like to purchase any of these images, they are currently for sale at Cadence of Comic Art.
Source: IO9
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To the surprise of very few this weekend, the reunion of (almost) every single major 80’s action star, The Expendables 2, opened at #1 with $28.7 million.  Sorry, ParaNorman, you’re great, but you didn’t stand a chance.
Of course, now that two films with the throwback star compilation premise have done extremely well, the floodgates are being opened for new projects in a similar vein.
The first off the bat, which really shouldn’t surprise many, is The Expendables 3.  No set release date for the movie, but it’s an unspoken rule these days that all movies MUST become franchises.  The producer of the film, Avi Lerner told website Total Film that they’re aiming to add action heavy hitters Wesley Snipes, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford and (of course) Nicolas Cage to the franchise.  I assume Snipes will be out of jail in time for filming.
Want more Arnold and Sly action? Great!
The new year will bring Arnold Schwarzenegger’s headlining return with The Last Stand. Debuting on January 18th, 2013, The Last Stand stars Arnold as a border town sheriff who gets mixed up with a Mexican drug cartel. You can hear the red state’s excitement ALREADY!
The first trailer, above, released last week. Perhaps most interesting is that this is the US filmmaking debut for director Kim Ji-woon, best known for the ultra-violent I Saw The Devil.  Here’s hoping it’s at least better than Terminator 3.
Sly’s next movie is Bullet to the Head, an adaptation of a French graphic novel. Originally slated for release in April 2012, the movie was pushed back to a February 1st, 2013 release, and features amongst other things, Sly fighting KHAL DROGO!  Here’s the trailer for that one.
Was that too much testosterone for you? Surprise, the marketing wizards in Hollywood are already coming for you. Last, but far from least, in the wake of all of the press for The Expendables 2 last week, producer Adi Shankar (The Grey) told Variety that he was working on an all-female version of the film.  No stars have been mentioned so far, but personally, I’d like to see a Pam Grier/Zoe Bell/Gina Carano team. So long as we keep Michelle Rodriguez far far away from this, it could be pretty cool. Anyone know if Cynthia Rothrock is still alive?
SNK, three letters that to most 90’s children mean one thing - those freaking awesome multi-game arcade units which stood tall in arcades and convenience marts nationwide.
Over the years, the saga of SNK’s arcade and home video game system NEOGEO has seen its ups and downs, to the ridiculously priced NEOGEO home system (with crazily priced cartridges), the beloved NEOGEO Pocket (arguably one of the most underrated game systems of all time, which was shamefully liquidated off in valuepaks later in life), to it’s modern incarnation as a developer mostly creating new King of Fighters games, while licensing off its 90’s classics as downloadable titles.
Well, this December, SNK is back in the hardware game with a new system called NEOGEO X.
The NEOGEO X is a hybrid handheld and home gaming system, featuring 20 built-in classic SNK games.  The standard handheld will retail for $130, with the “NEOGEO X Gold” package, including a dock for television use and a classic NEOGEO 4 button controller will run you $200.
For the hardcore SNK heads, this is a great announcement, but for the rest of us, I show some skepticism - the hardware looks sweet, but it’s ultimately an emulation machine. Â Will you be able to download more than the 20 built in games? Will new titles be developed over time? Is it a one shot purchase - and if so, why so damned expensive? Â We’re talking 20 year old games at this point - why are we going to drop $200?
That said, I would love to see the niche fulfilled, especially if they offer up more titles over time. What say you, dear reader?
Source: NEOGEO X
As a creative entity, is there ever anything harder than the “sophomore slump”?
When you’re working as a creative force, your first project will always be judged on its own. You have as long as you like to debut it, and when it arrives, it’s as pure as you will be creatively. Once you plan that second project, however, you not only have your own creative wills to combat against, but the difficulty of expectation.
For the filmmakers at the stop-motion team of Laika, they made an astonishing debut in 2009 with the brilliantly sublime Coraline, and today they release their latest film, ParaNorman.
If you’ve missed the trailers, allow me to give you a brief rundown of the movie. Norman (voiced by Kodi Smit-McPhee) might just be like you. Norman is a misunderstood, middle school aged boy who doesn’t have many friends and LOVES scary movies. However, Norman has a skill you probably didn’t as a pre-teen - he can speak to the dead. All sorts of ghosts making their way around his town of Blithe Hollow both see and speak to Norman, but no one else sees them, causing him to be labeled a weirdo and a freak. His parents, voiced wonderfully by Jeff Garlin and Leslie Mann, don’t understand him, and deal with a mixture of frustration and sympathy respectively. Then, one day, as the anniversary of the witch hanging that Blithe Hollow celebrates every year approaches, Norman is pulled into a madcap adventure filled with zombies as he is made apparent that he is the only person who can stop the centuries old witch’s curse.
What makes the film really great is that it works on two levels - similar to some of the best Pixar work, for the kids, it’s just the story of a weird boy who sees ghosts and then gets thrown into the adventure of his lifetime. For the adults, it’s a story of the difficulties of adolescence, struggling to be accepted, and the hardships of defining one’s self, especially when no one understands you. What makes it a very off-beat family film however, is unlike most, which builds themselves on a core of heart, ParaNorman is instead build on a core of a forelorn sadness.
Looking back now, the middle school years were the hardest, an awkward transition of self-definition and understanding, and the movie perfectly portrays it. What was truly gutsy, however, is how dark the movie is willing to be. Sure, there are strong moments of slapstick humor, and some strong wit from the script, but the ending is actually really sad and goes places I didn’t expect. The witch turns out to be nothing like you would expect, and if you’re seeing ParaNorman as a family, it might lead to some difficult conversations with the kids.
Laika perfectly pulled together a team of great voice actors - many you remember from great movies such as Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, John Goodman and Christopher Mintz-Plasse, but you never have what I call the “Dreamworks Factor”, where the voice talent is so star-studded that it’s almost distracting. The character designs for the movie, while not all together memorable, remains strong, and the creature design is a particular highlight (I have a fondness for one zombie who’s lower lip is no longer attached, causing it and his chin to just flap about). This is Laika’s first experiment with facial designs from a 3D-printer, as opposed to hand sculpted, and the experiment works out great. Skintones in particular have a more realistic translucence to them - I was mystified by the ears on these things!
When looking back on the movie, the part that’s hardest is that immediate comparison to Coraline. ParaNorman is a good movie, perhaps not great, and its narrative risks alone make it a worthwhile journey to the cinema - but it sadly never establishes that eye-opening wonder which Coraline delivered in spades. Perhaps it’s unfair of me to directly compare the two, but as such a fan of Coraline, I couldn’t help but do so. At the end of the day, ParaNorman reminds me most of Sony’s 2006 CG film Monster House. Both movies are going to be great to watch around Halloween, both have some surprising narrative twists, but neither fired on all cylinders. That said, its still one of the most original movies of the Summer, and worth a see. Just be sure to know that if you’re taking the kids, they might have some weird questions at the end.
A movie which unfortunately came and left theaters without much notoriety this past spring is The Raid: Redemption.
An Indonesian action film directed by Gareth Evans featuring a group of hard-nosed cops battling their way up a building filled with drug dealers, the movie grabbed many eyes at film festivals across the world, but didn’t quite make it in theaters.
Today, however, the movie was released on Blu-Ray and DVD, and to celebrate the release, our dear pals at Mondo are releasing an awesome poster for the film on Thursday, August 16th, 2012.
As usual, the poster will be released at a random time, and is a limited run print (only 275 copies) at 20"x36" for just $45. Illustrated by comic artist Jock, the poster is a perfect fit for what is sure to become a cult classic here in the states.
Seriously folks, if you haven’t checked the movie out, you need to. For those looking to get the poster, as always, stay tuned to @MondoNews.
As Hong Kong’s finest figure sculptors in Hot Toys progress through creating figures of the entire Avengers cast, one big problem was bound to show up. And that problem? The angry incarnation of Bruce Banner - the Incredible Hulk.
However, they decided to take the problem on head first, having The Hulk be their second release in the overall Avengers series, right behind Nick Fury.
And really, what a great job they did. You can almost see the face of Mark Ruffalo in the sculpt, and for those who worry about scale, don’t be - Hulk here is a whopping 16.5 inches tall. Sure, compared to the other figures, he’s a bit skimpy in accessories, but what more does he need than the extra hands to smash and grab?
Should you have $300 burning a hole in your pocket, and just as much passion for the Hulk burning in your heart, you can go ahead and pre-order him at Sideshow Collectibles today. Check out a full gallery below.
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While I’m still not sure if it deserved the Best Picture Oscar, I cannot deny how overall great The Hurt Locker was. An absolute barn burner of a film, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, it did an amazing job of showcasing the difficult times found during the Iraq occupation.
This December, Bigelow is shining a light at another of the US’s most recent international conflicts, the hunt for Osama Bin Laden with the new film Zero Dark Thirty.
The first trailer has recently been revealed, so we just had to showcase it here.
Featuring a hell of a cast, including Kyle Chandler, Jessica Chastain and Mark Strong amongst others, this is another of the big Oscar level releases this Christmas. Based on the trailer, I’ll be checking it out for sure.
Zero Dark Thirty hits theaters on December 19th, 2012.
The comic book movie volleyball game is on.
Yesterday, Marvel Studios/Disney scored hard with their announcement of Joss Whedon helming The Avengers 2 and overseeing the development of the next few years of the Marvel Theatrical Universe.
So, Warner Bros/DC Comics? Your serve.
And that leads to today’s news - according to the fine folks at Variety, Warner Bros has approached Ben Affleck with the gig of directing the forthcoming Justice League film.
WB has been working for years to get the DC Comics theatrical properties off the ground, but besides the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy, none have taken off. Next Summer’s release of Man of Steel is supposed to kick start the latest attempt, and a script for Justice League (featuring Superman, Batman, The Flash and others) has been completed.
One could assume given Affleck’s previous directorial work that this may also mean an on-screen role for the star, but there is no confirmation of that at this time.
Personally, having really enjoyed Gone Baby Gone, having found The Town to be solid (if not strongly aping Heat) and really looking forward to this fall’s Argo, I think Affleck is one of the stronger choices to be looked at for a difficult to fill director’s seat.
We’ll see what happens.
Source: Variety.
I don’t know about you guys, but when I saw the first trailer for the latest Judd Apatow movie, This Is 40, I liked it, but I didn’t really love it.
The “sort of sequel to Knocked Up”, it stars Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann, reprising their roles from the 2007 film, but this time the focus is on them, and how a couple’s life changes with aging.
A new trailer hit on Yahoo! yesterday, and honestly, it looks really great. Sure, I’m worried that it’s going to run 3 hours, but I think based on this footage, it’s going to be a highlight of the end of the year. Check it out.
Hey there! Do you have a wall or unsightly window that you want to cover with something awesome from the world of DC Comics?
Their collectibles wing has you covered, having just released a series of high-quality prints, ranging in sizes from 12"x18" to 24"x36".
These well designed posters feature elements from the worlds of Batman, The Flash, Green Lantern and Superman amongst others, and honestly, are really striking. I haven’t seen any in person, so I can’t speak for the print quality, but I’d hope with the prices they’re charging ($20 for 12"x18", $35 for 24"x36") the quality is good.
I’ve included a full gallery of the designs below, but I think my favorites are the Talon poster (above), and the Crime Alley and Flying Grayson posters.
I guess the whole “premium poster” thing has officially infiltrated the minds and wishes of major company heads around the world. But hey, when they’re this awesome, who can complain?
You can grab these posters today from the DC Collectibles online store. Which designs are your favorites?
Source: DC Comics.
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Just announced on the quarterly investment call for Walt Disney Entertainment, it’s official -Â Joss Whedon will be returning to write and direct The Avengers 2 for Marvel Studios.
Additionally, Disney has confirmed that Whedon is consulting on the ABC/Marvel Studios Television project currently in the works.
More details as they come. In the meantime, get hype. I don’t know that anyone else could have balanced the humor, drama, action and heart in The Avengers quite like Joss, and I look forward to seeing him come back.
Source: /Film
Update - 9:04PM Deadline.com updated with this official statement from Marvel Studios.
Congrats, Joss, the Marvel Universe is yours.
So now that we’ve gotten past the Vampire Hunter version of Abraham Lincoln’s life story, eyes head toward the fall, and Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, focusing on the final four months of our 16th President’s life.
Starring Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln, the movie already promises to be something very special, given that he never goes anything but “all out” in his roles, but with the first still, an Entertainment Weekly exclusive, you can see how perfect the makeup job is.
The first trailer and such have yet to drop, but based on this first official still, you can see that Day-Lewis will be, if nothing else, visually a perfect fit.
Lincoln hits theaters on November 9th, 2012.
Source: EW.com.
So I guess the hot new thing in Hollywood is to take your movies and delay the hell out of them.
I mean, GI Joe: Retaliation did it, so did Jack the Giant Killer and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, and now joining the crew of pushed back movies is Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
We’ve previously featured the trailer for Gatsby here on blast-o-rama, but after some random decision making (I assume a dart board?) Warner Bros has decided to push it back until Summer 2013.
Here’s the press release:
In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “Based on what we’ve seen, Baz Luhrmann’s incredible work is all we anticipated and so much more. It truly brings Fitzgerald’s American classic to life in a completely immersive, visually stunning and exciting way. We think moviegoers of all ages are going to embrace it, and it makes sense to ensure this unique film reaches the largest audience possible.“
Kwan Vandenberg confirmed, “Baz is known for being innovative, but with this film he has done something completely unexpected—making it in 3D—while capturing the emotion, the intimacy, the power and the spectacle of the time. The responses we’ve had to some of the early sneak peeks have been phenomenal, and we think The Great Gatsby’ will be the perfect summer movie around the world.“
From the uniquely imaginative mind of writer/producer/director Baz Luhrmann comes the new big screen adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby. The filmmaker has created his own distinctive visual interpretation of the classic story, bringing the period to life in a way that has never been seen before, in a film starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role. For those looking for high quality, Oscar level entertainment this Holiday season, movie goers will instead have to look toward Anna Karenina, Life of Pi, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Les Miserables, Zero Dark Thirty and Django Unchained.
…Ok, maybe it really is a stacked season for Oscar level movies. Good point, WB.
The buzz is building around The Master, the latest film from director Paul Thomas Anderson.
A movie that is isn’t about Scientology, but never the less looks riveting, the first screening was held last weekend, and the internet has been abuzz for the film, especially the lead roles from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix and Amy Adams. In fact, the buzz is so good that the release date was pushed up to September 21st, from a previous October date.
Never the less, a new poster has been released for the movie, and it is a hauntingly hypnotic kaleidoscope of the three leads, and just draws the eye in a way unlike most studio posters these days. What does it say about the film? We’ll know in just over a month.
The Master hits theaters on September 21st, 2012.
Source: Yahoo! Movies.
Crazy 4 Cult, the amazing pop-culture based art show which put Gallery 1988 on the map these past few years, is finally expanding beyond the sunny side of Los Angeles to the most busy city in the world, New York City for the latest iteration of their amazing art show.
Featuring, I kid you not, over 200 artists, Crazy 4 Cult New York opens Thursday night, August 9th at 6pm, and will be set up at 64 Gansevoort St. in the Meat Packing District in New York. The art will remain up through September 1st.
Below, you’ll find a gallery of just a taste of the artwork (I’m not going to host ALL of it, you crazy?) and I trust you’ll find it’s some of the coolest pop culture based work yet. From a brilliant My Neighbor Totoro/Donnie Darko mashup to the greatest piece of Shaun of the Dead fan art I’ve ever seen (which really makes me want to see such a game created), it covers all tastes and interests.
For more details on Crazy 4 Cult NY, head to Gallery 1988’s website. Personally, I’m going to try to take a road trip for this one!
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When obvious fan art mashups come to mind, a mixture of the late 90’s Japanese animated classic Cowboy Bebop and French techno masters Daft Punk isn’t exactly the first thing which pops in my head.
However, serving as one of the people in the middle of the venn diagram of those who are fans of each, when I saw artist DoomCMYK’s latest print “3 2 1 Let’s Jam”, my brain melted in a good way.
Unlike so many of the half hearted mashups which permeate the daily t-shirt sites, this is an example of an artist understanding the appeal of both visually, and mixing them together to make something wonderfully unique.
Should your eyes be popping out of your head much like how mine are, you can buy a copy of the print (limited to a run of 30, 18"x24") right now on Etsy.
While you’re there, check out the rest of DoomCMYK’s store, there’s some great stuff, including this great Kawaii Batman print, and if you use the code CMYK30, you’ll get 30% off your purchase!
And now, since I’ve mentioned Cowboy Bebop, I’m legally required to post this YouTube video.
Between the giant omnibus collection of King City (which if you haven’t picked up yet, you should) and his crazy, weird and at all times awesome reboot of Prophet, comicker Brandon Graham has been kicking my ass up and down the world of comics this year.
So, now that Image has announced they’ll be releasing another project of his, you better believe I’m taking notice.
Titled Multiple Warheads, the story is about an organ smuggler and her boyfriend (who also happens to be a werewolf) set in a not-too-distant future version of Russia.  Written and drawn by Graham, you can expect his same detailed yet simplistic art and beautiful yet mind-bending writing to fill the pages when the first issue drops in October.
The series is actually a reboot of a project he published at Oni Press back in 2007, but the series promises to be released in full in 4, 48-page issues via Image.
As an October born child, I’d like to thank Mr. Graham for the birthday present.
Source: iFanboy.
One of my favorite games of my FPS filled middle school days was Rise of the Triad.
Developed by Apogee Software, Rise of the Triad always felt like the first-person shooter with the most fun behind it.  Sure, games like Duke Nukem 3D had the actual, written “humor”, but Triad had a series of selectable characters, ridiculous weaponry, and unique cheats like God Mode (which actually gave you new powers) and Mercury Mode (which allowed you to fly through levels).  And who can forget Dog Mode, which was EXACTLY what it sounded like (you became a dog).
It really seemed like the creators didn’t just want you to play through the game, but also find fun and unique ways to break the average game pattern. Â I look back on it fondly.
That said, with this week’s news from QuakeCon that they’re working on a recreation of the game using Unreal Engine 3, and will be hitting Steamworks soon. Â Here’s the trailer!
I know it’s probably too much to hope for a Mac version, but gosh, I’d love to relive some memories.
Rise of the Triad is due to be released later this year.
Source: Joystiq.
As we get closer to the release of the 3D film return of the Judge Dredd comic franchise, Lionsgate Pictures wants to make sure that we drop all our plans next month and go see the new film, Dredd.
And honestly, it looks pretty great (even if it stole the plot of The Raid), and buzz coming off of the SDCC screening was so positive that I feel indebted to see the damn thing.
That said, when looking at the new poster, which is kinda badass, I couldn’t help but be reminded of another…
…I sure hope that’s not a bad sign.
Dredd hits theaters on September 21st, 2012.
With 20th Century Fox rushing to take advantage of the fan goodwill after the 2011 success of X-Men: First Class, not to mention the new superstardom of Jennifer Lawrence, fans everywhere have been wondering - how will they follow up the 60’s set film?
It seems they’re going to bend the timeline, in homage to one of the greatest stories in X-Men history.
Sayeth producer Bryan Singer in an interview with IGN, the sequel will be X-Men: Days of Future Past.
For those unfamiliar with the story, the story is set in a distant, dystopian future, where mutants have been hunted down and killed, and the few which remain are being hunted down and killed by giant robots, known as Sentinels.  Originally published in 1981, it’s one of the most fan beloved stories in X-Men history, and holds up to this day.
While I’m not entirely sure how they will make the new movie series connect to the classic story (especially given that Hugh Jackman seems to be tied up with his own solo Wolverine film), the promise is there. If you’d like to check out the original story, you can pick it up at Amazon.com.
X-Men: Days of Future Past is tentatively set for release in July 2014.
Source: /Film.
In the news that broke the internet this week, it was announced that taking the lead villain role in the forthcoming Thor sequel Thor: The Dark World will be Christopher Eccleston.
Best known in the US for his role in the first season of Heroes, or known worldwide for his portrayal as the Ninth Doctor in the 2005 reboot of Doctor Who, Eccleston will be taking on the role of Malekith the Accursed, leader of the Dark Elves. Clearly, the “dark world” in the title of the forthcoming 2013 sequel is that of the realm of the elves, and we will be seeing Chris Hemsworth fighting some pointy eared bastards this time around.
Thor: The Dark World is set to hit theaters on November 8th, 2013.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
Sometimes in life, I find these things which I determine as my goal for when I become an eccentric millionaire.
I have a new one.
Revealed at WonderFestival 2012 (which our own Chris K. has done a great job of covering), is the absolutely astonshing KURATAS battle robot, as designed by Suidobashi Heavy Industry in where else but Japan.
This robot, which costs a shockingly affordable $1.2 million is 13 feet tall, weighs 4-tons and can be controlled via an iPhone. Â If that wasn’t cool enough, the damn thing has a 6,000 shot BB gun attached to it.
You can go ahead and order it from their website today (and customize it, if you so like), but for the rest of us who will only get to know the awesomeness over the internets, enjoy the great “How To” video posted on YouTube.
Source: Laughing Squid.
OK, the headline of this post kinda seems like a no-brainer, given that ABC and Marvel Studios are both owned by Disney, Disney’s trying to get the most out of their investment in the comic book world, and since ABC flirted with a Guillermo Del Toro produced Hulk series.
That said, according to the fine folks at Deadline, ABC and Marvel are discussing a way to take advantage of the popularity of this summer’s The Avengers and transporting it to a TV show.
Details are very limited, especially given that talks have just officially begun, but I’d like to give my two cents, no-brainer idea.
How about a weekly series all about the things going on at S.H.I.E.L.D.?
You can work in obscure characters, vaguely reference the big guns (or future movies - SYNERGY!) in throwaway dialogue, and have a fun, superhero-y version of The X-Files every week. It practically writes itself.
Especially if they decide to bring the guy behind the Memos From Fury tumblr into the writing room. Who doesn’t want to see these notes come to life?
How do you feel, dear reader? What do you want to see hit the ABC airwaves?
Source: Deadline.com.
Before I get terribly far into this review, I really need to admit - I don’t necessarily have the fondness for the 1990 original Total Recall that I’m sure many of you do. It’s not that I dislike the film, I just haven’t really sat down to watch the original since a VHS watch sometime in the mid-90s.
So, already, I probably don’t have as acute a critical eye for the fancy new for 2012 version starring Colin Farrell. I like Farrell, having really enjoyed his turns in In Bruges and Horrible Bosses most recently, but he can really be an indifferent sort of actor sometimes. Unfortunately, in a moment where he’s needed to step in the over the top footsteps of an actor like Arnold Schwarzenegger, he remains neither offensive nor over the top. He’s just there, he’s just seeing the film through, and that I think is a perfect analogy for exactly everything that is both wrong and right with this remake of Total Recall.
For those unfamiliar with the original…you know what? Just stop reading this review and watch the original. It’s campy fun from the early 90s. You’re not missing anything by not seeing the 2012 version.
For those who actually want to know how the 2012 remake is? In a word: mediocre. While the far-flung future worlds of “The Colony” (Australia) and “The United Federation of Britain” (The remnants of the UK) are beautifully designed, you can see how the creative team used the film less as a way of building an interesting future, but instead as a way to fill their portfolios for future work. The Colony (where Farrell’s Douglas Quaid lives) feels like a retread of the worlds of Blade Runner, so I wouldn’t be shocked to see this artistic team get assigned to the new film Ridley Scott is developing. The United Federation of Britain just feels like the future world in the Will Smith headlining I, Robot. So you already feel a bit of a “been there done that” with the story, and it’s only compounded with the lack of world building.
The cast isn’t terrible, but no one really makes an attempt to stand out. As mentioned before, Farrell almost sleepwalks through the film, Kate Beckinsale continues her roles of strong action-y females (although this time with a villainous streak), and I don’t really know what, if anything, Jessica Biel contributes. That’s somewhat standard for her though, so we can just rack that up as her living up to expectations. The only real bright point is Bryan Cranston as Vilos Cohaagen, our head baddy. Of course, looking back, I can’t recall anything really “great” that he did, and I feel like I can only chalk up my enjoyment of his performance due to the fact that he’s been really great in an number of other, far better projects.
Director Les Weisman (Underworld series, Live Free or Die Hard) tries to freshen up this boilerplate action film with some innovative sequences (the weird zoom-in/zoom-out effect during Farrell’s first fight sequence sounds great in theory, but is headache inducing in execution), but doesn’t really provide a signature style. In fact, given the near constant level of lens flare, I wondered if he was intentionally aping JJ Abrams.
I guess in short, what I’m trying to say is this: don’t even bother with Total Recall. It’s not so bad it’s good, and it’s hard now, even hours later to remark on things that work. And worst of all? They don’t even get a single ass to Mars. It’s not even hinted at. Unless you really, truly need to see the 2012 version of the tri-boobed alien, spend your money elsewhere this weekend.
Teased this weekend during the Olympics, MGM has released the full and proper trailer for the next big James Bond film - Skyfall.
Continuing the continuity started with 2006’s Casino Royale, the third film featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond looks to be full of twists and turns. We appear to have a faked death for Bond, M (Judi Dench) appears to be full of secrets and Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men) looks positively insane as the villain. If that wasn’t enough, we also get our first peak at the newer, younger Q, played by Ben Whishaw. He kinda gives me a Moss from The IT Crowd vibe for some reason. Although far more serious, of course.
If that wasn’t enough, the slick cinematography from director Sam Mendes absolutely shines (watch this trailer in HD if you can), and the action sequences look positively heart-racing.
While I was not one of the people who disliked Quantum of Solace, from the two trailers released so far, Skyfall is looking like it may be the best of the Daniel Craig Bonds yet. Watch the trailer below.
Skyfall hits theaters here in the US on November 9th.
It wouldn’t be a proper week here on blast-o-rama without a look at another Mondo poster, would it?
This time, the Austin based poster creating team has their sites set on one of the most beloved movies of my generation’s childhood (although, personal admission, I didn’t see it until last year) - The Goonies!
Originally commissioned for a screening in the new Alamo Drafthouse theater in Kansas City, MO (the hometown of Mondo director Justin Ishmael), this 24"x36" print was designed by Randy Ortiz, and features unique, metallic printing for all of the gold (of which, there is MANY).
The print is limited to a run of 320 and goes on sale later today, August 2nd for just $45.
As always, we recommend you keep an eye on @MondoNews for the drop.
Of note, this isn’t Mondo’s first go around with The Goonies, having done prints in both 2009 and 2005. It’s really interesting to see how far their posters have come in such a short period of time.
Yesterday afternoon, comedian Patton Oswalt took the podium to provide the keynote address at the 2012 Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival.  Over the past few years, comedians such as Lewis Black and Marc Maron have provided similar opening speeches to the show, with Maron’s in particular being a great moment where you have someone reinventing their career speaking of everything that came before him and the new road he was trailblazing.
How funny it is, then, that Patton took the direction he did for his speech.
Oswalt’s keynote is two letters. One to his fellow comedians. The other, to the “gatekeepers” of the world of entertainment. Â He talks about how things have been, and how things are changing so much in the world of entertainment, and how now, more than ever, the ability to create great things are in the hands of the creators.
Whether you’re a comedian or any other type of creative, this is definitely something worth reading. I’ve included both letters in full beneath the cut. Enjoy, I sure as hell did.
Here is the first letter, to the Comedians:
How are you? I am good. In answer to your last letter, the mozzarella sticks at the Irvine Improv do taste weird. I’m taking your advice and sticking with the nachos.
Hey, know what I was thinking the other day? Everything I know about succeeding as a comedian and ultimately as an artist is worthless now, and I couldn’t be happier about that.
I started doing comedy in the summer of 1988. That was a different time, wasn’t it? Joe Piscopo was president, Mary Lou Retton won the Cold War, and Andy Kindler turned 50
If I hadn’t popped that goddamn P’, the Piscopo joke would’ve annihilated.
When I say everything I know about succeeding a comedian is worthless, I know what I’m talking about because everything I know became worthless twice in my lifetime.
The first time was the evening of May 22, 1992. I’d been doing standup almost four years at that point, and that was Johnny Carson’s last ever Tonight Show.
Up until that night, the way you made it in comedy was very clear, simple, straightforward. You went on Carson, you killed, you got called over to the couch, and the next day you had your sitcom and your mansion, and you’re made. Just ask Drew Carey and Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen DeGeneres. And Bill Clinton. That’s how you did it.
But now, Johnny was gone and he wasn’t coming back.
All the comedians I remember starting out with in D.C., all the older ones, told me over and over again you gotta work clean, you gotta get your five minutes, and you gotta get on Carson.’ And it all comes down to that.
And in one night, all of them were wrong. And not just wrong, they were unmoored. They were drifting. A lot of these bulletproof comics I’d opened for, whose careers seemed pre-destined, a lot of them never recovered from that night. You’ll never hear their names. They had been sharks in a man-made pond and had been drained. They decided their time had passed.
Keep that in mind for later. They had decided their time had passed.
The second time everything I knew about comedy became worthless has been petty much every day for the last three years.
I know that’s not an exact date. Some other younger, not yet famous name in this room — you are going to pinpoint that date 20 years from now. But for now, every day for about the last few years will have to suffice.
I just want to give you a brief timeline of my career up to this point, when I knew it was all changing again. Listen to my words very carefully. Two words will come up again and again and they’re going to come back later along with that phrase “they decided" and people are going to carry me around the room.
I was lucky enough to get hired onto King of Queens in 1998. I had nine years on that show. Money, great cast, even better writers, a lot of fun. I bought a house. Then I was lucky enough to get cast as a lead voice in a Pixar movie in 2007. Acclaim, money, I got to meet a lot of my heroes. Then I was lucky enough to get cast on The United States of Tara on Showtime. I got to watch Toni Collette work. I got to perform Diablo Cody’s writing. After which, I was lucky enough to get cast in Young Adult, which is where I got to make out with Charlize Theron. I will use that as an icebreaker if i ever meet Christina Ricci.
I’ve been lucky enough to be given specials on HBO, Comedy Central, and Showtime. As well as I’ve been lucky enough to release records on major labels, and I was lucky they approached me to do it. And that led to me being lucky enough to get Grammy nominations.
I know that sounds like a huge ego-stroking credit dump. But if you listened very carefully, you would have heard two words over and over again: “lucky" and “given.“ Those are two very very dangerous words for a comedian. Those two words can put you to sleep, especially once you get a taste of both being “lucky" and being “given.“ The days about luck and being given are about to end. They’re about to go away.
Not totally. There are always comedians who will work hard and get noticed by agents and managers and record labels. There will always be an element of that. And they deserve their success. And there’s always going to be people who benefit from that.
What I mean is: Not being lucky and not being given are no longer going to define your career as a comedian and as an artist.
Remember what I said earlier about those bulletproof headliners who focused on their 5 minutes on the Tonight Show and when it ended they decided their opportunity was gone? They decided. Nobody decided that for them. They decided.
Now, look at my career up to this point. Luck, being given. Other people deciding for me.
In the middle of the TV shows and the albums and the specials, I took a big chunk of my money and invested it in a little tour called The Comedians of Comedy. I put it together with my friends, we did small clubs, stayed in shitty hotel rooms, packed ourselves in a tiny van and drove it around the country. The tour was filmed for a very low-budget documentary that I convinced Netflix to release. That became a low-budget show on Comedy Central that we all still own a part of, me and the comedians. That led to a low budget concert film that we put on DVD.
At the end of it, I was exhausted, I was in debt, and I wound up with a wider fanbase of the kind of people I always dreamed of having as fans. And I built that from the ground up, friends and people I respected and was a fan of.
And I realize now I need to combine both of the lessons I’ve learned.
I need to decide more career stuff for myself and make it happen for myself, and I need to stop waiting to luck out and be given. I need to unlearn those muscles.
I’m seeing this notion take form in a lot of my friends. A lot of you out there. You, for instance, the person I’m writing to. Your podcast is amazing. Your videos on your YouTube channel are getting better and better every single one that you make, just like when we did open mics, better and better every week. Your Twitter feed is hilarious.
Listen, I’m doing the Laugh Trench in Milwaukee next week. Is there any chance for an RT?
Your friend, Patton Oswalt Now, the second letter, to the so called “Gatekeepers”:
Shalom.
Last month I turned in a script for a pilot I co-wrote with Phil Rosenthal who has had a share of luck and success I can only dream of. Thanks for the notes you gave me on the pilot script. I’m not going to be implementing any of them.
And no, I’m not going to call you “the enemy" or “the man.“ I have zero right to say that based on the breaks I’ve gotten from you over the years. If I tried to strike a Che Guevara pose, you would be correct in pointing out that the dramatic underlighting on my face was being reflected up from my swimming pool.
I am as much to blame for my uneasiness and realization of late that I’m part of the problem, that I’m half asleep and more than half complacent.
And I’m still not going to implement your notes. And I’m quoting Phil Rosenthal on this, but he said after we read your notes — and I’m quoting him verbatim — “We’re living in a post-Louie world, and these notes are from a pre-According to Jim world.“
I just read a letter to my fellow comedians telling them what I’m about to tell you, but in a different way. Here it is.
You guys need to stop thinking like gatekeepers. You need to do it for the sake of your own survival.
Because all of us comedians after watching Louis CK revolutionize sitcoms and comedy recordings and live tours. And listening to “WTF With Marc Maron” and “Comedy Bang! Bang!” and watching the growth of the UCB Theatre on two coasts and seeing careers being made on Twitter and Youtube.
Our careers don’t hinge on somebody in a plush office deciding to aim a little luck in our direction. There are no gates. They’re gone. The model for success as a comedian in the ’70s and ’80s? That was middle school. Remember, they’d hand you a worksheet, fill in the blanks on the worksheet, hand it in, you’ll get your little points.
And that doesn’t prepare you for college. College is the 21st century. Show up if you want to, there’s an essay, there’s a paper, and there’s a final. And you decide how well you do on them, and that’s it. And then after you’re done with that, you get even more autonomy whether you want it or not because you’re an adult now.
Comedians are getting more and more comfortable with the idea that if we’re not successful, it’s not because we haven’t gotten our foot in the door, or nobody’s given us a hand up. We can do that ourselves now. Every single day we can do more and more without you and depend on you less and less.
If we work with you in the future, it’s going to be because we like your product and your choices and your commitment to pushing boundaries and ability to protect the new and difficult.
Here’s the deal, and I think it’s a really good one.
I want you, all of the gatekeepers, to become fans. I want you to become true enthusiasts like me. I want you to become thrill-seekers. I want you to be as excited as I was when I first saw Maria Bamford’s stand-up, or attended The Paul F. Tompkins show, or listened to Sklarbro Country….
I want you to be as charged with hope as I am that we’re looking at the most top-heavy with talent young wave of comedians that this industry have ever had at any time in its history.
And since this new generation was born into post-modern anything, they are wilder and more fearless than anything you’ve ever dealt with. But remind yourselves: Youth isn’t king. Content is king. Lena Dunham’s 26-year-old voice is just as vital as Louis CK’s 42-year-old voice which is just as vital as Eddie Pepitone’s 50-something voice.
Age doesn’t matter anymore. It’s all about what you have to say and what you’re going to say. Please throw the old fucking model away.
Just the tiny sampling at this amazing festival…. I’m excited to not be the funniest person in the room. It makes me work harder and try to be better at what I do. So be as excited and grateful as I am.
And if in the opportunities you give me, you try to cram all this wildness and risk-taking back in to the crappy mimeographic worksheet form of middle school, we’re just going to walk away. We’re not going to work together. No harm no foul. We can just walk away.
You know why we can do that now? Because of these. (Oswalt holds up an iPhone)
In my hand right now I’m holding more filmmaking technology than Orsen Welles had when he filmed Citizen Kane.
I’m holding almost the same amount of cinematography, post-editing, sound editing, and broadcast capabilities as you have at your tv network.
In a couple of years it’s going to be fucking equal. I see what’s fucking coming. This isn’t a threat, this is an offer. We like to create. We’re the ones who love to make shit all the time. You’re the ones who like to discover it and patronize it support it and nurture it and broadcast it. Just get out of our way when we do it.
If you get out of our way and we fuckin’ get out and fall on our face, we won’t blame you like we did in the past. Because we won’t have taken any of your notes, so it’ll truly be on us.
I don’t know if you’ve seen the stuff uploaded to Youtube. There are sitcoms now on the internet, some of them are brilliant, some of them are “meh,“ some of them fuckin suck. At about the same ratio that things are brilliant and “meh" and suck on your network.
If you think that we’re somehow going to turn on your later if what we do falls on its face, and blame you because we can’t take criticism? Let me tell you one thing: We have gone through years of open mics to get where we need to get. Criticism is nothing to us, and comment threads are fucking electrons.
Signed,
Patton Oswalt Source: The Comic’s Comic
It’s been one week since the tragic events in Aurora, Colorado, and as the healing has begun, people are looking to give back and help out how they can.
One such person is The Dark Knight Rises composer Hans Zimmer. In the wake what transpired, Zimmer decided to compose a new and unique piece in dedication to the victims and their families.
Titled “Aurora”, Zimmer has released it for sale for as little as 10 cents, with the proceeds going directly to the Aurora Victim Relief organization.
Should you be interested in donating and buying the track for yourself, you can visit the store online here, or use the easy embed posted below.
All purchases are done through the site Zimmer has set up, not through us at blast-o-rama.com.
You know, it’s funny, for all of the films that have received well-designed, screen-printed posters in the world of your Mondos and the like, the cult classic comedies from Mel Brooks have been quite ignored.
…until now.
Tonight, the Castro Theatre in San Francisco is hosting a double feature of two of Brooks' best films, 1974’s Blazing Saddles and 1987’s Spaceballs.
In turn, they’ve commissioned artist Brandon Schaefer to create exclusive, limited run posters for each film, and they turned out great. Spaceballs appears at the top of the post, with Blazing Saddles below.
Each poster is an 18"x24" print, limited to a run of 120. You’ll be able to buy the posters in person tonight, or you can grab them right now, here, online. It’s $40 each, or $60 for the set!
Over the years, there have been so many rumors about the return of Arrested Development that it’s been hard to believe that the series is actually returning, as sponsored by Netflix, for a fourth season.
I don’t know how much more official it can get than this, however.
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) July 25, 2012 Yesterday afternoon, straight from the producer and narrator of the show, we have our peak at a finished script for the premiere episode of Season 4, “Michael”.
Are you hype enough yet?
Arrested Development Season 4 premieres in 2013, exclusively on Netflix.
Given that the figure creating crazies at Hot Toys have created figures for Iron Man armors Mark I-VI, you just had to know that they’d be working on a 1:6 scale figure of the Mark VII armor seen in The Avengers.
Hot Toys has just revealed the figure, and as you’d expect, it’s wonderful, with some of the photos looking eerily like some of the CG renders from the film. Â That said, it’s not without its flaws (the biceps look a little lean, and the Tony Stark head looks a bit odd), but that’s just nitpicking. If the rest of the Hot Toys figures are an A+, this would be an A-, and that’s still good.
No release date or price has been announced, but if other figures are any indication, expect to pay $200 for this one. Now, where’s an in-scale HULK?! Â As always, a full gallery appears below.
[gallery link=“file” order=“DESC” orderby=“title”]
I know that so many people like to rag on the Wachowskis for what happened with the 2nd and 3rd installments of The Matrix, but when push comes to shove, I don’t know that I know of a more ambitious filmmaking duo working today.
Bound was great, The Matrix was revolutionary, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions may have bit off more then they could chew (but had their moments), and Speed Racer was an amazing, mind-melting homage to 1970s Japanese Animation, complete with storytelling flaws.
They return at the end of this year with Cloud Atlas, a film so ambitious that the first trailer takes five minutes to get you an idea of what you’re going to see, and even then it’s hard to get.
Here, let’s try the synopsis of the book it’s based on:
In his captivating third novel, David Mitchell erases the boundaries of language, genre and time to offer a meditation on humanity’s dangerous will to power, and where it may lead us.
Essentially, you’re going to see the same characters throughout different eras and centuries, and their lives will all strangely reconnect. But…even then, I’m not sure I have it.
Here, you watch the trailer. (Or see it in High-Rez over at Apple)
How cool was that? Looks beautiful visually, has an A-List cast with actors like Tom Hanks, Halle Berry and Wachowski favorite Hugo Weaving, and it will be running nearly three hours.
Whatever Cloud Atlas ends up being, I applaud the attempt at doing something completely unique, and we will know for sure how it turns out when it hits theaters on October 26th, 2012.
It seems that every Christmas season, we’re now being faced with a big budget, 3D based film from one of Hollywood’s strongest directors. Starting with James Cameron pushing the envelope with Avatar (what you may say of the quality of the movie, he is taken VERY seriously by Hollywood), you had Martin Scorsese putting together the sublime Hugo last year, and this year seems to bring forth the return of Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon) and the 3D film Life of Pi.
Based on a 2001 fantasy novel, the film gives us a unique protagonist, a single, young survivor of a freighter disaster, traversing in a lifeboat with a tiger, a hyena, a zebra and an orangutan.
The first full length trailer released this week, and at the least, it looks beautiful. But we’ll have to see how the story plays out. Could it be good? Or just 3D Oscar bait.
Life of Pi hits theaters on November 21st, 2012.
During SDCC 2012, some people started to make a point of Peter Jackson’s comment during Warner Bros' panel about wanting to go back to New Zealand and shooting additional footage for The Hobbit.
Some thought it would be for future extended cuts. Some even speculated that it would be for a third film.
And…weirdly enough, it looks like the latter rumor is the truth.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Peter Jackson is currently working with WB to pursue the idea of shooting a 3rd film in The Hobbit series.  This isn’t something they can just rubber stamp, however, as all of the cast, crew, hell, even the creative staff, were signed for two films and two films alone.  So what this means is that everything has to be re-negotiated…and that’s not an easy task.
Now, I have no doubt that Peter Jackson has the best intentions, and all things that I’ve heard about the Hobbit footage screened so far has been universally positive (minus the 48 FPS thing) - but is there really enough content to support a third film?
The split to a second film is clearly creating new content wholesale (with the addition of a new female character played by Evangeline Lilly and Lord of the Rings characters like Legolas).  I assume a third film would be designed to split the difference between The Hobbit 3 and Fellowship of the Ring, and I don’t know that I can trust the creative forces with making that work.
Of course, money talks, and if the original Lord of the Rings trilogy was any indication, there is a LOT of money to talk.  We shall see.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits December 14th, 2012 with The Hobbit: There and Back Again hitting on December 12th, 2013. I assume The Hobbit: What The Ring Did Between Movies will hit in 2014.
Source: Hollywood Reporter.
[caption id=“attachment_8736” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Commander Carter[/caption]
While I tend to focus on the efforts of the works of Hot Toys in the “premium figure” (read: dolls for nerd boys) market, there are some other companies that are creating figures that are just as nice, if not better.
One such company is ThreeA, which was created by comic artist Ashley Wood.  In their short four year history, ThreeA has put together some amazing figures, immediately lusted after by the toy collecting community.  Now that they’ve finally started to play in the basket of licensed figures, ThreeA should be breaking out huge, and I think their latest license pickup, Halo will definitely put them in the forefront.
Releasing on Wednesday, August 1st, these first two figures don’t go the obvious route, they aren’t doing Master Chief off the bat. Instead, the first figure is that of Commander Carter, with a limited online-only variant designed as a Spartan MKV Commando.
[caption id=“attachment_8737” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Spartan MKV Commando[/caption]
These 13.5" figures include fiber-optic lighting in the armor and helmets, highly detailed and articulated bodies, and even magnetized accessories.  The quality, as usual, comes with a price, as they will be retailing for $200 each.
If you’re game, the figures go on sale next Wednesday, and should be available at this link. Good luck!
Source: GameInformer.com.
The world of Dreamworks Animation continues to be permeated with unique and interesting sounding films. Â Well, when they’re not Circus Afro referencing crap comedies.
One of the more interesting projects coming down the pike from the house that Spielberg built is Me And My Shadow.  The story of a boring human (voiced by Josh Gad of Book of Mormon fame) who is abandoned one day by his restless shadow (voiced by Saturday Night Live’s Bill Hader), the first image from the film was released this week, appearing at the top of the post.
What’s going to keep this movie on my radar, however, is how the film is being put together - the characters and the like will be Dreamworks trademark computer generated animation (assumably in 3D), but the shadow and his antics will be completely hand-drawn, mixing the old and new styles of animation in a great way.
Unfortunately, this flick won’t be hitting theaters until March 14th, 2014, but one hopes that the movie will match up to the potential. Weirder things have happened.
Source: ComingSoon.net.
Later today, the fine folks at Mondo will return to the magical world ofAdventure Time, releasing four brand new posters from the series.
Originally, these posters dropped at SDCC 2012, alongside a beautiful Olly Moss “Finn” poster, but these remnants will be available on Mondo’s website later today.
First, you have this set of two, 8-bit styled posters, featuring Finn & Jake. Designed by Delicious Design League, this duo of 24"x24" prints is limited to a run of 300, and is$85.
Next, we have this awesome yearbook page styled print from Mike Mitchell. $40 gets you this 18"x24" print, limited to a run of 275.
Want it without the squiggles? Great!
This variant edition, limited to a run of 100, will be available for $65.
Keep an eye on Mondo’s twitter for the drop today, and get ready for some algebraic poster action!
Edgar Wright is becoming quite the busy man.
Just weeks away from shooting The World’s End, his long awaited re-teaming with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and with Marvel’s Ant Man in his sights, the director has just signed on with Paramount for the forthcoming sci-fi film Collider.
What’s Collider? Good question. In fact, it’s probably easier to just list what we do know - Wright will be directing, JJ Abrams will be producing via his company Bad Robot, and Wright will be co-writing the film alongside Mark Protosevich, best known for scripting I Am Legend, Thor and the un-produced Jurassic Park IV and Batman Triumphant.
That’s literally it. So I guess the only thing more confusing now than the plot is how Edgar will fit all of this into his schedule.
Source: Deadline.com.
It was only a matter of time before someone combined the main villain of The Dark Knight Rises with an adorable kitten. I mean, this IS the internet after all.
That said, I don’t think anyone expected it to be as goddamned adorable as it is on this shirt from threadpower.
I think I now want cheezburger’d versions of ALL of Bane’s dialogue. That, or a kitty sized Bane masked for my cat at home.
If you find this adorable enough to wear, $15 gets you the shirt.
Source: threadpower.
Colin Mochrie, best known for his exceptional improv skills on the British and US editions of Whose Line Is It Anyway? has been captured on video reproducing his favorite scenes from Star Wars using some of the classic figures from the 1970’s.
It’s as awesome as you’d think. Enjoy.
Source: Laughing Squid.
One of the most buzzed about things from SDCC 2012 was the surprise premiere of a trailer for Godzilla, the forthcoming US remake of the classic Japanese monster movie.
Helmed by Monsters director Gareth Edwards, the description of the trailer hints towards a more realistic version of the King of Kaiju, and earlier this morning on Twitter, two images uploaded to Imgur have made their rounds, claiming to be concept art from the film.
I cannot confirm the validity of either image, but as you can see, the look is definitely closer to the classic Toho look as opposed to the 1998 crapfest, but with a much harsher edge.
Is it real? Will someone just upload the damn SDCC teaser? Stay tuned.
Godzilla is set to destroy Tokyo again in 2014.
Source: Imgur.
UPDATE: Based on word from Luke Y. Thompson at Nerdist News (who saw the trailer first-hand), “His mouth was more beak-like in the teaser, but it’s close.“Â So one can summarize that if this art isn’t official, it’s certainly from someone in the know.
This past weekend, attached to The Dark Knight Rises was the general public’s first look at Zach Snyder’s take on the Superman mythos - Man of Steel.
Turns out Warner Bros decided to make it fun for us fans, as there were actually two versions of the trailers, with different voiceovers.
The first was that which I saw early Friday morning - featuring a voiceover from Jonathan “Pa” Kent (Kevin Costner).
The second, that which I feel is the better of the two, features a voiceover from Jor-El (Russell Crowe).
Either way, it’s clear that this is a story of fathers, sons, and a (super)man finding his way in the world.
The tone is certainly unlike anything which Snyder has released before, and certainly isn’t what I think any of us expected from a Superman movie.  But it drew me in. It’s very reminiscent of the work of Terrance Malick (The Tree of Life), and the trailer made me think as much about our first look at Batman Begins as it did The Tree of Life teaser.
What say you, dear readers?
Man of Steel hits theaters on June 14th, 2013.
Few directors have the track record of Paul Thomas Anderson.
Since debuting with Hard Eight in 1996, Anderson has had an unprecedented run of critical successes, making him considered one of the greatest director’s of his time, if not ever. Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love and There Will Be Blood. It’s hard to find a week point. Ok, maybe the one that stars Adam Sandler.
This fall, however, he returns after five years of creative silence with The Master.
Starring Phillip Seymore Hoffman as a WWII vet who decides to start a new religion, called “The Cause”. Given Hoffman’s look and the history of the character, it’s pretty clear that the movie is a thinly veiled look at the world of Scientology - and based on the first trailer, looks absolutely fascinating. Check it out.
The Master hits theaters on October 12th, 2012. Expect Oscar nods to follow.
Source: /Film.
Given the release of a Dark Knight Rises inspired Batman, it was only a matter of time that Hot Toys announced the release of a supremely detailed, 1:6 scale figure of the main villain of the piece - the intelligent, brutish Bane.
Over the weekend, Hot Toys released the details of the figure, and it features the same eye for detail that you’ve become accustomed to from the Hong Kong sculpting team. Â Accessories including a broken Batman mask, his trench coat, and even his smart sweater from the films prologue all combine for the ultimate Bane figure. At least until they try to do a DX version.
Here’s the full rundown:
The 1/6th scale Bane Collectible Figure specially features:
Costume :
Accessories:
Artists:
Release date: Q1 2013 The figure is available for pre-order now via Sideshow Collectables for $195, due for release in March 2013.
What, you think that figure’s too plain? Needs something to give it a little more umph?
How about a full-scale, Camouflaged Tumbler?
That’s right, at a massive 29 pounds (with working lights!), Hot Toys has created a version of the latest Batmobile which is the size of a very obese housecat!
Here’s the full specs for that:
The 1/6th scale Tumbler (Camouflage Version) Collectible specially features:
*Battery not included for collectible, 3A batteries (a total of 3 pieces) are required
Release date: Q1, 2013 Should you want to drop $470 for such a thing, you can pre-order that now at Sideshow Collectibles, with an estimated release date of September 2013.
For a full gallery of the figure and the amazing Tumbler, check it out below.
[gallery link=“file” orderby=“title”]
If you are the type that judges a book by it’s cover, then you are probably the type that judges a movie by it’s poster.
And over the decades, even now, in the era of independent movie poster producers like Mondo, there is no more iconic artist than Drew Struzan.
Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, countless others…the man designed the imagery which gave birth to the modern movie blockbuster, and now, a documentary is looking back on his career - Drew: The Man Behind The Poster.
Two Christmas’s back, I received a great book looking back at some of his best and most iconic posters, and now, I can’t wait to see the stories behind them all, with appearances from such Hollywood luminaries as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Frank Darabont and Guillermo Del Toro.
There’s no set release date for Drew: The Man Behind The Poster, but you can bet that as soon as there is, I will be chomping at the bit to see it.
I realize that with James Franco in the main role and the world of Oz having been explored many many times before, many of us in the world of nerd probably aren’t too excited about the prospects for Oz The Great & Powerful.
Then, at when seeing The Dark Knight Rises, I saw the first trailer. And I was absolutely drawn in.
From the trailer starting in a black and white 4:3 frame, expanding into a strong hypercolorered (not Hypercolor) 16:9 world, I was pulled in. Â There seems to be a true epic, fantastical scope to what’s being done here. Â Perhaps not the darkness we grew up with in the world of 1980’s Disney live-action, but there is definitely something different going on.
And maybe we should have expected it - when has Sam Raimi ever really let us down. Spider-Man 3 not withstanding.
Color me tentatively excited for this one.
Oz the Great & Powerful hits theaters on March 8th, 2013.
Over the past few years, I’ve sat back and watched the infomercials for the annual ICP fan convention/outdoor concert Gathering of the Juggalos with an ironic enjoyment.  Surreal mixtures of D-list talent, pro-wrestling legends and ridiculous events (HELICOPTER RIDES, YOU GUYS), it’s been hard to not watch them. They’ve been train wrecks, and each year, they seem to make them less like commercials and more like epic sales pitches.
That continues this year, with a twenty three minute video which is set in the zombie-apocalypse (The Walking Dead much, ICP?).  You can watch it below.
That said…this year sounds…kinda…sorta…non-ironically awesome?
Take away the fact that the tickets are ridiculously priced, and you have to spend a long weekend in the middle of the woods with perhaps the worst people in all of humanity.
It’s a weekend soundtracked with rap legends like DMX, Biz Markie, Raekwon, Warren G and GEORGE F’N CLINTON.  You have the late 90’s-early 2000’s nu-metal throwbacks which soundtracked the radio stations of my teenage years like POD, Static-X and (Hed) PE. And then you have Ric Friggin' Flair appearing?
That sounds like an awesome as hell weekend. Shame those idiots with the face paint are in the way.
Should you be made of stronger stuff than me, The Gathering of the Juggalos 2012 runs August 8th through 12th in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois.
Full Disclosure: Last August, a group of friends and I appeared as extras in the Pittsburgh filming of The Dark Knight Rises. No, we can’t be seen on screen. This does not effect my review.
It’s hard to believe that seven years ago, I sat in a theater waiting for the Midnight showing of Batman Begins, almost ambivalent to it. Having only directed Memento & Insomnia before, Christopher Nolan was an unproven property as a director. The film looked darker and more intimate than the infamous Batman & Robin years earlier. It was a cast of A+ talent, looking to revive a superhero considered lost to shlocky filmmaking. No one really trusted it. And it succeeded. Since then, the Nolan helmed Batman franchise has become one of the most beloved, anticipated and successful elements of Hollywood. A few years later, fans clamored to see the first images of Heath Ledger’s the Joker, were heartbroken at his untimely passing and in Summer 2008 came in droves to see the masterful The Dark Knight.
What was considered a risky and dark project became a multi-billion dollar franchise, beloved by fans and critics alike. It even gained Heath Ledger an Oscar, an indication of quality which the world of “comic book” films had never aspired to, and make never make again.
But more than anything, especially coming out of The Dark Knight, I wondered if the story was worth revisiting. Did the tale of this new, modern interpretation of the Batman saga need an ending? The third act is always the trickiest, and I am very proud to say - The Dark Knight Rises successfully pulls together the loose ends of the Batman legacy and delivers a final film worthy of the saga which came before it.
Set eight years after the events of The Dark Knight, the world of Gotham City is a very different place. In the wake of the death of Harvey Dent, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has entered himself into exile. The Batman is an outcast, having become the villain Gotham needed. But more importantly - he’s no longer needed. A law called the Dent Act denies continued criminals parole, leaving thousands of criminals behind bars, effectively neutering the world of organized crime. So Wayne now has become a broken man of rumor and insulation, walking with a cane and haunting the halls of Wayne Manor while his trusty butler and parent figure Alfred (Michael Caine) keeps up appearances.
He’s not the only hero lost, however, as a police without a war against crime has nothing to fight, leaving Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) feeling like a relic and a liar for never revealing the truth of what happened. There are those cops who believe there was more to what happened, like Officer John Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a Gotham beat cop who grew up in the era of Batman, wanting to believe that true heroes do exist - something he desperately needed as an orphan growing up in a group home founded by the Wayne Foundation.
As for the Wayne Foundation, they’re not doing too hot either, as a failed project to create a renewable energy source spent almost all the money the company had, leaving it in the hands of trusted ally Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman) and prime investor Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard).
If that wasn’t enough, as you’ve heard in trailer after trailer, a storm is coming for Gotham. A small one in the name of a slinky cat burglar by the name of Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway), and a much bigger squall in the name of Bane (Tom Hardy), a relentless mercenary wearing a bizarre gas mask, who has been silently building an army of the poor and downtrodden in Gotham’s sewers.
It’s clearly a lot of moving parts, and a lot to grasp and follow, but after a somewhat jerky and disjointed opening, Wayne finds himself intrigued by the actions of Kyle and the armies of Bane, and after eight years of silence, puts on the Batsuit one more time.
What follows is absolutely awe-inspiring filmmaking. Christopher Nolan, serving as director and co-writer (alongside his brother Jonathan Nolan and story writer David Goyer), has upped the stakes in this final part in ways one could never have expected. If the last film was about chaos, The Dark Knight Rises is a story of fear, and more importantly, our worst fears. While developed long before the Occupy movement was in effect, the story is one of our worst fears as a society. To see the class lines crumble, to see the people rise up violently, to see our worst sides placed for all to see.
But even in the movie’s extreme sense of doom, gloom and fear, underlined through countless sequences of destruction and defeat on a scale rarely seen in today’s films, something true comes out. The power of the individual, the power to rise up.
From front to back, the cast excels. Christian Bale reminds us all why we loved his work in Batman Begins, after understandably taking a back seat in The Dark Knight. While he may not be in every scene of the film, his specter looms heavily, with his actions as both Wayne and Batman dictating the pace for every other character in the film. Michael Caine delivers his masterwork as Alfred here, as a father figure pushed too far, he’s absolutely heartbreaking. The new editions to the cast shine as well - Tom Hardy is an absolute animal as Bane. While many may (understandably) mock his unique cadence and voice, once the man gets into action, he is unstoppable. Clearly an intellectual equal to the Batman, Bane has a unique twist to any villain prior - while many like to work in the shadows, Bane is not afraid to do his work in the daylight, and tell the world exactly why they should follow him into doing it. It’s a stark contrast to a man who works in the shadows and longs to be a one-man army, and really allows Bane to shine as a character. He’s an immense physical threat as well, with one fight sequence between Batman and Bane being shot stark, without any score, so you can feel every hit and absorb the brutality. Anne Hathaway, well, she made a believer out of me. Sly, smart, devious and with a unique sense of morals, her version of Selena Kyle is a level of femme fatale I never expected to see out of the one time star of The Princess Diaries. Her work as Catwoman will stand alongside the greats. And the real surprise? Although he shouldn’t be, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Gordon-Levitt continues to show why he is an actor that I will follow into any project, as he injects the film with a hardened heart and soul as John Blake. It’s truly a masterclass in acting paired excellently with an ambitious filmmaker. The movie cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and you never once feel like it was a penny wasted.
As Ducard tells Bruce Wayne in Batman Begins, “If you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal and if they can’t stop you, you become something else entirely — a legend.” This is the movie where the legend officially becomes greater than the man. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and while in many ways The Dark Knight Rises exists as a conclusion to the story of Bruce Wayne, the movie pushes how the ideals of what Batman is, was and were to be make a greater impact than the actions of just one man. And if anything, that is what makes The Dark Knight Rises a wonderful bookend to the story. Amazing work, all. Highest possible recommendation.
If by some chance you have somehow missed today’s news on the Aurora, Co. Tragedy, here’s probably the least biased and easiest to digest breakdown of the situation, thanks to The Associated Press.
When I arrived home last night at almost 4am from a Midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises, I was on cloud 9, having really loved the film.  Having woke up at 9am thanks to my cat, I never would have expected, wished or hoped to awaken to what I have today.
Speaking with another of the writers here via email, Chris Kultzow, he asked if we should cover what happened. Â I told him no. Â But over time, I felt like given this platform, something should be said.
I wondered what exactly about the situation ate at me, continues to eat at me.  Lets be honest - a midnight movie audience is the hardest of the hardcore, the people who want to be a part of the moment as soon as they can. They are our people. Our nerds, our geeks. The people who would be reading this site and the many other ones better than it. They watched every trailer breathlessly, they saw every screenshot. Their summer lead up to this.
…And someone changed all their lives forever.
The scariest part of it all really is - it could have been any single one of us. Â I know I speak for myself when I say that the movie theatre is a temple of sorts. Hallowed ground that takes us to places we couldn’t imagine. Â And if only for one moment, this “temple” has been ruined by one individual’s decision.
Over the next few hours, days and months, if not years, because of one person, one very sick and twisted person, you’re going to hear a lot of discussion about what happened.
Questions of gun control, political leanings, the impact of media such as movies, music and video games.  I’m sure you’ve already noticed it.  But the fact is this - it’s not about any of that. It’s about a sad, broken individual and how he chose to impact the lives of others.
Don’t give credence to the talking heads. Don’t let the thoughtless debates envelop you.
But more importantly - love your fellow human. Today, we could all use each others shoulder, and tomorrow we may need it too.
Be the change. Be the good. Be the heart. Be the soul. Â But most importantly, be the ones who continue forward.
Because we have to be.
In about…oh…16 hours, I will be sitting down for a screening of The Dark Knight Rises. The lights will go down, the projector will click on, and an audience, including myself will be whisked away by a combination of picture and sound to a world we hadn’t seen, to take in a story we have yet to hear.
Before that happens, however, I will be sure to turn off my iPhone. And considering how glued to the thing I am, that’s quite the bold step in my attention span. However, not all theater goers are that considerate. For as long as cellphones have been a common purchase, movie goers have had to deal with people who forget to turn off their ringer and what has become the mighty scourge - text messages.
The defenders of texting while watching a movie say that there is no distraction - no sound, and in this age of touchscreens, you don’t even hear the typing!
But…it is a distraction…a glowing light in a sea of darkness.
Despite this, and facing a weaning movie going audience, the major theater chains are considering allowing screenings where texting is allowed, if not encouraged.
The idea was first brought up at Cinemacon, and luckily, quickly shouted down. However, last week, movie blog The Wrap again tried to make a stance for why texting should be allowed.
Are we in a sea of crazy people? Has social tact finally flown out the window?
Luckily, the owner of the amazing Alamo Drafthouse chain of theaters, Tim League has stepped up to the plate, and offered the strongest possible argument for why texting should never be allowed in theaters.
As a strong proponent of the theater experience, we at blast-o-rama felt that this statement should be run in full, and shared with as many as we can - so in turn, here is Tim League’s post about why we should never allow texting in theaters. Learn it. Love it. Live it. Thanks.
I will tell you why it should not be done.
Texting is rude to the film creators. It is a slap in the face to every single creative professional who poured their lives into creating the film. When I am carrying on a mere casual conversation and someone whips out a phone to text while I am talking to them, I am offended. Imagine amplifying that to texting during a film which can take teams of thousands of people years to make. Consider the independent feature parallel. Imagine leveraging every penny you own or worse, going into incredible debt in order to share your creative vision with the public, only to have an audience half-watching while conceiving pithy tweets. Texting is not a passive activity. You have to focus on your phone to text and therefore lose focus on the screen. It is not a question of “might.” You WILL at the very least miss nuance and texture of a film by breaking attention to text. More than likely you will miss more than just nuance, but important plot points. Ask Christopher Nolan if he would mind if you text during the opening weekend of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. I can almost guarantee you he would opt to eject every last texter if given the chance. Pay respect to the on-screen and behind-the-scenes artists who create movies. Turn off your phone and lose yourself in the movie.
The notion that all teenagers and twenty-somethings can’t sit two hours without texting is condescending. In reading the feedback after my debate regarding in-theater texting at Cinemacon, my favorite comments were those from the alleged “texting generation” who were offended by the idea that they were being lumped in with the masses. Real movie fans today are the same now as they were in the ’20s, the ’70s and any generation. They want great theatrical presentation, and they want to lose themselves in the movie. This is the very crux of our industry. Real movie fans can, and actively want to, shut off their devices for two hours to watch a movie regardless of how old they are. If we as an industry cater to the notion that texting and talking during a movie is condoned if not encouraged, then we disgust our true patrons, the real movie fans. We will take short term gains by thinking ourselves cool and progressive by allowing texting, but in the end will erode our loyal customer base.
Texting is rude to everyone around you. Even if, as Chris Davison proposes, we designate theaters as “texting friendly,” there will be people in the movie who are real movie fans who want to just watch the show without distraction. If the non-texting shows are sold out, someone may opt for the texting show. People buy tickets for a group and in that group there may happen to be real movie fans. Folks may inadvertently buy tickets on Fandango or other online sources where the “texting friendly” nature of the show is missing or not prominent. By introducing screenings where people are free to text during the movie, you will be creating unhappy customers at every single session. It really boils down to the undeniable fact that texting in a movie theater is rude, selfish, and adversely affects everyone within view of your glowing device.
The only answer to this debate is taking a hard line. Texting and talking can not be allowed in movie theaters. Our spaces are sacred spaces for movie fans. Chris Davison, you are wrong. NATO, you should add commentary to Davison’s article before blasting to the entire membership. You do this for the trend in shrinking VOD/theatrical windows. To me, the leniency towards talking and texting is a greater threat to our industry.
Tim League - Founder CEO Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Source: Alamo Drafthouse Theaters.
One of the biggest movies for Warner Bros in Summer 2013 (besides Pacific Rim of course) is the Zach Snyder directed, Christopher Nolan produced reboot of the Superman franchise - Man of Steel.
A trailer was premiered for the film at SDCC 2012 (a shorter version of which will be attached to The Dark Knight Rises on Friday), but for all of fan’s consumption, the first true teaser poster was revealed.
It’s a hard closeup on Henry Cavill’s version of Kal-El, and focuses deep on the detail of the new Superman suit, which looks less ribbed, and more like some sort of alien chainmail. Interesting that they’re obscuring Cavill’s face in the poster. Sure, it could just be to put the emphasis on the symbol, but it’s a surprise that the British-born actor is being obscured.
Man of Steel is due to hit theaters on June 14th, 2013.
Source: Spinoff Online.
The ongoing debate around the posters produced by Mondo seems to be built around one thing.
“They’re so hard to get!” “Why so few?” “Stupid eBay scalpers!”
Thanks to Warner Bros and what could be a once in a lifetime deal, the poster for The Dark Knight Rises by Olly Moss will be available to everyone.
How does that work you ask?
Starting at 12:01 CST on Wednesday July 18th, through 11:59pm that very same day, every single order of the poster, a 16"x24" print, will be fulfilled. They’re not printing them until they have an exact number of orders, and the edition size will match it.
So if 5 people order it? There will be only 5. If 30,000 do? A run of 30,000 will be made.
The reason for the limiting of releases in the past has been two fold - to keep the posters “special”, and to keep the owners of each film’s license happy. However, WB is allowing these posters to be made literally to order, and if you want in in what could be a one time deal, it’s just $40. MondoTees.com will be the place to be on Wednesday.
Here’s the full press release:
The Collectible Art Boutique Also Announces Its First Ever Timed Release Allowing All Fans Access To This Stunning Poster
San Diego, CA— Saturday, July 14, 2012 —Mondo, the collectible art boutique arm of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, is excited to announce their second Batman print for Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated film The Dark Knight Rises. The limited edition variant of this gorgeous print from world-renowned artist Olly Moss is available today at Mondo’s Comic-Con booth #437.
Additionally, for the first time in Mondo’s history, a print will be available to anyone and everyone who wants to purchase it. For 24 hours only, beginning at 12:01am CT on Wednesday, July 18, the regular edition of Olly Moss' The Dark Knight Rises will be available for a full 24 hours at MondoTees.com. The final edition number will be set by the total number of people that purchase the print. Follow @MondoNews for more details.
“We’ve listened to feedback about making prints available to everyone who wants one, and we’re excited to be able to offer this one time chance with something as highly coveted as an Olly Moss print for Batman. While we won’t change the collectible status of Mondo posters, this timed release is something we’d like to offer as a unique and rare opportunity for any fan to own a Mondo print,” said Mondo Creative Director Justin Ishmael.
Additionally, a random purchaser of the timed-edition will receive a special “Golden Ticket”. In exchange for this ticket, the lucky winner will receive a commissioned print with the subject of their choice directly from Olly Moss.
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Artist: Olly Moss Size: 16x24 (regular), 24x36 (variant) Edition: TBD (regular), 180 (variant) Price: $40 (regular), $100 (variant)
Since the release of The Avengers, the blogosphere has been all atwitter, wondering aloud and at length what would be the elements which would make up of Phase Two of the Marvel Studios Cinematic Universe.
All eyes were directly on Marvel, and on Saturday night at SDCC 2012, they let it all out. It was a night full of excitement, surprise announcements and when the smoke cleared, the plan was clear.
Here’s what we now know to be “Phase Two”.
May 3rd, 2013 brings the release of Iron Man 3. The final movie under contract for Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, the film is being directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) and features Ben Kingsley (Gandhi) as lead villain The Mandarin.
The new suit of armor was showcased on the con floor, and while I don’t like it (it’s too gold), I could see it growing on me.
November 8th, 2013 will bring Thor: The Dark World. The second film for the God of Thunder, Marvel Studios promises that “everyone” will be back, but they didn’t say much in terms of plot or villain for the film. Game of Thrones' Alan Taylor will be directing.
April 4th, 2014 is the date for Captain America: The Winter Soldier. From the title alone, it should be clear for comic fans who the villain is - the returning Bucky, as played in Captain America: The First Avenger by Sebastian Stan. Rumor has it that this will be the on-screen debut for The Falcon, to be played by Anthony Mackie (The Hurt Locker).
August 1st, 2014 sends the silver screen Marvel U into SPACE, with Guardians of the Galaxy. Perhaps the weirdest choice yet for a comic film, the team of choice for the Guardians (who have had many incarnations over the years) includes Star-Lord (a space explorer), Drax (an alien), Gamora (a hot space babe), Groot (a living tree) and Rocket Raccoon (yep. a talking raccoon). At least according to the first piece of concept art, seen below.
Undated, but still important, was the official announcement of Edgar Wright (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) joining the Marvel Studios fold with his long rumored Ant Man film.
No word yet on other rumored films such as Black Panther or The Avengers 2, but it’s clear that Marvel Studios has a plan to match the billions of dollars made thus far, and I can’t wait to see how the movies all come together!
So, dear reader - you’re Marvel Studios - what makes up “Phase Three”? Personally, I long for a Iron Fist & Power Man film from the Black Dynamite team. What say you? Sound off in the comments!
In an event which many believed would be dominated by Marvel NOW! announcements (and had a shocking lack of them), the biggest news coming out of SDCC 2012 from the comics world had to be the unveiling of a brand new prequel to the classic DC Comics series Sandman.
This new series, due to be released in 2013 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the original series, returns original writer/creator Neil Gaiman to the world of comics to tell the beginnings of the series' star, Morpheus.
Joining him for the ride will be hot artist JH Williams III, an appropriate choice given the mind-bending layout of his Batwoman pages.  Honestly one of the finest artists in the industry, I have a hunch that his pencils will perfectly compliment Gaiman’s words.
All that said, I certainly hope that this is a story Gaiman wanted to tell, and he didn’t just jump in to doing to avoid a Before Watchmen scenario.
Perhaps we can spot a hidden Warner Bros gunman in the YouTube video announcing the series? You make the call:
Gaiman/William’s Sandman prequel will hit shelves in 2013. And yes, that’s turned the correct way.
Source: DC Comics
After much rumor and speculation, over the weekend, Universal Pictures officially green-lit the reunion of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost with director Edgar Wright.
Fans have been waiting over 5 years for the final part of the so called “Cornetto Trilogy”, and they’re finally going to get it in 2013 with The World’s End.
To celebrate the confirmation, the first teaser poster for the film was revealed, underlining that “The World’s End” is definitely a pub name of some sort.
Wright’s going to have to work fast, as his load is going to get really heavy, really quickly…and I’ll have more on that in a post or two…
Source: Edgar Wright Here.
One of the coolest items out of SDCC 2012 came from the action figure nuts at Super7.
Over the past few years, I’ve become a big fan of Alien, and shortly before the release of Prometheus, some close friends and I had a marathon of the Alien films to date. As some googling during the day long marathon showed, there were some really awesome prototypes made in 1979 of 3 3/4" action figures.  They never were released.
Until now. Super7 has revealed that they have obtained the rights to produce figures styled just as they would have been in the late 1970’s. Â The set of figures, called the REACTION (“Retro-Action”) Figure series intends to release the figures as if they emerged from a 33 year old time capsule.
The line is to contain figures of Ripley, Kane, Dallas and the Alien, and the release date is TBD. Either way, this could be awesome if the price is right (more than $10 a piece, and I may be skeptical), and I’m glad to see Super7 starting what could be a great trend for lost merchandise for cult films. I hope they succeed.
Source: Super7
You can’t say Mondo is coming to SDCC with a poor batch of posters, that’s for sure.
Just announced, currently on sale, and probably already sold out is the second in their series of posters celebrating the films of Studio Ghibli.
The first was for My Neighbor Totoro, and was designed by Olly Moss. Moss is back for the second design, celebrating Princess Mononoke.
There is both a standard and a Japanese variant edition of the 20"x36" print - the standard is limited to a run of 430 for $50, and the variant is limited to a run of 225 for $90.
Good luck, poster hunters!
Source: iO9.
I admit, my excitement for the world of video games has weaned over the past few years. I’m becoming more and more of a casual iOS gamer, and my interest in console titles is less and less every year. I mean, I think my general apathy towards the E3 Press Conferences showcased it, even with some cool titles coming for the PS3, and the Wii U looking decent, I know I just don’t have the dedication anymore.
That said, there are still some titles that make me take note and get me excited. Bioshock: Infinite is one, but the other - Grand Theft Auto V.
Rockstar has rarely, if ever, let gamers down with their games - even their failures have been interesting experiments. Â And with just one trailer released so far, GTAV has been looking rather intriguing.
Earlier this morning, Rockstar did a Q&A article with questions from their fans - some questions were asked about the status of Grand Theft Auto V, and while the release date news isn’t the most promising, they DID release two screenshots. Â The amazing helicopter shot above, and a surprisingly tranquil one below.
What did Rockstar have to say about the game? Here you go:
We are very busy working on the game! Everything is going well, but the game is a huge project. We should have more information and some new assets for you soon.
“Why don’t you give us more news?"
As we have said before, we have often had long gaps between asset releases on previous games and will continue to do so in the future. We are sorry if you find this frustrating, but please understand, we don’t do this because we don’t care about our fans' ‘don’t respect our fans’ ‘hate GTA fans etc’ — precisely the opposite! We do it because we want to make sure we only release 100% correct information, and because we want to keep plenty back for the actual game release so there are still lots of surprises when you play it. The only things we care about are that you enjoy the experience of actually playing the game and that we release accurate information. We just have not been in a position to show more of the game than the trailer and will not be for a while yet.
So the wait continues for GTAV. Lets all hope that it’s worth the patience.
Source: Rockstar Games.
Geez, all of these comic and comic creator based Hollywood deals, you’d think some giant comic based event were going on right now!
The latest of many deals to be announced is the adaptation of the latest novel (with spot images) by Christopher Golden and Mike Mignola.  Mignola, of course, is best known for his work on Hellboy, but over the years, he’s worked on a series of novels with Golden, including the Baltimore series, and the newest, Joe Golem and the Drowning City.
Despite having just been published in March of this year, Constantin Film has acquired the novel to be adapted and directed by Alex Proyas. Proyas is best known for directing films such as Dark City, The Crow and I, Robot, so the novel, a dark steampunk tale set in the 1920’s is definitely his type of film to do.
Here’s the synopsis of the novel:
Among them are fourteen-year-old Molly McHugh and her friend and employer, Felix Orlov. Once upon a time Orlov the Conjuror was a celebrated stage magician, but now he is an old man, a psychic medium, contacting the spirits of the departed for the grieving loved ones left behind. When a seance goes horribly wrong, Felix Orlov is abducted by strange men wearing gas masks and rubber suits, and Molly soon finds herself on the run.
Her flight will lead her into the company of a mysterious man, and his stalwart sidekick, Joe Golem, whose own past is a mystery to him, but who walks his own dreams as a man of stone and clay, brought to life for the sole purpose of hunting witches. Definitely sounds like it could be a great movie. If you now want to check out the novel (like I do!), you can nab it on the cheap at Amazon.com.
Source: Deadline.com.
I knew that when Attack the Block hit that Joe Cornish was going to become an in-demand director, but this is getting crazy!
Just a month after accepting the director’s slot for the long awaited adaptation of Snow Crash, Cornish has signed on with Fox to adapt the graphic novel called Rust.
I’ve yet to read Rust, but with it’s description of involving a boy with a jetpack and a giant robot, it’s decidedly in something that I want to see in live action.
Here’s the full and proper synopsis:
Secondly, I really think that Cornish will do great with this - as Attack the Block showed, he’s great with younger casts, and he can produce fun and frantic action, albeit shot clean and clear, unlike many other directors these days.
It must be a nice day to be Rust creator Royden Lepp, and you better believe I’ll be checking out the source material.
Source: /Film.
I had a feeling this was how it was going to go down.
As a part of their 15 drops at San Diego Comic Con this weekend, Mondo has announced (via Badass Digest) that they will be producing a poster for the final Christopher Nolan Batman film - The Dark Knight Rises.
Designed by comic artist Jock, partially responsible for one of the best Batman runs in recent memory, the poster is fantastic, to say the least.
Limited to a run of 375 pieces, this 24"x36" print is just $45 - but let’s be honest, unless you’re at SDCC tomorrow, you’re just not getting this poster for retail.
Want something even rarer? I KNEW YOU WOULD!
A variant of the poster (above) will be given away to 250 fans who attend WB’s The Dark Knight Rises Hometown Screening Giveaway at the Con. This version includes images of the villains featured throughout Nolan’s trilogy, and makes a great poster, even greater.
Source: Badass Digest.
Confirming one of the worst kept secrets in the nerd world of Hollywood, 20th Century Fox has officially announced the Fantastic Four reboot.
This restart of the Marvel Comics film franchise will be directed by Josh Trank, who made a splash at the beginning of this year with the sublime found-footage superhero film Chronicle.
It’s a bold and innovative choice by Fox, and considering how well he balanced super heroics and drama with a small budget on Chronicle, I feel like Trank will do a great job with Marvel’s first family.
Fantastic Four is yet to have a cast or release date set.
Source: Deadline.com.
In an understandably Batman heavy edition of San Diego Comic Con, Hot Toys might have just produced one of the trump announcements, and it’s only preview night.
As part of Warner Bros finally being able to create merchandise based on the 1960’s Live Action TV series, they have approached Hong Kong toymakers Hot Toys with creating 1:6 scale figures and collectables.
The first fruit of this collaboration has been announced, an absolutely beautiful and insanely detailed version of the 1960’s Batmobile.
No word yet on pricing or release date, but seriously, HOW COOL is this?
Source: Hot Toys.
After basically redefining the modern superhero game with Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City, you’d expect video game developers Rocksteady to take a nice long vacation from the world of Batman.
And you’d be right…if you meant a time vacation!
According to a report from Variety (and confirmed by Kotaku), Rocksteady is in the early stages of developing a new game in their award winning Batman series, but the game will be a prequel to the Arkham games based more on the 1950’s Silver Age of the Dark Knight. Furthermore, the game is supposed to feature appearances from the entire Justice League, introducing many of DC’s finest heroes to the most polished superhero series in gaming.
Sounds exciting, right? Well, don’t hold your breath for it’s release - it’s not set to come out before 2014…at the earliest.
Source: Kotaku.
With the latest Bourne sequel hitting in August, it should come as no surprise that Universal will be pushing The Bourne Legacy (or as I call it: Bourne-Again Hawkeye) at SDCC this weekend.
What we didn’t know is that the convention would be getting a super classy, Saul Bass inspired exclusive poster for the film.
The poster, curated by Gallery 1988 and designed by Matt Owen, is limited to an edition of 200.
How can you get it? Sayeth G1988’s tumblr:
Join Operation Intel and be part of the legacy here: www.thebournelegacyintel.com <http://www.thebournelegacyintel.com>
GOOD LUCK, AGENTS. The Bourne Legacy, starring Jeremy Renner, hits theaters on August 10th, 2012.
Source: Gallery 1988’s Tumblr.
As promised when the original information hit, Disney has announced the details on the super special collector’s box set of every Marvel Studios film to date - the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection.
Here’s what Disney has to say about it.
You can pre-order this Blu-Ray only box set at Amazon.com today, for just $153 at the time of this writing. Not bad for 6 movies.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One Collection drops on September 25th, 2012.
Source: MTV
EDIT: Updated to include images of the sleeve art by Matthew Ferguson.
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Last year, creator Mike Mignola and Dark Horse Comics sent one of their best and most beloved creations to rest in the mini-series Hellboy: The Fury.
However, in a move one shouldn’t be too surprised by, considering he’s a demon and all, death does not seem to be stopping ol' Red.
Starting this December, the Hellboy story continues in a new mini-series titled Hellboy In Hell.
The first issue hits shelves on December 5th, and according to Mignola, is just the beginnings of Hellboy’s story in the afterlife.
Oh, comics…no one ever really will die, will they?
Source: Superhero Hype.
I love infographics, don’t you?
I especially love when they’re about Batman.
In the midst of all the hype surrounding The Dark Knight Rises, twitter user @blairerickson has created a graphic which spans the 70 years of Batman history from the original creation of the character by Bob Kane through to the modern Chris Nolan films.
You can see how character designs have changed, and really get a feel for how an everchanging world has effected how the Dark Knight is portrayed.
Click it for a much larger version. Check it out!
[caption id=“attachment_7832” align=“aligncenter” width=“490”] Charlie Hunnam & Rinko Kikuchi in Pacific Rim[/caption]
With SDCC 2012 officially kicking off with Preview Night tonight in San Diego, the mainstream press is setting sail with many stories all about the convention.
This, understandably, leads to more exclusive content. Like what we’re posting now - USA Today has released an article about the convention. In it, you’ll find includes many details (and a new image, above) on Pacific Rim, the monsters vs. robots flick we’re hotly anticipating.
We finally get an idea of the mix of monsters, described as such…
Source: USA Today.
Last week, we showcased an absolutely brilliant poster for The Dark Knight Rises, which seemed to set the Caped Crusader between Heaven and Hell.
At the time, I speculated that it was to be the 12:01 Release poster, given to all fans who saw the IMAX Midnight show on July 20th.
I was wrong, as apparently that poster has just been revealed. I suppose the other was just to promote the IMAX screenings overall.
The official 12:01 poster is a brilliant, gritty image of Bane, with a ‘batty’ touch to the eyes.
It’s awesome and all - but I still like the other one better. What say you?
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th.
Source: Superhero Hype.
We’re not even at Preview Night for SDCC 2012 yet, and one of the most intriguing bits of comic news has already come out of Dark Horse.
Starting in January 2013, the indie publisher will be overseeing a new series of Star Wars comics, titled simply, Star Wars.
The idea - it’s 1977, and the only bit of information which is out for fans is A New Hope. Think a modern day version of the classic Marvel Comics series.
Writing it, we have master scripter Brian Wood, best known for his work on Demo, DMZ,  Channel Zero and his current book The Massive.
On art, we have Carlos D’Anda, character designer for Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. And every month, we have a beautiful painted cover from Alex Ross. A peak at the first cover is at the top of the post, and example pages of art appear above and below.
Seriously, how great is the potential of this comic? Yes, that’s Leia wrecking shit in an X-Wing.
Source: Brian Wood’s Tumblr.
My favorite of the current stable of Mondo artists, Kevin Tong always produces amazing prints with an eye for key detail, which somehow remain clean.
His work always draws the eye and takes viewers into impossible dream worlds.
He like, well, everyone else it seems, will be at SDCC 2012 this weekend, and in turn, he’s releasing two prints based on the writing of HG Wells.
The first, at the top of the post, is a print of the classic alien invasion tale The War of the Worlds. It’s limited to a run of 200 for just $40.
The second print is for the seminal sci-fi novel The Time Machine, also limited to a run of 200 for just $30.
You’ll be able to get both 18"x24" prints as a set for just $60, and whatever remains will hit Kevin’s online store when he gets back.
If you’d like to wear these designs, don’t worry, the team at Miles To Go Clothing are producing them as t-shirts, too.
Source: TRAGIC SUNSHINE.
In a news bit revealed exclusively to USA Today (seriously, what is it with the real news sources breaking all of the nerd news lately?), Activision has revealed that a very special artist will be composing the theme song for this holiday’s big release of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, and that artist is Trent Reznor.
The Nine Inch Nails frontman and Oscar-winning theatrical composer is no newbie to the world of writing music for games, having composed original music for the mid 90’s FPS favorite Quake.
Sayeth Reznor on getting the Call of Duty gig:
Call of Duty: Black Ops II hits shelves on November 13th, 2012. Reznor is apparently about to release a new album from his project How to Destroy Angels, with wife Mariqueen Maandiq.
Source: USA Today.
Remember guys. The reason why DC Comics is keeping Watchmen in print and doing projects like Before Watchmen has absolutely NOTHING to do with merchandising.
So, you now get to have the face of a masked sociopath join your sunny side eggs every morning.
No word yet on price, but this here Watchmen toaster will make a great Christmas gift for Alan Moore when it releases in September 2012.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
Folks, I really don’t need to say too much more than this.
Mondo. Game of Thrones. San Diego Comic Con 2012.
That’s right, the master movie poster makers will be premiering a series of posters for the red-hot HBO show and just as popular book series.
The sizes, edition runs, and costs are not known, but the first images premiered at Entertainment Weekly’s website and have us here at blast-o-rama drooling.
The first cast poster, at the top of the post comes from Mondo favorite Martin Ansin.
Next, we have a beautiful forested landscape from Daniel Danger.
Last, but far from least, we have this jaw droopingly detailed print from Vania Zouravliov.
All three prints will be available at Mondo’s SDCC booth this weekend, and sadly, I don’t see them surviving to the online sales. Hope you have a source, dear readers!
Source: Entertainment Weekly
While it’s probably a given that The Expendables 2 will be, like its predecessor, a far too slick looking action movie that doesn’t quite deliver on its promise of being a culmination of every action hero ever, it’s good to know that whoever is in charge of marketing knows what they’re doing.
The film will be promoted heavily at SDCC 2012 this weekend, and in turn, Lionsgate Entertainment has commissioned a new poster to be given away for the movie. Â As you can see, it has a real grindhouse feel, something dark and gritty which should be emblazoned on a beat-up VHS box. Â Instead, it’ll just be on the posters, and a limited run of 250 cast-signed canvas prints.
Unfortunately, I doubt the final film will have that aesthetic, but my brain wanders and really loves the idea of Stallone, Statham, Schwarzenegger, Willis, Van Damme and the gang in a gritty, low budget, gore filled action movie. Â Why can’t the crummy action movie of my dreams be reality? MAKE IT SO HOLLYWOOD.
The Expendables 2 hits theaters on August 17th, 2012.
Source: Los Angeles Times.
Thanks to the fine folks at Empire Magazine, we now have the chance to listen to the complete score for this summer’s most anticipated film, The Dark Knight Rises.
The soundtrack officially releases on July 16th, but you can preview it early, and I’ve embedded the tracks here.
From what I’ve been able to preview, Bane’s theme is as dramatic as expected, the new Catwoman theme is appropriately playful, and I love the return of more than a few cues from the films prior. Â Hans Zimmer really outdid himself here.
The full soundtrack can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com today.
Source: Empire
Given the success of his latest film, Moonrise Kingdom (which I loved), it should come as little surprise that Wes Anderson is already looking into the creation of his next movie.
While there is no known information about the title or plot for the film, movie website Twitch has discovered a list of the actors that Anderson has approached for the film.
For those well versed with Anderson’s filmography, you’ll be pleased to hear that Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Adrian Brody and Jeff Goldblum have been approached to star.  What makes this news interesting however, is the list of new talent he’s approached - Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Ms. Murder, She Wrote herself - Angela Lansbury.
Wes Anderson has always done well with compiling eclectic casts who astonish in how seamlessly they work as a whole, so it should be interesting to see how things go with new talent in the mix such as the superstar Depp and the legendary Lansbury.
Of course, we’ll give you additional info, as it all develops.
Source: Twitch.
This past weekend was home to the gigantic, international fighting game tournament known as EVO.  That would be the appropriate place to showcase a big name, forthcoming fighting game, right?
Well, the team at NetherRealm certainly thought so, as they (along with IGN) did an extensive hands on with their new DC comic’s fighter, Injustice: Gods Amongst Us.
All 15 minutes of the coverage made their way to the web, and you can see how the game (built on a modified Mortal Kombat engine) takes the iconic heroes and makes you feel every punch, kick, slap, slam and super move.
Injustice: Gods Amongst Us is set for release in 2013.
In just about 10 days, The Dark Knight Rises will finally hit theaters.
In case you’ve been under a rock, or somehow need more of a push to see the film (or just want more behind the scenes info), a 13 minute behind the scenes look on the film has popped up on the web.
It’s not terribly spoiler filled (at least, no more than an HBO First Look would be), and if anything, it’s worth watching just for Tom Hardy’s giddy excitement when describing the first time he saw Christian Bale in the makeup chair as Batman.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
Isn’t this quite the pleasant surprise?
After making his name in such great films as Inglorious Basterds, Shame, X-Men: First Class and Prometheus, actor Michael Fassbender has decided to put on a hood and start killing people in the 16th century.
That’s right, he’s decided to produce and star in a movie version of the popular video game franchise Assassin’s Creed.
Assassin’s Creed, for those unawares, is an extremely successful line of video games which place you in the footsteps of a cold blooded, hooded assassin in eras as varied as the Crusades, the Renaissance and in this fall’s Assassin’s Creed 3, the American Revolution.  Of course, there’s a convoluted sci-fi story which surrounds them, something about you in the distant future being a member of the blood linage of the assassin’s, being forced to go back in time to find certain objects, but really, it’s just about cool ways of killing people in the past.
Unfortunately for Fassbender, the project currently has no studio attached. Game developers UbiSoft were working with Sony as recently as last year on a filmic version of the game franchise, but they chose to allow their option to lapse.
Hopefully, if a studio does green light the film (and given Fassbender’s rising star, I assume quite a few will want to), they focus more on the past, and less on the game’s gloomy, convoluted future.
We’ll keep an eye on this story as it develops.
Source: Variety.
Much like its fellow Warner Bros film, Pacific Rim, The Hobbit will mark it’s SDCC 2012 appearance with a brand new, exclusive poster.
It’s an understated image, which just hints at what you really need to know - Gandalf is back, and the adventure is on again.
However, if you’re more of a hardcore Tolken fan, another new image hit the web today, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly.
[caption id=“attachment_7680” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Click for High-Rez![/caption]
This “scroll”, depicts 10 separate scenes from the forthcoming Lord of the Rings prequel, and is certainly one of the more interesting marketing images of any film I’ve ever seen. Of course, I recommend you view the full resolution version to check out all of the details.
Now all we can do is hope that the movie in action lives up to the beauty of the stills.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters on December 14th, 2012.
Whether we like it or not, a full scale remake of the 1980’s classic Robocop begins filming in September.
In possibly one of the earliest releases of marketing I’ve ever seen, a viral website for the new version of OCP has hit the web, giving us a look at OmniCorp.
Omnicorp will of course be the creator of not just the Robocop suit itself, but his enemy for the first film, the ED-209.
The website features many of the robotics company’s creations, including a look at the newer, sleeker ED-209 (image at the top of the post), but when you first load it, you get this brief commercial for the firm.
Yeah, I’m pretty sure the RC-2000 is the RoboCop model for this movie.
I have a hunch that this will be furthered at (you guessed it!) SDCC this weekend, so we’ll see what else pops up.
Robocop is set to hit theaters in 2013.
Source: OmniCorp.
In the lead up for the Summer 2013 Guillermo Del Toro Mechs vs. Monsters film Pacific Rim, thus far, all we’ve been able to see is a number of the human cast members in their very fancy, very detailed pilot suits.
It’s understandable, however, as Warner Bros was clearly saving the money shot for the first poster for the film (above).
This is our first look at one of the Jaegers, the clearly giant sized robots which our heroes will be piloting to save the world from distraction a’la kaiju monsters. Â To show the scale of the suits, that’s actors Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba on the shoulder there. And to think, that’s only a fraction of the full robot, and we haven’t even seen the monsters yet!
With a director as dedicated to eye bleeding visuals as Del Toro behind the camera, I have little doubt that this film won’t deliver the goods to those of us who have been wanting a full scale Hollywood blockbuster surrounding the world of mechs. Now let’s just hope that in addition to giving out these posters, someone shows off footage of this movie!
If you missed it, here’s the synopsis for the flick.
With three amazing figures for the Joker to date, it’s only fair that the team at Hot Toys swing around to the other side of the pendulum and immortalize Batman in a brand new, hyper detailed figure.
This 1:6 scale figure is part of their MMS DX line, based on Batman’s appearances in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises and features the uncanny amount of detail you’ve come to expect from the Hong Kong figure artisans.  The figure comes with dozens of accessories, including interchangeable mouths and a ridiculously detailed unmasked Bruce Wayne head.
Creepy, isn’t it?
If you browse through the gallery below, you may note that there is also an in scale version of the Batpod, and the flying “The Bat”.  Considering this figure is going for $260 right now at Sideshow Collectibles, I’d imagine the Batpod will be about $500, and the Bat…oh, the cost of a 16 year olds first car.
The Hot Toys MMS DX Batman ships in December 2012.
The 1/6th scale Batman/ Bruce Wayne Collectible Figure specially features:
Costume :
Weapons:
Accessories:
Artists:
Release date:Â Q4 2012
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different **Bruce Wayne head sculpt: Prototype shown is not final, pending licensor approval **Battery included for light-up electronic gun, button cells (3 pieces) are required **Battery not included for figure stand, 3A batteries (3 pieces) are required [gallery link=“file” order=“DESC” orderby=“title”]
Of all of the amazing San Diego Comic Con exclusives hitting this weekend, I do think this is the one that I want the most.
Huckleberry Toys and Toddland are teaming up for a booth full of amazing prints, and this combination is leading to a print that I was NOT expecting.
The greatest punk rock superhero band in the world is getting a print - that’s right, it’s a poster for The Aquabats!
Designed by artist Dave Perillo, this 18"x24" print is limited to a run of 150 pieces for $25, but you can also get a variant of The Sandfleas, which will cost just $35 and is limited to a run of 40.
No word on if these prints will be available after the con, but if they are, I will definitely be tracking them down!
A few weeks back, I mentioned the synopsis of Neill Blomkamp’s District 9 follow up, Elysium.
The sci-fi allegory for the immigration debate is getting closer and closer to release, and thanks to (you guessed it), the SDCC 2012 issue of Entertainment Weekly, we have our first official still from the film, featuring Matt Damon with a gun so huge that even Rob Liefeld would go “Damn! That’s huge!”
I’m still hoping for a proper trailer so that we can understand the scope of the film, but from what I’ve seen so far, Elysium continues run of Blomkamp’s thought provoking yet visually striking sci-fi films.
Elysium is set to hit theaters on March 1, 2013.
With the release and success of The Amazing Spider-Man, one might wonder, whatever happened to that Sam Raimi fella who brought us two of the most important geek trilogies ever (the first of Spider-Man and of course, Evil Dead).
Well, he’s going to take us back to Oz!  In fact, he’s going to show us how Oz got started in Oz: The Great And Powerful.
Set decades before The Wizard of Oz, this film will show us how a simple man could convince an entire world of his wizardry, and stars Harry Osborn himself, James Franco in the lead role.
Here’s the full synopsis:
Oz: The Great and Powerful hits theaters on March 8th, 2013.
It should come as little surprise that superb figure makers Hot Toys have a selection of San Diego Comic Con exclusive toys ready to hit the West Coast this weekend.
I’m featuring two of those figures today, which perfectly represent two of the better alternative costumes from recent comic book movies.
First up is the Captain America (Rescue Form Version). Designed after Chris Evans during the key moment where he goes from a glorified mascot to a true World War II hero, this figure is beautifully sculpted, and if you squint your eyes just right, it looks exactly like Chris Evans.
Supporting him in kind is an absolutely wonderful figure of Lt. Jim Gordon from The Dark Knight, in his SWAT Team outfit from the amazing double-cross on The Joker.  I believe this is Gordon’s first appearance in the Hot Toys figure line, and the first instance of a toy of him in the SWAT team outfit.  It really looks creepily like Gary Oldman!
If you are not able to make it to SDCC, you can pre-order at least one of them Sideshow Collectibles, with Captain America going for $220, and I’d imagine good ol' Jim Gordon will be coming down the line soon at a similar price.
However, if you’re reading this internationally, you have a full selection of shows where you might be able to pick them up. According to Hot Toys, the figures will be available at the following shows:
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Just a few weeks ago, I made a declaration on this here site, that we would continue to grow and build blast-o-rama to make it one of the most enjoyable reads on the web. In doing so, I asked you, dear readers, who wanted to join me in making a team of bloggers, to build this site out and really make it something special.
After paring through the many entries, and there were many great ones, that’s for sure, I’ve found five talented writers who I will be bringing onto the team. They all get to start officially this week, but before they introduce themselves, I wanted to introduce them en masse.
I think this is the beginning of something special, and I hope you feel the same.
Of note, since this is now spinning out of being just my blog, blast-o-rama now has it’s own Twitter account and Facebook fan page, so please feel free to follow and/or like them, or just stick with our standard RSS feed. Otherwise, stay tuned, it’s gonna get wild in here.
I never really understand why people rail against directors who create films that are “their style”. Given the topic of this review, I am obviously speaking of the work of Wes Anderson, a director who often has his detractors for creating films that are obviously his. I’ve never grasped the issue - isn’t it strong direction which leads to an immediate understanding of the creator, especially one with such a signature feel to his work? In turn, before I continue on in this review for Moonrise Kingdom, I preface it with this simple note - if you are a fan of Wes Anderson’s style, you will love it. If you aren’t, simply look elsewhere.
Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, what an absolute joy Moonrise Kingdom is. At it’s core, the film is a tale of young romance, but one with the nuance and complication one would expect from the pen and eye of Wes Anderson. The romance is between two misunderstood youths, an orphaned khaki scout (think: boy scout) and a moody pre-teen girl. They find function in their mutual disfunction, and over a series of letters, decide to leave their sleepy island lives for one spent together. Of course, the adults in their lives find out about this, and the pursuit is on.
Portrayed by first-time actors Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, both of whom were born in the (holy crap) late 90s, scout Sam and his misunderstood gal pal Suzy are a revelation. Each perfectly mixes the natural innocence of their youth with a world-weary confidence that beguiles their age. Essentially, they are the perfect protagonists for a Wes Anderson film, both living in, and out of, their time. Set in the mid 1960’s, the film wraps our lovebirds with an incredible supporting cast, including Sam’s Scoutleader (Ed Norton), Suzy’s parents (Bill Murray and Francis McDormand, who are great to see play off of each other), and the local head of island police, played by Bruce Willis. You forget sometimes how great of an actor that Willis can be when he wants, and this is certainly an instance where he decided to be great. I hope this isn’t the last time that he and Anderson work together, it’d be nice to see Bruno end up in future films.
As always, however, the film is a delight for the eyes and ears. Anderson stays with his standard of beautiful, unique tracking shots, complimented with lush, detail heavy locations and pitch perfect on screen typography. It’s the type of movie where you can lose yourself in every frame, and appreciate every detail. Luckily, Wes Anderson is the type of director who allows you to breathe in every moment and that works wonderfully here.
I feel like I’m wrapping up this review early, but Moonrise Kingdom isn’t really a story full of compilation. It’s a well thought out storybook of a tale, one that you will probably find yourself wanting to revisit often, and for it’s 94 minute length, it’s a journey you’re happy to be on.
If you are looking for a small film during this action packed summer to fill you full of joy and leave a smile on your face - Moonrise Kingdom is it. Check it out when it’s at a theater near you, you won’t regret it.
In addition to the Marvel NOW! news and a bunch of photos from The Hobbit, the magazine features a new image from director Guillermo Del Toro’s next big thing, Pacific Rim.
Pacific Rim, his big giant monsters and robots battling flick, features as its heroes a washed up pilot (Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam) teamed with a reluctant trainee (Rinko Kikuchi) to pilot the massive robots in the film, called “Jaegers”.
The new image, following the awesome photo of Idris Elba, features our first look at Hunnam and Kikuchi, and looks pretty sweet indeed.
Expect to hear way more about Pacific Rim at SDCC. And for some reason, I expect a trailer attached to The Dark Knight Rises (I’ve heard nothing to this, it’s just a hunch).
Pacific Rim is set to hit theaters on July 12th, 2013.
Source: Shock Till You Drop.
More pre SDCC 2012 hype here, as to get fans excited for their big panel next weekend, Marvel Studios has released the first piece of concept art from the forthcoming threequel, Iron Man 3.
Drawn by artist Ryan Meinerding (who designed the prior movie armors), the image showcases our friend Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) as he’s surrounded by armed men, but is…partially armored?
Rumor has been that the film would take cues from the “Extremis” storyline from the comics, so one could assume that this may hint toward an organic armor.
Either way, a poster of this image will be given out for free next weekend.
Iron Man 3 is set to hit theaters on May 3, 2013.
While I most routinely feature the hyper detailed 1:6 scale figures from Hot Toys, it pays to remember that the Hong Kong based toy company can get adorable, too. In fact, they have an entire line for it, called Cosbaby. (You might remember their awesome Iron Man figures from being featured here in the past.)
So when you think adorable, you immediately think of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films, right?
No? Well, you’re going to, as Hot Toys has announced a line of Batman Cosbabys, commemorating the entire Nolan Batman Trilogy.
2005’s Batman Begins is represented with Bruce Wayne in his proto-suit, a Begins Era Batman, and Scarecrow. 2008’s The Dark Knight has figures of Batman and Joker (in both standard and bank robber formats), and finally, this year’s The Dark Knight Rises is showcased with, appropriately, figures for Bane, Catwoman and Batman. And have they EVER been cuter?
There is no announced release date or price for these figures as of yet, but I’d imagine you can start checking your favorite import figure sites now, they’re bound to make their way to these shores soon.
Source: TOYSREVIL.
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Just when you thought it couldn’t get cooler than Lord of the Rings, tomorrow, Mondo drops prints featuring two of the biggest stars of films - a giant robot and a giant ape respectively, with prints for The Iron Giant and King Kong!
For me, the Iron Giant prints are what really have me excited, so I’ll feature those first.
First, we have the amazing poster from Laurent Durieux. A 21"x36" screen print limited to a run of 425, that will be going for $60, and will be a drop that I will be working very hard to get!
Next, following in the footsteps of their very cool articulated Spider Gremlin from last year, Mondo has combined with artist Kevin Tong to release an articulated figure of Iron Giant himself!
Our favorite robot comes packaged with Hogarth, bolt and “S” logo. Iron Giant stands at 31 3/8" tall from head-to-toe and 14 7/8" shoulder-to-shoulder, and will run $75. No mention of an edition size here.
Last, but far from least, we have the two King Kong prints, also by Laurent Durieux.
Print #1 is a 24"x36" screen print limited to a run of 375 for $60.
Then you have Print #2 (which, honestly made me chuckle upon seeing it), also 24"x36", limited to a run of 175 for $120.
Both prints go on sale some time on Friday, July 6th. As always, stay tuned to Mondo’s Twitter for the official drop time!
[caption id=“attachment_7496” align=“aligncenter” width=“394”] Regular Edition[/caption]
The pop-culture print perfectionists at Mondo have truly done it again.
Fans wondered if there was anything left that Mondo could do to surprise them.  They did Star Wars. Back to the Future. Jurassic Park. Pixar. Studio Ghibli. Countless others.
What was left? Batman perhaps? Perhaps.
But what about the biggest fantasy trilogy of all time?
Tonight, as a part of the latest Mondo Mystery Movie screening, they revealed a brand new print to go along with the mystery film -Â The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.
And holy hell, what a beautiful print it is. Â Artist Aaron Horkey designed this bizarrely shaped but richly detailed 19.25"x39" print, which was exclusive to tonight’s screening. Â A run of 260 prints was complimented with a variant limited to 125 pieces.
[caption id=“attachment_7497” align=“aligncenter” width=“394”] Variant Edition[/caption]
Bummed that you missed it? Don’t be. Mondo announced that this is the first of a series of prints, and that all of the films, and multiple artists will be represented across the series.
It’s going to be an expensive rest of the year for Mondo fans, that’s for sure.
Is it too much to ask for prints of The Hobbit already?
OK guys….with two weeks to go, I really really think that this is the final post for posters for The Dark Knight Rises.
In IMAX’s continuing line of exclusive 12:01am release posters, they revealed today that they will be giving attendees a free print at the midnight IMAX shows for Christopher Nolan’s final Batman film.
Honestly, I feel like this is one of the best posters for the film yet, with the angelic bat symbol in the sky and the hellish city below, and it certainly makes me wonder if the designers are trying to hint towards Bruce Wayne’s fate in the film. Perhaps, or they just want you to think that way.
Either way, this is an awesome poster, and it’s enough where I’m regretting getting tickets for the standard digital projection showing instead of the IMAX. Â But I think I need another poster for my wall like I need a hole in my head.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
Last Fall, DC Comics made a full out offensive at the comics world, restarting every single one of its comics in a landmark publishing movement called “The New 52”. Â Evidently, it worked (at least temporarily), as DC Comics has grown to take a larger part of the comics marketshare.
And I suppose it scared off Marvel, too.
This fall, one year after the DC New 52, Marvel will be kicking off what is called Marvel NOW!, a relaunch of many of its key titles, mixing up writing and artist talent, designed to give fans a new jumping on point for many books, and to freshen up what may be a stagnant universe.
Marvel is very key to underline that this is not a reboot, but a relaunch, starting titles back at number 1, but NOT ignoring prior continuity or storylines.
Entertainment Weekly got the first scoops of the titles, and the first piece of promotional artwork, which you can see at the top of the post, showcasing many of the character redesigns and new feel.
The plan is to start a new title once a week, October 2012 into February 2013, leading to 22 new books on the shelves. Certainly easier to swallow than 52 new ones in a month, that’s for sure.
Amongst the books to be released:
What say you? Will Marvel NOW be rubbish? Is it exactly what you’ve been waiting for? Or is it too soon to say? Sound off in the comments!
As has become tradition, Entertainment Weekly will be releasing a special San Diego Comic Con edition of their publication this week.  Past issues have included first looks at films such as Watchmen and Iron Man 2, but this year, we return to Middle-Earth, as Entertainment Weekly brings a first look at The Hobbit.
A series of 10 images from the film have been released on EW.com, and I’ve got them for you.  You get a great look at Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, many returning Lord of the Rings cast members (both real and virtual), and yes, dwarves. Many, many dwarves.
All and all, it should be enough to get even the most hardened geek excited. I know they sure worked on me, and hopefully they will for you too. Check out the gallery below.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters on December 14th, 2012.
Source: Entertainment Weekly.
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While certain books in the DC New 52 have surprised me (Animal Man, I’m looking at you!), I don’t think there’s one book that has brought me joy more than Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s run on Batman.
Pairing the indie darling writer who made his mainstream name on an excellent Detective Comics run with the legendary Spawn artist has proven to be a masterstroke, and I’ve gobbled up every issue they’ve released to date with much joy.
Year two for the creative duo looks to be kicking off with a bang, as according to the new promo image released by DC this week, October’s Batman #13 will feature the return of classic Bat-villain The Joker.
From the image, one can tell that the controversial face-cutting from Detective Comics #1 remains, and Snyder is promising big things, telling Comic Book Resources, “…it’s the biggest, baddest, most shocking Joker story I could tell. This is Joker completely unleashed.” Given the twists and turns in his Batman run so far, it’s a big claim for the writer, but I think he can make it happen.
Batman #13 hits shelves in October 2012.
Source: Comic Book Resources.
We’re just a week away from the gigantic crazy comic, tv and movie show known as Comic Con International (San Diego Comic Con for the hardcores), and every creator is getting ready to announce something big or showcase something coming down the pike.
Not to be left out, Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley is looking both back and ahead at the 2012 show.
For the fans of his classic nerd-meets-girl-then-has-to-fight-all-her-boyfriend’s comic Scott Pilgrim, he’s ringing in the release of the new Color Edition of the series with two limited edition versions of the first volume.
Scott Pilgrim: Color Edition Volume 1 will be released early at SDCC 2012 in an exclusive “Evil Edition”, featuring first evil-ex Matthew Patel on the cover.  This edition will run you $40, a minor increase from the standard edition’s $25.
Not awesome enough for you? If you’ve got $100, you can pick up the Limited Edition of the first colored volume, which includes…
Cut to me giving in in August.
Source: Comics Alliance
With the ever growing debate about the state of the comics industry, including how the big two companies are owned by giant corporations, and how creator’s rights seem to be crushed every step along the way, it was time for a strong shot to be fired.
Little did we expect that the shot would be fired this week.
In a moment akin to the launch of Image Comics in the 90s, Monkeybrain Comics launched this week. Â A digital only publisher, their comics are going straight to Comixology at a low price point between 99 cents and 2 dollars a piece for the first issue. Â They aim to go after the market that is tired of what the big two is dishing out, or those fans who want something different, and considering the amazing talent announced for the first wave of comics, who can doubt them.
Announced for projects to come from Monkeybrain Comics are the following creators: Chris Roberson, Grace Allison, Nick Brokenshire, J. Bone, Chad Bowers, Wook-Jin Clark, Colleen Coover, Kevin Church, Dennis Culver, Matt Digges, Ming Doyle, Curt O. Franklin, Ken Garing, Chris Haley, David Hahn, Phil Hester, Joe Keatinge, D.J. Kirkbride, Adam Knave, Axel Medellin, Jennifer L. Meyer, Michael Montenat, Ananth Panagariya, Thomas Perkins, Adam Rosenlund, Chris Schweitzer, Brandon Seifert, Chris Sims, Matthew Dow Smith, Paul Tobin, J. Torres, Josh Williamson and Bill Willingham.
Not all of the titles from these creators were announced during the initial push (they intend to announce much of the forthcoming work at San Diego Comic Con next week), but the fast turnaround of the world of digital comics allowed Monkeybrain Comics to be introduced on Monday and hit Comixology later that evening, days ahead of the planned July 4th launch.
The first releases were as follows:
Amelia Cole and the Unknown World by Adam P. Knave, DJ Kirkbride and Nick Brokenshire
Aesop’s Ark by J. Torres and Jennifer L. Meyer
October Girl by Matthew Dow Smith
Edison Rex by Chris Roberson and Dennis Culver
Bandette by Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover
Thus far, I’ve checked out October Girl and Edison Rex, and really enjoyed them (definitely a taste of fresh air), and really want to check out Bandette.  I have to give these guys credit - if their plan is as well thought out as it seems, this could be what digital comics needs - original, unique work at a low cost by high grade talent.
Sure, companies like Image and Oni (amongst others) are doing great work with creators, but this digital take seems to be a faster, leaner way to produce comics, but also something that separates them from the world of webcomics. Â I really want this to succeed, and the fact that the creators can even take their titles to other publishers for physical trades is an option, it’s clear that Monkeybrain really is putting the creators first.
This could end up big, and I hope it does. The comics world needs this.
The first wave of Monkeybrain Comics is available on Comixology today.
Source: Bleeding Cool
In the world of indie games, it’s generally easier these days to go to a digital release. Â Little to no distributive overhead, and you can sell your game directly to the customers.
However, it’s now becoming an extra treat that once your game does well, you can sell a boxed copy to the hardcore fans, and even new ones who had yet to check your game out.
One such title is the awesome puzzle/platformer Limbo. Set in a stark black and white world, the game captivated all those who played it on Xbox Live Arcade, PC and Mac.  Now that the game has proven to be a success, developer Playdead has released a boxed “Special Edition” of the title, which includes a DRM free copy of the game for PC/MAC (sorry 360 owners), a copy of the games soundtrack, art cards, a gift license to share with a friend, and even 3D glasses for a new 3D mode for the game.
Personally, I picked up the game as part of the Humble Indie Bundle, but no matter what you pay, it’s worth it.  If you haven’t picked the game up yet, you totally should - it’s just $25, available now on Amazon.com. Check it out!
Over the past few Summers, the counter-culture animated network [adult swim] has joined forces with a sponsor (in this case, carmakers Kia…OK.) to create a series of downloadable singles every summer.
For Summer 2012, they’ve reached out to a local favorite, and who I feel is one of the best bands going today -Â Wye Oak.
The Baltimore duo have contributed a brand new song, called “Spiral”, and it’s really unlike anything sonically they’ve presented before - however, it’s awesome.
Sounding much like lead singer Jenn Wasner’s solo project Flock of Dimes, the song takes you on quite the sonic journey, and is already one of my favorite tracks of the year. Maybe you’ll like it too.
If the embed isn’t enough for you, you can download it now over at adult swim’s website.
I think its fair to say that many of our best memories from our single digit years were that of being engrossed in coloring books. Was there anything better than cracking into a new coloring book with a fresh box of Crayola?
Clearly, the group called Belly Kids in the UK feel like our generation needs to remember how great a coloring (or, well, colouring) book could be by celebrating one of the greatest actors of all time in the pages of Thrill Murray.
Dedicated to the career of actor Bill Murray, the book is page to page black and white fan art, which you get to color as you like!
The 24 page book is available for pre-order today, and features artwork from Nicholas Stevenson, Anneka Lange, Murray Somerville, Donald Ely, Hattie Stewart, Bridget Meyne, Tobias Hall, Tilly W, Lucy Ketchin, Mike Force, Rich Fairhead, Mary Cheung, Sean Wars, Mary-Louise Plum, Sam Morrison, Logan Fitzpatrick, Catherine Askew, Michael Kilkelly, Brooke Olsen, Chris Arrowsmith, Jonny Packham, Jaypee Murray, James Burgess, Thomas Key and Nathan Dirienzo.
Available for just £6.99 (a pre-order savings of 1 pound!), you can also order some posters and prints from the interior, if you are so inclined.
Thrill Murray is set to be released on August 13th.
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As the premiere creator of high end figures for the best movie properties, it should come as no surprise that Hot Toys is working on a figure of the new version of Peter Parker found in The Amazing Spider-Man.
In only the way they can, Hot Toys has created an amazing collectable figure, with beautiful costuming and screen accurate detail (although it looks like the Andrew Garfield head sculpt still has yet to be approved). Â From the sunglass-esq lenses to the shiny spandex and the silver sneakers, every detail is to be found.
As always, the price is high, but for collectors of these figures, the cost should come as no surprise - the figure is available for pre-order today for $205.  A full gallery of photos, along with the press release info, appears below.
Hot Toys Amazing Spider-Man is due to be released in December 2012.
The 1/6th scale Spider-Man Limited Edition Collectible Figurine specially features:
Costume :
Accessories:
Artists:
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As we learned earlier this week with The Amazing Spider-Man and movies this year like 21 Jump Street, just because its a reboot, doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing.
However, despite early indications that the Colin Ferrell starring relaunch of the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic Total Recall would take some twists and turns that were more similar to the book, it looks like from the newest trailer that the movie will be even more of the same.
Yep, even a 3 boobed alien.
Don’t get me wrong, I realize you can only tell a story in so much a different way before you should just call it something else, but this appears to be the same down to even some wardrobe. Â Props to training up from Sharon Stone to Kate Beckinsale, though. Also - I’m always happy to see Brian Cranston get work.
That said, for me, I’m just not drawn in, and probably will wait for Netflix for this one.  What about you? Are you drooling with anticipation for the Total Recall reboot?
Total Recall hits theaters on August 3rd, 2012.
Thanks to my buddy Rosscott for turning me onto this one.
Ever since I saw Frank Langella in Frost/Nixon, he’s become one of the older character actors whom my ears perk up when I hear that he’s in a film.  Add something like say… robots, and you end up with something I’m very intrigued by.  That’s the forthcoming indie film Robot & Frank.
Starring Langella as an aging ex-convict who is provided a robot by his kids to care for him (sounds kinda like Roujin Z to me), Frank decides he wants to impress the local librarian who has caught his fancy (Susan Sarandon) by pulling off one final theft - with help of his robot.
The movie looks wonderfully quirky, although not terribly twee, and with an extended cast including James Marsden, Liv Tyler and Peter Sarsgaard as the voice of the robot, the quality of the concept is met with a quality cast.
I certainly will be wanting to check this one out when it hits my local indie cinema, and I think you just might like it too.
Robot & Frank hits theaters on August 24th, 2012.
From the first announcement of the project back in January 2010, fans had been understandably skeptical of a relaunch of the Spider-Man franchise. The ink had barely dried on Sam Raimi’s version of the webcrawler saga when Sony Pictures tossed the baby out with the bathwater, moving full speed ahead with a reboot, three well loved films be damned. From the onset, it looked like such a corporate move. “Raimi and Maguire are too expensive. The last one wasn’t loved by fans. LETS ACT LIKE THEY NEVER HAPPENED!" And even still, in the afterglow of the movie, I can’t disagree with that criticism - just 5 years after Spider-Man 3 and 10 years after the first Spider-Man kickstarted this superhero movie trend, did we need a new Spider-Man universe? While I can’t necessarily agree with the necessity, I certainly can say this - The Amazing Spider-Man is an absolutely successful relaunch of the franchise, and recaptures what I loved about the first two films in a more contemporary light.
Taking his cues from a mish-mash of the Ultimate Spider-Man comics universe and the classic 1970’s tales, director Marc Webb has created a universe for a Peter Parker of today. Much has been spoken about how Peter seems a bit too “cool” for his nerdy heritage, but Andrew Garfield’s interpretation of the character is appropriately awkward and guarded. We now live in a world where the geeks are “cool”, and while I understand the criticisms towards the characters new-found skateboarding skills and hipper wardrobe, Garfield makes his version of Parker believable as an intelligent young man who after losing his parents and being raised by his aunt and uncle, keeps everyone at a distance, whether with long sleeves and his hoodie up, or by viewing them through a camera lens. He’s matched perfectly by a radiant Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy. I had felt that Bryce Dallas Howard’s version of the character was one of the few bright points of Spider-Man 3, but here, Emma Stone creates her own version of Gwen - a girl who is just as smart as Peter, warm-hearted, but much like Peter, has some damage of her own, with a strong police captain father (Denis Leary, absolutely nailing the role of George Stacy) who she never knows will come home in the morning. It is the relationship between Peter and Gwen that produces some of the movie’s best moments. Early trailers for the film seemed to indicate a Twilight-esq romance, but in practice, they’re both hilariously awkward with each other, and have an indelible chemistry that is a joy to watch unfurl. The full extended cast is a great joy, with Martin Sheen possibly being the best on screen interpretation of Uncle Ben (even if he doesn’t get to say the line), Sally Field providing a solid version of Aunt May, and shockingly, a really decent turn for Flash Thompson (Chris Zylka), a character I didn’t expect to be handled as well as he was.
With all that, you already have a great character drama, but that’s only half of the equation, even if it’s those elements where the film may be at its best. Such a key component to making Spider-Man work on film is the action, and I’m here to say that he’s never looked better. Using a mix of parkour-esq traditional stunt work with some minor CG enhancements, the movements of Spider-Man look natural yet improvised, , giving the action an appropriately frantic feel. Given that this is Marc Webb’s first action movie, you’d be understood if you were worried about how he’d shoot the numerous web-swinging sequences for the film, but he nails it. This features some of the more ambitious camera work of the series, and the use of 3D is (mark this down) actually pretty inspired. The Mirror’s Edge esq POV sequences actually work fairly well in practice (each are short and sweet), and overall, the action feels frantic yet never hard to follow. In particular, I really loved a sequence which took place at Midtown High, which just nailed the Ultimate Spider-Man feel. And it’s really great to see a version of Spider-Man who loves fighting crime, full of wisecracks and excitement punctuating every punch and web thwip.
That said, I’m not without my criticisms for the film. Rhys Ifans certainly portrays a solid, inoffensive version of Dr. Curt Connors, but sadly, once he becomes the monstrous Lizard, he’s reduced to a Willem DeFoe wannabe, even having a similar internal argument sequence. Furthermore, while it’s way better in motion, the Lizard design is still very odd, especially when he talks. And there’s a moment or two of unintentional hilarity - the “Peter Parker: Pro Skater” sequence seen in an online clip is somewhat cringeworthy (especially given it’s Coldplay soundtrack, I could see it becoming the Emo Peter dance of this one), and a moment with a half lizard/half rat is overdone. Oh, and while there is a mid-credit tease for a sequel (of course there is!), I really don’t like what it hints toward.
The Amazing Spider-Man isn’t a flawless film by any means, and it certainly hasn’t supplanted The Avengers as the top dog of the summer. However, it remains an enjoyable action adventure that resets the character in a world for today. Full of emotional heart, an incredibly solid cast, and some of the most comic accurate action yet, it’s an absolute win. No matter your criticisms going in, I feel like if you let it, Andrew Garfield’s new version of Spider-Man can and will win you over. Check it out this 4th of July.
Hi guys! You’re probably wondering where your regular blast-o-rama updates are.
If you’ve missed the news, there was a really nasty storm which came through my region on Friday night, and I’ve been out of power/internet since.
In turn, no posts, amongst other things, like air conditioning and showers! We’ll see how long this goes for, but until then, expect some radio silence. Thanks!
If you listen to the words of director Rian Johnson, you may do better to avoid the trailers for Looper.
He feels that you may have a more eye opening experience, the less you know going in.
I mean, I already know that the movie’s about a hit man (played by Joseph Gordon Levitt), who through some time travel craziness ends up going against himself, but from the future (Bruce Willis).
And you know what, I’m going to try it (unless a trailer ends up before a movie I see in theaters), but IÂ will embed these two new trailers for your enjoyment.
The first is the international trailer, which is said to expand upon the original teaser trailer’s footage.
Next is the second trailer for us in the states, which is supposed to give you a bit more meat of the plot. Again, so I hear.
Months ago, I remember reading that The RZA, the mastermind behind the greatest rap collective of all time, the Wu Tang Clan, was working on his first movie.
Then I was all distracted by his role in GI Joe: Retaliation, and then was disappointed when Paramount moved the flick back a year, thus taking Dwayne and RZA away from me.
But the internet delivered, and reminded me that The Man With The Iron Fists is still on the way.
A marital arts film directed by, starring, and co-written by (with Eli Roth)Â RZA, this is a crazy as all get out flick produced by Quentin Tarantino. Â Also starring Lucy Liu, ex-wrestler Dave Bautista, and Russell Crowe for some reason, the red-band (read: NSFW) hit IGN today. Check it out.
HOW DOPE WAS THAT? HELL YES.
The Man with the Iron Fists hits theaters on October 26th, 2012.
With the culmination of “Marvel Phase One” from Marvel Studios leading to the box office record breaking The Avengers, it should come as no surprise that the team is hard at work at “Phase Two”…and the rumors and information have broken hard this week.
Earlier this week, all we knew for sure was coming down the pike, we’d have Iron Man 3, Thor 2 and Captain America 2 and a rumored theatrical interpretation of Black Panther.
Then, this week, details were flying all around, so lets go over the latest news, and remember, take it all with a grain of salt, as nothing is officially revealed.
On Monday, the team at The Playlist had a special edition of their podcast, which included insider information about the future of Marvel Studios - here’s a summary of what was said:
Thor 2 features the Executioner and the Enchantress as the lead villains, and will apparently introduce Dr. Stephen Strange to the Marvel Theatrical Universe, as a colleague of Jane’s.
Captain America 2 was apparently going to be about him tackling a terrorist organization, and reintroduce the Punisher, emphasizing the divide between Cap and Frank Castle. This was scrapped, and instead we’re looking at a movie with Armin Zola and Winter Soldier as the main villains, and a supporting cast including most of SHIELD (including Nick Fury, Black Widow, Hawkeye, and Sharon Carter, to be played by Haley Atwell).
Ant Man is still a go, and may be a part of the post-credits scene for Iron Man 3, with Wright directing. Word is Wright’s camp is pushing hard for Simon Pegg as Ant Man.
The Avengers 2 is looking to add Dr. Strange, Ant Man, Wasp and Black Panther or Luke Cage to the roster of heroes. Now, a lot of that sounds like some great educated guesses, with the Punisher and Pegg as Ant Man rumors sounding a little too fanboyish, but could make for a very nice Phase Two were it to be true.
Then today, all hell broke loose. Three big scoops about the future of Marvel Studios.
First came from Latino Review, who broke the Black Panther news originally.
The big rumored project to be announced at San Diego Comic Con this Summer? Guardians of the Galaxy.
The team, sort of a cosmic Avengers, is the focus of a new push within Marvel Comics proper, and is rumored to be getting a big headlining series from star writer Brian Michael Bendis.  This is apparently going to lead to the film’s release in 2014.  The script, which is described as “incredible”, is said to have Thanos as the villain (making the credits tag in The Avengers a lead in to the film), and will lead into The Avengers 2.
Then, came a surprise - the first Disney/Marvel animated project -Â Big Hero 6.
Not sure who they are? Don’t worry, they’re not the biggest name heroes within Marvel. They’re a team of Japanese teenagers based underneath an amusement park, who haven’t had the best exposure (a few short lived series, alongside a return in Amazing Spider-Man earlier this year), but it’s said to be the first Disney animated Marvel film. Credit to Blue Sky Disney for that scoop.
Finally, just as I was about to write this post, new word on Ant Man.
The Hollywood Reporter broke exclusive news that Edgar Wright has just wrapped on shooting test footage for a film about the size changing hero. As they rightly point out, many times, test footage is shot, but goes nowhere, but after years of rumors, it’s nice to see some level of movement.
The fact is, all of these rumors could be wrong. None may pan out, but eyes now are locked onto Marvel Studio’s panel appearance at San Diego Comic Con this year, where we are supposed to get final word on the future of the Marvel Theatrical Universe. It really could be anything at this point, and I can’t wait to see what happens.
It was in August 1962 that Amazing Fantasy #15 hit the shelves with the first appearance of Spider-Man.
In turn, that makes this year the 50th anniversary of the character, and what a way to become 50. Have comics burning up the sales charts, a much anticipated new film, and you’re getting a teen sidekick.
Wait. What? Hold on a second.
Yeah. A teen sidekick.  Coming in August’s Amazing Spider-Man #692, a new character, Alpha (aka Andy McGwire - get it?), will be joining Spider-Man as his spiky haired, blonde partner in crime fighting.  Apparently Peter Parker, and a new scientific breakthrough called “Parker Particles”, are responsible for Andrew’s power’s coming to life, and in turn, the Webswinger decides to take him under his wing.
I could rant and rave here about how a few years ago, they undid Spider-Man’s marriage because it “aged the character”, and now he’s going to be responsible for a spunky teen, but I’ll wait and see how the comic actually plays out.
Amazing Spider-Man #692, written by Dan Slott and drawn by Humberto Ramos, will hit shelves in August.
Is this where I mention how vividly I remember collecting the 30th Anniversary Spider-Man issues as a kid? Man, I’m getting old.
Source: Comic Book Resources.
But, to Warner Bros. disappointment, it’s not going to be in a Justice League film. Yet?
A project I’ve been keeping a quiet eye on since its announcement, LEGO: The Piece of Resistance is a 3D computer animated adventure featuring my favorite building toy.  What makes the project unique is that, unlike many movies being built around bizarre licensed properties (looking at you, Battleship!), this flick is being directed by the team of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, alongside Robot Chicken’s Chris McKay.
You may not know the names of Lord and Miller, but trust me, you’ll want to. Breaking in as creators of the amazing and hilarious MTV toon Clone High, they took two licensed properties which should have been awful movies (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and 21 Jump Street) and created funny, smart and surreal films that hold up beyond a novelty level.
In the case of LEGO: The Piece of Resistance, we’re looking at a movie about an average LEGO man who becomes a “MasterBuilder”, and somehow gets involved in a plot to save the universe.  The lead will be voiced by Parks & Recreation’s Chris Pratt (proving that Lord and Miller are looking to build on a proven comedic talent, similar to Bill Hader in Cloudy), and in what made me write this post, this will feature the first theatrical team-up of Superman and Batman!
The Man of Steel and the Dark Knight will be voiced by Channing Tatum (21 Jump Street) and Will Arnett (Arrested Development) respectively, and show a bit of self referential humor, as it seems even the licensed LEGO sets will play a part in the film. Â Will Harry Potter make an appearance too? Given the Warner Bros connection, it has to happen.
LEGO: The Piece of Resistance is set to hit theaters on February 28th, 2014.
Source: Variety
Once again, the awesome team at Gallery 1988 strikes with a wonderful art show celebrating a beloved television show.
The object of lust this time is the early 2000’s classic sitcom Arrested Development, in a multimedia show known as There’s Always Money in the Banana Stand.
The official kick-off event is at Gallery 1988 Melrose this Friday night, June 29th, 2012, and the show is on display through July 21st, 2011.
I’ve included a gallery of some of the absolutely lovely art being showcased at the event - I think my favorites of this small glimpse at the full show are the Beatles-esq print and the Gob Banana doll.
What’s your favorite? Will you be heading to Melrose to see the show? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Source: Laughing Squid.
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With the ongoing growth of the Mondo poster empire, it should come as little surprise that other companies are forming to take advantage of the flourishing interest in high quality art posters for cult movies.
Up until now, most of these poster companies are 1-2 people operations. Â However, I think this is the first instance of a company trying to build out on the road laid down by Mondo, and they’re looking to get everything funded via Kickstarter.
DzXtinKt Originals is a Baltimore-based company which isn’t just looking to make beautiful posters for great films, they’re also looking to get the official licenses from each studio.
They’re aiming to raise the funds on Kickstarter to produce their first two releases, celebrating the movies Drive and Insidious respectively.
The Drive poster is by artist Grzegorz Domaradzki, and is a 24"x36" print in both standard and variant formats. The variant (now sold out) was limited to a run of 20, and the standard edition is limited to a run of 270, with 258 available at the time of this writing.
The poster for Insidious is also a 24"x36" print by Jordan Debney, and is limited to a run of 295 (with 292 still available at the time of this writing).
As of now, they’re about 1/5th of the way toward their goal with poster packages starting at $60. I’d really love to see these posters get made, and another great company pop up (especially in my backyard), so hopefully this piques your interest. Check it out, and if you dig it - support it!
Source: Kickstarter.
All writers can pretty much agree that they have their writing tics. Certain turns of phrase which just get repeated day in and day out, they’re just the things that we’re most comfortable with repeating.
However, few writers are as analyzed as Aaron Sorkin, the incredibly verbose writer who has given us TV shows such as Sports Night and The West Wing, movies like A Few Good Men and The Social Network and is back in the spotlight with his excellent new HBO show The Newsroom.  I’ve gone at length about how much I love his work, even if it has its repetitive aspects or character traits.
Some rather ambitious Sorkinite has decided to look through his library of work and compile a video of these repeated moments. Enjoy.
Thanks for the heads up, Ross!
The creative team at DKNG Studios has been on my radar for some time, having created beautiful posters for many of my favorite bands (such as The Appleseed Cast and Washed Out), some of my favorite comedians (Aziz Ansari and Reggie Watts) and even my favorite superhero teams (look at their awesome Avengers print!).  Heck, they even were responsible for my desktop background image for a while.
Well, now they’re producing a poster for another of my favorite bands, the Austin based instrumental four piece known as Explosions in the Sky.
DKNG’s poster commemorates Explosions in the Sky’s show in Nashville, TN tomorrow night, June 27th, 2012, and of the 130 prints being released, any remainders will hit DKNG’s store the next day, June 28th.
This beautiful 24"x18" print will go for $60, and given how lovely I find the design, I’m going to have to give this one some hard thought.
Source: DKNG Studios.
While I haven’t exactly been quiet about my hopes for the film, I’ve finally started to get excited for the release, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it. Â So much so, that I went ahead and bought my 12:01am IMAX 3D ticket.
Well, it seems if you’re like me, and you’ve decided to go ahead and see the 12:01am IMAX screening on July 3rd (late on the night of the 2nd), you’ll be getting an exclusive poster.
According to director Marc Webb’s Twitter, the poster is a curated Mondo release (similar to that of John Carter), and will be given out to all those who see midnight IMAX showings for free.
Well, considering how many of my interests that combines, I have to admit I’m excited. Â MTV’s Splash Page site got the exclusive reveal of the poster today, so I had to present the image, which is one of the more understated and classy ones from the film thus far. Now to find some wall space…
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters on July 3rd, 2012.
Source: MTV Splash Page.
With sneakers being inspired by the worlds of comics and movies, it should come as no surprise that in the land of the rising sun, we’re now seeing shoes based on popular anime and manga.
The shoes of which I write about today are coming from a new project from Reebok, where they celebrate the legendary series Ghost in the Shell with a limited edition series of kicks.  These sneakers are designed to look like the classic Tachikoma robots which are a long loved part of the Shirow created series.
Created alongside the figure making experts at Megahouse, these shoes will be available in July, but (in something that shouldn’t come as a surprise) are going to cost you. They’re going to run you about $236 US dollars.
What do you think? Will you pick these up? Are you going to wear them at your next HORSE game? Or are they just too nerdy? Drop some thoughts in the comments.
Source: Fashionably Geek.
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I guess this is just “people making their dreams a reality” day here on blast-o-rama.
As I’ve covered on this site, Louis CK has been turning his fan base into the basis of his own amazing business.
He  started by successfully releasing his own video special and album Live at the Beacon Theater, then released two more albums (Word and an audio version of his HBO special Shameless), and now he’s decided to circumvent the entire world of traditional tour booking by handing his own ticket sales.
As Louis emailed out to his opt-in mailing list earlier this evening (a message I’ve presented in full at the bottom), he’s brokered deals where every ticket for every show is a flat $45. No taxes, no service charges, all him. The tour starts in October and runs through February, and goes all across the country.
You can see the full list of dates on his website, and I’m thinking that I’m going to end up grabbing tickets to his show in Baltimore on New Year’s Eve, of all things.
The means to greatness are now in the hands of the workers, folks. The paradigm has shifted. And it’s a super exciting new world.
Making my shows affordable has always been my goal but two things have always worked against that. Â High ticket charges and ticket re-sellers marking up the prices. Â Some ticketing services charge more than 40% over the ticket price and, ironically, the lower I’ve made my ticket prices, the more scalpers have bought them up, so the more fans have paid for a lot of my tickets.
By selling the tickets exclusively on my site, I’ve cut the ticket charges way down and absorbed them into the ticket price. To buy a ticket, you join NOTHING. Â Just use your credit card and buy the damn thing. Â Â opt in to the email list if you want, and you’ll only get emails from me.
Also, you’ll see that if you try to sell the ticket anywhere for anything above the original price, we have the right to cancel your ticket (and refund your money). Â this is something I intend to enforce. Â There are some other rules you may find annoying but they are meant to prevent someone who has no intention of seeing the show from buying the ticket and just flipping it for twice the price from a thousand miles away.
Some of these rules may be a pain in your ass, but please be patient. Â My goal here is that people coming to see my shows are able to pay a fair price and that they be paying just for a ticket. Â Not also paying an exhorbanant fee for the privalege of buying a ticket.
Tickets across the board, everywhere, are 45 dollars.  That’s what you’ll actually pay.  In every case, that will be less than anyone has actually  paid to see me (after ticket charges)  in about two years and in most cases it’s about half of what you paid last year.
The benifit for me is that I won’t get angry emails from anyone who paid a ton of money to see me due to circumstances out of my control. Â That makes me VERY happy. Â The 45 dollars also includes sales tax, which I’m paying for you. Â So I’m making more or less depending on the state.
Another benifit to me is also one to you. Â I get your email address (if you opt in) when you opt in. Â You don’t have to join ANYTHING to buy these tickets and if you opt in, youll only hear from me once in an old man’s jizz-cycle.
Obviously  none of this means anything if the shows aren’t good. So that’s up to me.  As I do every year, I’ll be performing a brand new hour (or more) on all of these shows.
Lastly, it was a real challenge to find venues around the country that could work with our exclusive ticketing service under these perameters. Â It means I’m playing in very new places. Â I really appreciate all of these theaters that are letting us give this a try.
Setting up this tour has been fascinating and difficult. Â this ticketing service is a brand new thing and I really fucking hope it works and that there aren’t any problems. Â If anything comes up, please be patient.
Doing things this way means I"m making less than I would have made if I did a standard tour, using the usual very excellent but expensive ticketing service. Â In some cities I’ve had to play smaller venues and do more shows. Â But I like doing more shows and about a year ago I reached a place where I realized I am making enough money doing comedy so the next thing that interested me is bringing your price down. Â Either way, I still make a whole lot more than my grandfather who taught math and raised chickens in Michigan.
alright, that’s it, folks. Â I’ll be sending this message out to folks on the opt-in list and sending a separate email that lays it out much more simply with the proper links. Â I am doing this because when I emailed you about LIVE AT CARNEGIE HALL, (which is still on sale for 5 dollars!) about half of the people who got the email really enjoyed the long, verbose, unedited message. The other half HATED it and would have preffered a price, a link, and me shutting the fuck up.
This way, you can read this if you like, or your can just see the massive shit-ball of text and throw it in the garbage, and focus on the simple email.
I hope to see you all on the road.
regards,
Louis C.K.
I can’t write this article without first admitting for disclosure’s sake that I know Adam WarRock.  I’m not going to say that he and I are close friends, but he’s a good dude. And twice now, I’ve had the pleasure of performing alongside him at Super Art Fight events.
What’s more important though, and why I’m writing this is, he’s living his dream.
Many of us across the web dream of making our wildest dreams come true, and for the most part, those dreams involve serving no other masters than yourself. Â To be able to put a roof over your head and provide for yourself through nothing but your own pursuits. Â No bosses. No suit and tie (unless you want it). Making it happen by yourself and for yourself.
Two years ago today, Mr. WarRock looked at his life as a lawyer and realized he was miserable. He enjoyed his hobby of creating rap music, and he wanted to make it his full time gig. Â Who hasn’t had that dream? I know I have - I’d love to blog like this for you all the time, I’d love to host Super Art Fight events around the world, all year ‘round. Â But unlike people like me, who go “…maybe one day”. He decided that the day had arrived. He quit his job, and started making the rap game work for him full time. Â And now, two years later, he’s touring all across this country, releasing amazing music, and he’s living his dreams.
But there was a key concept to all of it - he’s making his dreams happen in his own terms. He’s writing raps about what he wants - some would call it “nerdcore”, and maybe it is, but there’s an earnest love for the things he waxes poetic about which is truer than any other artist who claims that genre. Â And he’s not aiming to be all about the “hot topics”. Â I’m sure that he could just look at the world of nerd, drop some Doctor Who and My Little Pony songs and see the cash come in. But it’d be fleeting, because it would be fake.
So, it’s with that same level of being true to himself and being honest, that only one day a year he asks for donations - and that day is today.
The Adam WarRock 2012 Donation Drive is going on right now, and it’s been a nice mix of things. He’s released his first music video today (embedded at the top of this post), and if you donate to him (which you should - I did), you can get yourself two albums (one exclusive to the donation drive), a sweet comic and a digital print.
I know, there are all sorts of Kickstarters and Indie Gogos out there grabbing your attention right now, but I’ve always been taught to put your money where your mouth is - and I’ve put forth mine.
This image seemed to be gaining some traction over the web today, so I had to post it up.
In what could be the coolest billboard ever, Warner Bros has constructed the above billboard for The Dark Knight Rises in California. Â As opposed to your standard printed image, the Batman logo has seemed to have busted through the billboard, making for an image similar to the first teaser poster.
I just wish we had one nearby.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
Black Dynamite is hands down one of my favorite movies of the past five years. Â So it goes without saying that now that the animated series is finally about to make air, that I am EXTREMELY excited.
The animated series has been talked about for probably two years now, but it’s finally ready to premiere on [adult swim], and is set to debut on Sunday, July 15th, 2012.
Much of the cast returns to do their voices, including Michael Jai White (Dynamite), Tommy Davidson (Cream Corn), Arsenio Hall (Tasty Freeze), Kym Whitley (Honeybee), and Byron Minns (Bullhorn) - but who gives a damn - let’s watch that trailer!
The animation looks stellar, the voice talent is just right - now I just want the damn thing to be in front of my eyeballs! THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!
For video game fans, the working relationship between comics publisher UDON and gaming company Capcom has been an embarrassment of riches for both sides.
UDON has been able to do such amazing projects as recreating the designs and artwork for games like Super Street Fighter II HD, and for Capcom fans, we’ve been able to get US translations of amazing art books for titles like Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, and Mega Man amongst others.
Now, in a combination no one saw coming, this summer, we get a look at the greatest crossover of all time in Marvel vs. Capcom: Official Complete Works.
This 192 page art book takes fans throughout the entire Marvel/Capcom relationship, starting with the Punisher arcade game and through last year’s release of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.  You get hundreds of pieces of original art from both US and Japanese talent, most of which has never seen publication before.
It should come as no surprise that the book will debut at San Diego Comic Con in a limited edition hardcover, but there will be a full retail softcover release in November of this year.
The hardcover will be going for $100, but the softcover is just $45, even less if you pre-order from Amazon.com today.
Source: UDON Entertainment.
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Three years ago, the amazing doll makers at Hot Toys released the first images of their MMS DX Joker figure.
At the time, I was blown away by the level of detail, and even called it “The Closest Thing to a Ledger Clone”.
Well, I guess the universe told them that they could do better, and they have - with the Joker 2.0.
Look at that image at the top. That’s not a one-off sculpt. That’s not fan created. That’s a mass produced toy.
The level of detail in this figure (as seen in the gallery below) is absolutely jaw dropping. Â I can’t think of a single detail they’ve missed. The gun, the pencil. Two faces. The knife in the shoe. Â It’s completely astonishing, and as always, if you want a figure of this quality to add to your collection, you’re going to have to pay for it.
The figure is available for US orders now via Sideshow Collectibles. The price? A cool $275.
A full list of the features is below. You might be dropping nearly $300 on a toy, but you can’t say you aren’t getting every pennies worth.
The MMS DX Joker 2.0 is due to be released in December 2012.
The 1/6th scale The Joker 2.0 Collectible Figure specially features:
Specially Tailor-made Costume:
Weapons:
Accessories:
Special Edition — Bonus Accessories* (for selected markets only):
Artists:
**Prototype shown, final product may be slightly different **Battery not included for figure stand, 3A batteries (3 pieces) are required
Release date:Â Q4, 2012 [gallery link=“file” order=“DESC” orderby=“title”]
I’ve been keeping tabs on the Drafthouse movie screening series called the Summer of ‘82 since it was first announced, and last night was possibly one of the most anticipated screenings.
Celebrating arguably the greatest summer for movies of all time, fans have already seen screenings of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Rocky III and Conan the Barbarian amongst others, and last night was a true classic - John Carpenter’s The Thing.
Of course, each screening has been backed up with a new poster release from Mondo, and last night was no exception - and it certainly wound up with one of the best.
Mondo has teamed with original poster artist Drew Struzan to create a limited run screen print of the iconic image from the original film poster.  This is Mondo’s second project with the legendary poster artist (after last year’s amazing Frankenstein print), and understandably, it’s a much anticipated release for poster hounds across the web.
This 26"x38" print was limited to a run of 440 copies for a price of $250, with a glow in the dark variant being limited to a run of 150, costing $350.  No word on how many copies remain after the screening, but if there are any, you should keep an eye on Mondo’s website and Twitter for online release details.
This is an absolutely amazing and obsessive project.
Swedish artist Anders Amsell wants to recreate the 1982 sci-fi noir classic Blade Runner in its entirety, but as opposed to reshooting it shot for shot like some people, they are decided to recreate in in watercolor.
Thus far, they’ve completed 3285 paintings (roughly 12 minutes of film), and he’s uploaded the project as it stands to YouTube.
Check it out. Could you ever do a project that dedicated?
Source: Kottke.org.
Just a bit ago, I featured some new, designer flash drives from Mimoco featuring Batman and the DC Universe.
Always an equal opportunity designer, they’ve now expanded their flash drive line to include characters from the most subversive cartoon for kids today -Â Adventure Time.
These MIMOBot drives are going to be launched at San Diego Comic Con (you know, like everything else awesome), and feature unique drives for Finn, Jake, Princess Bubblegum and (in an SDCC 2012 exclusive) Fionna.
No prices or capacity have been announced, but based on other drives on their site, you’re looking at a capacity range between 2GB and 64GB, running at a price between $18-$110.
Mimoco promises a new reveal on Tuesday, so if it’s particularly awesome, I’ll be sure to feature it.
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Hiya folks, Marty here.
Since I first launched blast-o-rama in February 2008, this site quickly changed from just a general blog.
Over 1500 posts later, it’s become a time capsule of my obsessions - a catalog of everything I enjoy, was looking forward to enjoying and even looking back at things I had enjoyed. And what’s more, I got to share it with you.
Apparently, some of you liked it. Site hits are at an all time high. Advertising revenue is actually slightly more than my monthly costs to host the thing. And you’re sharing it out.
In turn, I think it’s time to grow this thing.
So much so, I have a mission statement for blast-o-rama.
I want blast-o-rama to be a positive place for you to nerd out. Something to stand out from the cynicism of the web. Sure, when things are bad, we’ll tell you with our reviews. And if something seems fishy, we’ll make it known - but in the face of an internet where people line up to be the first to reject something, I want this site to be where you can read about movies, comics, art, food, places and things - and getreally excited for them.
…but I can’t do it alone.
I’m looking for at least 1-2 new voices to start contributing here on the site. To cover the news I’m missing. To report the things that will surprise even me (and I spend a LOT of time on Google Reader!). I want to grow this into a site that not just hundreds are reading, let’s take it to the thousands. (Or, heaven forbid, millions?)
So, I turn to you, dear friends and readers. I want you to apply to become part of the team here at blast-o-rama.
Here’s what you need to do. Send me an email at marty at blast-o-rama dot com.
Give me some general information about you, where you’re from, your age, what you’re into, what you get excited about. What are the nerdy things you enjoy? Sure, I focus on movies, comics and games here, but maybe there’s even more you can shine a light upon.
But more importantly - I need to see how you can write. I like to think I’ve established a “style” here, and I’d want you to follow some of it, but that can be taught. I want to see posts you’ve done elsewhere, or what the hell, write up a sample post or two if you don’t have anything ready.
Right now, there’s no money in this. But if we grow this right, I’m not going to run away with the dough. This will be yours too.
Lets make something great on the internet.
Last week we had the first poster, and in proper promotional order, we now have the first trailer for the new version of one of the UK’s favorite comic heroes -Â Dredd.
Decidedly less corny than the 90’s Stallone film and with the always awesome Karl Urban in the lead role, the trailer sure does make it seem like it’s stealing the exact plot from The Raid (the awesome Indonesian film you probably missed in theaters, but hey, you’ll see it on DVD, right?), but for 2000 A.D. fans, it sure appears to be hitting all of the right notes.
It’s good to see Olivia Thirlby getting more work, and is it just me, or post-Game of Thrones, does Lena Headey have the market cornered on “evil bitch”?
Dredd is set to hit theaters on September 21st, 2012. Something tells me we will see an awesome red-band trailer before then.
Following in the trend of not just one but two great Toy Story sequels, and uh…Cars 2, Pixar is ready to take us back to the world of the Monsters, but before we knew them.
That’s right, Billy Crystal and John Goodman are going to college, as it’s time for Monsters University.
This prequel to 2001’s Monsters Inc. shows us how the scaring duo got to know each other, and the first teaser (attached to Brave this weekend) has hit the web.
If you dug that, guess what? There are three alternate versions across the web, too!
Monsters University hits theaters on June 20th, 2013.
It should come as no surprise that with the massive success of the live action version of Alice in Wonderland, Disney is moving forward with another live-action take at one of their animated classics.
Sleeping Beauty is considered one of Disney’s animated masterpieces, and in 2014, we’ll see it in a whole new light with the live action Maleficent.
Angelina Jolie is set to play the iconic villainess, and with production starting this month, Disney has decided to release the first image, and honestly - she looks perfect in the role.
Disney’s full press release follows below.
Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (“District 9"), Elle Fanning (“Super 8"), Sam Riley (“On the Road"), Imelda Staunton (“Vera Drake"), Miranda Richardson (“The Hours"), Juno Temple (“Atonement") and Lesley Manville (“Secrets & Lies").
This is the untold story of Disney’s most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.“ The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.
Behind-the-scenes talent includes Academy Award®—winning cinematographer Dean Semler (“Dances with Wolves,“ “In the Land of Blood and Honey"), production designer Gary Freeman (“Saving Private Ryan,“ “The Bourne Supremacy"), two-time Oscar® nominated costume designer Anna B. Sheppard (“Schindler’s List,“ “The Pianist") and seven-time Academy Award—winning makeup artist Rick Baker (“Planet of the Apes,“ “Men in Black").
“Maleficent" is scheduled for a March 14, 2014 release in 3D.
See that, folks? Less than a month until The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters, and somehow, a continued run of awesome marketing material keeps hitting the web.
The latest is a trailer exclusive to the YouTube page of Nokia, who are releasing a tie-in cellphone for the film. (Yeah, really, it happened with The Dark Knight, too).
This trailer seems to focus a good bit on Bane, and once again, makes it clear the level of the odds which Batman will have to overcome in the final part of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
I featured the super cool poster for V/H/S earlier on the site, and now, Magnolia Pictures has released the first trailer for the film to the web.
The trailer is a red-band version (that means NSFW!) and reveals some of the gore, some of the scares and a lot of the craziness from this Sundance darling.
I feel like we’re in a found footage deluge right now, but there are some great ones hitting (like Chronicle earlier this year), and it sure looks like V/H/S will fit in long them.
V/H/S is set to hit VOD on August 31st, 2012 and theaters on October 5th, 2012.
Remember when those really cool, kinda realistic YouTube videos for Mortal Kombat hit the web?
And then we got all excited, because the success of them lead to their creator, Kevin Tancharoen, getting the nod by Warner Bros. to direct the movie reboot?
Yeah, lets tone down that excitement a bit.
The team at Bloody-Disgusting.com got a hold of the screenplay and well…uh, the entrance point for the audience is a unique one, to say the least.
Sayeth them…
I can’t really put my finger on why it was good, but I think have had to do with the fact that the movie followed the plot of the game and just gave us the damn tournament.
Too much to ask? I guess so.
I’ll keep an eye on this MK remake. Here’s hoping we’re moving our way up from here.
Source: Bloody Disgusting.
I don’t care how ridiculous the plot is (really, like someone’s gonna get away with taking another member of Liam Neeson’s family?), but after watching the below new trailer for Taken 2, I am SO STOKED for this one.
Remember kids, if you save your daughter from a weird international sex cartel, someone’s family will be pissed about that. AND THEY WILL COME FOR YOUR FAMILY INSTEAD.
Taken 2 hits theaters on October 5th, 2012.
In the world of movies, there are varying levels of good and bad.
On the side of good, there’s good. There’s great. There’s life changing. There’s even “great but I never need to see again” (hello Schindler’s List and Requiem for a Dream).
On bad, there’s just plain bad. There’s awful. There’s the weird good bad, a movie you and your friends can see, drink with and laugh at. And finally, there’s the worst bad, in my eyes. Boring bad. A bad so dull that you’re just sort of surprised that the film exists, and no one even bothered to stop it.
And that, my friends, is the realm where Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter exists.
I know, you’re already asking yourself, should I have been surprised by this turn of events? Honestly, I was.
Sure, based on the title alone, AL:VH was kind of this summer’s Cowboys & Aliens, a film that no matter what, wouldn’t gain respect based on title alone. What made this situation different, however, was I had some decent reason to believe that with Lincoln, this movie had a chance to work.
Over my vacation this past week, I had the pleasure to read Unholy Night, the latest book by Seth Grahame-Smith, who wrote the novel that Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter was based on (and he even did the screenplay). A retelling of the tale of the Three Wise Men, it’s actually a very enjoyable and compelling read. And while I have yet to read the book this film is based upon, I’ve heard quite good things. Joining that, behind the camera, we have Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov, who between Night Watch, Day Watch and his American debut with Wanted, has been three for three as far as I am concerned.
Alas, this did not make a good pairing.
If you haven’t already figured out from the name of the film, the plot is an alternate history of Abraham Lincoln, which reveals that our sixteenth president was also a former (the only?) hunter of vampires. That’s really all you need to know, as that’s about all the movie gives you.
Sure, the world of Vampires is decidedly in Bekmambetov’s wheelhouse, but the way the film plays out is bizarrely disjointed and lifeless. We jump from spot to spot in time, with very little connection between scenes and set pieces (besides a slowly growing, but ultimately small supporting cast), and you’re left to accept the action on screen, as surreal as it is, simply because it is there.
We see literally four decades of Lincoln’s life take place across this tale, but not a single moment feels like it plays out in full. Sure, we’re “filling in the blanks” with vampire action, but without the stories to bind them, it feels like a very weird walk down alternate history lane. One of the big cruxes of the film is the romance between Mary Todd and Abe Lincoln, and that just sort of occurs and is accepted, without even so much as a moment of physical intimacy between our leads. Abe’s black friend from childhood, Will, returns later as an adult, a moment which you’re supposed to assume is key in Lincoln’s life - but considering we saw all of three seconds of their childhood, there’s no weight, there’s nothing earned.
And this same lack of weight unfortunately bleeds into the action as well. Over his three films, Bekmambetov has built a style of sorts - floaty, CG-assisted action sequences that shift in and out of slow motion. It continues here, but is used so regularly that it almost feels like parody. And perhaps it’s because I saw this in (ugh, post-converted) 3D, but the CG assistance was glaringly awful.
I wish I could say this surreal film is helped by a solid cast, but while not bad, the cast is ultimately forgettable. Our lead vampire villains (Rufus Sewell and Marton Csokas) should be chewing up scenery, but instead take only small bites, bringing little energy to the film. Dominic Cooper seems to be trying to channel Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes as Vampire Hunter Henry Sturges, but he doesn’t entirely commit to the kook. There’s an enjoyable cameo from Alan Tudyk, and as always, I enjoy the work of Mary Elisabeth Winstead as Mary Lincoln, but there’s nothing truly memorable from their performances here. The biggest shame is the lead, Benjamin Walker. He may be the most awkward and personality-less lead in a major studio action film ever, and whoever delivered his prosthetics should be shot. They make him look less like Abe Lincoln at 50, and more like a slightly melted version of Liam Neeson, left under the hot lights at Madam Tussauds.
Really, the only joy of the film comes from the surreal nature of the fact that it exists, it is happening before you, and continues to happen. Grahame-Smith’s screenplay includes some fun Forrest Gump moments, where there are fun links to moments in history, but they’re just cursory gags in a film just longing for a purpose.
Under the right eye, with the right lead, this could have been a shlock classic. As it stands, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’s greatest joy is simply that it has happened. Oh, and 3D fans? Don’t bother. All you’re missing out on is a cool eye effect.
This weekend - go see Brave.
One of the trickiest things to do with a zombie tale is to decide the origin. Â Whether viral or supernatural, the why never seems to be as interesting as the what or how.
Perhaps, this time will be different.
According to a video found on YouTube by IGN, video game fans will get to see the origins of the Valve game series Left 4 Dead (a personal favorite), but in a special expansion to an existing title from a different developer.
Overkill Software, developers of PayDay: The Heist briefly released a video earlier today showcasing a new level, called “NO MERCY”.  This level is set in the Mercy Hospital found in Left 4 Dead, and as the video shows, things seem to break bad real fast.
This could be really cool for both PayDay and Left 4 Dead fans.  I am left wondering, however - is this the first time two video games have crossed over, in canon?
Source: IGN.
Seriously, The Expendables 2.
You have nearly every single action star EVER in your movie (where’s Cynthia Rothrock, goddamnit?) and not a single person can look excited to be there? Â And poor Jet Li doesn’t even know where the camera is.
The Expendables 2 marks the end of the Summer 2012 movie season on August 17th, 2012.
Source: Yahoo! Movies.
Explosions in the Sky is one of my favorite bands of all time.
Putting together amazing guitar lines in beautiful compositions that seem to transcend the term “song” and feel more like “movements”, the four part post-rock band has become one of my most listened to bands over the past few years.
Their music is quite theatrical, playing out scenes in your head of key moments in time - so it’s only appropriate that their songs have appeared in various movies, including, most notably, 2004’s film adaptation of Friday Night Lights.
In turn, I’m happy to announce that the boys from Austin, Texas have been signed to another theatrical project, that of scoring the forthcoming David Gordon Green film Prince Avalanche.
Starring Paul Rudd and Emile Hersch, the project appears to be a remake of an Icelandic film about two highway maintenance men who work together in the barren wilderness.
No word on the intended release date for the film, but as a noted Rudd-a-holic, this is definitely a flick I will be watching out for.
Source: Pitchfork.
Here’s an announcement which will either have the nerds very excited or very worried…
The cyberpunk classic Snow Crash, written by Neil Stephenson, will finally be made into a motion picture.
That’s right, the 1992 novel, starring lead Hiro Protagonist (still makes me cringe a bit), all about a computer virus which fries users brains called (appropriately) “Snow Crash”, is being made into a film by Paramount Pictures, and the choice of director has me very giddy.
They’ve chosen Joe Cornish.
Not ringing a bell? Cornish made his name as a director to watch with last year’s superb Attack the Block, and it looks like he’s been headhunted to go straight to the world of massive blockbusters.  Given his immense geek cred, it’s only appropriate that he takes on a project this long in development.  Knowing what he was able to do with such a small budget on Attack the Block, I have no doubt he’ll be able to properly pilot a larger scaled project like this - even in a time where it seems like no one else can.
No word on a release date or casting, but this is a project I will definitely be keeping an eye on.
Source: Deadline.com.
Next March, Neill Blomkamp, director of the superb District 9, will finally release his next motion picture - Elysium.
To this date, we’ve known little to nothing about the project.
However, last night in Hollywood, the first screening for the film took place, and because of that, the first official synopsis leaked.
Open your ears, here’s what Elysium is all about:
Elysium also features the acting talents of District 9 star Sharlto Copley and William Fichtner amongst others, and is set to hit theaters on March 1, 2013.
Source: /Film.
Heading into my screening of Ridley Scott’s latest sci-fi opus, the Alien non-prequel Prometheus, I was starting to get worried.
Seeing the movie almost a week after the release, all of the sorted online criticism started to seep into my brain. Was the movie going to be a gigantic disappointment? Would I hate the script? Was this an example of a film where infinite expectation could never be met?
Well, last night, I sat down in a tiny theater in Ocean City, MD, and finally let Ridley Scott take me to a planet millions of miles past anything we know, to take me to perhaps where humanity began - and I’m pleased to say that I absolutely 100% loved the journey.
For those unfamiliar with the plot of Prometheus, allow me to break it down for you: In the year 2089, archeologists Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Not-Quite Tom Hardy, Logan Marshall-Green) discover a 35,000 year old cave painting, that, when synced up with about a half-dozen other paintings from different civilizations, seem to indicate the human ancestor coming from a far off distant star. This could be the key to finding out the origin of humanity. The Weyland Corporation (that name sounds familiar…) funds the journey, and we’re then pushed to the year 2093, as the spaceship named Prometheus lands in this far off distant location. The ship is staffed in full including a hard-nosed Captain (Idris Elba), a bitchy representative from the Weyland Corporation (Charlize Theron) and most importantly, an android seemingly concerned with the human condition, David (an absolutely fantastic Michael Fassbender).
From there, the movie takes you into the expedition into this new world as they search for what Shaw has called “Engineers” - who look quite similar to the Space Jockey found in the 1979 Alien. As you can imagine, given the genre of film, things tend to go rather bleak from there. As the expedition goes on and more and more is discovered, the body count rises, and results in some of the most visceral and eye-grabbing tension seen in a sci-fi film in ages. I’m not lying when I said that my jaw was agape throughout certain moments in the film, including an absolutely horrifying sequence which may just have sealed Noomi Rapace’s place in the world of strong sci-fi female leads.
Does the script have its flaws? Absolutely. The screenplay from Jon Spaihts and Lost’s Damon Lindelof tends to ask more questions than it answers, including some rather odd moments of motivation and character development. But the weaknesses are carried by a cast which is more than willing to step up to the plate and some absolutely beautiful art direction - I can’t wait to watch this repeatedly on blu-ray. The atmosphere of the far off planet is beautifully rendered, and even details such as their space suits have an elegance of design rarely seen on film.
The best feature of the film, in my mind, has to be Michael Fassbender’s David. I mentioned how great he was briefly earlier, but I really do have to take the time to single him out further. It’s bizarre to say that an android represented the emotional center of the film, especially as damning as that could sound (something without emotion, pulling together the film?), but I was amused by his attempts to become human, his obsession with Lawrence of Arabia, and how well Fassbender balanced the line between curious and creepy. Coming into this film having to follow in the footsteps of Ian Holm and Lance Hendrickson, Michael Fassbender had a lot to live up to, and I’m happy to say he nailed it.
While I cannot sit here and tell you that Prometheus is as great a film as the original Alien (I feel like time and rewatches will underline that), I can say that it’s possibly one of the best sci-fi films to come out of the studio system in ages. It has its flaws, and I cannot say it’s perfect, but the movie linked directly to my pleasure center of film, and never let go. If you are a fan of the Alien saga to this point, or just love doomed tales of expeditions gone wrong, you will love Prometheus. I hope this isn’t the last sci-fi film Sir Ridley Scott can deliver to us, as in this one film he has demonstrated that he remains a master of the art. Great work from all.
One of the more buzzed about genre films coming out of this year’s Sundance Film Festival was a horror film called V/H/S.
An anthology film of sorts, the movie follows a group of friends who break into a house looking for a particular VHS tape.  The “found footage” aspect comes into play as each video is directed by someone else, and as the new poster, revealed above (thanks to Movies.com) shows, things get nice and creepy.
V/H/S will be released first on Video on Demand on August 31st, 2012, and then in theaters on October 5th, 2012.
Source: Movies.com.
While all our focus these days certainly seems to be aimed directly at The Dark Knight Rises, one cannot forget the other big superhero epic hitting this summer, July’s The Amazing Spider-Man.
I’ve continued to hope (as a Spidey fanboy) that this flick truly rules it, but the rumored review embargo of July 2nd (one day before release) has me quite a bit worried about the film.
Either way, Sony Pictures has a new poster out for the film, this time focusing on the romance between Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Â It’s pretty nice, even if I kinda feel like I’ve seen this before.
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters on July 3rd, 2012.
Source: Latino-Review.com.
Just yesterday, I posted the official cover art and track listing for the official soundtrack from The Dark Knight Rises by composer Hans Zimmer.
Now, 24 hours later, I have for you a full, streamable selection of samples, thanks to the team at BatmanNews.com.
Each snippet is only 30 seconds, so you might not get the best indication of the score from it, but oh man, it’s a NICE tease.
The Dark Knight Rises: Official Soundtrack hits stores on July 17th, 2012.
You guys know who The Asylum are, right?
If you don’t, they’re the amazing low budget film studio best known for releasing direct to video films which are total schlock, and are full of “not quite” versions of existing blockbusters.  For example, when Snakes on a Plane came out? They released Snakes on a Train. Transformers? They did Transmorphers. They even brought us the brilliant Mega Shark series of films.
Sure, they’ll never ever win an Oscar, but as they celebrate fifteen years of existence, lets thank them for filling out the Netflix lineup, and look back at their decade and a half of crazy with this tremendous video.
Yeah, that’s the stuff dreams are made out of.
Earlier this week on Twitter, I had a conversation with a friend about the current output of Dreamworks Animation.
I really feel like that after a clear second place start in the world of CG animation, they’ve finally started to catch up to Pixar.  Sure, they make some very safe plays still (Madagascar 3, anyone?) but with movies like Kung Fu Panda 1 & 2, How to Train Your Dragon and even MegaMind, they’re finally starting to turn out some great work.
That probably has to do with the glut of talent running towards them, since Pixar’s getting kinda full with talent.
But I digress - perhaps one of the most interesting Dreamworks projects is due to hit theaters this holiday season, and it’s called Rise of the Guardians.
The idea is a really unique sounding idea, yet something I’m surprised hadn’t been done before - all of the classical mythic childhood characters (Santa Claus, Jack Frost, The Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sandman) team up to take on the Boogeyman.
Here’s the trailer.
Additionally, Dreamworks has released a series of character posters which give us a closer look at each of the characters.
You have Nicholas St. North (Santa Claus, portrayed by Alec Baldwin), Jack Frost (portrayed by Chris Pine), Bunnymund (The Easter Bunny, played by Hugh Jackman), Tooth (The Tooth Fairy, played by Isla Fisher), The Sandman and finally the villainous Pitch (The Boogeyman, voiced by Jude Law).
I really like the design work for St. North and Tooth in particular, and the rest has enough character that I think it could work out very well.
Rise of the Guardians hits theaters on November 21st, 2012.
Source: Latino-Review.com.
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With their amazing track record, it’s pretty clear that the team at Pixar knows a thing or two about storytelling, whether it’s in a short or a full length feature.
But what are their rules for storytelling? Â Thanks to the Twitter account of Pixar story artist Emma Coats, we have a list of twenty-two “basics” which are key to the Pixar way of doing things.
I feel like these can apply towards any writing project, so you might find this inspirational, even if you’re not working for the fine lamp company. Â Enjoy.
#2: You gotta keep in mind what’s interesting to you as an audience, not what’s fun to do as a writer. They can be v. different.
#3: Trying for theme is important, but you won’t see what the story is actually about til you’re at the end of it. Now rewrite.
#4: Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.
#5: Simplify. Focus. Combine characters. Hop over detours. You’ll feel like you’re losing valuable stuff but it sets you free.
#6: What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?
#7: Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.
#8: Finish your story, let go even if it’s not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on. Do better next time.
#9: When you’re stuck, make a list of what WOULDN’T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.
#10: Pull apart the stories you like. What you like in them is a part of you; you’ve got to recognize it before you can use it.
#11: Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you’ll never share it with anyone.
#12: Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th — get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.
#13: Give your characters opinions. Passive/malleable might seem likable to you as you write, but it’s poison to the audience.
#14: Why must you tell THIS story? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That’s the heart of it.
#15: If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.
#16: What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don’t succeed? Stack the odds against.
#17: No work is ever wasted. If it’s not working, let go and move on - it’ll come back around to be useful later.
#18: You have to know yourself: the difference between doing your best & fussing. Story is testing, not refining.
#19: Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great; coincidences to get them out of it are cheating.
#20: Exercise: take the building blocks of a movie you dislike. How d’you rearrange them into what you DO like?
#21: You gotta identify with your situation/characters, can’t just write cool’. What would make YOU act that way?
#22: What’s the essence of your story? Most economical telling of it? If you know that, you can build out from there. Source: The Pixar Touch.
After last week’s reveal of the first trailer for Quentin Tarantino’s next, Django Unchained, a second, international trailer has been released.
This trailer is a bit different, containing some footage not seen in the US trailer, but the result is the same - you really really want to see this movie.
Django Unchained starring Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz is set to hit theaters here on December 25th, 2012 and internationally on January 18th, 2013.
As written about non-stop by me, The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
On July 17th, 2012, the official soundtrack, as written and composed by Hans Zimmer hits shelves. With the prior scores, Zimmer did some amazing, and quite listenable work (who else can’t imagine The Dark Knight without the unique, razor sharp note which always indicated the Joker’s presence?).
Based on what we’ve heard in the trailers so far (especially the MTV Movie Awards footage), Zimmer has again created an amazing score for the Christopher Nolan Batman series, and with three days between the release of the soundtrack and the film, it will be interesting to see what mental pictures the soundtrack pieces together versus the final product.
For those interested, here is the track listing for the soundtrack (the bad ass cover is at the top of this post). There are no spoilers which I can see, but as always, tread lightly.
I have to admit, I’ve been a very bad nerd.
I own, and have watched, both Seasons 1 and 2 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Â However, I’ve yet to grab the blu-ray of Season 3, which of course means I haven’t seen Season 4.
That said, I just saw the first trailer for Season 5 (embedded below), and HOLY CRAP! it looks awesome!
When the hell did Darth Maul show up? And he’s fighting Death Watch now?
This just looks really great and intense - although I am left wondering when exactly we’re going to get to the point where Episode 2 meets Episode 3…will this be the last season, and in turn, bridge the connection?
There is no confirmed premiere date for Clone Wars Season 5, but based on prior seasons, look for it in mid September.
Source: Nerdist.
I realize that in this day and age, with Marvel being owned by Disney, and Disney being aligned with Pixar, the idea of Pixar doing a full Justice League movie is something which will most likely never come to pass.
That said, if it ever were to happen, or if a CG Justice League movie were ever to occur, I’d love it to look like this.
Artist Daniel Araya has compiled a full series of sketches of design work for a theoretical Justice League film, and I absolutely love them.  Each design is so full of life, and absolutely charming.
I love the Kirby esq dot work on Green Lantern, the strong jaw and lazy eyes of Superman, the stoic nature of his Batman, and wow, what a great Wonder Woman, am I right?
I don’t know how people get “discovered” these days, but I certainly hope that these sketches make their way all around the web, and someone hires Araya immediately. His work is fantastic.
For more of Daniel’s art, you can check out his blog here, or his Deviant Art page.  He does a great Spider-Man, and in what is too rare a thing, some great Ronin Warriors artwork too!
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Take this with a grain of salt, but…
Rumor has it that this August, to promote the DVD/Blu-Ray release of The Avengers, Marvel Studios/Paramount/Disney will re-release the film with the 35-minutes cut reinstated into the film. Â This will push the movie over the three hour mark, making it even more of a superhero epic.
Given that August is kind of a quiet month for the theatrical releases, I could see where a re-release would fit right in, and give the box office an extra push.
These 35 minutes are already going to be available on the disc, but it would be interesting to see them in the film proper, whether on the big screen or as an alternate option for viewing at home.
We’ll see if this actually pans out.
Source: Ain’t It Cool News.
Months before any media was revealed, we had our first look at the updated cast of The Avengers thanks to some leaked licensing artwork.
It looks like it’s happening again, this time with artwork from Iron Man 3.
The above banner has been making its way around the web, and given that a similar logo is in use in this official poster from a licensing expo, I assume it’s real.
The key thing to note here, besides the official logo (which is exactly what you’d expect) is the indication that the Mark VIII armor will be quite gold.  I’ll have to see it in a full body shot, but I have to say, it looks a smudge gaudy here.
What say you?
Iron Man 3Â is set to hit theaters on May 3rd, 2013.
Source: Comic Book Movie.
For years, fans have wanted an amazing action figure of Link from The Legend of Zelda, and finally, the team at Max Factory has delivered.
As a part of their Figma line (which also delivered a stunning figure of Samus from Metroid), Max Factory intends to release a super articulated and beautifully detailed figure of Link, coming this October.
Based on the design from Skyward Sword, the figure includes his sword and shield, with an interchangeable face, and a really cool snap-on sword swipe for the perfect action pose.
The figure will retail for 3,800 Yen, but is available for pre-order now over at HobbyLink Japan for just 3,257 Yen (about $31 US).
Check out the full gallery of images below.
Source: TOMOPOP.
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As an avid Top Gear fan and (clearly) a movie nerd, my answer to my own headline is simply, yes.
But there’s a bit more to the story.
Jonathan Ross, British talk show host and new comic writer (he’s behind America’s Got Powers), is apparently currently shooting a pilot for ITV in the UK, which is aiming to be the Top Gear for the film industry.
Details are light at this moment, besides the fact that it’s trying to be somewhat silly, include celebrity guests and stunts, but the idea of a fun, light hearted take on film in the Top Gear feel is something that I am very interested in seeing.  And torrenting. Unless a US distribution is set up early.
Bring it on, Jonathan Ross!
Source: Radio Times.
With 37 days until the release of The Dark Knight Rises (I’ve got my midnight tickets - do you?), there is an absolute deluge of promotional merchandise out for the film, and even more hitting.
And yes, while some of it is pretty awesome (I feel like the POP! Vinyl figures would look great on my desk at work), wouldn’t it be great to have some Batman merch which is also functional?
That’s where the team at Mimoco comes in, as they are expanding their line of MIMOBOT designer flash drives to include a new Batman, based on his design in The Dark Knight Rises.
Additionally, Mimoco has announced a Bane, which unfortunately will be a SDCC 2012Â exclusive.
They’re also going to expand their DC Comics line to include Superman, and most appropriately, a Flash drive. Heh.
Prices for the flash drives start at $14.99 for 4GB (currently $12.74 due to a sale on their website) and go up to $69.99 for 64GB (currently $59.49).
Source: Superhero Hype.
It’s amazing what one trailer can do. Â While I was interested from the beginning on the concept of Wreck-It Ralph, after seeing the first trailer last week, the flick has jumped WAY up in my Fall 2012 must-see list.
The Toy Story or Who Framed Roger Rabbit? for video games is looking pretty great, and as these two new international posters show, the art style for Wreck-It Ra–er, Ralph El Demoledor is awesome, and each character certainly fits in their type of game.
Speaking of games, if you’d like to play Fix-It Felix, the game that Ralph comes from, you can do so right now on Disney’s official website.
Source: Latino-Review.com.
Someway, some how, despite being around for decades, there has yet to have been an official LEGOÂ Haunted House set.
Well, that finally is going to change in September 2012 as LEGO releases a set within their very cool Monster Fighters line which is a fully functional haunted house.
Sure, there have been some amazing and even breathtaking custom builds by fans, but this is the first time such a release has come from LEGO proper.
The 2,064 piece set includes six mini figures, such as the vampire man and wife of the house, plus the Franken-Butler and Zombie Chef, alongside such details as a drop-down staircase, full kitchen, haunted offices and other great fun.
If you’re gonna want to pick this up, be warned, it’s going to be an exclusive to LEGO’s online store, and it doesn’t come cheap - it will run you $179.99.
Source: Kotaku.
EDIT:Â Updated with a WHOLE BUNCH more photos in the gallery below!
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It’s not always a big deal when a new film is announced.
Yes, the movie Deep, being produced by Brown Bag Films and directed by Shane Acker (9) sounds really cool. Â It’s a movie taking place in a world where humanity has moved under the sea to survive - kind of a Blue Submarine No. 6Â deal from what I can gather.
And yes, the designs are cool (featured above).
But what makes Deep exciting is how it’s being produced.  Entirely in Source, Valve’s video game engine.  Really.
Previously, fans have seen films from Valve using the Source tools to promote the characters from the game Team Fortress 2, but this is the first such undertaking for a theatrical release.  What’s very cool is that these exact same elements (character models, environments, etc.) can be used and reused for the creation of tie-in games.  If the games have enough fan support, I can’t see why they also wouldn’t consider opening the game and its elements up to fan creation and editing tools, which could result in (besides some odd fan fiction), further creation in the Deep universe.
Above all else, this also immensely reduces the cost of development, allowing the film to be created at a fraction of the standard CG film rate ($18 mil, versus 9’s cost of $30 mil).
There is no set release date for Deep, but I will be keeping a close eye on this project moving forward, if only because of how it could change the landscape of animated filmmaking.
Source: Animation Magazine.
For a few years now, Dreamworks Animation has been working on a big-screen computer animated adaptation of Mr. Peabody and Sherman, the cartoon from the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show featuring a boy and his super smart dog, who traveled through time and went on other adventures.  For a while there, it looked like Robert Downey Jr. was going to be Mr. Peabody, but I assume his schedule finally caught hold of him.
In Spring 2014, the movie will finally be released, with Modern Family’s Ty Burrell voicing Peabody, and thanks to the folks at Collider.com, we have our first look at how the canine and kid duo will look in 3D. Â Lookin' pretty snazzy, in my eyes.
Mr. Peabody and Sherman will hit theaters on March 14th, 2014.
Source: Collider.com.
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While many people laugh and snicker whenever you mention Judge Dredd, thanks to the crummy mid-90’s film adaptation starring Sylvester Stallone and Rob Schneider, the concept of the comic character has always been super theatrical.
A dark, brooding comic which started in the pages of 2000 A.D., the series has always had a gloomy feel which would play well on screen (in fact, and I could be wrong, but I vaguely recall the series being an inspiration for the design of Gotham in 1989’s Batman film.)
Well, finally, fans of the comic series will get a movie interpretation worthy of the source material, as director Pete Travis (Vantage Point) has put together a dark and R-Rated version, due to hit this fall.  Starring Karl Urban as the lead “hero”, Dredd is set to hit this fall, and JoBlo.com got the exclusive reveal of the poster, which is above.
The poster hits all the right notes, hiding Dredd in the shadows, allowing the trademark helmet to shine through, and between the gloomy tagline and the blood-red title, yeah, no one will mistake this for the Stallone crapfest.
Dredd is set to hit theaters on September 21st, 2012.
Source: JoBlo.com.
Last September, DC Comics launched a game changing reboot of their entire product line, resulting in what was called ‘The New 52’.
I know this more than most, as well, I reviewed every single reboot!
The idea was simple, give new or lapsed readers the opportunity to jump in with a fresh beginning, removing the characters from decades of storytelling to give a fresh take. Â For a while, the plan seemed to work, with DC taking the #1 spot in sales from Marvel Comics for the first time in decades. Â However, nearly one year later, it seems that sales are returning to the prior numbers.
Whether DC saw this coming, or they want to make every single September a yearly tradition of being a big DC Comics event, September 2012 will be “Zero Month”, an entire month of #0 issues for the entire DC Comics line.
The stories will be origins for some characters, a look into key characters for forthcoming months for others, but in general, the plan remains the same as the New 52 - grab new readers or regain those they’ve lost.
I can see the positive benefits from a business perspective, but I can’t help but wonder - who is the reader they’re trying to reach?
Yes, I am proof positive that the “New 52” worked, but eventually, if you keep trying the same thing - you will piss people off.  Look at the number of people who are infuriated that The Amazing Spider-Man will be another film origin for the web-swinger.
Only if there were a long running title out there which proved without an origin tale, relaunch or reboot, you can actually gain new readers years in. Â Oh wait. There is. And it’s 98 issues in.
I think the key will be as always - good stories will draw in readers. Bad stories will turn them away. And it doesn’t matter what number is on the issue.
Source: Newsarama.com.
Pixar Animation Studios has a pedigree like none other. Or, at least, it did.
Eleven films in a row, with not just critical but mass appeal. Countless awards, billions of dollars of box office. They created new icons for generations of fans.
And then last year, Cars 2 happened. While it is a film I have still yet to see, the word of mouth I had heard was far from good. Sure, the box office remained huge ($560 mil), it was a decided drop in both financial and critical success from the prior Toy Story 3.
People started to speculate if the amazing run of incredible films had reached its end. Would Pixar become just another studio?
But a shining beacon of hope for Pixar fans appeared just before Cars 2. It was there we saw the first teaser trailer for Brave.
We didn’t know much about the film - just that it had Scotland, a fiery haired lead, a bow and a bear. But it felt special. Much how a robot who longed for humanity grabbed us, just how an old man on an adventure made us want to traverse on our own, something grabbed you from this trailer.
And I am very proud to say that the final film absolutely lives up to its promise.
If you’ve seen the full trailer for Brave, you have the concept down pat. Our lead is Merida (Kelly MacDonald), a strong headed teen who while being a princess, loves nothing more than archery, riding her horse across the Scottish plains and setting forth on the adventure which is her life. Her father, the large and honorable King Fergus (an absolutely joyous Billy Connolly) is a gentle but battle worn man, who lost a leg in a legendary battle with a just as legendary bear. And her mother is Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), who, as far as Merida is concerned…is just a bear. Not in the growling sense, but in the running her life sense, as it’s now time for the tomboyish Merida to marry one of the sons of the other 3 kingdoms. Of course, Merida wishes to do anything but this, and hopes to change her fate.
What takes place next is absolutely joyous. Mixing elements of time tested fantasy with medieval legend, Scottish heritage with the strength of family and the classic Pixar heart, the story is an absolute joy - and no, it never cops out. Merida doesn’t suddenly fall in love. A man doesn’t save her. While a Princess in name, a “Disney Princess” she is not, and she will stand alongside Wall-E, Carl Fredricksen, Remy the Rat, Buzz, Woody and all of the Pixar greats. You feel her every bump and bruise along her journey towards becoming who she wants to be (or who she thinks she wants to be), and every successful moment is earned without being cloying.
It’s hard to not write out so many beats of the story, as, in what we’re accustomed to from the Pixar storytellers, there are many great moments, both big and small. So many great little gags which payoff and big ones that will leave you laughing for some time to come. And Merida’s little brothers, the red-haired triplets? They’re going to be the break out characters from this movie, a group of mischievous little demons that people will be talking about as the credits come to a close.
As for the animation? Pixar has never done better. The Scottish glens are beautiful and photogenic. Hair, costuming, fur, lighting, all the little details have rarely been done this well and this lovely. I had the pleasure of seeing the film digitally projected, and picking out all of the little details just had my eyes doing somersaults. (Be sure to look at the detail in the fur of Angus, Merida’s horse - the lighting done there is nothing short of astonishing).
But it wouldn’t be worthwhile if the magic weren’t there, and it truly is. The cast of the film isn’t huge, the number of talking parts are probably less than a dozen, but you really get a great feeling for each member of the cast. Every voice actor brings their A-Game, and you feel like the world of Brave is one which you never want to leave.
In a blockbuster summer full of capes, heroes, explosions and other epic tales, the film that might leave me with the most is the one that focuses on the love of a Scottish family. Sure, there’s magic and mayhem along the way, but the fact is, Brave is a film full of heart. And if you let it in, it will fill yours too. The Pixar record is back on track.
Absolute highest recommendation.
Has it really only been a dozen weeks that I’ve been doing this? Â I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed putting my comic thoughts into the ether, and I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading them just as well.
This week is one of controversy, as the much maligned Before Watchmen project starts at DC.  I wasn’t sure if I was going to give it a go, but with the beautiful Darwyn Cooke artwork filling the pages of the first issue, I thought I’d at least give it a shot. As for the rest? We have some favorites, as new issues of Animal Man and Ultimate Comics Spider-Man hit the shelves. But let’s get to why we’re here - THE REVIEWS!
Images are, as always, thanks to iFanboy.com, who always help me keep track of my ‘to read’ list each week.
Action Comics #10 Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Rags Morales
This is a pretty gutsy issue for Morrison. After my worries that Morrison was, upon returning to Earth One Superman, going to become boring and complacent, turned out to be very unnecessary, as he has shifted the origins of Superman to a very unique degree. Killing off the identity of Clark Kent (and making a new one) is an incredibly ballsy move, which I can’t wait to see how it plays out. Also, the new villain, Nimrod the Hunter, while being kind of a blatant Kraven rip-off (not helping the Clark Kent as Peter Parker comparisons from the beginning of this reboot) could prove to be quite interesting, if he plays out right.
Animal Man #10 Written by Jeff Lemire, Art by Steve Pugh
The journey of Buddy Baker through the Red continues here, and the life of the Baker family continues to get strange with their meet up with the Justice League Dark team. Â As always, Lemire balances both the supernatural and the mundane incredibly well (and Pugh gets to shine with some really screwed up creations within the Red), and the wrap up at the end of the issue could lead to some very interesting turns of events. Â A solid mid-story issue, feeding you just enough while keeping you wanting for more.
Avengers vs. X-Men #5 Written by Matt Fraction, Art by John Romita Jr.
I had wondered reading the prior four issues how the hell that they’d get the story to expand out to 12 issues, and sure enough, this issue is the one that makes it clear. Â Unlike other people, I’m not necessarily feeling like the twist in the end is a “jump the shark” moment for the series, but I do feel like that how they handle this will guide how the series plays out and is looked back upon. Â One minor, silly complaint, art wise - I really think if Stark designed a ship/suit that big, it’d look WAY cooler than how Romita designed it. Â Nerd rage, maybe, but I wanted it to look AWESOMER.
Before Watchmen: The Minutemen #1 Written by Darwyn Cooke, Art by Darwyn Cooke
OK - I know it’s very hard to do this, but let’s seperate the ongoing issues between Moore and DC Comics from this book.  In short, I don’t feel like it should have been made especially without Moore’s OK.  And I don’t think that the story needs further exploring.  That said, on its own merits? This is an extremely well made comic book.  Cooke’s writing is simple, setting up each character through the eyes of Hollis Mason, but it draws the character into each hero’s appeal, some dark and violent, some flirty and sexual, all rawer than any standard superhero.  Cooke’s art is beautiful here, on par with his work in The New Frontier and it perfectly fits within the narrative, even when such a simple style is subverted by darker writing.  I just wish it were connected to a different property. I really loved this comic - and I hate myself for it.  Is that what anyone wants?
Harbinger #1 Written by Joshua Dysart, Art by Khari Evans
The reboot and return of the Valiant Comics universe continues here. Â In its time, the 90’s version of Harbinger was the Valiant equivalent of X-Men, featuring a team of super powered teens. Â The modern version remains the same, albeit a group of more screwed up ones. Â The lead is Peter Stanchek, a 17 year old on the run with psychic powers, who isn’t afraid to abuse the powers to his advantage. Â As a first issue? This is great - you get setup, intrigue, a very cool premise and solid art and dialogue to boot. Â I only vaguely remember Valiant from my childhood, but in this reboot, so far, they are two for two.
The Invincible Iron Man #518 Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca
“Long Way Down” continues as we get to see Rhodey run rampant with the new Tron-esq Iron Man armor. Â Larroca shines here, getting to do big robot blowup action as we fans get to drool over Tony’s new tech. Â Back in the world of plot, Tony gets to reveal to the world (via press conference) that he’s no longer IM, Spymaster has his last stand at Stark Resilent, and well - things finally seem to be falling apart for the Mandarin. Â It’s a quick paced, heart pounding read, and again, Fraction’s run continues it excellence, years in.
Sweet Tooth #34 Written and Drawn by Jeff Lemire
As we’re now heading towards the end of the line for the amazing post-apocalyptic tale Sweet Tooth, creator Jeff Lemire is using the remaining issues to tie up all the loose ends.  This includes giving fans a look into the past of Doug and Johnny, two members of the camp which Gus found himself in and escaped from.  Predicatably, it’s a very screwed up story involving dark childhoods and even darker decisions made as adults.  Lemire continues to permeate the screwed up fairy tale feeling of his comic, and giving these characters depth was a nice move before we come to our conclusion.
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #11 Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by David Marquez
It’s an all killer, no filler issue as Miles gets to team up with his Uncle (the Prowler) to take down the Scorpion. Â This is the first time we get to see a confident Miles run as Spider-Man, and the action is pitch perfect. Â I really love how different Miles is from Peter Parker as Spider-Man, with a hilarious awkwardness to everything he does. I loved his speech to the cops at the end - so so funny. Â I’m really finally starting to not miss Peter as Spider-Man, and I do wonder how the Aunt May plot hinted at the end will play out. This is my Pick of the Week.
X-O Manowar #2 Written by Robert Venditti, Art by Cary Nord
The second issue of X-O Manowar picks up right where the first left off, and I can’t help but get a John Carter vibe from this run. I’m not 100% familiar with the original, but yeah, you have the savage in an alien world vibe, and of course, things go crazy from there.  The issue leads to its obvious end (putting our lead in the titular armor), but its not predictable enough to throw me off.  Now lets just hope the plot comes into play after this issue.
What’s due up for next week?
While we are in the heat of the Summer 2012 movie season, it’s always nice to start looking ahead to 2013.
We’re supposed to finally get the Superman reboot Man of Steel amongst other films, but the movie that I am most salivating over is Pacific Rim, director Guillermo Del Toro’s big budget homage to giant robots and equally as giant monsters.
Mr. Del Toro did an interview with the magazine Total Film to discuss the project, but more importantly, we have the first shot from the movie (at the top of the post) featuring Idris Elba at his most bad ass, wearing what I’d assume is a suit to pilot one of the mechs featured in the film.
Want to get really excited? Here’s a block quote from the article.
When we’re talking about the physicality of the fight, we ended up building several blocks of Hong Kong. And literally demolished them. We built a building and then we took down the buildings.
We built command centres of the robots that were the size of the house. We started them on hydraulic rigs that shoot and elevated them and moved them round so you could really get a sense of the physical nature driving a robot like this. Hell yes. Del Toro goes on to call the project “the best creative experience I’ve ever had in Hollywood.”
I am GIDDY for this project.
Pacific Rim is set to hit theaters on July 12th, 2013. I hope we see a teaser trailer before the Summer is out.
Source: Comic Book Movie.
Many times, that just isn’t true. It’s easy from where we sit to play armchair quarterback in the decisions made in all of our biggest interests, whether it’s music, movies, politics, comics or whatever else we obsess over.
That said, for me, there are few things more enjoyable to read or look over than when a true talent shows a proper eye for re-creation. Tearing something down and rebuilding it to something new, yet which is true to the source.
That’s why I like blogs like Project Rooftop, which showcases dozens of artist’s redesigns for different comic characters. And it’s why I’m writing about the work of Aaron Diaz today.
Mr. Diaz is better known as the creator of the stylish and hyper detailed webcomic Dresden Codak, but on his Tumblr page, he’s taken the time to toss around some ideas for some redesigns and reinterpretations of different classic comic heroes.
However, he just posted his ideas for a new take on X-Men, and I really really felt that I had to share it. You can check out the full post at the source link, but I’ve included his team shot up top, which gives you an idea of the modern look he’s given the team.
Some concepts are radical, but more than any other of his reboot ideas so far, this is one that I really, really want to read (which says a lot, as I loved his Batman ideas).
I hope someone at Marvel is reading this post and considering an offer. Yeah, I know they just did the Season One update (which really was an enjoyable read), but seeing a 6 issue version of this X-Men would be a joy. Check it out.
Source: Indistinguishable From Magic.
This Christmas, Quentin Tarantino brings another violent tale of revenge to the screen with Django Unchained.
Starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz and Leonardo DiCaprio in a Civil War era tale of slaves, bounty hunters and violence, the first trailer hit the web today, and it looks like a hell of a thing. The normal anachronistic craziness you’ve come to expect from QT is in full effect, complete with pitch perfect music selections. Just hit play already!
Django Unchained hits theaters on December 25th, 2012.
The mighty Marvel movie universe certainly has had an impressive phase one with theatrical interpretations of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, The Hulk and finally (and most successfully) The Avengers.
The future slate for Marvel Studios includes Iron Man 3 and returns to the world of Captain America and Thor, but there are two movie slots wide open in 2014, for new characters.
There has been much talk as to what characters will get their own films, but the team at Latino-Review.com got an exclusive, and got a pre-SDCC exclusive, saying that the next big Marvel movie franchise will be Black Panther.
Black Panther, also known as T’Challa, first appeared in the 1970s in Marvel Comics, and is no stranger with multimedia properties, having had an animated series on BET and flirted with theatrical development with Wesley Snipes in the lead.
Personally, I’ve never read any of the Black Panther solo books, but he’s always been an interesting character when presented in the big crossovers or as a member of the Avengers, so I could see him being a great new addition to the theatrical universe.
Look for the official word from Marvel at San Diego Comic Con next month.
Source: Latino-Review.com.
Possibly the last gasp of the Summer, the Will Ferrell/Zach Galifinakis “political” comedy, The Campaign is getting ready to hit theaters on August 10th, 2012 and in turn, Warner Bros is doing the full promotional push to ensure you see it in theaters.
I’ve already featured the trailer(s) for the film here on blast-o-rama in the past, but now we have two new posters for the movie, which not only emphasize their height difference, but definitely gives the right feeling for the movie.
Are you excited for The Campaign? Will you be seeing it this August? Sound off in the comments.
I already had a hunch that I was going to enjoy Wreck-It Ralph, Disney’s next animated film about a video game character, but with the first trailer (embedded below), I’m now even more sure.
Between the different game worlds, the VILLAIN SUPPORT GROUP!, the voice talent - this movie is going to be a joy.
Wreck-It Ralph hits theaters on November 2nd, 2012.
Wrapping up the large scale press conferences from each of the console makers, Nintendo took center stage this morning in Los Angeles to make their play at the annual E3 video game expo.
Their goal was simple - unveil the Wii U, showcase that they have what it takes to kick start the next generation of systems, and try to bring themselves back to the top of the gaming world, having started at #1 this gen but tapered off as this console generation has moved forward.
Here’s a summary of what was shown, and my thoughts on it.
-Ready Or Not, Here’s The Wii U…
Nintendo promised to showcase the Wii U, and showcase it they did, with a mix of classics returning (New Super Mario Bros U, Pikmin 3), upgraded versions of current generation favorites (Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition, the multiplayer Scribblenauts Unlimited) and new 3rd party titles that really take advantage of the new system’s capabilities (ZombieU, LEGO City: Undercover). They even announced a new WiiSports like game to get gamers accustomed to the new WiiU Game Pad called NintendoLand, featuring a dozen Nintendo themed mini games which showcase different elements of the new tablet-styled controller.
-But are gamers ready for it?
As great as the games looked, and really, they look quite fun - I’m not 100% sure the audience Nintendo is aiming for here. Sony clearly is grabbing the gamers who want something new and different. Microsoft grabbing those who want more of the popular franchises. Nintendo…uh…wants the people who have abandoned the Wii for their iOS devices? I really don’t think that another expensive system, with sure to be expensive controllers, are what the casual gamer wants. And the hardcore gamer is being pretty well met by MS and/or Sony. And it really doesn’t help that we didn’t get a release date or cost for this device, even if they fixed a lot of the issues (2 GamePads now work for the Wii U, the Online looks great, etc.). Oh, and if the specs are true, if/when the Xbox 720 or PlayStation 4 drop, Nintendo will be left in the technical dust. Again.
-It All Comes Down To Games
While I can argue the business strategy above, and say that everything looked great, what’s really going to matter is how the Wii U plays. Much like the Wii before it, there are many concepts involved that aren’t like anything console gamers are accustomed to. Sure, Nintendo came out with a LOT of games, but if they control like crap, none of them will be worth it. I trust that Nintendo will deliver, and if they do, I feel like I’m really going to like the Wii U…but I can’t say I’m 100% sold on it until that big ol' gamepad is in my hands.
It was a weird press conference to watch - full of content, but it felt slightly detached. I really want these games to be great (and that’s true of any of the 3 companies right now), but Nintendo more than anyone else has a LOT to prove, and just TELLING me how great things are going to be isn’t going to sell me entirely.
So ends my recap of the big press conferences. I’ll be keeping an eye on the sites, and if any other trailers or other content grab me, I’ll be sure to write it up.
Source: The Verge
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It’s been described many times over that this November’s Wreck-It Ralph is Disney’s attempt to do for video games what Toy Story did for toys.
Today, Disney released the first official still from Ralph, and it showcases the titular, Donkey Kong-esq character in what appears to be a Central Station for video game characters, and clearly, he’s not alone in this universe, or just surrounded by characters who are similar to, but not quite, iconic video game characters.
Who all can you spot in this shot?
Wreck-It Ralph hits theaters on November 2nd, 2012.
On June 12th, 2012, Canadian electronic rockers Metric will unleash their new album Synthetica on an unsuspecting public.
Perhaps in an effort to curb piracy, to build excitement, or just to get the damn thing out to the public already, Metric has released a full stream of the album via SoundCloud, which I’ve embedded below.
Thus far, I’ve only heard the first single, “Youth Without Youth” and really enjoyed that, so if the rest of the album is as good, this could be one of the best of 2012!
What are you waiting for, click play below and lets find out together!
On July 20th, The Dark Knight Rises finally hits theaters, bringing together seven years of hard work and amazing storytelling from Christopher Nolan, as he reinvented the Batman saga for a new generation.
On July 19th, however, AMC Theaters is looking to repeat the success of their Marvel Movie Marathon leading up to The Avengers with a Dark Knight Marathon.
You’ll be able to pay one admission and see Batman Begins followed by The Dark Knight and finally at midnight, the third and final installment, The Dark Knight Rises.
Tickets will go on sale on AMC’s website (linked in the source) on June 11th at 12PM Eastern. I’d imagine other theater chains will be looking into doing a similar promotion.
What’s nice, however, is unlike the Marvel Marathon, those of us with day jobs may not need to take the day off for the marathon. Combined, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight run about 5 hours, so I could see the marathon starting at 6pm. No official word on the start time yet, but it’s a good chance you can work and then head to the theater!
Speaking of run times - The Dark Knight Rises has been confirmed to run 2hrs and 45 mins.
Source: AMC Theaters.
The second of the big three E3 press conferences went down this evening as Sony made their big presentation for gamers and the press alike, promising that while the PlayStation brand may be down this generation, it is far from out.
Sony reached out to gamers of all varieties and ages in their press conference, pushing their system forward, even if some of the new ideas were…bizarre to say the least.
Here’s the main points I took away from the conference.
-You Want Originality? Sony Has It.
Perfectly sandwiching their press conference, Sony threw out the big thing that neither Microsoft or Nintendo seemed prepared to combat - unique, mature and ORIGINAL titles for this current gaming generation.  From the team who brought us Heavy Rain, you had Beyond: Two Souls, a dark and unique title, featuring a mysterious female protagonist with psychic powers named Jodie Holmes (portrayed by Ellen Page).  At end of the conference, you had the new game from the team behind the Uncharted franchise, The Last of Us, a unique survivor horror title.  Each showcased new concepts in gameplay and player immersion, and while we’ve previously seen The Last of Us, I walked away from watching this presser more excited for these two games than anything else I’ve seen so far.  Sure, Sony’s going to keep existing franchises going with a new God of War and the previously covered Smash Bros clone PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, but it’s great to see the world of gaming getting moved forward - and by a first party developer no less.
-By God, Sony Will Sell You A PlayStation Vita
Last year was the Vita’s big coming out party, this year was the hard sell for the new handheld from Sony.  PS3 games will be linking to Vita. You’ll be able to buy classic PlayStation 1 titles for the Vita. There was a lot of talk with the Vita, and yes, even some exclusive titles for the vita, including dedicated installments in the Assassins Creed and Call of Duty franchises.
-Remember Books? Get Ready To Meet The Wonderbook
In perhaps the weirdest, and riskiest thing unveiled so far at E3, Sony released a new extension for their motion based Move controller system - the Wonderbook.  What’s the Wonderbook? A mixture of AR codes with on screen graphics, it’s supposed to be an enhanced way to enjoy books or similar entertainment.  What really ensured the Wonderbook’s success, however, was the announcement of the Book of Spells, a new creation from J.K. Rowling, set in the Harry Potter universe. You get to learn and interact with spells, and it’s all part of the Harry Potter canon.  It’s as strong an app for this new project that I wondered which came first in this chicken and the egg scenario - did they have the tech and want to sell millions, so they approached Rowling, or did they develop it with Rowling, and decide to expand the audience?  Either way, we’ll see how well it pays off.
After a few shaky years (since pretty much the introduction of the PlayStation 3), I feel like that Sony is finally getting stable once more in the world of video games, and it’s allowing them to take some risks that Microsoft and Nintendo would never consider. Â Perhaps they won’t leave this gaming generation as the #1 console creator, but they certainly are trying to deliver to the fan base which has supported them. Good show, gang.
Tomorrow: Nintendo unveils the Wii U at 12pm Eastern.
Source: The Verge
The super huge, always anticipated and undeniably hype filled video game extravaganza E3 officially started today with Microsoft’s Press Conference.
Designed as a showcase for the future of the Xbox into 2012 and 2013, Microsoft didn’t necessarily wow with amazing new titles or showcase new hardware (as Nintendo will be tomorrow), but they made a big play for your living room.
Here’s a quick summary of what went down.
-Hey, Those Games You Like? You’re Getting More of Them!
Microsoft peppered their press conference with trailers celebrating their 2012-2013 slate, which definitely mirrors what you’ve seen before. Halo 4, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Madden NFL 2013, Tomb Raider, Gears of War: Judgement, Forza Horizon, Dance Central 3 (with USHER!), Resident Evil 6 and Splinter Cell: Blacklist were all examples of new titles in well worn franchises. They didn’t all look bad, however, as Halo 4 seems to have flourished under their new developer (343 Industries, taking after Bungie) and the new Tomb Raider seems to be a gritty, tough as nails game that pushes survival instincts to an extreme. That new Splinter Cell looked nice, too.
-Microsoft Will Take On EVERY Device You Own
Have a Roku? Great, now you won’t need it with the NBA and NHL coming to the Xbox. Use a WiiFit? Screw you, they’ve got Nike+ Kinect Training. Use Spotify? Meet Xbox Music. Wanna browse the web? They’ve got Internet Explorer now. (No word on dubstep.) Have a smartphone or tablet? That…that’s where it gets interesting. The new Xbox SmartGlass technology allows users to use their smartphone as a second screen for games, music, movies and other interactive content. You can browse a map of Westeros while watching Game of Thrones or call plays in Madden NFL 2013. And you won’t need a Windows Phone or Windows 8 Tablet - they’re releasing apps for iOS and Android devices too. If SmartGlass pans out, it could be the most exciting thing Microsoft releases for the system that isn’t a game.
-There Are Some Cool, ORIGINAL Games Coming, Too!
While featured far less than the cavalcade of blockbuster sequels, there seemed to be some really cool, new games coming, including a bizarre ball based puzzle game from director Gore Verbinski called Matter, and a absolutely hilarious looking new South Park game, an RPG titled South Park: The Stick of Truth.
All and all, I admit, there wasn’t anything truly amazing, jaw dropping or surprising to come out of Microsoft’s conference, but I can say that if the SmartGlass technology works out, it could be huge. They’d be going right after the heart of Nintendo’s Wii U, without having to require a new system, new controller, any of it. They’d adapt their current system to the items you already own…and that is HUGE.
The press conference fun continues tonight at 9pm Eastern with Sony.
Source: The Verge
The Avengers is officially the #3 highest grossing movie of all time, so of course, it’s time for Marvel Studios to focus on their number three, Iron Man 3.
Marvel.com has officially released the first still from the film, which ultimately, isn’t that revealing. Tony’s still rockin' the psuedo Under Armor undershirt from The Avengers, and he’s looking at his armory, stocked with armors Mark I-VII. I assume we’re going to see at least an 8th iteration of Ol' Shellhead this time.
Marvel is clearly keeping their lips sealed on the movie, as the full press release (below) only addresses returning cast members, and certainly doesn’t explain the spoilery spy photos which surfaced last week - and I assumed that Marvel would nip in the bud, a’la Warner Bros. early reveal of Catwoman for The Dark Knight Rises.
Either way, it’s nice to see Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark back in action.
Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, “Iron Man 3" returns Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man,“ “Marvel’s The Avengers") as the iconic super hero character Tony Stark/Iron Man along with Gwyneth Paltrow (“Iron Man,“ “Iron Man 2,“) as Pepper Potts, Don Cheadle (“Iron Man 2") as James “Rhodey" Rhodes and Jon Favreau (“Iron Man,“ “Iron Man 2") as Happy Hogan. Set for release in the U.S. on May 3, 2013, Marvel’s “Iron Man 3" marks the second feature to be fully owned, marketed and distributed by Disney, which acquired Marvel in 2009.
“Iron Man 3" continues the epic, big-screen adventures of the world’s favorite billionaire inventor/super hero, Tony Stark aka “Iron Man.“ Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing the film. Executive producers on the project include Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard and Dan Mintz.
The creative production team on the film includes two-time Oscar®-winning director of photography John Toll, ASC (“Braveheart,“ “Legends of the Fall"), production designer Bill Brzeski (“The Hangover,“ “Due Date"), editors Jeffrey Ford, A.C.E. (“Marvel’s The Avengers,“ “Captain America: The First Avenger") and Peter S. Elliot (“Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer"), and costume designer Louise Frogley (“Quantum of Solace,“ “Contagion").
Marvel Studios most recently produced the critically acclaimed “Marvel’s The Avengers,“ which set the all-time, domestic three-day weekend box office record at $207.4 million. The film, which is currently in release, continues to shatter box office records and is The Walt Disney Studios’ highest-grossing global and domestic release of all time and marks the studios’ fifth film to gross more than $1 billion worldwide.
In the summer of 2011, Marvel successfully launched two new franchises with “Thor,“ starring Chris Hemsworth, and “Captain America: The First Avenger,“ starring Chris Evans. Both films opened #1 at the box office and have grossed over $800 million worldwide combined. In 2010 “Iron Man 2,“ starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson and Mickey Rourke, took the #1 spot in its first weekend with a domestic box office gross of $128.1 million.
In the summer of 2008, Marvel produced the summer blockbuster movies “Iron Man" and “The Incredible Hulk.“ “Iron Man,“ in which Robert Downey, Jr. originally dons the super hero’s powerful armor and stars alongside co-stars Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow, was released May 2, 2008, and was an immediate box office success. Garnering the number one position for two weeks in a row, the film brought in over $100 million in its opening weekend. On June 13, 2008, Marvel released “The Incredible Hulk,“ marking its second number one opener of that summer. Source: Marvel.com.
File this under “awesome local news”.
Guess what fellow Marylanders? We’re about to get a VERY awesome movie theater.
The ArcLight Cinema chain, based primarily in California has decided to start expanding, and it’s first major expansion will be to the Westfiend Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, Maryland.
The ArcLight is a premium movie theater chain which mixes blockbusters, indie flicks and classics along with programing including filmmaker Q&A’s and other celebrations of the world of film. Chances are, if you’re a Doug Loves Movies listener, you’ve heard of the chain before and you are as excited as I am.
What makes the ArcLight so unique is how they treasure the movie going experience. They offer reserved seating in theaters (yes, you can PICK YOUR SEATS), 21+ screenings, screenings without commercials (I assume trailers stay on), and yes, a full bar. Of course, tickets cost a bit more for this type of experience, but I think we can all agree, it might just be worth it.
This is part of a planned national expansion for ArcLight, but it’s nice to see Maryland become a hotbed for quality movie going experiences. We already have the Charles Theatre, Senator Theater and the Landmark Harbor East theaters, plus the AFI theater in Silver Spring, and the Alamo Drafthouse theater just a bit south in VA, so it’s truly a great time to be a movie nerd here in MD.
Source: /Film.
I guess a horse isn’t really considered dead until you start beating it repeatedly.
After Scream 4Â brought back the franchise to mostly indifference and only $38 mil in box office revenue, the team at MTV is now looking into launching a TV series based off the slasher saga.
No word on plot or anything, but I really think the only way that this could work is short, BBC styled seasons, where you spread out the mystery over say, eight episodes.
Then again, I really thought their repurposing Teen Wolf was an awful idea, and that’s on its second season, so maybe they know something I don’t.
No word on any involvement of the original creators Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson, or of any of the series’s many many cast members.
Source:Â TVLine.
Not having cable has its faults. Can’t watch Mad Men when it airs. Can’t watch Game of Thrones when it airs.
Oh, and tonight was the MTV Movie Awards, where they premiered new footage from The Dark Knight Rises.
But luckily, the internet is already on top of the whole video posting thing, and I have their exclusive highlight reel (which gives us more of a taste of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, plus the intense score) all set up for you to watch.
This embed may go down, and if it does, I’ll track down a new one.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters July 20th, 2012.
Edit: Not surprisingly, the first video went down. Here’s another one…
Edit again: Up with another link. Video quality is less, but this includes the full MTV Movie Awards segment, including a nice Batman Begins/Dark Knight montage.
Edit 3: Lets try again!
Over the past year, I’ve become a big fan of Etsy. Allowing artists to sell handmade goods directly to possible customers, some of the coolest, one-of-a-kind work is currently stocked on the sites virtual shelves. Almost everything you can think of is available there, and no one else will have the exact same one you do. As a recurring feature here on blast-o-rama I’ll feature whatever I pick up, whenever I pick it up.
In my ongoing experiment towards becoming an adult (which has included such things as signing up for my 401k and working towards a lower car payment/insurance payment), I had decided it was time to get an actual business card holder. Â No longer would I give out my card straight from the box provided to me from the printers! It was time to be somewhat official.
Of course, I didn’t just want any generic business card holder, I wanted something fun and great, so I directed my interest straight towards Etsy. Â This lead to many many different options, but after a few other keywords, I found the works of Etsy user DreadedPirateRoberts.
Dreaded Pirate Roberts specializes in tins and business card holders (amongst other products) featuring up cycled pop art and other designs, mostly in a nerdy vein. Â With Avengers-mania stirring in my head, the business card holder featuring the cover of the 1963 first issue of the comic spoke directly to me.
I ordered the case on the 21st, and just a few short days later, I had my case. Â As you can see, it’s your standard business card case, but the quality of the print is fantastic and is resined directly onto the case. Â My business cards (for Super Art Fight) fit perfectly, and I don’t feel like too much of a boring adult when I give them out.
What really impressed me, however, was how DreadedPirateRoberts went the extra mile (in fact, it’s what inspired me to write this post). The packaging it was shipped in was full of crepe paper to insure everything was safe and secure, and the case itself came in a cloth bag.
If that wasn’t enough, he included some bonus magnets, featuring the Captain America shield, Captain America himself and the classic cover of Fantastic Four #1.
If you’re in the need for a great yet nerdy business card case, I can’t push you in a better direction.
The Avengers Business Card Case cost $15 and was from the shop of DreadedPirateRoberts.
This week brings the huge gaming expo called E3. This is THE place for every big announcement, showcase, surprise and celebration of the world of video gaming every year.
It’s a weird year for me as a gamer - I’m finding myself less interested in the main consoles and becoming more and more of an iOS gamer.  However, I still find diamonds in the rough, having enjoyed Skyrim, Batman: Arkham City, Rayman Origins and the most recent Zelda titles, for example. (And yes, I know there are many XBLA titles that I need to check out).
That said, this looks like it could be a grand year to watch the console makers. We’re towards the end of the current generation, which means that the most polished titles for each current system will be released and we’ll start to see the beginning of what comes next.
One console maker, Nintendo started the push towards the next console generation at E3 2011 with the reveal of their next system, the Wii U, and this year we should be seeing the full reveal of the system, including a release date and (I would assume) pricing.
In advance of the official start tomorrow, Nintendo decided to have an online video reveal, showcasing a few elements of the new system in advance of their full press conference this week. Here’s what was showcased.
-Meet the new controller, not quite the same as the old controller.
Nintendo showcased the updated Wii U controller, now called the “Wii U Gamepad”. Â It still has a big touch screen as shown last year, but the thumb sliders have been replaced with full analog sticks (which feature a button when pressed in), NFC controls have been added to the touchscreen (think something similar to the base for all those Skylander toys), new handgrips have been added, and the controller can now also double as a TV remote.
-Hardcore Gamers Get A Controller of Their Own!
As many Smash Bros players can attest, the traditional Wii controller really didn’t work great for well, any title that wasn’t designed specifically for the Wii. That’s why the Classic Controller was released. The Wii U will have a similar controller for third party titles, fighters, and well, any game that would do better with more traditional controls. No word on pricing or release date, but wouldn’t it be sweet if this got packed in with the system? At the least, I hope you don’t need to tether it to the Wii U Gamepad how the Wii Classic Controller had to be attached to a WiiMote.
-Nintendo FINALLY Understands Online Integration with “MiiVerse”
After taking it to the chin, and rightfully so, with their meager online integration on the Wii, the Wii U will allow players a full featured online environment called the MiiVerse. With the Mii’s we’ve come to know and love, you can chat with your friends, arrange games, and even expand out to a full universe of other Wii U players, allowing you to ask for help on game forums, look up related news, even draw little sketches to each other (which I’m sure won’t be abused with cocks). Â They even promise iOS and Android apps for the MiiVerse! We’ll see if this costs on a monthly basis or is free every month, but again, that’ll probably be discussed in the full press conference this week.
All and all, I think Nintendo is really starting to address their critics, but as always, it will come down to the games and the game play. Hopefully we’ll see how those work out this week.
Here’s the schedule for the big 3 press conferences, which I’ll try to write up on here with my own perspective of someone who isn’t really enamored with the current world of gaming. In other words, a new Call of Duty isn’t going to impress me.
Given the intense collector love of limited edition sneakers, and the fact that the collectors market pretty much rules comics, it was only a time before the two became close friends.
So, it’s of little surprise that Reebok has teamed up with Marvel Comics for a limited edition run of shoes.
Release date and pricing for these shoes is yet to be announced, but if it’s anything like the excitement seen for Nike’s limited run shoes, sneaker heads and comic nerds alike will be fighting hard to get these kicks.
The run of shoes includes obvious favorites like Spider-Man, Captain America, Venom and Deadpool, but also some unique choices like the White Queen and Sabertooth. Â I think my favorites from the line are the super slick Red Skull sneakers and the character appropriate Sabertooth boots.
Check out a full gallery below.
Source: /Film.
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Despite what you may think from this blog, I don’t often get invited to many black tie galas.
However, if I were to start getting invited to them and I needed documents on the go, I’ve found the perfect accessory for such occasions - R2D2 USB Flash Drive Cufflinks.
As you can see from the above photo, each cufflink (in addition to being a classy shout out to the most heroic robot OF ALL TIME)Â doubles as a 2GB USB drive.
The cufflinks are available for pre-order today, but you better have the dough, as they’re going for $200!
Earlier this evening, I killed some time on the Apple Movie Trailers page.
Normally, I’m pretty on the ball about upcoming movies, but there were two trailers I missed for movies that now, I am pretty damn excited for.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is a unique looking dramatic romantic comedy starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightley, amongst others (including Patton Oswalt). The idea is simple - the world is about to end, so Carell and Knightley, neighbors, decide to help each other on their final wishes on this plane - Carell to find a long lost love, Knightley to be reunited with her family.  From the trailer it appears to be a darker road comedy with a lot of heart, and now I’m very excited to see it.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is set to hit theaters on June 22nd, 2012.
Indie Game: The Movie is definitely something that you would assume that I would already know about. A Canadian documentary looking into the victories, difficulties, struggles and losses in the world of independent video game development, this has been shown (and won awards) at Sundance, and looks simply sublime.
With a soundtrack by Jim Guthrie (who’s work was featured in the amazing iOS game Sword & Sworcery), you go behind the scenes in the creation of Braid, Fez and Super Meat Boy.
Indie Game: The Movie will be available for download here on June 12th, 2012, or you can pre-order the DVD or Blu-Ray here.
See! I told you guys I’d get back on the ball eventually.
This is sort of an off week for the world of comics, as its a lot of annuals, and not so many of the standard comics. That DOESN’T mean that there’s nothing worth reading though. Â Here’s what I thought of this weeks books.
The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #39 Written by Brian Reed, Art by Lee GarbettÂ
It’s a Wonderful Life for Webhead as we see what the world would be like if Spider-Man never existed. Peter’s messing around with new tech at Horizon when things go awry and he is removed from the timeline, and starts bouncing around others. Â Sounds good, but it’s not quite what you want. Sure, some of the art is fun (when he falls back into being a teenager, the art is 60’s Ditko styled), but the writing was too flawed for me to totally get into it. Â I mean, the book really does underline that EVERYTHING would be better if Spider-Man never existed…and how the hell did Uncle Ben learn how timelines work? Weird stuff. Glad it was just a little distraction of an annual.
America’s Got Powers #2 Written by Jonathan Ross, Art by Bryan Hitch
What looked like a simple spoof of reality shows by way of superpowers gets a little deeper, as we touch into the often treaded realm of superpowers as racial analogy (complete with stars on jackets?), but the story gets a bit deeper.  I have to admit, last month I was a little cold on this book, however with this issue I’m digging the series a bit more.  Maybe America’s Got Powers will turn out great. We’ll see.
Animal Man Annual #1 Written by Jeff Lemire, Art by Timothy Green II
Paralleling the current events in both Animal Man and Swamp Thing, we get a tale of the respective Animal Man and Swamp Thing of the 1800’s, as we see how the quiet war between humanity and the rot originally began. As with all of the Animal Man issues to date, the annual remains creepy while keeping you involved with solid storytelling and characterizations. Â It seems the battle between the Rot, the Green and the Red will be something to take in when Swamp Thing and Animal Man team up later this summer, and I appreciate this appetizer. Great stuff!
Batman Annual #1 Written by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, Art by Jason Fabok
Mr. Freeze gets introduced to the New 52 in this double sized annual, and while I really like his new design and the way they’ve tied him to the Court of the Owls, I’m skeptical of one major change. Namely, they took a rather key element to the origin of Mr. Freeze and subverted it, and I’m really not comfortable with the change, as it removes one of the most sympathetic elements of the Freeze character. Â That said, it still had me throughout every page, and is my pick of the week.
Rocketeer Adventures 2 #3 Written by David Lapham, Matt Wagner, & Kyle Baker, Art by Chris Sprouse & Karl Story, Eric Canete, & Kyle BakerÂ
I continue to read Rocketeer Adventures as a pallet cleanser to the other, more continuity heavy comics I read, and as always, it delivers appropriately.  Stellar art, fun writing, and one of the most under appreciate characters in comicdom come together for a truly enjoyable read. If you’ve ever liked the Rocketeer character and you haven’t been grabbing these issues, I recommend both Adventures trades, as they let all sorts of creators play in the sandbox.  Fun, breezy and always puts a smile on my face - if that isn’t what comics is about, I’m not sure what is.
Ultimate Comics The Ultimates #11 Written by  Jonathan Hickman & Sam Humphries, Art by Luke Ross
It’s been 11 issues of The Ultimates versus Reed Richards and the Children, and I think this is the longest that any Marvel comic has ever let the villains win. Washington DC doesn’t exist anymore, the Ultimates are fugitives, SHIELD is shut down, everything is looking worse and worse and worse. But, I think the bright side is coming in an unlikely source…the West Coast Ultimates. Really. And as lame as that sounds, this comic sure has me excited for its possibilities, but I hope the win won’t happen too soon. I really love the villainous version of Reed Richards in the Ultimate U, and hope that we learn more about this intensely fascinating version of this character before his inevitable (?) defeat.
The Walking Dead #98 Written by Robert Kirkman, Art by Charlie Adlard
“Something to Fear” continues with a vengeance as a popular character is killed off, Rick and crew continue to deal with pissed off outsiders, and the action kicks back up. Â I have to say that I’m surprised that Kirkman let such a big thing happen just BEFORE issue #100 (which they are hyping as a big change), and I really do like the new outsiders as antagonists. We’re seeing a very bloodthirsty change in Rick and company, and I think Kirkman’s finally starting to push that the biggest issue in a zombie apocalypse isn’t the zombie…it’s your fellow man.
Wolverine and the X-Men #11 Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Nick Bradshaw
Wolverine and the X-Men continues to show how to do a tie-in right, as not only do we get amazing perspective on Wolverine’s mindset in the Avengers vs. X-Men conflict and what he plans to do with Hope, but we get a kick ass battle between Iceman and Red Hulk, which underlines my thought from childhood age to today which is that Bobby Drake is one of the best characters in the X-Men roster. Â Also, for us long time Wolverine and the X-Men readers, is there anything more enjoyable than seeing Kid Gladiator ready to throw himself into the mix? I just hope he doesn’t get killed off.
Welp, that wraps up May for comics. What will I be getting as my first comics for June? According to Diamond, next week I’ll be reviewing these comics for you:
One of my favorite memories of 2011 was the reunion of The Dismemberment Plan. Â Easily one of my favorite bands of all time, The Dismemberment Plan were a band who unfortunately I never got to see before their breakup (despite the fact that they were based in DC, an hour south of me).
The show was an absolute joy, and I think the great response to the shows finally has pushed Travis Morrison, lead singer and creative force behind the DPlan to finally release some lost solo works of his.
After performing as part of the Dismemberment Plan, Morrison briefly went solo as The Travis Morrison Hellfighters.  They release one record, All Y’all in 2007, but there were some songs which never saw the light of day, until today.
Bad Friend Records has aligned themselves with Morrison to release an EP of these songs, titled Crusin' (All Night Long), and you can stream them, download a copy, or even get a physical album right here.
Who knows, maybe we’ll see more one day, if this is successful enough!
If you’d like to check it out before you buy it, here’s a stream!
Source: The A.V. Club.
[caption id=“attachment_6876” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Click to Pre-Order the Five-Disc Edition![/caption]
As an unabashed Pixar fan, I’ve been quickly snatching up every new release and of course, re-release, on Blu-Ray. Â Minus Cars 2Â so far. But that’s besides the point.
This December, Pixar’s greatest success will finally hit shelves in glorious HD, as Finding Nemo makes a splash on December 4th, 2012.
[caption id=“attachment_6875” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Click to Order the Three-Disc Edition![/caption]
Like most Disney releases these days, you’ll have two separate options to snag it, a Five-Disc set including a 3D Blu-Ray, 2D Blu-Ray, Extras Disc, DVD and Digital Copy or a Three-Disc option with a 2D Blu-Ray, Extras Disc and DVD.
The Three-Disc option is currently going for $27.99Â on Amazon.com, but the Five-Disc version is up for $34.99. That said, if you act fast, you can nab an $8Â coupon for the Five-Disc set, which drops it down to $26.99. Â As always, the Pre-Order price guarantee is in effect, so you might get it for cheaper.
Now, when is Brave hitting Blu-Ray?
It was only a matter of time that this was going to happen. Â First, we had the really astonishingly great LEGO sets, and now, Travelers Tales and Warner Bros Entertainment are going full bore, as this fall brings - LEGO Lord of the Rings: The Game!
Following in the footsteps of the hilarious, entertaining and great for all ages LEGO games for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and Batman, this game will take players through the entire LOTR trilogy, but in blocky form. Â As you can see from the trailer, the humor remains, but like this summer’s LEGO Batman 2, we now have voice acting!
Understandably, we’ll be learning more about LEGO Lord of the Rings: The Game for the PlayStation 3, XBox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Vita and PC at E3 this week.
While we are in the midst of what could be an incredible Summer movie season, I’m already quite excited for the fall, as the fall holds Rian Johnson’s latest - Looper.
I’ve written at length about my excitement for this film, but with each new piece of media or marketing, my anticipation continues to build.
Today brings forth a teaser poster from the UK, which simply and almost menacingly features the time travel device which brings people from the future to their murder in the past. Â This device, of course, is how future Bruce Willis ends up being hunted down by his past self, Joseph Gordon Levitt.
Confusing? Well, go back and watch the trailer!
Oh, and those numbers etched on the door? Yeah, they lead to a teaser website. I wonder if it’ll reveal more as time goes on.
Looper hits theaters on September 28th, 2012.
Source: /Film.
As featured earlier this week, Injustice: Gods Among Us is a brand new 3D fighter coming from the Mortal Kombat team featuring the DC Universe battling one on one.
Just a few days after showcasing the reveal trailer, Injustice.com has updated to include a gallery of screenshots, which makes it pretty clear that this one on one fighter is built upon the engine of last year’s Mortal Kombat reboot, and that yes, these are more extreme versions of the DC New 52 costumes.
While my buddy Jamie seems to think that the gameplay might get hung up on the “real” versions of each character’s powers and ability, I can’t help but feel that all of the finishing moves will appropriately feature each character at their most overpowered and ridiculous.
Injustice: Gods Among Us will be showcased at E3 this week, and will release for the XBox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii U.
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Coming out of The Dark Knight, fans sure loved to debate what would come next from Christopher Nolan’s version of the Batman saga.
Some wanted a third film with a new villain. Some, like myself, even wondered if a third film was necessary. Â Never the less, we loved the discussion, loved to fantasy cast. Â Apparently, so too did Warner Bros.
According to an article in the new issue of the UK’s Empire Magazine, the studio funding the films already knew what they wanted from a third Batman adventure, and were telling people as early as the premiere of The Dark Knight what they wanted out of the latest film.
Sayeth Batman co-writer David S. Goyer, WB wanted the villain to be The Ridder, and to be portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio.
Of course, that’s not how it worked, but I do wonder if this bug in the ear inspired Christopher Nolan to place DiCaprio in the lead of Inception.
Never the less, we now have the brilliant Tom Hardy in as Bane and Anne Hathaway in as Catwoman.  Just 47 days until we find out if The Dark Knight Rises turned out as good as Nolan wanted.
Sadly, this is not a contest post here at blast-o-rama. Although, I’d love to do more of those (hint hint content providers reading this).
Anyway, with the US release of Prometheus next Friday, June 8th, many of the screenings will be on IMAX screens. And as the fine people at IMAX have done for other large scale screenings (Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, John Carter, The Avengers), they’re making it extra special for those who make the commitment to a 12:01am screening.
Yep, you guessed it, they’re giving away free posters, the image of which is at the top of the post.
You can find out if your local IMAX theater is giving away these posters via this link here, and all you need to do is go see the movie at Midnight late Thursday night/early Friday night. I was already considering it myself, and I have to admit, this does make the deal a bit sweeter.
Prometheus hits theaters here in the US on Friday, June 8th, 2012.
Source: Collider.com.
[caption id=“attachment_6845” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Click to Order the 2D Blu-Ray![/caption]
Prometheus, the Ridley Scott directed non-prequel to Alien hits theaters today across the globe and next Friday, the 8th, here in the United States.
However, you can pre-order the blu-ray today on Amazon.com. And not only can you pre-order it in both 2D and 3D versions, if you’re one of the first 5,000 people to pre-order, you get a free admission to the theater!
This is kinda crazy. While not a first (there was a similar promotion with Men in Black 3 last week), I can’t say I expected this to become a norm.
Currently, you can pre-order the 2D Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Copy Combo Pack for $27.99, or the 3D Blu-Ray + 2D Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital Copy Combo Pack for $34.99. Amazon’s pre-order price guarantee is in full effect, so if Amazon drops the price between now and the release date (rumored to be October 9th), you get the savings.
[caption id=“attachment_6846” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Click to Order the 3D Blu-Ray![/caption]
Personally, I’m a little hesitant on pulling the trigger so early, but if you’re willing to be the early bird, they’re sure to give you something nice for it.
Source: Amazon.com.
With Prometheus hitting theaters across the globe today (and here in the states on the 8th), there seems to be a certain level of Alien based excitement going around.
I’ve felt since watching them for the first time late last year (yeah, I know) and rewatching all 4 films over the weekend that the original 1979 Alien is still the best in the series. Most people are fans of the creature and the action presented in Aliens, but there’s something about the “lost where no one can find you, what the HELL IS THAT” feeling of the original film that just draws me in every time.
Clearly, I’m not the only one who feels this way, as artist NE over at New Flesh Prints has put together a print celebrating the original film titled “Special Order 937”.
It’s an absolutely haunting collage, mixing the landscapes from the original film with a side view of Ripley in her space suit, plus the infamous directive that makes everything go wrong. What’s even cooler is, the print brings together the feeling of the film without even a single hint of the Xenomorph creature that has defined it.
If you’re looking to get a copy of this print, congrats, it goes on sale Today at 11am EST. The print is limited to a run of just 75, and the 18" x 24" print is a shockingly low $25! You’ll have to head to NewFleshPrints.com to grab it.
There also was a gold variant of the print, limited to just 15, but it sold out as a part of New Flesh’s summer subscription, which I unfortunately couldn’t report to you as I didn’t know about them before this morning!
New Flesh and artist NE seem to be making a name for themselves in the Gallery scene (the Iron Man print they did for the Gallery 1988 ‘Assemble’ show is particularly amazing) so don’t be surprised to see them pop up on the blog more in the future. In the meantime, 11am - get yourself a copy of “Special Order 937”.
This summer, The Dark Knight Rises finally hits theaters, introducing, amongst other things, Catwoman to the Nolan version of the Bat-verse.
Hard to believe, but the film also marks 20 years since Batman Returns, which gave us arguably the most iconic version of Catwoman, as portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer.
This version of Catwoman is celebrated in a wonderful screen print, set to be released tomorrow.
Titled “Selina”, the art is drawn by Tracie Ching, and it’s a beautiful interpretation of Tim Burton’s version of the feline villain.
This print is 12" x 36", limited to a run of 100, and goes on sale tomorrow at 9am ESTÂ right here, for just $45.
Welp, its E3 time again, which means the gaming world is announcing all sorts of titles, including those you didn’t expect.
Today’s surprise reveal popped up first at Gamespot, a brand new fighting game for the PlayStation 3, XBox 360 and WiiU…Injustice: Gods Among Us.
Taking the DC Comics universe and turning it on its head, making many of the heroes now stark villains, this fighting game is from NetherRealm Studios, who developed last year’s amazing reboot of Mortal Kombat.
The first reveal trailer is below, and showcases the first glimpse of the roster, including Wonder Woman, The Flash, Superman, Batman, Solomon Grundy and Harley Quinn. Â Everyone seems to be in modified versions of their New 52 costumes, as well.
I assume we’ll find out more about the game next week, which appears to be running on a modified Mortal Kombat engine (will that Superman outside of Earth punch be a fatality?). Â In the meantime, you can check out Injustice’s official site here. I guess this means I’m officially excited for a game at E3!
It must be awesome to be Jeremy Renner these days.
Make a splash appearing in the Best Picture winning The Hurt Locker, then make a huge franchise play with The Avengers, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and now…The Bourne Legacy.
The Jason Bourne saga continues, expanding the world with new agents and operatives, and based on this new full trailer for the film, Jeremy Renner was born (heh!) to play this role. I really like how from the trailer the movie seems to fit in the timeline of The Bourne Ultimatum, and with a stacked cast including Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz, this could be a hell of a way to end Summer 2012!
The Bourne Legacy hits theaters on August 3rd, 2012.
There’s little doubt in my mind that if the world were to end tomorrow, and aliens were to go back through our society, once they get to the part marked “Anime”, the thing that will be marked as the peak is Akira.
The 1988 film (and amazing manga series) still blows me away, all of these years later, and understandably has quite a following.
Not surprisingly, this has lead to inspire dozens of artists to do tributes over the years - the latest tribute (and the reason why I do this post) comes from artist Dan Sherratt.
He’s attacked many other films in the past (as you can see in his Flickr gallery), and now he takes on the visage of Kaneda in a limited run screen print.
This print has a run of 80, and will be available online tomorrow at 1pm EST right about here. The print will cost £30 (roughly $46US)  plus £5 UK Delivery or £10 International.
Check it out - and if you need some Akira jams, I think I have just the thing!
I love that all of these great design companies are popping up with awesome prints.
New to the growing scene of screenprinted talent is Gold Sauce, a Utah based design company aiming their focus in the world of gig posters for music, gallery shows and of course, movie screenings.
Their first major print for sale commemorates the 1991 James Cameron classic, Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
This print comes in two flavors, both 18" x 24" - the regular edition, at the top of the post, and the variant edition (below), which replaces the red metallic ink for a gold ink.
The standard edition is limited to a run of 50, and the variant a run of 20, for a shockingly affordable $20 ($25 for the variant).
You can buy the prints now at Gold Sauce’s store.
Something tells me we’ll be hearing more from them soon.
Much has been said across the web lately about Community, one of the funniest, most underappreciated shows on television. The series has an absolutely incredible and passionate fanbase (of which I am a member, albeit not as devout as others), and well, it’s in kind of a perilous state.
After three seasons as a Thursday night staple on NBC, the series has been picked up for a fourth (that’s good!), moved to Friday nights (that’s bad!), given only a thirteen episode order (that’s bad!) and had its show-runner, Dan Harmon, removed (that’s ALSO bad!). I feel it’s a terrible move to, especially so late in the game, make so many changes to a show so unique - but at this point, I don’t know that there’s much the fans can do besides hope that the remaining 13 episodes are at least at a level close to the prior three seasons.
That said, the active fanbase for the show remains excited for what has existed, and there will probably be no better celebration than the forthcoming art show - Six Seasons and A Movie.
Set to be held at PixelDrip Gallery in Los Angeles on June 23rd and 24th, 2012, this artshow pulls together an absolute wealth of artistic talent, all celebrating one of the best sitcoms currently on television.
I’ve included the full press release below, and a gallery of preview art. I especially love Jennifer Jeong’s tribute to “Remedial Chaos Theory”, one of the craziest episodes of any sitcom ever. For more details, keep an eye on PixelDrip’s website.
Mark Batalla, curator and manager of PixelDrip said: “We continue to be astonished and humbled by the artists that have agreed to participate in the art show. Any of these individuals is talented enough to have their own solo exhibit. Having the opportunity to gather their artwork under the same roof is a dream come true and one we would like to share with as many people as possible. We are also honored to have artists that have worked on Community,’ such as Rob Schrab, Megan Ganz, Jim Mahfood, and Myke Chilian. The cast and crew’s close relationship with the fans is one that separates Community’ from many television shows. This is our heartfelt tribute to both Community’ and its fanbase.“
Exhibited artwork will range from framed and canvas pieces to vinyl toys, dioramas, and plush dolls. Additional artwork and video shorts will be on display via projector and monitors. Among the interactive elements are several video game demo kiosks and a table with three college textbooks that attendees can artistically vandalize. Monk Space itself will be transformed to give attendees a genuine Greendale experience. Attendees are also eligible to win prizes through raffles, the costume contest on Saturday, and the trivia contest on Sunday.
Throughout the event, the PixelDrip crew will also be shooting a documentary of the exhibit that will be distributed to the various backers of the art collective. Attendees should be aware that they are likely to appear on camera. Release forms will be available to fill out as necessary.
Admission is free to the public. In addition to markets, restaurants, and supply stores in the immediate area, there will be a food truck parked just outside the venue during exhibit hours. The exhibit will be open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Monk Space is located at 4414 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90004. Further announcements concerning the Six Seasons and a Movie art show will be revealed leading up to the event.
The current artist roster as of this release includes: Aaron Sayre / Alice X. Zhang / Annis Pekka / Arica Houy / Arran McKenna / Aviv Or / Balen / Bannon Rudis / Ben DeGuzman / Ben Steeves / Bethany Sellers / Bobby Rubio / Botjira / Brendan Suleiman / Bumbledom / Caanan Grall / castlepÁ¶p / Chip’s Challenge / Chris McVeigh / Chris Schweizer / Claire Hummel / Clayton Chowaniec / Craig Arndt / Crystal Fontan / Dan Hipp / Dave Perillo / Dave Stenken / Douglas Holgate / Eric Anderson / Erica Henderson / Fro / Fungus / Giordano Casanova / Glen Brogan / Heather M. Morris / Hector Lowe / Henry the Worst! / Howard M. Shum / Ian Richens / Inksnax / Ive Sorocuk / J. Salvador / Jack Cusumano / James Stayte / Jeff Pina / Jeff Victor / Jen Ann Bennett / Jennifer Jeong / Jennifer Steadman / Jennifer Vo / Jessica Bradley / Jim Mahfood / JoÁ«lle Jones / John Murray / Jon Defreest / Jonathan Mann/ Jonny Eveson / Jordan Allen / Joshua Budich / Joshua McGrane / Julieta Colas / Justin Crisostomo / Kali Fontecchio / Karen Hallion / Karina McBeth / Karoleen Decastro / Kasey Albano / Katie Sekelsky / Kevin Woody / Kristin Murphy / Kyle Kulakowski / Kyle McCoy / Leesasaur / Leigh Young / Len Peralta / Lou Studdert / LoveTHYconan / Lucy Knisley / Lusy DeCoursey / Margot MacDonald / Mark Batalla / Mason Phillips / Matt Greenholt / Matt Parsons / Max Wittert / Mbecks14 / Megan Ganz / Megan Lara / Michael Mayne / Mike Horowitz / Ming Doyle / Myke Chilian / Nancy Pham / Natalie Nourigat / Nik Holmes / Otis Frampton / Rad Sechrist / Ramsey “Raz" Sibaja / Rebecca Hayes / Rob Cham / Rob Schrab / Rosemary Travale / Rowan McKeough / Rusty Shackles / Sam Filstrup / Sam Spratt / Sanjit Kaur / Sean Mills / Sophie Iannuzzi / Stephan Krosecz / Steven Ray Brown / Taryn Gee / Timothy Lim / Tom Trager / Tomas Overbai / Tony Bui / Valeria Herrador / Vanessa Stefaniuk / Vanessa Zucker / Victor Camba / WinterArtwork / Yasmin Liang / Zach Allen / Zneuse
About PixelDrip Gallery Founded by J. Salvador, the PixelDrip gallery and artist community is dedicated to bringing traditional and digital artwork together and showcasing it to the surrounding community, wherever that may be. Its members come from a range of different fields like film, video games, comics, graphic design, writing, and education. The PixelDrip artists bring these influences into their art and find no difference between rearranging pixels on a computer screen or blending paint on a canvas. PixelDrip is not content to stay in a single location and routinely exhibits pop up shows at various videogame tournaments, comic conventions, stores, and art galleries. Mark Batalla is the curator and manager of PixelDrip. He has curated PixelDrip events at The Hive Gallery, Meltdown Comics, Gallery Nucleus, Titmouse Animation Studio, and various other venues in the Los Angeles area. www.pixeldripgallery.com
Media Contact Mark Batalla pixeldripgallery@gmail.com Photos and Graphics Available Upon Request
About Monk Space Monk Space is a raw warehouse and studio for shooting Indie Films, Student Films, Music Videos, Webisodes, and Photography. It is also available for private events and art shows. The complex includes a 1000 square foot raw warehouse space, an adjoining 532 square foot white studio, and 654 square feet of outdoor space. Located in production-friendly Koreatown/Hancock Park, this 80-year-old brick building includes electric, WIFI, track lighting, and two bathrooms on site. Both warehouse and studio have tall ceilings and concrete floors. Warehouse has distressed brick wall, a skylight, and two sliding wooden door entrances that join an outdoor patio and brick alley. There are two entrances to the street, and ample street parking for production trucks, vans and cars. The combined spaces are perfect for shoots that need room for production, craft services, and holding. Monk Space is a division of the creative services firm Monk Media, which delivers widely praised design, content, hosting, marketing and representation. www.monkspace.com [gallery link=“file” order=“DESC” orderby=“title”]
Sadly, once again I found myself behind on giving you guys comic reviews. Next week should be back to normal, but moving forward, I’ll try to give you an idea of when I’m missing a week.
Oh, and if you’re reading these, please, let’s get a conversation going in the comments! I want to know what you’re reading!
May 16th, 2012
Adventure Time #4 Written by Ryan North, Art by Braden Lamb and Shelli Paroline
Adventure Time continues to be one of my favorite reads of the week, mixing over the top writing with appropriately silly art. Â The transition between cartoon and comic is almost minimal, with each issue being as great as the series itself. Â The comic does a nice job of wrapping up loose ends from the prior 3 issues while setting us up for the next arc, and of course, I’m in. Â If you aren’t reading this yet while loving the series, there is something definitely wrong with you.
The Amazing Spider-Man: The Ends of the Earth #1 Written by Rob Williams & Brian Clevinger, Art by Thony Silas & Victor Olazaba
Ooh boy. This was rough. I love Clevinger’s work normally, but in short, this book was a waste. Showcasing the secondary characters helping Spidey in the “Ends of the Earth” arc, this just felt like a cheap tie-in. Not worth the time or the money. Sorry.
Atomic Robo: Real Science Adventures #2 Written by Brian Clevinger, Art by Various
And another bummer for me from Clevinger. Â One of the things which Atomic Robo proper does so great is that while each issue is part of a whole, they feel substantial. Â With a number of stories split over the run of Real Science Adventures, each part definitely feels like you need to read it as a whole before you can truly enjoy it, which makes the two issues so far feel disjointed and displaced. Â I did like the surprise cameos in the second story, but with the way the stories felt, plus a reprint of prior content, this definitely bummed me out a bit.
Avengers vs. X-Men #4 Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by John Romita Jr.
I really like the depth they’re giving the super crossover here. Wolverine is now all sorts of pissed at both sides, and acting appropriately as a wildcard, working to assist Hope, despite both the Avengers and X-Men’s hopes (heh) for the possible future Phoenix. Â I’m sure it’s going to be revealed as a “ITS BECAUSE HE LOVES JEAN!” thing, but I like it as a stubborn man trying to do what he feels as just thing. Â Also, him walking around wearing a Polar Bear skin in the arctic kinda rules.
AVX: Vs #2 Written by Steve McNiven & Kieron Gillen, Art by Steve McNiven, John Dell, & Salvador Larroca
AVX: Vs. once again proves to be a really silly and fun distraction from Avengers vs. X-Men proper. Â Sure, there are some weird continuity errors (like Cap’s shirt), but to see Cap fight Gambit and Spider-Man fight a Juggernauted-out Colossus is just a joy. The writing is appropriately fun, and while Cap vs. Gambit is kind of a lame duck fight, it ends up pretty good, which makes up for Spidey vs. Colossus’s no-contest sort of ending.
Batwoman #9 Written by J.H. Williams, III & W. Haden Blackman, Art by Trevor McCarthy
Just last month I was lamenting about how Batwoman was starting to lose me as a reader, but in one issues time, the book totally turned around. The way the story is progressing, some surprising twists and turns, and a new hand in the art side of things really freshened this book up and made me happy to be reading it again. Good job, all. Now keep it up.
Daredevil #13 Written by Mark Waid, Art by Khoi Pham
Well, all hell breaks loose in Daredevil this month, with all of the storyline loose ends being tied together as Matt Murdock finally faces first hand the evil conglomerate of Megacrime. The battle is fast and furious, and the way Waid brings it all together is really smart, and in usual Daredevil fashion, you kinda can’t wait for it all to go wrong. Wonderful stuff.
The Invincible Iron Man #517 Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca
Speaking of everything going wrong, we see the ramifications of Tony Stark signing off as Iron Man last month in full effect in this month’s issue. Â Tony’s really going full loose cannon here, but as the end of the book shows, he has a hell of a backup plan. Â I’m not entirely sold on the new armor (although, considering who is piloting it, it might not be THE new armor), but as usual, Fraction and Larroca keep readers on their toes. Â What a great run so far.
Saga #3 Written by Brian K. Vaughan, Art by Fiona Staples
22 pages of pure reading joy, as Vaughan continues to take us on a journey to a new universe full of amazing and unique characters. The star crossed alien couple continues to encounter issues (this time, with a group of ghost teenagers), and is there any better new character this year than Prince Robot IV? Â Staples art is beautiful and perfectly works alongside the story being told, making Saga my pick of the week.
Hit the jump for my reviews for May 23rd!
May 23rd, 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man #686 Written by Dan Slott, Art by Stefano Caselli
The next to last issue of “Ends of the Earth” is full of many eye opening twists and turns, and for all my fears of an epicly scaled Spidey tale not meeting my expectations, Slott is getting dangerously close to hitting the dismount here. Â I’ll say this though - does anyone else just want a Mysterio/Chameleon buddy comic out of this? And has Mysterio EVER been this awesome of a character? Ol' Fishbowl was hiding a personality, I suppose. Kudos to Slott for drawing it out.
Batman, Incorporated #1 Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Christopher Burnham
You know, I wasn’t entirely 100% into the Morrison run of Batman (he tends to toe the line of taste a bit for my liking), but I definitely enjoyed a lot of concepts of the prior volume of Batman, Inc. Â With this relaunch for the new 52, I am back in wholeheartedly, with the amazing Bruce/Damien dynamic, beautiful art from Burnham, BAT COW!~ and a hell of a cliffhanger. Â I know that Morrison’s in his sandbox, but I’d love to see this intersect with what Snyder’s doing - I feel like a group of undead owl assassins is right in Morrison’s wheelhouse, but what the hell do I know, this book is amazing without it! GREAT stuff. Who would have thought an iconic character like Batman would become so interesting in the reboot? My pick of the week!
The Flash #9 Written by Brian Buccellato & Francis Manapul, Art by Francis ManapulÂ
What can I say here that I haven’t before? Buccellato and Manapaul are on an absolute hot streak here, reinventing the Flash with a unique feel, really making every issue count while building their own version of the Flash universe. I love the new Gorilla Grodd here, and the continued fate building of the Speed Force is some enchanting stuff. Â I want these two on The Flash forever. Great, great stuff.
Prophet #25 Written by Brandon Graham, Art by Farel Dalrymple
Every single month, I am amazed by this book. At some point, I will get over the fact that a Rob Liefeld character has been turned into this star of an amazing, almost European sci-fi series, but until then, I will have my jaw agape for every page. Minimal storytelling with beautiful art, each issue has been a joy, and I think Dalrymple is the best artist that Graham has worked with yet. Â Is there a full story being told? Does each stand alone? Is it all going to come together? I’m not sure, but until I do know, I will be enchanted by every new page. OF PROPHET. WHAT THE HELL.
Alright. That’s two weeks caught up, just in time for more books to hit tomorrow. I PROMISE I WILL REVIEW BY THE END OF THE WEEK. I SWEARS IT.
What’s got my eye for tomorrow? Lets see…
This weekend, the Alamo Drafthouse continues their series of Summer of 1982Â screenings, celebrating one of the biggest summers for nerd films ever.
The film to be featured this weekend is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and it’s sponsored by BadassDigest.com. Â Like the films before it, there once again will be a super sweet Mondo poster exclusive to the screening, and understandably, the people at BAD got the first reveal.
This astonishing, 80’s pop art image is an 18" x 24" poster by artist We Buy Your Kids and is limited to a run of 220 prints for $40. No word on an official release, but as usual, if there is, @MondoNews would be the first to have it.
If you’re lucky enough to go to the screening this weekend, I hope you can get this poster - what a great way to celebrate a true classic.
Source: Badass Digest.
I believe its safe to say that if you’re a reader of this here site, you’re a fan of the movie Wall-E. And honestly, how couldn’t you be? Â Pixar designed that movie front to back to give its robots a real, lovable soul.
Apparently, they very much succeeded, as even the production team loved the robots. How much so? You’d be surprised.
According to a story told by Wall-E director Andrew Stanton at a screening of the film in Los Angeles last week, they loved the lil' cleaner bot MO in particular.  So much so that some crazy Pixar editors decided to take the maquette statue of MO to Sears, to get some lovely family portraits made.
These had never been seen before this week, and thanks to the LA Times, these images are on the web. Â This is easily the funniest and most amazing gallery I’ve ever been able to share here. I wonder what other secret fun Pixar has kept away from the public.
Source: Los Angeles Times/Hero Complex.
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This past weekend, my buddy Nick and his wife Lindsay had my girlfriend and I over for a marathon of all four Alien movies in anticipation of the release of Prometheus. That’s not really the point of this post, however.
Before we sat and watched all four films, Nick queued the above clip up on his TV.
Shot at Emerald City Comic Con, this clip features an absolute murderer’s row of voice talent (most of whom you may not recognize by name, but certainly by voice) doing their version of Star Wars. Sometimes they’re playing famous people, sometimes they’re playing their famous characters, but the whole thing is front to back hilarious!
Be warned in advance, the video runs over an hour, so you’ll want to give yourself some time to enjoy it, but holy crap is it funny.
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This blog’s slow decline to becoming Batman-O-Rama continues, as just hours after my last post about Bat-Marketing materials, another new poster for The Dark Knight Rises has appeared!
Remember that terrible looking poster for the movie which appeared earlier this week? If not, I’ll let you click and come back.
Yeah, I know. So bad. But apparently it’s quite real, as a reader at BatmanNews.com saw the poster in person last night.  What’s different between the online version and the real life version is that there’s a big ol' QR code on it. Now, what happens when you scan that code?
BAM! Surprise poster.
This latest poster (at the top of the post) features the angry looking boot of Selena Kyle/Catwoman, as she stomps down onto a batarang. Â Also of note? Look inside the lipstick kiss at the bottom. Cute little touch, I felt.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters, and we stop getting posters finally, on July 20th, 2012.
Source: BatmanNews.com
I realize I’ve had a depressing lack of Iron Man 3 coverage here on the blog. I’ll be honest with you, it’s not out of lack of interest on my behalf, it’s mostly because I haven’t begun to get a grasp on the film right now. Nor Thor 2 for that matter.
People are being courted for unnamed roles (see Ben Kingsley as a Villain to be named), really obscure characters are being added to the film, which could ultimately mean everything or nothing to the plot, given how Marvel loves to leave easter eggs in all the movies, and even the plot’s unclear, minus the fact that part of it is taking place in China.
That said, an announcement came through overnight which for fans of the franchise has to be a good bit of news.
Jon Favreau is coming back.
No, no, he’s not directing again, that’s still Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), Favreau is returning to wear the suit and carry the case as Happy Hogan, Tony Stark’s right hand man.
Given the mention of Happy in The Avengers, I figured we’d be good, but for those who are worried or skeptical, Favreau tweeted this last night:
Yeah, Happy’s back.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
To date, I’m hard pressed to think of a good video game movie adaptation. Not better than it should have been, not good in a cheesy way, just good.
And when it comes to the world of video games, few are revered more by the hardcore gamer than Shadow of the Colossus, a 2005 PlayStation 2 title featuring minimalist gameplay and storytelling as you play a young warrior who’s true love has died and is sent on a quest to kill 16 giants to bring her back. It’s a beautiful game, truly one of the best examples of video game as art, and one that - even with minimal storytelling, packs an emotional punch and some dark twists along the way.
That said - I’m not sure it can be portrayed in a standard narrative structure. However, someone is up to the task.
That man? Josh Trank, the director of Chronicle, who since blowing everyone away with his found footage superhero debut has become very popular in Hollywood. He’s eyeing up a reboot of the Fantastic Four, in talks to do a Venom movie, and now he has been signed by Sony Pictures to develop a large scale live action version of Shadow of the Colossus.
Can he do what so many have tried to do and failed, and make a great video game movie? Or will the simple, beautiful storytelling of what many consider one of the greatest games of all time be strip-mined into becoming another blockbuster.
Stay tuned to this story.
Source: Deadline.com.
In turn, I get absolutely overjoyed whenever I see unique fan merchandise for these films. Today, I’m featuring a set of postcard prints by Jason K, aka Etsy user 84/5 Studio, which showcases all 9 of the Hayao Miyazaki directed Ghibli films.
What makes these really cool is that they are presented in the classic Penguin book style, allowing for a retro and clean feel to each design.
You can get these prints as a set of 9 today for just $15, but if you browse his store, they’re available as larger posters too (a set of all 9 as 11"x17" prints goes for $70)
They make a great gift for the Ghibli lover in your life and are well priced to boot. Check ‘em out.
Source: Etsy.
This is getting ridiculous. I’m wondering how many posters the Warner Bros. design team has stockpiled for this final promotional push for The Dark Knight Rises, as after eleven posters and banners, we have two more international images for the film.
The one at the top of this post is probably the most traditionally “Batman” of the images, but I do really like the intensity of the second one (below) which has Batman and Bane in a stalemate of a fight.
If there hasn’t been enough Bat-hype, as announced today, viewers of the MTV Movie Awards on Sunday, June 3rd will get to see an exclusive clip. Of course, you can expect that clip to hit the web shortly thereafter, so really, it’s your evening to do with. Make the right decision.
The Dark Knight Rises finally arrives on July 20th, 2012.
Source: Superhero Hype.
Let’s be honest, even with the director of Wanted behind the lens, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter doesn’t have the easiest go this summer.  In a similar fate to Cowboys & Aliens last year, the film doesn’t pass the “makes a crowd laugh at its ridiculousness test”, making many people think the film is a gag.
But, based on a novel, I assure you, it’s very very real. It’s also looking to be the goriest film of the summer, as the new red band trailer demonstrates.
Never thought you’d see Honest Abe kick that much ass, did you?
Sure, the movie sounds ridiculous, but honestly, I think it’s going to turn out alright. Beards, sweet hats, shotgun axes, vampires, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Mary Todd Lincoln?
Yeah, I’m in.
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter hits theaters on June 22nd, 2012. Just in time for a weird double feature with Brave?
I guess someone at Warner Bros. heard that fans were complaining about how quiet everything has been surrounding The Dark Knight Rises.  Well, this week alone, we’ve received seven different posters, and four promotional banners.
Now, thanks to the combined efforts of BatmanNews.com and Empire Magazine, we have a whole slue of high-quality stills from the film.  In the mix, you get a closer look at the mask and costuming for Catwoman (Anne Hathaway), a nice shot of Joseph Gordon Levitt as Officer John Blake, and a shot I like to call “Portrait of Christopher Nolan as a Tortured Artist”.
Click through the gallery below to check them all out!
The Dark Knight Rises hits on July 20th, 2012.
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Since appearing on my radar oh…two weeks ago with their awesome series of Wes Anderson prints, I’ve kept a close eye on the posters coming from the collaboration of curators Spoke Art and the historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco. Â Creating eye catching posters for their ongoing midnight movie revival series, they’re starting to make me think of them as a Mondo for the West Coast. Â Luckily, since they haven’t quite reached Mondo proportions yet, their poster drops have (thus far) been easy to obtain, and allow fans to get some great art for a great price.
Anyway, following last week’s Robocop poster, tomorrow night, Friday, May 25th, 2012, the series continues with a screening of 1979 cult gang-war classic, The Warriors. Â If that wasn’t cool enough, Spoke Art has cooked up not just one, but two new posters for this screening!
The first poster (above) comes from Brandon Schaefer, and it is an 18" x 24" print of the isle of Manhattan, signed and numbered, limited to an edition of 100 prints. Â That will run you $40.
The second print comes from Grzegorz Domaradzki, giving me a SERIOUS Tyler Stout vibe (a good thing), which is also an 18" x 24" print, limited to 100 pieces, also $40.
Those who attend the screening tomorrow night get first dibs, and any remainders will be hitting the Spoke Art store early next week. Â Probably best to follow their twitter for drop announcements.
My only question? What will they screen and commemorate next? Based on their schedule, I’d love to see a Wet Hot American Summer poster…
Fresh from the team at NolanFans.com, in a week with seven different posters for The Dark Knight Rises, we now have 4 new promotional banners for the film, which (in my opinion) absolutely whoop the ass of all other promotional content released this week.
You have Batman brooding, Bane taunting, Catwoman stealing a ride on the batpod, and some serious shit about to go down between Batman, Bane and a few hundred of Gotham’s citzens on both sides of the law.
Really effective, and really strong images make these stand out, and serve to get me hyped (although I’m trying to keep myself calm) about the third Christopher Nolan Bat-Film.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters July 20th, 2012.
Source: Nolan Fans.
The movie I am most looking forward to next year is Pacific Rim.
Designed as director Guillermo Del Toro’s homage to the world of giant monster movies, it has some of the biggest potential of any movie set for next year, and now thanks to Warner Bros., we have the official synopsis for the film. Â Ready to get giddy? Read this!
When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes-a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)-who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.
Oscar® nominee Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth") is directing “Pacific Rim" from a script by Travis Beacham (“Clash of the Titans"). Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Mary Parent are producing, with Callum Greene serving as executive producer.
The film stars Charlie Hunnam (TV’s “Sons of Anarchy"), Idris Elba (“Thor"), Rinko Kikuchi (“The Brothers Bloom"), Charlie Day (“Horrible Bosses"), and Ron Perlman (the “Hellboy" films). The ensemble cast also includes Max Martini, Robert Kazinsky, Clifton Collins, Jr., Burn Gorman, Larry Joe Campbell, Diego Klattenhoff, and Brad William Henke. I love how the monsters are officially called ‘Kaiju’. And does anyone else get an Evangelion feeling from the dual pilot/neural bridge thing?
Pacific Rim is set for release on July 12th, 2013.
Source: /Film.
This is definitely a real treat for the Hadouken Heads.  To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Street Fighter, Capcom is putting together a massive, fifteen disc box set for both PlayStation 3 and XBox 360 owners.
What’s in the box set? Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix, Street Fighter 3 Third Strike Online Edition, Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition (and its DLC), and Street Fighter X Tekken (and its DLC), plus a documentary, two animated movies, the full Street Fighter animated series, and eleven discs of music.
Oh, and a Ryu statue.
You’re probably wondering - how much does this cost? It’s shockingly low - $150, and it will be available on September 18th, 2012. Â If you know a big Street Fighter player, I’m not sure that there will be a better gift for them this holiday season.
Check out the gallery below for shots of everything, including a closeup of the statue.
Source: Joystiq.
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Has anything like this ever happened in the history of modern major filmmaking?
Sure, movies get pushed back all the time, but we are literally a month away from the June 29th release date for GI Joe: Retaliation, the Dwayne Johnson/Bruce Willis starring sequel in the action figure based movie franchise. Â But with the promotional movements already in place, toys already in stores, Paramount announced today that the movie will instead be released on March 29th, 2013.
What’s the reasoning? Â The official story is that Paramount wishes to convert the movie for 3D distribution, as 3D films have been received very strong internationally over the past year. Â But that doesn’t make sense to me. That’s a decision you make in the MONTHS leading up to the release, not in the days.
So what could it be really? Does The Avengers scare them? Are they worried about getting lost opposite of The Amazing Spider-Man and The Dark Knight Rises? Does Paramount want Dwayne to promote the movie at the next Wrestlemania? Are they scared by how poorly Battleship did? Or is the movie just a steaming bag of crap?
Whatever the reason, we won’t know for sure until the movie comes out next year.
Not surprisingly, a studio has now “stolen” the weekend, with Universal moving the Seth MacFarlane directed Ted into the June 29th, 2012 release spot.
The full press release for the move appears below. Do you really believe them?
“It is increasingly evident that 3D resonates with movie-goers globally and together with Paramount, we made the decision to bring fans an even more immersive entertainment experience,“ said Brian Goldner, Hasbro’s President and CEO.
“In 2012, we continue to have several strong motion picture and television entertainment backed properties that are selling well at retail and our entertainment strategy remains strong and on-track,“ Goldner said. “Through our own Hasbro Studios for television and in partnership with several movie studios including Paramount, Universal, Sony and Relativity, we are creating entertainment experiences around many of our highly popular iconic brands. For the full year 2012, we continue to believe, absent the impact of foreign exchange, we will again grow revenues and earnings per share.“
Well, I guess I just spoiled myself a bit on The Walking Dead Season 2, which (believe it or not), I’ve yet to watch.
Anyway, for those who are late to the game, Michonne, a sword swinging strong woman who is quite the favorite of readers of the Walking Dead comic finally made her debut at the end of Season 2, and will be an important part of Season 3.
As Season 3 is currently in production, Entertainment Weekly caught up with creator Robert Kirkman, and asked him how Danai Gurira (Treme) is doing as Michonne.
Source: EW.com.
As always, the super talented poster team at Mondo is working on producing the best posters supporting some of the finest movies, both in popular and cult culture.
This week brings a whole slue of releases, but I thought I’d focus on what I thought were the best of the best of the posters to come.
Tomorrow night, Mondo and the Alamo Drafthouse will host a special screening of the 1981 film Dragonslayer with visual effects producer Phil Tippet in attendance. Â Tickets for the screening are going for $60, but that includes (of course) an amazing 24" x 36" poster by JC Richard.
Also tomorrow, a standard poster drop will hit MondoTees.com, including a print for 13 Assassins by Vania Zouravliov.  This 16.75" x 36" print comes in three different colorways, limited to a run of 120 each for $50.
Next, on Friday night, the next in the “Summer of ‘82” screenings from Drafthouse will be Rocky III, so of course there will be a poster, this time coming from Jay Shaw. Â This is an 18" x 24" print, limited to a run of 270 for $40. Â The posters will first be available to those at the screening, but the remainder will, of course be online.
Finally, on Saturday the 26th, Drafthouse and Mondo are teaming up for a screening of The Iron Giant. This will feature one of my favorite Mondo posters ever, as designed by Laurent Durieux.  The posters will first be on sale at the screening for $60, again, you can that the extras will hit Mondo’s site.
As with all of these posters, keep an eye on Mondo’s website and @MondoNews for proper release information.
There’s just something about their wall of sound guitars, the way that Chris Crisci’s voice is lost in the mix, how each song takes you on an emotional journey that hones directly in on everything that I love about music.
That said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that their latest project has me extremely excited. As The Appleseed Cast works in the studio for their latest release (which, if it’s a full length, would be their eighth album, the first LP since 2009’s Sagarmatha), they’ve decided to show their hand a bit to fans, by gradually releasing demos of a new song during the creative process.
The first recording was released earlier today on Bandcamp, and as it’s very early, the track is untitled.
Here’s what they had to say.
You can check out the demo via the embed below.
Should you want to download it for your collection, it’s being offered in a “Pay What You Like” format, but there are only 200 free downloads available. For a hardcore fan like me, I had to throw a little dough their way, but no matter what, I feel like you should check this out.
Let me know your thoughts, and I’ll try to update as they release a more polished version of this song!
Baz Lurhmann can be somewhat of a polarizing director. He emphasizes style and flash above all else, putting together unique, but anachronistic material like Romeo + Juliet and Moulin Rouge. You can say that he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s a director who you can never describe as boring.
Four years after his critical and financial flop Australia, Lurhmann is back, re-teaming with Romeo + Juliet star Leonardo DiCaprio for an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic The Great Gatsby.
Now, I never read Gatsby, so I can’t speak one lick of how “accurate” this looks, but based on the first trailer (below), Lurhmann once again is grabbing your eyeballs and not letting go, pushing this period piece into some bleeding edge film making. If possible, I recommend cranking up the trailer to HD and watching in full screen for the full effect.
The cast is pretty stacked, too, mixing DiCaprio with Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Isla Fischer, amongst others, and given the prime release date, is clearly being eyed for Oscar by Warner Bros. Either way, this certainly looks very interesting, and will be another movie to look for during the stacked Holiday 2012 season.
The Great Gatsby hits theaters on December 25th, 2012.
Ever find yourself wondering what your favorite Radiohead albums would sound like if they were made not by a British rock band, but instead by a Nintendo Entertainment System?
Well, if you haven’t, YouTube user QuintonSung sure has, as he’s completely re-recorded classic Radiohead albums Kid A and OK Computer in a wonderfully accurate 8-bit style.
Pretty amazing stuff, right? I prefer the 8-bit Kid A myself, but both are incredibly well done.  Don’t think he’s finished, however, as a quick look at his channel indicates that The Bends is up next.  I do wonder if he’ll get around to re-doing EVERY Radiohead album, but until he does, what a cool/unique way to enjoy two of the greatest albums of the past twenty years.
Source: The Verge.
I don’t know about you, but one of the more enjoyable things for me is when a movie (such as those from Pixar) are accompanied by a short. It harkens back to the days of old, when going to a movie theater meant news reels and a multiple feature format. Â You just feel more like you’re part of an event.
That said, Fox is hoping more people are like me, as Sunday night, they announced that Ice Age: Continental Drift will be accompanied by a brand new Simpsons short, starring Maggie Simpson, titled The Longest Daycare. Here’s the brief announcement video.
Besides the title, and the fact that it will be in 3D, no more details are really known. I do wonder - with The Simpsons nearer to the end of its run on TV - is this the first hint of a 3D Simpsons Movie 2, or just a test for more shorts? Time will tell.
Ice Age: Continental Drift hits theaters on July 13th, 2012.
I’m guessing the timing of this is very key, what with the James Bond 50th Anniversary and all, but K5 Films has just announced a forthcoming film based on the life of James Bond creator and writer Ian Fleming.
But this is where it gets interesting - it’s not your typical bio flick. Â This look at Ian Fleming’s life will be an “action-packed story of one of Britain’s most celebrated yet mysterious legends”. Â Based off of the book Ian Fleming, The Man Behind James Bond, this is an action filled look at the writer’s life, which can’t help but make me think of Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, George Clooney’s look at Gong Show host/possible CIA agent Chuck Barris.
That said, what makes the film doubly interesting is that it will be helmed by Duncan Jones, the director behind two of my favorite sci-fi films of recent memory, Moon and Source Code.  While this unfortunately means that Duncan’s next sci-fi film Mute will be pushed off, it’s nice to see him again aligning himself with unique and interesting work. There’s really no better way to get out of your famous father’s shadow than by taking big risks and delivering, and this project is certainly an interesting one to take on.
I will be watching the development closely, and update as I know more. Here’s the official press release.
Before Ian Fleming became the globally renowned best-selling author, his own life was no less exciting than that of the hero he created. Fleming travelled the world and masterminded real life top-secret operations, inspiring him to create James Bond. Duncan Jones’ take will explore and tie together those events in the author’s life that gave birth to Britain’s greatest superspy.
Duncan Jones remarked — “Fleming lived through one of the most perilous periods in world history, in a position that allowed him a unique vantage point of all the players, all the stakes. He witnesses true heroism first-hand. And he saw the evil men could do. Then, when the war ended, he went off to write fiction. The essential question for me is; where did Ian Fleming end and Bond begin?“
K5 Film (Oliver Simon and Daniel Baur), PalmStar Media Capital’s Kevin Frakes and Liberty Films’ Stuart Fenegan will produce the film in association with Jim Young and Robert Laycock of the Ian Fleming Estate. K5 International will handle worldwide rights.
Jones is currently in the process of casting the film, which is based on the authoritative biography “Ian Fleming, The Man Behind James Bond" by Andrew Lycett, and is anticipated to go into production later this year. It is the only film to be given the full support of The Ian Fleming Estate.
Kevin Frakes says, “Fleming is a larger than life character and it’s fantastic to be bringing him to the big screen with Duncan.“
“Duncan is one of the hottest directors currently working in film and everyone has been waiting to see what he would do next,“ say K5’s Co-Founding Partners Oliver Simon and Daniel Baur.
Stuart Fenegan commented, “The opportunity to make a period action film about the life of Fleming and origins of Bond — a hero we all grew up idolising — is too great for Duncan and me to resist.“
[caption id=“attachment_6880” align=“aligncenter” width=“398”] Click to Order the Four-Disc Edition![/caption]
As The Avengers enters its fourth week of box-office dominance, it’s got to be nice to be Disney and Marvel Studios.
So nice, in fact, they’ve decided to share with us in advance how exactly they’ll put the whipped cream on top of their sundae - with stacked Blu-Ray and DVD releases.
[caption id=“attachment_6879” align=“aligncenter” width=“398”] Click to Order the Two-Disc Edition![/caption]
Set to hit shelves on September 25th, 2012, we’ll see 3 flavors of release - 4-disc set including Blu-Ray 3D, Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital Copy Editions, a 2-disc Blu-Ray and DVD (most likely my pickup), and even a single disc DVD edition. Â We’ll be seeing an alternate opening, an alternate ending, deleted scenes, a new short film and even more behind the scenes fun in the extras. I expect to see many of these in nerd’s Christmas stockings this year.
I’ve included a full list of the specs below:
AVENGERS DVD Special Features: “¢ AUDIO COMMENTARY BY DIRECTOR JOSS WHEDON “¢ FEATURETTES
[caption id=“attachment_6881” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Click to Order the Ten-Disc Boxed Set![/caption]
Previously, I was very uncomfortable with the idea of a new film following in the footsteps of the absolutely amazing Blade Runner. I even posted as such, when the rumor was reported that a new film was coming.
But, now I sit in a slightly different position.  Ridley Scott, director and driving creative force behind the original Blade Runner is back in charge here.  Seeing what he’s done with the Alien prequel (but not quite) Prometheus makes me feel as if there is a distinct possibility of this working out, and well.
Then, late last week, Alcon (the production company behind the film) made a very unique announcement. Â Hampton Fancher, the man behind the original screenplay, will be developing the story for this sequel. Â I’ve added the full press release to the end of this post for proper reference.
So, you have all of the original eggs in the basket, for a film that will be taking place after the original Blade Runner. What else could make it interesting? How about a female lead.
Sayeth Ridley to The Daily Beast:
The filmmakers are also revealing for the first time that the much-anticipated project is intended to be a sequel to the renowned original. The filmmakers would reveal only that the new story will take place some years after the first film concluded.
The three-time Oscar-nominated Scott and his “Blade Runner" collaborator Fancher originally conceived of their 1982 classic as the first in a series of films incorporating the themes and characters featured in Philip K. Dick’s groundbreaking novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?“, from which “Blade Runner" was adapted. Circumstances, however, took Scott into other directions and the project never advanced.
Fancher, although a writer of fiction, was known primarily as an actor at the time Scott enlisted him to adapt the Dick novel for the screen. Fancher followed his “Blade Runner" success with the screenplays, “The Mighty Quinn" (1989) and “The Minus Man" (1999). He has continued to write fiction throughout his career.
Scott also will produce with Alcon co-founders and co-Chief Executive Officers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosove as well as Bud Yorkin and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers.
The original film, which has been singled out as the greatest science-fiction film of all time by a majority of genre publications, was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.“ The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1993 and is frequently taught in university courses. In 2007, it was named the 2nd most visually influential film of all time by the Visual Effects Society.
State Kosove and Johnson: “It is a perfect opportunity to reunite Ridley with Hampton on this new project, one in fact inspired by their own personal collaboration, a classic of cinema if there ever was one.“
Released by Warner Bros. almost 30 years ago, “Blade Runner" was adapted by Fancher and David Peoples from Philip K. Dick’s groundbreaking novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?“ and directed by Scott following his landmark “Alien.“ The film was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction). Following the filming of “Blade Runner,“ the first of Philip K. Dick’s works to be adapted into a film, many other of Dick’s works were likewise adapted, including “Total Recall,“ “A Scanner Darkly,“ “Minority Report,“ “Paycheck,“ and the recent “The Adjustment Bureau,“ among others.
Since then, of course, he’s made his name as a proper action star with movies like The A Team, Battleship and The Grey. Hell, if there’s an Expendibles 3, he’d kinda HAVE to be in it.
That said, this fall, he returns to where it all began. Yep, that’s right, it’s time for Taken 2.
The plot is easy enough - remember those creepy thugs that he got his daughter (Maggie Grace) back from? Yeah, they want revenge, and decide to kidnap him this time.  I’m guessing he’s not going to be sold as a sex slave, but well, who knows these days.  Entertainment Weekly got the first exclusive article on the movie, and in turn, released the stills which are the reason for the post.  The article (linked at the source below) is a good read, a decent interview with Mr. Neeson, but I suppose I’m not too sure if a sequel was necessary.
I mean, the original looked like a cheesy B-movie and turned out great - can lightning strike twice? And more importantly, will the blu-ray have a feature as awesome as the original’s on-screen body count? Â Only time will tell.
Taken 2Â hits theaters on October 5th, 2012.
Source: EW.com.
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OK, so the Dark Knight Rises poster that was unveiled yesterday was considered pretty much universally awful, right?
I guess Warner Bros. had to get into damage control mode, as they released three new posters today over at Yahoo! Movies.
Today brings us a grimy, rainy triptych of posters, including Christian Bale as the Bat (top of the post), Tom Hardy looking gruff as Bane, and Anne Hathaway’s sultry first appearance on an official poster as Catwoman (both below).
Are any of these as awesome as the first two posters? Not really, but they’re far more well done, far more memorable, and definitely more striking than yesterday’s mess - so well done, marketing team!
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
EDIT: 3:57pm Make that six posters, as 3 new international posters dropped, too…which honestly, I think I might like more. Your thoughts?
This weekend, the latest film from Wes Anderson (Rushmore, The Life Aquatic), Moonrise Kingdom, starts rolling out to theaters.
In case the trailer previously released didn’t sell you on the flick, or you just wanted an extra push, don’t worry - Bill Murray has you covered.
Just released to the Moonrise Kingdom YouTube channel yesterday, we have Billiam’s uh…unique look at the film, spoken first hand. I think it’ll convince you to get a ticket.
Moonrise Kingdom hits theaters on May 25th, 2012.
I’ve rarely said this, but…I really hope this poster is a fake or something.
Just freshly posted onto Warner Bros. Facebook page for The Dark Knight Rises, which tells me this poster is (unfortunately) legit, we have the newest poster for the film…which may also be the last.
After the amazing Batsymbol as Gotham Skyline poster, and the really evocative Bane with broken Bat-mask poster…we get…what appears to be a poster straight out of “Baby’s First Photoshop.” Â It’s Batman, it’s the Skyline again, it’s a bit of orange filter, and that’s that.
But hey, the movie’s still probably going to rule and make stupid amounts of money. Â A shitty poster didn’t stop The Avengers, and it surely won’t stop the final Christopher Nolan Batman film.
…will it?
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
Source: The Dark Knight Rises on Facebook.
Attached to prints of The Dictator last week, FunnyOrDie.com has got the exclusive online reveal of the teaser trailer to Anchorman: The Legend Continues.
Paul Rudd, David Koechner, Steve Carell and of course, Will Ferrell all make an appearance in this announcement teaser, and well, the comedic timing remains.
Anchorman: The Legend Continues is set to hit theaters in 2013.
Last week, we had the moody and impressive teaser poster.
This morning, we have the first teaser trailer for Skyfall, the latest installment in the long running James Bond series.
Daniel Craig is back as James Bond, and the continued shift of the series from the Bond of old to something grittier and harder hitting is very much felt here. Check it out.
Awesome, right? I dare say that’s one of the most effective teaser trailers in a bit, the last I recall grabbing me so hard was, coincidentally enough, the David Fincher Girl with the Dragon Tattoo remake. The cinematography looks absolutely astonishing, and I love that there are just fragments of the story and situation peaked at here. I realize that’s how teaser trailers are supposed to work, but it’s rare when it actually happens these days.
With Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road To Perdition) directing, this certainly has the chances of being something great, and as the James Bond reinvention continues here in the 21st century, I can’t wait to see what Skyfall has in store for us.
Skyfall hits theaters on November 9th, here in the US.
This is certainly different! In the past, I’ve been sent books to review, given passes for movies, or reviewed my weekly comics. But never have I ever been asked to review apparel.
That changed earlier this week, however, when I received a friendly email from the folks at TeeTrilogy.com.
They’re the people behind the awesome “exploded” electronics designs you might have seen across the web over the years, including exploded Nintendo Zappers, Atari’s and Apple products, and their latest project focuses directly on Mac based products, split into a diagram of their working parts on a t-shirt or poster.
Luckily for them, I’m a big t-shirt fan, with my closets and drawers overflowing with classy tees. One email later, they had shipped me an Asphalt “Exploded 4s” tee to check out.
So, what do I think? Well, it’s a pretty damn nice shirt.
Printed on a high quality American Apparel tee, you pretty much know from the brand that you’re going to get a quality shirt with a nice cut. If you’ve never worn an American Apparel shirt before, know that it is a snugger cut, so you might want to go a size up. For me, an American Apparel medium fits great, so that’s what I went with. Soft fabric and a nice wear all the way. See, I’m very excited about wearing it.
The design itself, put together by artist Garry Booth, is (as nearest as I can tell) laid out in a nice water based ink, so the shirt doesn’t feel overly plastic-y, and keeps the soft touch of the American Apparel tee. It’s also a really cool blow up of arguably one of the coolest phones of all time, giving you a unique design that might take people a second or two to get, but once they do, they’ll love it.
So, if you’re wanting to pick up one for yourself, the shirt is going for just $19 (plus $5 shipping), but you can also pick it up as a part of a “Tee Trilogy”, picking up 3 shirts for just $43 (plus $8 shipping). Past designs include Exploded iPads, Exploded Macs, and even some steampunky looking breakdowns of iPhones and Macs from blast-o-rama favorite Kevin Tong. It’s a heck of a deal, and if the rest of the shirts are as nice as this, you’ll end up with some classy and comfortable nerdy threads. Go ahead and make it happen now, at TeeTrilogy.com.
Thanks again to Dion from TeeTrilogy for sending me the sample shirt.
EDIT: It seems thanks to my pal Rosscott, the image of me from the review is getting meme’d.
Well, here goes. This November, Daniel Craig returns as James Bond in Skyfall, the 23rd Bond Movie, and Craig’s third.
The first trailer is set to hit the web at 8:30am BST on Monday, May 21st (so sometime late Sunday here? I dunno), but in advance, 007.com has released the first poster, showcased above.
Skyfall features a stacked cast, including Javier Bardem as the villain, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes and Judi Dench, reprising her role as M.
Skyfall hits theaters on October 26th, 2012 in the UK, and November 9th, 2012 in the US.
Source: 007.com.
So far, the marketing for Prometheus has been pretty darn awesome.
Great viral videos, really impressive and effective trailers, and I’d even say that the first poster for the film ranks as one of the more iconic posters for this generation of film.
Like I need more artists to follow. But never the less, while browsing across the web, I stumbled upon this radtastic print, which I just needed to share with you guys.
Artist Jeff Lamm has created the above print, titled “London Face Punch”.  Originally, it served as a cover for Clutter Magazine, but he has partnered up with 1xRUN, a limited run poster site, to create a limited edition print of the work.
With adorably awesome kaiju monsters wrecking a city and each other, the print is really brilliant looking. Â The bummer? There will only be 50 copies of this 18"x24" print. Â And as of me writing this, only 26 are left.
If you really want to make it happen, the print can be yours right now, by clicking the source link below, and dropping $50.
And yes, I’ll be keeping an eye on 1xRUN now, too.
Source: 1xRUN Limited Edition Time-Released Art.
After a very successful surprise return on April 1st, the team at [adult swim] had an announcement which just made the internet VERY happy.
Toonami is coming back.
Toonami, for those who didn’t watch Cartoon Network obsessively at the end of the 90s into the early 2000s, was a block of animated shows mixing 1980’s classics like Thundercats and Voltron with newly imported Japanese animation like Gundam Wing and Cowboy Bebop.
The plan is for Toonami to become a weekly block every Saturday night from 12am-6am, starting on May 26th, 2012.
Unfortunately, as I currently do not have a cable subscription, I will not be able to partake in Toonami’s return, but I’m very excited for it to happen never the less. The shows on Toonami practically defined my teenage years, and I can’t wait for the block to warp a new generation.
[caption id=“attachment_6558” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Robocop (Standard Edition)"][/caption]
That was quick! I just featured posters from Spoke Art earlier this week for a screening of Wes Anderson classics at the Castro Theatre, and now, just a few days later, here I am with more amazing posters for another movie screening! Who do they think they are, Mondo?
Anyway, this Friday night, May 18th, 2012, the Castro will be having a special screening of Robocop, and they have employed Tim Doyle to produce a commemorative print.
Titled “Murphy, It’s You”, this 18"x24” print is limited to a run of 225 pieces, with a variant of 60 pieces also available.
[caption id=“attachment_6557” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Robocop (Variant Edition)"][/caption]
The regular edition will run you $40, with the variant going for $60, and provided they don’t all go at the screening, the remainder will be available at Spoke Art’s online store here, on Monday, May 21st at 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific.
It’s really cool to see more theaters getting into the exclusive poster game. Not only do we get great art for great movies (and I get more to post about), but maybe we can see the scalpers die off a bit as there are more prints to go around.
Source: 411posters.
Continuing the series of viral videos which included a TED talk from 2023, and the first TV ad for the android David, we have another video giving us a glimpse into the world of the not-quite-Alien-prequel Prometheus.
This video gives us a literal close up look at the lead of the film, Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) as she speaks her piece as to why the Weyland Corp. should send the exploration into space. Â This literally sets the stage for the film, and is a fascinating piece of film.
Prometheus hits theaters on June 8th, 2012.
Well, this certainly is odd.  In a summer where the fast food tie-ins for the big summer blockbusters have been minimal (The Avengers bypassed 7-Eleven entirely, unlike other Marvel films, and Men in Black 3 is doing Dunkin Donuts, kinda weird), the one tie in we do get may surprise you….The Dark Knight Rises and Mountain Dew.
Yes, the dark and brooding third part of the Christopher Nolan Batman saga will be sponsored by the most XTREME soda in the world, and will even be getting a special flavor, Dark Berry (pictured above).
If that wasn’t enough, there will be special cans of the traditional Mountain Dew, which, when chilled, will reveal a green Batman logo (oooooh.)
And yes, there will be in store displays, which I believe give away a key plot point for the film. Namely that Batman will be the most depressed man EVER.
The full press release is below. (FACEBOOK INTEGRATION GUYS! AND DALE JUNIOR OH SHIT)
“Mountain Dew is all about fueling passion and that is what this partnership is based on,“ said Brett O’Brien, Vice President of Marketing for Mountain Dew. “You’d be hard-pressed to find more passionate fans than those of DEW and The Dark Knight franchise. Our goal is to offer those fans unique experiences — from package and product innovation to exclusive content and access that only DEW and Batman together could provide.“
Mountain Dew’s “The Dark Knight Rises" 360-degree campaign will include:
More information regarding the brand’s partnership with “The Dark Knight Rises" will roll out in the coming weeks. In the meantime visit facebook.com/mountaindew or follow @mtn_dew on Twitter. Remember dudes. Mountain Dew. All about fueling passion.
What would happen if all of the Marvel Universe had a bad day?
No, not a world ending, everything is exploding type of bad day. Just one of those crummy days like you and I would have. That’s the concept behind Disassembled, a fantastic animated short by Junaid Chundrigar.
This is a really fun two minute diversion, if you have time on the web, and it’s clear that Chundrigar is a big fan of the John K/Ren & Stimpy style. I’d love to see more shorts in this style.
You hear me Marvel Studios? Hire this man! For SOMETHING! I don’t know what. BUT DO IT.
Source: Boing Boing.
Sometimes it feels like a movie is designed just for me.
This fall, I greatly enjoyed reading Steve Jobs, Walter Issacson’s biography of the late Apple founder. I make no qualms about my Apple fandom. As an owner of a MacBook Pro, iPhone 4s, 3rd Gen iPad and yes, a 160GB iPod Classic, I love their stuff. But to see the good and the bad of the man who created it was certainly eye opening.
I also don’t make any qualms about my love for the work of Aaron Sorkin. Creator of Sports Night, The West Wing, Studio 60 and the soon to air The Newsroom, not to mention screenwriter for numerous films, I’m absolutely addicted to his dialogue and wordplay.
So, when Sony Pictures announced late last night that Sorkin will be penning the screenplay for a movie adaptation of Steve Jobs, you know I was giddy.
Sorkin’s done some very strong work with Sony over the past few years, delivering Academy Award Nominated films such as The Social Network and Moneyball, but more over, both films took what could be dull concepts on film (building a website/business and Sabremetrics, respectively) and turned them into well paced dramas. I think he’ll do the same with Steve Jobs.
Besides, it’s sure to be better than the Ashton Kutcher starring film, right?
Here’s the press release.
CULVER CITY, Calif., May 15, 2012 — Academy Award® winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin will adapt Steve Jobs, a motion picture based on the best-selling biography of the legendary Apple co-founder by award-winning journalist Walter Isaacson, it was announced today by Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Doug Belgrad, President of Columbia Pictures. The project is being produced by Mark Gordon, Scott Rudin and Guymon Casady.
Published late last year, Steve Jobs was Amazon’s best-selling book of 2011. In addition, the biography ranked #1 among bestselling hardcover books by a 2:1 margin, with sales of 2,246,569 in 2011, according to Publisher’s Weekly. Commenting on the announcement, Pascal said, “Steve Jobs’ story is unique: he was one of the most revolutionary and influential men not just of our time but of all time. There is no writer working in Hollywood today who is more capable of capturing such an extraordinary life for the screen than Aaron Sorkin; in his hands, we’re confident that the film will be everything that Jobs himself was: captivating, entertaining, and polarizing.“
AARON SORKIN won the Academy Award® for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on The Social Network. His other screenplays includeMoneyball, Charlie Wilson’s War, The American President, Malice, and A Few Good Men. He has also acquired the motion picture rights to The Politician, the best-selling book by Andrew Young about the downfall of former Senator John Edwards. He will adapt the book and make his directorial debut with the film, which he will also produce. For television, Sorkin created “The West Wing,“ “Sports Night,“ and “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.“ He is currently in production on the HBO series “The Newsroom,“ which is scheduled to premiere on June 24, 2012. For the stage, Sorkin wrote “A Few Good Men" and “Making Movies"; he returned to Broadway in 2007 with “The Farnsworth Invention.“ Sorkin will return to the theater and make his Broadway debut as a librettist with the 2013-2014 production of “Houdini.“ Based on the life of legendary magician Harry Houdini, the musical will star Hugh Jackman and will feature music and lyrics by Oscar and Grammy winner Stephen Schwartz.
About Sony Pictures:Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 159 countries. For additional information, go tohttp://www.sonypictures.com/
Starting today, the first teaser trailer for the sequel to Anchorman, arguably the greatest comedy of this generation, will be attached to prints of The Dictator.
In turn, Paramount Pictures has released the first poster for the film, which seems to be officially titled Anchorman: The Legend Continues. We mentioned the official announcement when Will Ferrell went on Conan in full Ron Burgundy gear, and the hype train is rolling ever on.
Looking at the feet, it seems like all of the Channel 5 news team is there (minus Veronica Corningstone), and goddamnit, I’m giddy with excitement. Bring on Brick, Champ, Brian and Ron! NEWS TEAM ASSEMBLE indeed!
Anchorman: The Legend Continues hits theaters sometime in 2013.
Last we saw innovative filmmaker Michel Gondry, he was making a misstep into the world of superhero blockbuster filmmaking with The Green Hornet.
After some relative silence, the man behind numerous amazing music videos, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Be Kind Rewind and The Science of Sleep is ready to return at Cannes this year with his newest film The We And The I.
The first trailer hit the web earlier today, and you can check it out below.
From first appearances, this seems to be Gondry’s most traditional film, the tale of a group of urban youths as they ride the bus, but with all things Gondry, it’s not always what it appears to be.
I didn’t even know that this movie was in production, and with the trailer in front of me, and knowing that there’s a good chance we could see a release this year? The We And The IÂ has jumped up in my list of “must see” films.
I never was one to really get behind the “shit on Ben Affleck bandwagon”, but I have to say, since he’s transitioned to being behind the camera, Affleck has done amazing work.
Gone Baby Gone was absolutely gut wrenching drama, The Town was a solid (if slightly derivative) crime thriller, and now with Argo, he seems to be aiming for the sarcastic heist film, while juxtaposed with the deathly serious Iran hostage crisis.
It’s a hard mix to nail, but this trailer hits all of the right beats, and with a cast including John Goodman and Bryan Cranston, I’m extremely excited.  And if you know the real history behind this story, comic fans will have a reason to be very excited. I won’t spoil it for those coming in clean to this, however.
How I’ve never featured Adam WarRock on blast-o-rama before is beyond me.
That said, if you haven’t already listened to him and absolutely fallen in love with his rap skills, you’re falling way behind. Â While the simplest way to describe Adam would be a “comic book rapper”, he’s so much more than that. Â While his rhymes are ostensibly about comic books, TV shows and so on, he always goes a step farther, creating songs that totally inhabit the worlds he’s rapping about, going beyond just simple references.
His work is an absolute joy to behold, and as his new album You Dare Call That Thing Human?! revealed earlier this year, the man just gets better and better.  His live shows have long been blistering and powerful, but on the new album, it finally comes across on the recordings.  Sure, I’m slightly biased (as he’s appeared with us for Super Art Fight, and will be again at this week’s show), but even if I haven’t had the pleasure of working with him, I’d still be a fan.
That brings me to the reason I’m writing this post - this week, Mr. WarRock dropped a brand spankin' new EP, the Neo-Tokyo EP.
As you might have gathered from the title, this seven track EP is all about Akira, and he absolutely KILLS IT.
You can preview a track from it, “…Is About To Explode” via the YouTube embed below, but if you dig it, I cannot recommend hard enough that you get your ass to BandCamp and drop the $5Â for it.
Only Adam really knows what his next release will be, but if they remain of the quality that he’s churning out, there’s no doubt that he will be a part of nerdcore royalty very soon.
Source: AdamWarRock.com.
Well, over the past week and change, we’ve had the triumphant debut of The Avengers, and unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to the man behind Where The Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak.
With these momentous occasions in mind (and perhaps inspired by this classic Incredible Hulk cover), artist AgarthanGuide has created this amazing piece of art mixing the two, and you can download it today in all sorts of formats for your desktop.  Just click the source link and enjoy!
Source:Â deviantART.
Sometimes there’s nothing to say except “Play”.
Watch Alan Rickman gaze into your soul as he makes tea.
Accept him as your actor god king.
Enjoy.
Thanks to David Michalek for creating this crazy, crazy video.
This is just a big week for book announcements, isn’t it?
Hands down, one of the coolest artists in the new wave poster game is Olly Moss, the man behind the amazing minimalist movie posters and other unique design work which you’ve no doubt seen across the web. I’ve also had the pleasure of briefly meeting him in person, and again, a very rad guy.
That said, there has been no greater summary of his work than his “Paper Cuts” gallery show this time last year. A gallery of it lives on the web here, but later this year, Titan Books will be releasing Sillouettes From Popular Culture, Olly’s first ever book!
The proper release date is to be announced, but I am very very excited for the book to hit shelves. Here’s the official write up.
Born in the UK in 1987, Olly Moss has quickly become “one of the most in demand and influential pop culture artists in the world today" (Slashfilm). Titan Books are delighted to announce the acquisition of worldwide rights to publish a lavish hardback collection of Moss’s sought-after series depicting popular characters from films, television and video games in beautifully crafted Victorian-style silhouette portraits.
Olly Moss’s clients have included Nike, Apple, Lucasfilm, Sony Entertainment, Paramount, The New York Times and Time Magazine. His projects vary from posters for classic and contemporary films (including Star Wars and, most recently, The Avengers), to art for bestselling games such as Resistance 3, and designs for Levi’s and Urban Outfitters.
Silhouettes From Popular Culture collects Moss’s acclaimed Paper Cuts’ series exhibited at the sold-out solo show at LA’s famous pop-culture Gallery 1988. The book will have a foreword written by Duncan Jones (director of Source Code and Moon) and will be published in a gorgeous gift volume in October.
Praise for Olly Moss
“His minimalist musings on movie and pop-culture themes are always things of beauty.“ Empire
“His stuff sells out immediately, and is just plain cool.“ Ain’t It Cool News
“Bold graphics, serious inspiration and a wry sense of humor.“ New York Times
“When people think of a “pop idol" they generally think of someone who is young, talented, had a quick rise to fame and the kind of devoted loyal fan base who’d wait 24 hours on the street to see them. By those standards, and many more, U.K. based artist Olly Moss is now a pop idol.“ Slashfilm This is definitely going to be a book I need on my coffee table!
Silhouettes From Popular Culture is due to be released this October.
Source: Ain’t It Cool News.
As premiered last night during the season premiere of America’s Got Talent (one of the few reality TV shows I don’t find completely useless, although I don’t watch it myself), Sony Pictures has released a four minute long “super trailer” for The Amazing Spider-Man.
With this being the longest and most detailed look at the film so far for those of us not at San Diego Comic Con or any number of press events, I again find myself saying that surprisingly, this looks great! Â I really think Marc Webb has stepped his game up here, and with Andrew Garfield fitting so easily into the role of Peter Parker, odds are good that this will end up being a pretty damn good Spider-Man flick.
Sure, the Lizard design isn’t everything we want, but there’s a heart and character to this film which is just pure Spidey. Â I really think this will end up surprising many of the nay sayers.
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters on July 3rd, 2012.
In the current mix of pop culture artists with high level exposure, I don’t know that there is an artist more whimsical than Scott C. I’ve featured some of his work in the past, but if you’ve seen any of the big nerd gallery shows, bounced around Tumblr or well, just resided at all on the web, chances are you’ve seen and loved his work.
Scott’s work comes from a wonderful world where even conflict is met with a smile, and there’s no better showcase of his watercolor wonders than his ongoing project Great Showdowns.
Well, the spotlight on his work is about to get much brighter, as this October, a collection of these face-offs is due to hit shelves, titled appropriately enough, The Great Showdowns.
Here’s the official log line for the book:
“In this beautifully funny chronicle of the world’s most momentous confrontations, there is only one true victor. And his name is Scott Campbell.“ — Edgar Wright
Scott Campbell (Scott C) is a maker of paintings, illustrations, comics, kid’s books and video games. He studied illustration at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and has worked on such games as the critically acclaimed Psychonauts and Brutal Legend. Alongside this career in games, he has published numerous comics and created paintings that have appeared in galleries and publications around the world. Some of his most notable projects include the Igloo Head and Tree Head series, Double Fine Action Comics, Hickee Comics and the Zombie In Love children’s book. Scott lives in New York City. The Great Showdowns is set to hit shelves on October 30th, 2012.  You can pre-order it today on Amazon.com, and if you’re a jerk like me and haven’t picked up his first book, Amazing Everything, that can be ordered too!
Source: /Film.
We’re really spoiled right now.
This year has been full of amazing movies (21 Jump Street, The Avengers), amazing TV (Game of Thrones, Mad Men), and with more trailers releasing every day, I’m convinced that the rest of the year will be just as amazing.
I’ve featured HBO’s next big show The Newsroom before, but the fine folks at Home Box Office have released a 3rd trailer for the Aaron Sorkin written TV series, and I just had to share it appropriately.  Enjoy the super stressed, very tense look at Sorkin’s tear town of the modern news show.
The Newsroom hits the air on June 24th, 2012.
Based on the box office results for Tron Legacy, it may be some time before we have a new Tron movie. Â A shame, considering how pretty the thing is/was. (Olivia Wilde, need I say more?)
Anyway, Disney realizes that there was definitely an audience for it, and has decided to (appropriately) take advantage of it by creating a brand new animated series titled Tron Uprising.
You may have remembered seeing the preview for this show on this site over a year ago, but now the series is ready to launch. And to hype the premiere of the show on Disney XD in June, they’ve uploaded the first episode to YouTube! And, like a proper blogger, I’ve embedded it here!
Tron Uprising just screams production value, with a stacked voice cast including Elijah Wood, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Mandy Moore, Paul Reubens, Nate Corddry, Lance Henriksen, and Bruce Boxleitner, and they even got one of the guys who worked with Daft Punk on the score to score the series proper.
From what I’ve scanned of the episode (I’ll have to take some proper time to watch it), this looks like a great jump into the Tron universe, circa the period between the original and Legacy, and could end up being a very fun cartoon.
Tron Uprising premires on Disney XD on June 7th, 2012.
OK, I have to admit, I’m going to remain skeptical that Sin City: A Dame To Kill For is actually in production until I see a complete trailer, and even then, I’ll have a strong concern that prints will never be shipped to theaters.
That said, the movie appears to be headed in a very real direction, as the movie has its first teaser poster (above), which confirms that once again the film will be co-directed by Frank Miller and Robert Rodriguez.
The flick is set to start filming later this year, with a release date still to be announced. WILL IT HAPPEN?! Stay tuned.
Source: StarkIndustries.ru.
Earlier this year, master standup Louis CK released a new special, Live at the Beacon Theater as a Non-DRM protected video download and stream for just $5. He made over $1 million in the process, totally changing the game for stand up comedians and inspiring others (like Aziz Ansari and Jim Gaffigan) to do the same.
Well, now he’s applying the same process to releasing albums. Â On Friday, Louis released a brand new album, titled Word: Live At Carnegie Hall, which was recorded on November 4th, 2010, featuring much material that appeared in the interstitial stand-up routines on his FX show Louie. Â You can get a download of that in MP3 or FLAC format for just $5.
Want more? Awesome. He’s also released an audio version of Shameless, his first HBO standup special, also for just $5.
Not enough? Louis has got you covered, as he’s now offering an audio version of Live at the Beacon Theater for all prior purchasers of the video, and yes, even new ones.
In short, I’ve sent the man $10, and I now have 5 great Louis CK albums to call my own (including his previous Chewed Up and Shameless). Â I feel like you should do the same. Support independent productions, and laugh your ass off. Send Louis CK your money.
Oh, and if you still want more - the man is doing another AMA on Reddit right now!
Source: LouisCK.net.
[caption id=“attachment_6481” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Life Aquatic Print (Regular Edition)"][/caption]
I’ve long been a fan of Wes Anderson, and clearly, he remains a filmmaker with a dedicated following. I’m quite looking forward to Moonrise Kingdom later this month, but in the meantime, great movie theaters like the historic Castro Theatre in San Francisco do specialty screenings of his films.
Over the weekend, they did a double feature screening of two of his best, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Royal Tenenbaums, and to commemorate the screening, they employed Sam Smith to put together two prints.
[caption id=“attachment_6482” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Royal Tenenbaums Print”][/caption]
Smith also has done some amazing work for the Criterion collection (including the cover for Japanese Horror favorite House), and he’s even played drums for Ben Folds. Â In short, Sam Smith is another artist who is on my radar.
[caption id=“attachment_6480” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Life Aquatic Print (Variant Edition)"][/caption]
If you’d like to grab these posters, you can today in the Spoke Art store, at $40 a pop, although there is a $65 variant of the Life Aquatic poster. The run is limited to 100 pieces (25 for the variant), so order quickly!
Last week, I showed off the fake campaign ads which kicked off the promotional push for The Campaign, this summer’s big comedy starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifinakis.
Now, we have the full trailer for the film, giving us more gags, and more importantly, the proper setup for the movie. Â Everything that is pretty great about the fake campaign ads is ramped up here, and well, it looks like it could be quite the fun comedy.
What do you think, dear reader?
The Campaign hits theaters on August 10th, 2012.
OK, so my trip to Boston (which was fantastic, by the way) and the resulting recovering kinda derailed my plans to hammer out a new edition of Reading ALL The Comics when I got home, so you get TWO weeks back to back here. Aren’t you lucky?
New Avengers vs. X-Men, lots of Spider-Man action, and Batman is all kinds of armored up and pissed. It’s a good two week of comics. But what did I think? READ ON OH LOYAL READER!
May 2nd, 2012
Action Comics #9 Story by Grant Morrison & Sholly Fisch, Art by Gene Ha & Cully Hamner
This one kinda threw me for a loop, but I suppose that’s to be expected from Morrison. Â From the basic look of things, seeing this new Superman of Earth 23 makes you think that the book will be a basic Obama analogue, and while some of that is there (also, a slight nod to many 70s books in the look and feel of this Superman’s Krypton), the story is much bigger. Â In a ballsy move, this issue of Action Comics is all a giant allegory for creators rights. Â I’m left wondering if Morrison pulled a fast one on the editors, or if this really was being published as some sort of penance for how Shuster and Segel have been treated and the forthcoming Before Watchmen. Â Food for thought, and that’s just how Grant Morrison likes it.
Amazing Spider-Man #685 Story by Dan Slott, Art by Humberto Ramos & Victor Olazaba
The “Ends of the Earth” storyline continues as the odds stack up against Spidey and Doc Ocks truly evil plan is revealed.  I have to say, I really liked the banter between Mysterio and Chameleon here, and as a born and bred late 80s-early 90s comic nerd, seeing Silver Sable back in the mix is nice.  Oh, and I love the “Island of International Mistfit Toys” that Spider-Man has decided to bring together here. As we head to the finish, I hope Slott can deliver on everything he’s laid out here, as it’d be a nice companion to the “Big Time” and “Spider Island” storylines.
Animal Man #9 Story by Jeff Lemire, Art by Steve Pugh
Animal Man kicks off a brand new arc, and things are looking grim for the Baker family from the word go. Â Again, detailed writing (loved the shout out to the Morrison run) is met adeptly with detailed yet gruesome artwork, and considering I had never once interested the idea of grabbing Animal Man, yet this has me on edge with every page, shows how great a job Lemire has done in putting together this book. Â I do like the way this is going, with “the Red” becoming one of the creepiest forces in comics, and I look forward to seeing how the darker mythologies of the DCU get laid out from here.
Avengers vs. X-Men #3 Story by Ed Brubaker, Art by John Romita Jr.
The action of the first two issues slows down a bit here, as the Avengers seem to have the upper hand going into issue three (of twelve, mind you). Â Of course, not everything is as its seems, and the girl who may destroy the world, potential Phoenix Hope Summers, is now all kinds of disappeared and out on her own. Â I will say, I feel like this storyline is pushing Captain America to the brink, as I can’t recall the last time he was this much of a prick. One thing is for sure though, Wolverine might take a while before he can forgive Cap for what happens at the end of this issue.
Daredevil #12 Story by Mark Waid, Art by Chris Samnee
After the three part DD/Spider-Man/Punisher arc, Mark Waid decides to slow it down a bit and give us a really enjoyable and charming single issue that not only sees Matt Murdock on a date, but throws us back to when he and Foggy were in law school. Â I’m very much starting to be charmed by the entire cast of this book, and I’m left wondering why it took me so long to enjoy Daredevil as a character. Great stuff.
Invincible Iron Man #516 Story by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca
Kicking off the new “Long Way Down” arc, Matt Fraction takes no prisoners in this story, as not only do we find out the mole in Stark Resilient (a surprise reveal for me) in the most brutal and depressing way possible, Tony Stark makes a move at the end of the book that I was not expecting. Â It’s clear from the future solicitations that big changes are in for this comic, and it’s obvious that Fraction isn’t afraid to push the Iron Man universe forward. Gutsy stuff here.
Sweet Tooth #33 Story and Art by Jeff Lemire
Sweet Tooth heads towards the end (issue 40 will be the last) as Lemire takes some interesting risks for the average reader, playing with the standard comics format by having the entire book printed sideways, and going with an almost storybook approach to telling this part of the tale.  It’s clear from the end that we are heading towards a huge conclusion, but I feel like all of the love and caring we’ve built up for Gus and crew throughout is about to end in a very bleak way. Get ready to cry.
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #10 Story by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by David Marquez
When Brian Michael Bendis takes the time to give readers an issue which consists of simply a conversation, he truly finds a way to make it work better than some of the most action packed comics on the stands today. Â That’s what happens here, as we are given a rooftop conversation between the new Spider-Man, Miles Morales, and his Uncle, who is also the super villain known as the Prowler. Â Ten issues of setup have lead up to this moment, and every page, every panel is a joy to read. Â I was worried for a bit if Ultimate Comics Spider-Man was running a bit slow, but this issue just made it all worth it. My pick of the week.
X-O Manowar #1 Story by Robert Venditti, Art by Cary Nord
Holy flashback! Valiant Comics has returned from the gave (also known as bankruptcy), and they’re bringing back all of their classic heroes.  I only have vague memories behind the Valiant Comics days, including a bunch of foil covers and a much delayed crossover with Image Comics, but I figured I should give this a shot.  For those unaware, X-O Manowar is essentially a what if of “What if Braveheart ended up on an alien planet and got a sweet suit of armor?”  This issue basically establishes that setup, but with competent writing and solid art, this could end up being a very cool read.  We’ll see if the Valiant Comics reboot is just nostalgia, or winds up being a decent read over future issues.
My reviews for May 9th, 2012 appear under the cut! Keep on reading!
May 9th, 2012
Avenging Spider-Man #7 Story by Kathryn Immonen, Art by Stuart Immonen & Wade Von Grawbadger
I love the work that the Immonens do. Â This husband and wife duo almost always knock it out of the park with a book that is fun and leaves a smile on your face, and with a team up that places Spider-Man alongside She-Hulk, a bunch of cats, and even an ancient cat god, it’s hard to not enjoy it. Â Avenging Spider-Man continues its run as the most relaxed and fun book that Marvel is publishing, and I hope that every creative team that ends up on it continues the trend. So, so good.
Batman #9 Written by Scott Snyder & James T Tynion IV, Pencilled by Greg Capullo & Rafael Albuquerque
Night of Owls continues here, as Snyder and Capullo continue an awesome run with an issue full of “HELL YEAH BATMAN!” moments. Â The Court continues their assault on Wayne, Batman and Gotham proper, and the story gets a very interesting new wrinkle in the backstory. Â Could the Court have killed Bruce’s parents in the first place? VERY interesting. Â Always a hell of a read. My pick of the week.
Invincible #91 Story by Robert Kirkman, Art by Ryan Ottley & John Rauch
Can things go well for Mark? Our lead hero isn’t having a great time.  He’s risked his life to save Dinosaurus, he’s contracted a virus meant to wipe his kind out, and none of his super colleagues believe in his current cause.  And then the last page happens to him.  Really an eye opening twist as the next phase of Kirkman’s superhero saga rolls on. An aside, is it just me, or were the colors this issue really beautiful?
Scarlet Spider #5 Story by Chris Yost, Art by Neil Edwards & Karl Kesel
The grimmer and grittier version of Spider-Man based in Houston finally gets a foe as messed up with him, as in this issue he deals with a cult organization and dirty bombs. It’s clear that Kaine is no Peter Parker with how he handles the bads, and his extended selection of powers come into key play here. Â Yost and Edwards aren’t at the top tier of creators yet, but its clear that they will reach the top soon. Â Scarlet Spider might be one of the better Marvel books people are sleeping on.
Skullkickers #14 Story by Jim Zub, Art by Edwin Huang
A very big issue for Skullkickers fans, as not only do we find out how a gun wound up in the fantasy world of the comic, but our large, bald-headed hero finally gets a name! Yep, waiting 14 issues to give a lead a proper name is just one of the many conventions this series bucks. See the bizarre editors note on the first page for more of that level of fun. Â Now that we have the setup in this issue, I look forward to seeing how Zub makes the whole arc work without throwing out so many rules of his universe.
Spider-Man: Season One Story by Cullen Bunn, Art by Neil Edwards
I’ve gone on record as absolutely loving the Marvel Season One books thus far. And I was really hoping to say the same here. But Spider-Man: Season One appears to be the first in the series to do little for me. Maybe I’m reading a bit too much Spider-Man, but this did little for me, and I’m a big Spider-Man guy (he is, of course, my first and most favorite hero).  There are a bunch of small changes to the origin that bug me, like the lack of the pro-wrestling angle (changed to an off camera MMA fight) or the fact that it’s the smear press from the Daily Bugle that puts Peter on the road to fighting crime instead of Uncle Ben’s death (Ben still dies, but there’s a time between that and Peter’s acceptance of his fate), and overall Bunn’s work didn’t go as well for me as the other 3 volumes so far.  I may re-read this later and love it, but I was just disappointed.  Also, does Neil Edwards always draw such derby faces?
Ultimate Comics The Ultimates #10 Story by Sam Humphries & Jonathan Hickman, Art by Luke Ross
The Ultimates get a new writer and artist duo in time for ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING to go wrong for the team. Â You’d think that maybe since the Avengers movie is out now, they’d clean some things up for the team, but no, things are getting all over bad. Washington DC is wiped off the map, the Ultimates are fugitives, and the world is on the edge of peril. Â My only questions: when will the bleakness seen here get noticed in the rest of the Ultimate Universe, and will things ever get better for the Ultimates?
The Walking Dead #97 Story by Robert Kirkman, Art by Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn
After 96 issues of kicking ass and taking names (and losing friends and hands), it seems that Rick has finally decided that the smart move is to start lending himself out in the protection business for other societies in this post-zombie world. Â As the kick off to “Something to Fear”, this lays down some interesting groundwork heading into the big 100th issue, and it’s quite clear that again, things are going to get bad for our team of survivors. Â I am starting to wonder if trade waiting is the better move for this series, though.
Wolverine And The X-Men #10 Story by Jason Aaron, Art by Chris Bachalo, Tim Townsend, Jaime Mendoza, Al Vey, & Victor Olazaba
While not as seamless a tie-in to the Avengers vs. X-Men crossover, this issue certainly gives you the perspective of every character on the Jean Grey School campus, including a look at the mutant divide between Cyclops and Wolverine on the matter of the future of Hope.  It’s clear that there is another schism between mutants here, but who will be right seems to be a question that no one can answer.  I’ve really grown to love the Jean Grey School dynamic established in the first 8 issues, and I hope that whatever occurs in AvX, that returns to this book whenever it wraps up.
Due up next week, May 16th, 2012…
This Summer, the video game version of The Amazing Spider-Man hits shelves.
Given that each movie game version of Spider-Man has been decent to absolutely great, chances are good that this is a licensed title that might actually work out.  That said, Activision, like every other major game company, wants you to pre-order as soon as possible to get great goodies from different retailers.
GameStop (ugh) has some sort of Rhino challenge thingy, but really. Who cares?
You want something awesome? Send your pre-order over to Amazon.com today, and you get the Stan Lee Adventure Pack, which is an add-on that lets you play exclusive levels…AS THE FACE OF MARVEL COMICS, STAN FRICKIN' LEE!
Totally ridiculous, and totally awesome.
No word if there was a Jack Kirby Adventure Pack that was supposed to be released, and instead is buried somewhere in the code of the disc, as if it doesn’t exist.
The Amazing Spider-Man: The Game hits shelves for PS3, 360, Wii, DS and 3DS on June 26th, 2o12.
Source: Kotaku.
This summer, just in time for the sure to be enthralling election season, Warner Bros. Pictures will release The Campaign, a new comedy starring Zach Galifinakis and Will Ferrell as rivals fighting for a spot in the House of Representatives.
The first “trailer” of sorts was shown on TV over the weekend, in the form of campaign spots for Cam Brady (Ferrell, by way of George W.) and Marty Huggins (Zach, doing a bit of his Seth Galifinakis routine). Here it is.
With two comedic heavyweights like this, I have decent hopes for the flick, and these fake ads certainly leave one excited. Â Other great actors in the cast include Jason Sudeikis, Brian Cox and yes, John Lithgow.
The Campaign hits theaters on August 10th.
I have to admit, I’m kind of a lapsed otaku.
Most of my teenage years, I absolutely loved anime and manga, following dozens of series, but besides Samurai Champloo, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Gurren Lagann, it’s been probably almost a decade since I followed the scene in a particularly hardcore way.
That said, I still enjoy anime-styled artwork when its done well (and not in that super cutesy moe style which turned me off most of the genre), and in turn, the minute I saw the shirts and prints over at Boomslank.com, my eyes went gaga.
Over at Boomslank.com, artist P-Shinobi has created some beautiful work, which you can get for your own in print, t-shirt or iPhone case form.  If you’re into great mechas, powerful looking ladies, or just clean anime styled work, this is the site to check out.  I have to admit, that “Zero Frame” shirt has my eye.
Source: Boomslank.
The day fans have waited for is finally happening. The team who made Spaced, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz key parts of any nerd library are finally ready to work on the final part of their “Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy” - The World’s End.
I mentioned earlier this month that the script was complete, but we now have official word (thanks to Deadline.com) that the film is ready to start production this September, with Edgar Wright directing and Simon Pegg & Nick Frost starring. As usual, Wright and Pegg collaborated on the script.
So what is The World’s End? For years, all we’ve known is the title, which indicates some sort of devastating event - but with the prior scripts, we should have known that while the topics touched upon might be big, the focus would be small. Now we have the official synopsis of the plot. Here goes…
Source: Deadline.com.
Late last year, the finest movie poster production company going today, Mondo started producing posters for Pixar films, launching with Monsters Inc.. We haven’t seen too many other releases since, but Today, Thursday May 10th, they’ve got a brand new release lined up…Toy Story.
Once again featuring the super clean, vector work of artist Tom Whalen, this 24"x36" print is limited to a run of 540, and will be available for $50.
If you miss the drop later today (as always, @MondoNews is the twitter, MondoTees.com is the site), don’t worry, you’ll have two more chances.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the Austin, Texas region, on May 31st, Mondo along with the Alamo Drafthouse is sponsoring a screening of the 1995 Pixar debut at Austin’s Park And Pizza - a limited number of these posters are being saved for this release.
If you can’t make it to Texas, the folks at Sideshow Collectibles will have an exclusive variant of the print. The site can get just as bogged down as Mondo’s, but it’s worth a shot, right?
Speaking of the site being bogged down - the creative team at Mondo finally spoke out about the site issues in an extended interview with Movies.com. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about the literal behind the scenes of their site, and how many orders they receive, this is the article to read. Check it out.
One of the most important bands of my youth was Ben Folds Five. From the first time I heard “Brick” to their unfortunate split in 2000, they were a band that had me. That fuzzy bass, those sweet piano licks, the smart assed lyrics - it was one of the first acts that really spoke to me as a person. And yes, I followed (and have greatly enjoyed) Ben’s solo career, but it just wasn’t the same without Robert Sledge and Darren Jessee backing him.
I’ve always said that my dream show was to see an in their prime Ben Folds Five in a venue the size of Baltimore’s Ottobar, but I figured the window to see Ben Folds Five live again was officially closed.
Then last year, the band got together to put together some new songs for Ben’s greatest hits compilation, The Best Imitation of Myself: A Retrospective. They were pretty damn good, “House” in particular. And then the rumors started that the Five were going to put a new album together.
And sure enough, they have.
The new album, still untitled, is due to hit in August 2012, but in a really cool twist, they’ve decided to let the fans help them release it. This video explains it all.
Working with their clearly excited fanbase through PledgeMusic.com, a sort of Kickstarter for musical acts, the band lets you not just pre-order the album early ($10 gets you a digital download, but additional donations get you other goodies like a physical CD, t-shirt or vinyl), but they are enlisting you to help promote, support and finalize the album.
For me, the decision to donate was a no-brainer. It’s been 13 years since the last Ben Folds Five album, and now I can say that thanks to my little donation, a new one will be released.
You can join the effort today - they’ve already hit their fundraising goal, but now that they have, the focus is on using the project toward “raising awareness to promote Music Education and the field of Music Therapy.“Â So you have a kick ass album, and you support a kick ass cause.
Before you go donate at the source link below, you should at least check out the brand new song, “Do It Anyway”. LOVE THAT FUZZ BASS!
Source: PledgeMusic
In 2008, with one simple scene, with one brief moment of dialogue, a promise was made to fans. Â As Samuel L. Jackson strolled onto the screen as the one-eyed Nick Fury in a special post-credits scene in Iron Man, he informed Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark of a so called “Avengers Initiative”.
For the average fan watching the movie, this was just an extra hint toward a sequel.  For the hardcore comic fans, this was a war cry, telling them that after years of superhero movies, the best was yet to come. But for Marvel Studios, it was a fools errand.  Who would believe that Iron Man, with the freshly out of rehab Downey as its star, directed by the guy who brought us Elf would be a home run? Who would think that future films, starring The Hulk (who was reeling from an awful film in 2003) and comic B-listers Captain America and Thor could be a success? And more over, who would sit through even more films to get to a movie with them all together?  How could this ever work?
And then, as a surprise to many, it did. Iron Man 1 & 2 were smash successes, blowing away Hollywood, pleasing audiences and fans alike, and lifting Robert Downey Jr. into the upper echelon of movie stars, where his talent should have had him long ago.  Then, this past summer, the two heroes that “couldn’t work” became icons, as Thor took a difficult cosmic world featuring Gods and magic and made it accessible through stranger in a strange land humor, and Captain America translated a character who has been seen as a A wearing boy scout into a truly relatable hero.  If Marvel Studios was a gymnast, they were in peak shape, nailing every flip, hitting every position. Surely, they’d screw up the dismount.
The dismount is this summer’s The Avengers, and having seen it twice already as of the time of this writing, I’m pleased to say that it absolutely, 100% works. Â And more than that, I dare say…it’s the greatest superhero movie of all time.
Having read comics from the age of 3, and still reading and following them at the ripe age of 27, I’ve had nearly three decades of fandom to follow the Marvel Universe, so for many times my mind would wander, thinking of what the perfect superhero film could be. Â Never did I believe that something this good could be created - let alone this well.
This literally is an example of everything falling perfectly into place. Â It starts at the top with a whip-smart script and confident direction from Joss Whedon. Â Whedon directs at a scale which he’s never demonstrated before, turning skeptics (like even me) into true believers. Â He had never told a story of this large a scale before, and you’d think he’d been spinning such yarns from birth. Â There is an ease here rarely seen in prior superhero films. Â Whedon loves the source material but clearly understands what it takes to make it work for general audiences, and does so with little to no change from the revered comic classics.
And it’s funny - god damn it is funny. Â I never knew a film featuring such epic destruction could make you laugh so hard along the way, but it does. Â Never too heavy, never too dark, always exciting, this is the perfect script for the film.
But on that foundation is laid even further greatness. Â After proving to be pitch perfect interpretations of their heroes, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth bring their skills as Iron Man, Captain America and Thor to the film, and yet never step on each others toes. Â They’re matched by the growing roles of Scarlett Johannson as Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and the debuting Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Hulk. Â Behind the three icons, these actors could be lost - but instead, they are seen as equals, with everyone getting memorable moments to shine. Especially the Hulk, as this might even be a greater showcase of the mean green machine than his two solo starring roles.
They are pitted perfectly against the absolutely devilish Tom Hiddleston as Loki, who blows away his performance in Thor here, leading the deadly Chitari alien army against the Avengers as the films big threat.  He plays the entire team psychologically, ramping up the game until the final battle, which might beat Transformers: Dark of the Moon as the biggest, most over the top action sequence in recent summer history.  Looking at the trailer I was concerned about the action being centered in New York, but it works perfectly, and more so, this is a key moment, as it’s the first time action has gone down in NYC in the Marvel Movie Universe, a key location for the comics.
I could gush and gush and gush about this movie, but the fact is, I don’t know how much more I could write without spoiling so many amazing moments from the film. And this is a film that you and your friends will be remembering with joy for some time to come. Â The massive box office is completely earned. The gamble paid off, and I can’t wait to see ‘Phase 2’ of Marvel Studios.
Go see The Avengers, now. And be sure to stay for both scenes in the credits.
If you’d excuse me, I’ve now gotta get some shwarma.
[caption id=“attachment_6419” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Conan - Regular Edition[/caption]
As I’ve featured on here before, this Summer, the Alamo Drafthouse theaters will celebrate the 30th anniversary of arguably the biggest genre summer of all time with Summer of 82, a series of curated screenings of the amazing films that were released all in the same season.
In that last post, the first poster was revealed, that for ET: The Extra Terrestrial.
Well, now, thanks to HitFix, we have the first look at the poster for Conan The Barbarian.
The Arnold classic has been interpreted by artist Jason Edmiston, with the regular print up top limited to a run of 320 pieces, with the variant (below) set to 100 pieces.
[caption id=“attachment_6420” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] Conan - Variant Edition[/caption]
These 24"x36" prints will be limited to sales at the screenings themselves, so Mondo poster hunters are sure to have a headache tracking down these, but for those who get to catch the screenings - what a treat.
Source: HitFix.
On June 8th, Prometheus hits theaters.  Sure, it’s not “officially” an Alien film, but anyone worth their weight in nerd gold knows that the flick is definitely connected to the Xenomorph saga.
So what if you’re going to a midnight show, and want to be the coolest dude in the audience? Well, you need an awesome t-shirt.
That’s where artist Brad McGinty comes in.  He’s designed the super cool t-shirt above, a pop-art tear down of the infamous double mouthed alien that’s given nightmares to fans for decades.
The shirt can be yours by ordering at the source link below, but act fast - the shirts are only available for order through Friday, May 11th. He promises to have them printed and shipped to you in time for the June 8th premiere! GO GET ONE!
Source: Paper Pusher.
Imagine if you will, the following comedy:
Features Jonah Hill, right after his turn in the way-better-than-it-should-have-been 21 Jump Street. It has the first team up of Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn since Dodgeball. And it’s the first big American starring role of The IT Crowd’s Richard Ayode.
Oh, and it kinda steals the plot of Attack the Block, albeit in a way more affluent neighborhood.
Got a mental image? Now here’s the red band trailer for 20th Century Fox’s big summer comedy, The Watch.
Why does this look so awful? Is it the non stop cock gags? The fowl language just to have fowl language? Maybe a good movie is in the midst here, but I didn’t even crack a chuckle.
We’ll see if a good comedy arrives when The Watch hits theaters on July 27th, 2012, one week after The Dark Knight Rises (good luck, guys.)
One of the most unique and delightful voices in comedy today is Paul F. Tompkins. Whether he’s doing a guest appearance on any number of podcasts, releasing an episode of his own amazing podcast (The Paul F. Tompkast) or providing the world great new standup, he always leaves you smiling.
So, of course, he now has his own talkshow on the internet! Brought to you by the people at MadeMen.com, Speakeasy launched yesterday, as a one on one talkshow and drink discussion between Tompkins and different people from all over Hollywood.
The first episode stars Ty Burrell of Modern Family fame and is an absolute joy.  Forthcoming weeks include Zach Galifinakis and Chris Hardwick amongst others, so you’ll probably want to subscribe to the YouTube channel - new episodes drop every Monday.
Revealed in the hours where I found myself in a van to Boston, the new (and most likely final) trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man hit the web (heh), and even watching in a crappy, 3G streaming format, it grabbed me by the throat.  Then, Saturday afternoon, as I watched The Avengers, I saw the trailer unfurl in glorious, beautiful digital projection.
This is a heck of a trailer. Â After two dark and brooding trailers, the latest trailer for the Marc Webb directed relaunch finally has the stuff needed to bring the standard Spidey fans in - web swinging the likes of which have never been caught on camera, wise cracks, SCIENCE! (check that exploding web shooter) and yes, THE LIZARD.
I’m still a bit interested to see how the new origin spin goes, especially with the story now so heavily being built around Peter’s parents (and possibly removing an everyman aspect of Parker, by making his powers ‘fated’), but overall, one ticket is sold for me this July. Probably even in 3D too, considering this was natively shot in 3D.
The Amazing Spider-Man starring Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone hits theaters on July 3rd, 2012.
Ok, maybe I can sneak in one post before I go.
TOMORROW, Friday, May 4th, the final Mondo poster for The Avengers hits.
Just as I expected, the last poster is a shot of the team by masterful artist Tyler Stout, creating an absolutely amazing collage of cast members and action from the film for a true once in a lifetime keepsake for the film.
This is a nine color 24"x36" screen-print, limited to a run of 750. It’s gonna run you $60.
Want a variant? You got it.
This sepia toned version is limited to a run of 350, and will cost $110.
I admit, the poster is a bit too pricey for my blood, and I will probably not have access to the web tomorrow (oddly enough, at an internet convention), but these prints are going to be a true object of geek-lust for some time to come. Nice to see the prints get a larger run, especially for one this special.
As always, watch @MondoNews for the drop, and go to MondoTees.com to purchase it. Great work Mondo, great work Paramount, and great work artists.
Hey guys!
Just a heads up, this week, Reading ALL The Comics will be late (Monday-ish?) and I’ll be silent on the blog the next few days, as tomorrow night I’ll be heading north to Boston along with the gang from Super Art Fight as we prepare to perform at the 3rd edition of ROFLcon!
I will be there for the whole weekend, getting home late Sunday, and we plan to have a pretty awesome time while we’re up there, including checking out a screening of The Avengers!
I don’t know that there’s anyone who follows this blog that doesn’t follow along with the Super Art Fight stuff, but in case there is some overlap, I wanted to clear it up.
Over this past month, I’ve made a more concerted effort to post more regularly on this blog, and seeing the audience grow again has been great, so thanks for joining me, and I will see you when I get back. Â Keep it real, kids.
I guess this is what I get for going to bed at a decent hour.
The #TDKR07202012Â viral game I posted about yesterday ended up being a perfect success, as in just a matter of hours, fans found every piece of bat graffiti, and this means that we now have access to the final trailer for The Dark Knight Rises.
The scope is big on this one. We get looks at both Selena Kyle/Catwoman (Anne Hathaway, who seems to be really enjoying the role) and Officer John Blake (Joseph Gordon Levitt), and if there wasn’t a sense of finality to the film before, the trailer sells it.
Bane’s looking like the biggest baddie ever for Batman, Gotham looks royally screwed, things are looking quite dark for the future of the Dark Knight, and yes, by God, Chris Nolan may have done it and made a good third movie. Â It’s really jarring how emotionally effecting this trailer is, you really do feel like you’re watching something that is culminating years of excitement, anticipation and storytelling into one final push, and really, that’s what it is.
Hard to believe it’s been seven years since Christopher Nolan relaunched the Batman franchise, but it’s been totally worth it, creating (at least) two of the best superhero films ever put to celluloid.  But will The Dark Knight Rises make for the hat trick? We will know soon enough.
Now, if you excuse me, I need to watch this trailer a few dozen more times.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
[caption id=“attachment_6387” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“The Newsroom cast, May 2012 Vanity Fair”][/caption]
Ever since I saw Sports Night as a teenager, I’ve been absolutely enamored with the writing of Aaron Sorkin.
I know, people argue regularly about his shows, and whether or not his dialogue is in any way, shape or form natural, but I’ve always been into it.  From Sports Night to The West Wing to the should-have-been-better-than-it-was Studio 60, and the Oscar winning The Social Network, I’ve devoured his work.
So, when I heard that HBO was working on a show created by him, my interest was immediately piqued. Â Then the two trailers hit, both of which are stellar. Â I’ve embedded them both here. Check them out.
For a while there, it looked like HBO had lost the crown of best channel on TV to AMC, but I swear, between Game of Thrones, Girls, Veep and now this, the crown is back in the hands of HBO. I sure hope the series lives up to the potential.
The Newsroom premieres on June 24th, 2012.
Holy crap, you guys. Tomorrow is May. The Summer 2012 movie season is here. And so begins the final hard sells on the films which will hit screens between now and Labor Day 2012.
Today, we have the three-minute long trailer for the not-quite-an-Alien-prequel Prometheus.
If you’ve thought the prior trailers didn’t tell you enough of the story, this is the one for you. Plot heavy, but not enough to give things away, you’ll definitely be ready for whatever Ridley Scott has dreamed up to ruin the lives of Naomi Rapace, Idris Elba, Charlize Theron, and Michael Fassbender.
Prometheus hits theaters on June 8th, 2012.
This weekend, the new trailer for The Dark Knight Rises will premiere alongside The Avengers in theaters all across the United States.
This will most likely be the big “story” trailer, arranged to set the stage for the July 20 release of the film, the final piece of the puzzle before the lights go down and the Christopher Nolan Batman saga ends.
That said, Warner Brothers has launched a new viral marketing effort today, designed to give fans a shot at getting the trailer a little early - one frame at a time.
Today, TheDarkKnightRises.com has turned into a folder, an investigation into John Doe, AKA The Batman. Once you get to page 5…that’s a whole lot of locations, isn’t it? Then the last page? A bunch of film.
Clicking the bag of film brings you here, where fans are instructed to go to each location, find the evidence and tweet the findings. As the evidence is found, more and more frames of the film are being released.
[caption id=“attachment_6378” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Dark Knight Graffiti as seen in India”][/caption]
You can follow the search as it happens via the hashtag #tdkr07202012. Thus far, we’ve gotten some very cool shots of the viral graffiti, and if all pans out, the trailer will be released early.
Someone at the SuperHero Hype forums has already been kind enough to put together a GIF of the images so far…
While the ARG elements for The Dark Knight Rises have not been anywhere near as amazing or engrossing as those found for The Dark Knight, I have to say, every time one pops up, I get excited - and that’s the goal anyway, right?
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
Since he’s become, essentially, the guiding light of comedy in Hollywood, Judd Apatow has taken us to many places with his unique brand of emotion based comedy.
We’ve seen the loss of virginity, coping with birth, dealing with the possibilities of death, and this Christmas, he returns to the couple from Knocked Up played by Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd to take a look at how age can change us in This Is 40.
Over the course of this short trailer, you’d start to think that maybe this is the most mature thing that Judd Apatow has done…and then we get some fun toilet humor at the end.
Minus the use of that damn fun. song, this shows a lot of promise, and I look forward to seeing how the movie develops.
This Is 40 is set to hit theaters on December 21st, 2012
One of the things I love in the new, artist-sourced world of geek celebration are when nerd concepts are subtly introduced to existing things. As opposed to a loud t-shirt that just screams I LIKE STAR WARS, designs are done where if you’re a fan, you’ll get it, but if you’re not, you wouldn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.
It seems that artist Justin Van Genderen certainly is a fan of these concepts too, as he’s just released a series of posters that celebrate major cities, but with a movie geek twist.
So far, Justin has released the following prints:
Los Angeles, for Die Hard.
New York, for Ghostbusters
Chicago, for Road to Perdition (a movie which isn’t celebrated nearly enough, in my eyes)
And, of course, Detroit, for Robocop.
These prints are all currently on sale in Justin’s BigCartel shop, and go for between $35-$40. As you can see, in the past, he’s created similar prints for the world of Superheroes, and unfortunately many have sold out, so if you like these, you’ll want to act fast. I have to admit, I’m eyeing the Los Angeles and New York prints myself.
Revealed overnight on Sony’s PlayStation blog, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is the Super Smash Brothers Melee clone multiplayer fighting game coming for the PlayStation 3 featuring iconic characters from the (thus far) three generations of PlayStation battling it out. Confirmed on the roster so far is Kratos from God of War, Parappa from Parappa the Rapper, Sweettooth from Twisted Metal, a Heigast from Killzone, Sly Cooper from Sly Cooper and…really? Fat Princess from Fat Princess.
The first trailer and screenshots were shown, and I’ve showcased them here.
Honestly, I’d like to be more excited about gaming these days, but I have to admit, this is a perfect example of what bores me. Every year it’s a new version of what came before with little being done to push gaming forward. Maybe this is just a sign of me growing old or growing bored with gaming, but aren’t the returns of certain games better when they’re longed for or unexpected (see Street Fighter IV, Marvel vs. Capcom 3), as opposed to feeling like we’re just hitting a checklist of “Oh, it’s 2012, where’s this years version of ____ ?”
That’s not to say great games can’t come from existing properties or ideas, but I really feel like the reason why Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are losing ground to iOS and Android games is because risks are really being taken there by unknown or previously unheard of developers.
I realize, I’m taking the announcement of a game and turning it into something more than it is, and hey, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale could end up great - but wasn’t it really cool when you saw the first look at a game and went “I have no idea what to expect from this.”?
Look for more on PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale to be revealed during E3 2012 in June.
Source: PlayStation.Blog
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Rebecca Black may have sung about Friday, but us comics know the real day to celebrate is Wednesday, as that’s when all the new comics hit the shelves or digital stores which we’ve come to know and love.
This week for Reading ALL The Comics I’ll be checking out some heroes in red, with new issues of The Flash and Daredevil, checking in with the latest adventures of the alternate Avengers in Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates, and finding out if less filling really does taste great with the first issue of AvX:Vs!
Strap in, it’s reviewing time!
AvX: Vs #1 Written by Jason Aaron & Kathryn Immonen, Art by Adam Kubert, Stuart Immonen, & Wade Von Grawbadger
Sort of “Avengers vs. X-Men” for dummies, AvX: Vs is a book which is literally just cover to cover fights. The book splits in two, giving us Magneto vs. Iron Man in the front half and Namor vs. the Thing on the back end. Â This book is just wall to wall, silly stupid fun, giving longtime fans full on battles that truly answer what would happen if these heroes ever clashed. Â Add top notch talent on both the writing and art sides (Aaron & Kubert on Magnus vs. Shellhead, Namor vs. Thing by the lovely Immonen couple) and goofy touches like “AvX Fun Facts” tossed throughout, and it’s the type of book that would be great to pick up at a 7-Eleven with a Slurpee. Both items are totally devoid of content, but damn if they don’t make you smile. Â Alas, its modern day, and comics cost $4. Bummer. Still a fun time, though.
Daredevil #11 Written by Mark Waid, Art by Marco Checchetto
The third part of the storyline which started in Avenging Spider-Man and continued in the comic I don’t read (The Punisher) wraps up quite nicely here.  We get Spidey, Daredevil and Punisher fighting their way through every single one of Marvel’s armies of henchmen. AIM, Hydra, they’re all represented here, and we also get a peak into the thoughts of Rachel Cole-Alves, the woman being set up as somewhat of a Lady Punisher.  I enjoyed the 2 of the 3 parts I read of this “Omega Factor” storyline, but I’m going to look forward to Daredevil going back to being back in it’s own world.  Props on the cover (really, awesome work) and holy crap, was that Mike Allred in the letters section wanting to do a run on Daredevil? PLEASE MAKE IT SO MARVEL.
The Flash #8 Written by Brian Buccellato & Francis Manapul, Art by Francis Manapul
I’m not sure if one of the goals with the New 52 was to reboot The Flash into a heavy hitter for the DCU similar to the refocusing of Green Lantern a few years ago (I know, Johns run on the Flash back when got him on GL, but follow me here), but since the reboot, The Flash has been easily the most fascinating of the hero books coming from DC in my opinion. Â This continues the trend seen last month, where the amazing art continues to get an amazing plot, adding a new baddie to the world of Barry Allen (the time displaced Turbine) and really opening the eyes of the reader to The Flash’s role in the Speed Force. Â If the rest of Buccellato & Manapaul’s run is as good as these first eight issues has been, fans will be talking about it for years to come. My pick of the week.
Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates #9 Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by Esad Ribic
Last month, the latest volume of the Ultimates tossed out a twist I didn’t expect - not only did they make the Ultimates fugitives of the United States, but the President authorized a nuclear strike on “The City”, the advanced compound created by Reed Richards. I wondered if Hickman was going to wuss out, especially with The Avengers movie in the wings. Â Turns out, he wouldn’t, as things actually get worse and worse from here. Â I know that when the Ultimate Comics line was created, the goal was to revamp, revolutionize and otherwise reposition the classic Marvel characters we loved, but for a new generation. I feel like this run here is the first time I’ve really felt like it didn’t read like a standard Marvel book at all. This current run is risk taking, dark and sometimes hard to believe it’s supposed to be an Avengers book, but by God, it has me in. Well done, guys.
What’s coming up next week? According to the vaguely reliable Diamond Comics shipping notifications, I’ll be reading and reviewing these books:
It’s very odd to be on the cusp of a packed Summer movie season and to already be looking forward to what’s due for Christmas, but given the line up this year, it’s hard to hide the excitement.
The holiday’s this year brings Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit; the psuedo-sequel to Knocked Up, This Is 40; Baz Lurhmann’s version of The Great Gatsby; and the reason why I’m writing the post - Quentin Tarantino’s latest, Django Unchained.
I featured the first teaser poster on here a bit ago, but today, Entertainment Weekly revealed the first two images of the slave revenge film, and I just had to showcase them.
This first image is of the titular Django (Jamie Foxx) alongside Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz), a German bounty hunter. Django is liberated by Schultz and a journey begins to hunt down and kill Django’s former owners, The Brittle Brothers.
The second image is of one of the villains of the piece, Calvid Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), a plantation owner who runs “Candie Land” and likes to make his slaves fight to the death.
Suffice to say, the standard Tarantino traits of blood, guts and glory are sure to follow, and with a stacked cast that also includes Sacha Baron Cohen, Kurt Russell, Don Johnson and the mothaflippin' RZA, this could be a good one!
Django Unchained hits theaters on December 25th, 2012.
Source: EW.com.
I suppose Jack White really can’t stay still.
Sure, the White Stripes broke up, but the man has the Raconteurs, the Dead Weather, his solo career (Blunderbuss is a great album, by the way) and his own record label/store to run with Third Man Records…but it looks like Mr. White is going a little Hollywood.
It’s just been announced that Jack White will be writing, composing and performing the score to the uh…interesting looking remake of The Lone Ranger, starring The Social Network’s Arnie Hammer and a dead bird wearing Johnny Depp as Tonto.
Considering I’ve yet to dislike a single bit of Jack White’s musical output, I’m very interested to see how this goes, but really I’d prefer to see Jack back in front of the camera.
I mean, did you see his performance as Elvis in Walk Hard?
The Lone Ranger is set to hit theaters on May 31st, 2013.
Source: Pitchfork.
It’s hard to believe (and this makes me feel old), but it’s been five years since the release of Hot Fuzz.  Which means its been eight years since Shaun of the Dead.  And sure, while Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Paul were great, I think we’re all missing a good, solid collaboration between Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright, right?
Well, it’s been a long time coming, but it looks like the time is finally right for the third and final part of what has been dubbed the “Cornetto Trilogy” - The World’s End.
Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg have been talking up The World’s End for years (since the press for Hot Fuzz, I believe), but yesterday Mr. Pegg answered the hopes and dreams of many fans like myself…
— Simon Pegg (@simonpegg) April 24, 2012
So I guess this means once Simon Pegg finishes doing his awesome thing as Scotty over at Star Trek 2, The World’s End, with its script finally written, will now get made.
Color me VERY VERY VERY excited. And of course, once I know anything more, you will too.
Sometimes in life, you need a movie that is big, loud and dumb. Â The kind of movie where you and your buddies eat a lot of fried food, get drunk and then go see.
This Summer’s choice of awesome bro-time film? GI Joe: Retaliation.
Smartly mostly ignoring the first GI Joe film, which by all accounts was awful, the Jon Chu directed sequel appears to be full of absolutely ridiculous gadgets, a silly plot, explosions, and most importantly AN AWESOME LOOKING VERSION OF COBRA COMMANDER (pictured in the poster above).
The latest trailer hit the web yesterday, so I just had to share it out with you. Â This looks completely insane, in a good way.
I may end up regretting my decision to see this movie, but right now, I am VERY excited for it. Â BRING ON THE JOE VS. COBRA AWESOMENESS.
GI Joe: Retaliation hits theaters on June 29th, 2012.
While most people are looking toward The Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers and The Amazing Spider-Man to be the best films of Summer 2012, I think that Pixar will surprise us all this summer with Brave.
I’ve been on board with this film since the first teaser last year, and now with the latest trailer, which looks to be the last one released before the film hits in June, I’m very confident in saying that this is where the computer animation geniuses get their groove back. Â Fresh on the web, click play below to enjoy it.
Don’t tell me you didn’t get goosebumps when the trailer started to slow down at the end. Â I love the character designs, the voice actors, all of it. This movie will be a joy to watch.
Brave hits theaters June 22nd, 2012.
Last week, Mondo kicked off their series of posters celebrating the release of The Avengers on May 4th (here in the states, at least) with posters of Hawkeye and Black Widow.
We were told at the time that they were the first two posters of seven. Well, today - posters number 3 through 6 were announced, and almost universally, they’ll knock you on your ass. They’ve really gone all out here, grabbing some of Mondo’s best artists from their roster of talent, and created some very striking images of the Marvel heroes we know and love.
Releasing tomorrow, Thursday, April 26th, 2012 are these prints:
Captain America, designed by Phantom City Creative (revealed by Wired.com).
This awesome view of Steve Rogers is a 24"X36" print, limited to a run of 340 prints for $45.
The Hulk, designed by Ken Taylor (revealed, appropriately enough, by FILM CRIT HULK at BadassDigest.com)
A raging Hulk mixed with the new Bruce Banner, Mark Ruffalo, this 24"x36" print is limited to 320 copies for $45. Really has an Aliens feel, doesn’t it?
Following up on Friday, April 27th, 2012 are these posters:
Thor, designed by Martin Ansin (as revealed by Movies.com).
This striking 24"x36" print of the Odinson is limited to a run of 395 prints at $45. A glow in the dark variant will be available as well, costing $75, at a run of 120 copies.
Iron Man, designed by my favorite Mondo artist, Kevin Tong (as revealed by iO9.com).
[caption id=“attachment_6324” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Iron Man (Standard)"][/caption]
Tony Stark is given a groovy dissection (similar to the end credits of the first Iron Man film) in this 24"x36” print. The standard edition is limited to 345 copies at $45, with the variant limited to a run of 120, for $75.
[caption id=“attachment_6325” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Iron Man (Variant)"][/caption]
As always, these prints will be available at random times on Mondo’s website, so keep an eye on @MondoNewsfor the drop times. The last poster will probably come next week (I’d wager on release day, May 4th) and is set to feature the whole team.
If that sounds like a lot of work for an Avengers poster, don’t worry, those who are going to the 12:01am IMAX screenings? You get a free poster.
Sure, it’s not a Mondo design, but it’s still a nice commemorative image of the first big movie of the summer. And to think, all you need to do is see the movie, which you were probably doing anyway. Awesome, right? Right.
Another week, and like clockwork, the world of comics has delivered to us another week of issues. Once again, I find myself with a stacked week, with the continuation of the “Ends of the Earth” arc in The Amazing Spider-Man, the kick off of the “Night of the Owls” arc in the Batman comics, and yes, way more Avengers vs. X-Men action.
What ruled? What didn’t? Lets read on and see, shall we?
Amazing Spider-Man #684 Written by Dan Slott, Art by Humberto Ramos
The “Ends of the Earth” arc continues here, with Humberto Ramos joining on for the art. Â With the Avengers taken out by the Sinister Six, Pete is left to team with Black Widow (the lone remaining uninjured member of the team) and the surprise return of Silver Sable, who appears to have jacked Wonder Woman’s ride. Â The push for this issue is to have Spider-Man have one of the biggest battles ever with Sandman, and considering the setting - the Sahara Desert, I’m not sure any will reach this scale for some time. Â I’m starting to see why some folks don’t like Pete having all of the right tech for all of the battles, but having the Deus Ex Machina being provided to him by the talented folks at Horizon kinda evens it out for me, and makes them an even more key member of the supporting cast. Â Of course, with Spider-Man, even with things going well, something has to go wrong, and as the end of the book shows, Doc Ock is incredibly prepared for his “last” stand. Â What gets set up at the end is one of the biggest things to ever happen to Spider-Man, and is matching the set expectations for this storyline.
Avengers vs. X-Men #2 Written by Jason Aaron, Art by John Romita Jr.
Issue two of the Marvel Super Event has hit the stands, and all hell breaks loose, as this is the book where the punches start to get thrown. Â The Cyclops/Captain America battle is everything you’d want it to be, and there is a moment with Colossus which will have all of the long time X-Men fans really geeked. Â While these battles are going on (with fantastically over-done narration by Jason Aaron), the plot starts to unfurl in the background, with a special Avengers team attempting to face the Phoenix threat head on. Â As the end of the book shows, they are CLEARLY out gunned here, and I’m left wondering with a scale this large, how can Marvel continue this for 12 issues, let alone properly wrap this up?
Batman #8 Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Greg Capullo
The best Superhero book of the New 52 continues to rock my face as it kicks into it’s second arc, the “Night of the Owls”. Set to link the Batman family of titles (yet remaining self contained in each book), it kicks off here as the new villains for Batman, the Court of Owls, have sent MANY assassins for a number of notable Gotham citizens, starting with Bruce Wayne. Did they realize that Bruce is Batman? Not really sure, but who cares, as this book is Bruce in a goddamned house coat beating the crap out of bad guys throughout Wayne Manor, and it RULES. Â Alfred even gets involved as well (as the backup story breaks down), and it’s page to page to page of Batman based greatness. I can’t wait to see how this arc goes, especially as the Court, arguably the coolest Batvillain in years, gets involved with the rest of the “family”. Â Oh, and DC Direct (or whatever they’re called now), you better be working on an action figure of what we see on the last page. This is my pick of the week.
Invincible Iron Man #515 Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca
The “Demons” arc (which I enjoyed so much last month that I read the parts that lead up to it) wrapped up in this issue, and man did it end big! I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s rare that you read a comic arc where the main character loses, but Tony does, and he loses big. Â Also, props to Fraction and Larroca for making The Living Laser look and act like such a badass. Â Matt Fraction hasn’t been afraid of redefining the Iron Man world since coming on the book, and now, YEARS into his run, I’m still feeling like he has many many tricks up his sleeve. Good stuff.
Prophet #24 Written by Brandon Graham, Art by Farel Dalrymple
The growth of Prophet as a surreal Sci-Fi book continues here, as once again Brandon Graham guides a unique artist through the world of one interpretation of Prophet.  This story in particular reminds me much of a Lovecraftian version of Moon, and Farel Dalrymple does an amazing job of illustrating the grotesque creatures which fill the pages of this month’s issue.  What’s kinda nice is, as issue 4 in the new run, you can also see the end of this issue as an explanation of all the ones previous, and most likely, those to follow.  Prophet continues to be one of the most interesting and unique books on the stands every month, and while I may not like every issue, I’m prepared for the ride. Well done, Mr. Graham.
Rocketeer Adventures 2 #2 Written by Walt Simonson, Tom Taylor, & Paul Dini, Art by John Paul Leon, Bill Morrison, & Colin Wilson
As a celebration of the Rocketeer character, and the life of creator Dave Stevens, IDW has been doing a compilation series called Rocketeer Adventures, featuring stories by a number of writer and artists teams to give current creators a shot at the flying hero.  Each issue has been a breeze of a read, quite enjoyable if you’re a fan of the character, or just have a 1940’s flying character fetish as I do.  This book isn’t going to win awards, but each issue has a gem, much like this issue’s “Work to Do” by Tom Taylor and Colin Wilson.  While the other creators tend to go for goofy storytelling, this is a touching work that inserts the Rocketeer into World War II, and the results are heartbreakingly good.  If you dig the Rocketeer, you should check out this series, but this book won’t convert those who aren’t interested.
The Walking Dead #96 Written by Robert Kirkman, Art by Charlie Adlard
The end of the A Larger World arc comes to a…surprising end. Â After a series of issues which left me wondering if Kirkman was going to be doing the same story again, and again, and again, he throws a change of heart into the mix just in time for issue 100. Â I can’t say for sure that I feel as if this story will turn out as expected, but didn’t Kirkman once say that he wanted to end around issue 100? I’m very intrigued to see if the changes presented here stick, or if they’re a reprieve from the standard “everything goes HORRIBLY wrong” status quo.
Wolverine and the X-Men #9 Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Chris Bachalo
Attention Marvel Comics writers: how do you write a stand alone book that somehow also ties into the big crossover series AND the issues which came before it? TAKE NOTES FROM JASON AARON.  I was SO worried that after 8 issues of greatness, Jason Aaron would be forced to take Wolverine and the X-Men and turn it into the next chapter of the AvX saga. Instead, he gives us a great issue of Wolverine and the X-Men that addresses the issues surrounding the Avengers/X-Men clash, but lets the book remain in its own world.  Bachalo is always welcome on the pencils, and I have to say, I LOVE his Captain America.  The true highlight of the book for me? “'Oh, To Fly Among the Stars!' A Detailed Oral History of the Nova Corps and a Reasoned Explanation for Why I Should Be Allowed To Join Their Esteemed Ranks, by Broo the Brood.”
I don’t know if every book is on fire right now, but once again, I find myself at the end of this review LOVING the current state of comics. Props to DC, Marvel, Image and everyone in between for doing the best that you can.
Coming up next week:
It should come as little surprise, given the working relationship between Paramount Pictures and Mondo that the Austin-based poster producers are releasing a series of posters based on The Avengers.
What may surprise you, is how they’re doing the posters.
Announced today on The Huffington Post (!), Mondo will be releasing Seven posters for The Avengers, and the first two have been revealed.
Stay tuned as the remaining 5 are revealed (Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Nick Fury and Loki, I’d imagine!)Â For sale details, keep an eye on MondoTees.com and @MondoNews!
Source: Huffington Post.
We’re just under two months away from the release of Prometheus, the not-quite-an-Alien-prequel directed by Ridley Scott, and alongside the normal trailers and posters, we’ve been slowly getting a very nice ARG element to the marketing.
I’ve covered some of the videos in the past (as the related stories below will indicate), but this video takes the cake as probably the most…unnerving piece of marketing material for the film yet.
It’s a promotional video for David, the android created by the Weyland Corporation, as portrayed by Michael Fassbender. You can consider him an earlier version of Ash or Bishop from prior Alien films. And…yeah, this video just gives me the creeps. In a good way. Go ahead, click play.
Prometheus hits theaters on June 8th, 2012.
EDIT: 1:31pm Looks like David even got a full page ad in the Wall Street Journal, today. Nice touch, marketers.
Thanks for the image, The Verge!
I have to admit - my interest in the for gaming as I grow older is becoming less and less.
Maybe it’s just a stagnancy thing. I know I can’t deal with another generation of first person shooters full of stupid kids playing online who call me any number of racial slurs because I’m not as good at the game as them. And really, I don’t know that another round of Wii/Playstation/XBox is what the gaming world needs.
That said, the world of mobile gaming really has grabbed me hard. Low prices plus a more open environment has allowed for more unique ideas to be developed. It might have been by accident, but I feel like that Apple stumbled right across the perfect way for indie studios to be seen on an even keel with the major developers. Â Even better than Microsoft XBox Live Arcade has.
So…what would you say to the idea that Apple is working on a game console?
That’s the big rumor coming from the folks at Cult of Mac today.
Over the weekend, Apple head Tim Cook was rumored to have been at the Valve offices. Valve, of course, is the developer behind the huge Half-Life, Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress and Portal games, not to mention the massive Steam network for game distribution and sales.  Valve’s even been rumored to be working on a game console of their own.
That said - the rumor is that Tim Cook was there to talk about Apple’s console plans.
For years, Apple has been rumored to be working on a smart television, taking everything they’ve learned with the iPhone, iPad and AppleTV, and combining it in a proper television, instead of a set-top box.
Now, the rumor goes, the TV is one component of a whole system, which includes a touch and movement based system, similar to Microsoft’s Kinect.
Was Apple going to extend an olive branch to Valve for development? To compare notes on consoles? Or is everyone wrong, and this meeting was about something else entirely?
It sounds fake enough to be unreal (really, a TV AND Console? How much is that going to cost?), but stranger things have happened.
Take it with a grain of salt. But if this is real - this could be a game changer. Period.
Source: Cult of Mac
17 years ago (good lord, I’m old), the Toy Story films made us all feel sadness, regret and triumph with our old toys.
This November, Disney intends to give the world of video games an animated tale all its own.
The flick? Wreck-It Ralph.
Here’s the idea behind the forthcoming 3D animated flick:
The first teaser poster for the film was released today, so I’ve embedded it above. I’m pretty sure it’s gonna grab the eyes of the retro 8-bit lovers, for sure.
Wreck-It Ralph hits theaters on November 2nd, 2012.
Looking over the list of movies set for this Summer, 2012 is a VERY stacked year, with big movies such as The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Brave, Amazing Spider-Man and many other set to hit your local cinema.
But 30 years ago, the Summer of 1982, might be the greatest summer ever - at least that’s what the folks at the Alamo Drafthouse believe, as they are putting together a great film series this summer - Summer of ‘82.
The main series of films to be shown are these 8 key titles, each screening sponsored by a major movie website (it’d be cool to see Blast-O-Rama.com host a screening one day…but I digress):
May 11 — CONAN THE BARBARIAN (co-hosted by HitFix, tickets on sale April 17) May 18 — THE ROAD WARRIOR (co-hosted by Film School Rejects, tickets on sale May 4) May 25 — ROCKY III (co-hosted by Collider, tickets on sale May 11) June 1 — POLTERGEIST (co-hosted by Aint It Cool News, tickets on sale May 18) June 3 — STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN (co-hosted by Badass Digest, tickets on sale May 18 ) June 8 — E.T. (co-hosted by Slashfilm, tickets on sale May 25) June 22 — THE THING (co-hosted by Movies.com, tickets on sale June 8) July 6 — TRON (co-hosted by FirstShowing.net, tickets on sale June 22)
And if that wasn’t enough, due to the great response, even MORE screenings of great 1982 films were added, so you’ll be able to see these, as well!
May 9 — VICE SQUAD June 6 — ESCAPE 2000 June 20 — THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER July 1 — THE SECRET OF NIMH July 9 — PINK FLOYD: THE WALL July 10 — CLASS OF 1984 July 13 — FRIDAY THE 13TH: PART 3 IN 3D July 17 — HALLOWEEN 3 July 24 — Q: THE WINGED SERPENT July 28 — THE DARK CRYSTAL August 12 — FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH August 25 — THE LAST UNICORN
Full details on the screenings will be available here: http://drafthouse.com/1982
Of course, since this is an Alamo project, we’ll be getting posters, and the first poster (and it’s variant) has been revealed - ET: The Extra Terrestrial, as drawn by Dan McCarthy. Â These are beautiful.
[caption id=“attachment_6276” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“ET: Standard Edition”][/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_6277” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“ET: Variant Edition”][/caption]
No word on what other films will see posters, but you gotta believe at least a few will. Â I’ll be sure to cover them as I see them. If they’re all as nice as this one, you can bet that they will become objects of Geek Lust as time goes on.
Source: /Film.
[caption id=“attachment_6269” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Click for Larger!"][/caption]
Thanks to the fine folks at Bleeding Cool, we have a peak at the new one-sheet for The Amazing Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man is, of course, the big Andrew Garfield starring/Marc Webb directed reboot of the web-crawler franchise, and honestly, it’s one of the movies that I’m most intrigued by this summer.
This is probably the last poster for the film, and it screams “DVD/Blu-Ray Box Art”, as it’s a pretty striking and definitive image of the new interpretation of Peter Parker. Note - the Stark Enterprises watermark is from the Russian fan site which originally found the poster.
What do you think?
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters on July 3rd, 2012.
Edit - 12:27pm - Updated with Higher Resolution version from Yahoo!Movies
Also, from Yahoo!, found this poster, which I hadn’t seen before.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
Superb T-Shirt maker Threadless over the past few years has been going beyond their standard line of graphic tees to colaborate with artists from the world of comics, creating narratives on shirts.
The fifth such series of Comics-On Tees hit at C2E2 this past weekend in Chicago, and have officially been released on Threadless.com this morning.
Titled Space-Time!, the shirts are meant to represent assorted issues from through out a fake comic series' 53 issue run.
Here’s the blurb from their site:
Jeffrey Brown
Paul Hornschemeier
Jeff Lemire
Anders Nilsen
Each shirt goes for $24, but you can save a little scratch by getting the whole set together for $79.
I think all the shirts look great, but I’m personally most excited for the Jeff Lemire shirt, given that his current runs in Sweet Tooth and Animal Man are amongst my favorite comics today.
In 2007, when I got back into the world of comics full force, one of the books that grabbed me by the dangly bits and punched me in the face was writer Matt Fraction and artist David Aja’s rebirth of a kitchy 1970’s Marvel Comics icon - the absolutely superb Immortal Iron Fist.
Fraction’s brilliant writing was matched perfectly by Aja’s gritty art wrapped by some magnificently designed covers. Sixteen wonderful issues were put together by this team, and then Matt Fraction became one of Marvel’s elite writers with runs on Iron Man, X-Men, and the Defenders, while Aja became a go-to secret weapon for beautiful covers.
This August, in a move that excites me, the Fraction/Aja team is coming back together. The character? Hawkeye.
Hawkeye, the in-house archer of the Avengers team has never really been a big solo character in the Marvel Universe, but starting with this Summer’s Avengers movie, his profile has never been larger - in turn, Marvel is giving him his own ongoing solo comic, for the first time!
The goal for the series is to not just feature the most moral member of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, but to pair him with Young Avenger’s member Kate Bishop, who also has run under the Hawkeye name. Â We’ll be getting a glimpse into how Hawkeye keeps up with the world of crime fighting when he isn’t an Avenger, and while the details are still pretty hush hush, with a team this good, I’m game for whatever they have planned.
The book was officially announced at the C2E2 convention this weekend, alongside the amazing cover art spread within this post. The Fraction/Aja team is confirmed for at least the opening six issue arc, and I hope they have many more planned. Â Color me geeked!
Rian Johnson is one of my favorite up and coming filmmakers.
Having established his name with the smart indie teenage noir Brick, then delivering on his promise with the incredibly smart and enjoyable thief romp The Brothers Bloom, Johnson is a name I look forward to.
So, a few years ago, when he posted to the web an image of these notebooks in progress (Johnson writes out his scripts originally by hand), the name Looper became something I needed to watch out for across all the movie blogs.
The details started to leak. Â It’s a time travel movie. Something about hit men. Joseph Gordon Levitt, the man who starred in Brick, and whose excellent choice in roles has pretty much insured that I would see anything he agrees to, would be back as lead. Â But he’d be playing a young Bruce Willis? What the hell was this Looper thing going to be all about?
Then there was EXTREMELY positive word from very early test screenings late last year. Â And last night, before The Cabin in the Woods, the trailer rolled out before me. Â I actually cherish the fact that I got to see this trailer on the big screen first, as it broke my brain and got me VERY excited for the film. Â It’s on the web now, and seriously, I implore you to watch it.
Sure, I have some amazing movies to look forward to this year - The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Brave, The Hobbit. But in those movies, I sort of know what to expect. Â Super heroics. Pixar greatness. A return to Middle Earth. Â But here is something where I don’t know what to expect…THIS is what I look forward to in the movies. The anticipation of something new. The hopes for something great. And when the lights go down, not knowing where I will land when the lights come back up.
Sure - Bruce Willis has been hit or miss lately. And yes, this is the first time Rian Johnson has directed action. But I have a VERY good feeling about this movie.
Looper hits theaters on September 28th, 2012.
The day many thought would never come…might actually be here.
Sin City 2, here to for known as Sin CIty: A Dame to Kill For is FINALLY entering production, or so sayeth Robert Rodriguez.
It’s been seven years since Sin City hit theaters, and it seems that every year since, Rodriguez has been promising that Sin City 2 is going to happen, but according to a press release issued this week, the movie will be made (in, surprise, 3D) this Summer.
Pulp Fiction. Kill Bill. Inglorious Basterds.
For most of us, these are titles of movies that are all time classics - and of course, they come from the eye and the pen of Quentin Tarantino.
And now, with a Christmas 2012 release date set, it’s time for us to start getting excited for Django Unchained.
What’s the idea behind that one? Here’s your official blurb.
Success leads Schultz to free Django, though the two men choose not to go their separate ways. Instead, Schultz seeks out the South’s most wanted criminals with Django by his side. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago.
Django and Schultz’s search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (Academy Award®-nominee Leonardo DiCaprio), the proprietor of “Candyland,“ an infamous plantation where slaves are groomed by trainer Ace Woody (Kurt Russell) to battle each other for sport. Exploring the compound under false pretenses, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Academy Award®-nominee Samuel L. Jackson), Candie’s trusted house slave. Their moves are marked, and a treacherous organization closes in on them. If Django and Schultz are to escape with Broomhilda, they must choose between independence and solidarity, between sacrifice and survival.
Written and directed by Academy Award®-winner Quentin Tarantino, DJANGO UNCHAINED is produced by Stacey Sher, Pilar Savone and Reginald Hudlin. The executive producers are Harvey and Bob Weinstein, Michael Shamberg, Shannon McIntosh, and James Skotchdopole. DJANGO UNCHAINED will be released in the U.S. on December 25, 2012, and internationally by Sony Pictures Releasing International. And with that, comes our first teaser poster, which has an awesome retro vibe. Click for a high resolution version.
I’m iffy on Jamie Foxx in the lead, but the rest sounds awesome. Anyone else game for a Hobbit & Django Unchained double feature this Christmas?
It’s the warm and fuzzy side of Anakin Skywalker: Father, which we never got to see in the Prequel Trilogy.
Sadly, most of the images I’ve seen haven’t given proper credit - some even with a damn watermark for 9Gag or whatever that stupid site is called.
Turns out they’re from a really great looking book called Darth Vader and Son, generated from the talented pen of indie comics legend Jeffrey Brown.
The book is due to hit shelves next Wednesday, April 18th, 2012, and here is the official blurb.
ALERT! The Cabin in the Woods is a film which I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend you see without knowing much, if anything about the film. Â This review is incredibly spoiler free, but BEWARE - OTHERS ARE NOT. Proceed to other reviews with caution. Â And if you have blabby friends, that could be a problem too.
I have a complicated history with horror films.  Growing up, I loved the original Halloween, found myself watching the Friday the 13th series on the regular with WNUV 54’s Saturday slate of horror films, and I was DEATHLY afraid of Freddy Kruger…at least until they practically made him a looney tune in later years.  That said, most of the modern slate of horror turned me right off.
After the amazing, self-aware slasher film Scream, we saw far too many imitators (not to mention crummy sequels) which attempted to shatter the fourth wall, and if they weren’t aiming for the witty side of the horror fans brain, they attempted to indulge the gore-wishing side.  I’ve never been a fan of the so-called “torture porn” genre of films, and honestly, Hostel is one of my least favorite movie going experiences to date.
That said, I hope you understand that it’s no minor seal of approval when I say that The Cabin in the Woods isn’t just he best horror film since Scream, it’s arguably one of the best horror films ever made.
Directed by Cloverfield’s Drew Goddard and written by Buffy/Firefly/Dr. Horrible mastermind Joss Whedeon, the recipe is there for greatness - but what is truly great is how little of the hand is shown to you.  Based on the trailers (which, in a great twist for today’s marketing DON’T RUIN THE FILM), you have a tale of 5 teens headed to a creepy shack in the woods - a letterman jock (Thor’s Chris Helmsworth), a burnout (Fran Kranz), an “egghead” (Jesse Williams), a slutty blonde (Anna Hutchison), and yes, a virgin (Kristen Connolly).  Once they get settled into the cabin, things go terribly wrong.
Formulaic? Sort of. Â There’s a much greater plan to what happens - and while you watch the film, you can start to piece together what it is…but it’s bigger than that, and it may even be bigger than what’s on screen. Â To say any more would be to absolutely ruin what makes the film great, but I cannot stress enough how much you - especially if you’re a long time horror fan - need to see this film. Â I haven’t enjoyed a US horror film for ages, and this absolutely filled me with joy.
Whedon’s script is incredibly smart, filled with his trademark witty dialogue, all the performances are aces, with the young cast playing each stereotype to the hilt (even if they’re a little more aware of them than the typical cast), and the supporting cast is pretty great, especially some amazing work from Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford…who might shine the brightest in this film.
The Cabin in the Woods isn’t going to be the film you expect, and the movie is world’s greater for it.  Get together with some of your best movie buff friends, and get ready to scream, laugh, and debate the film for ages to come.  This was a fantastic surprise, and I can’t wait to watch it - and analyze it - again, and again, and again.  Do it up.
By the way - I wanted to also thank Goddard and Whedon for giving the cinematic world another great character named Marty, other than McFly. Thanks, guys.
I know, I know, it’s Friday night. But I’ve already decided that Thursday is a better day for me to write these (so I don’t rush), and last night I had an AWFUL sinus headache. I apologize for the delay.
Adventure Time #3 Written by Ryan North, Art by Shelli Paroline
Adventure Time is the greatest cartoon in the world right now. If you haven’t seen it yet, yes, you should consider that a bad thing. Â Personally, I stumbled into it via a marathon while I was in a hotel room over the summer, and I’ve been able to see more via the magic of DVD. Â Since I don’t have cable at home, I don’t get the option of the weekly episodes - but luckily for me, there’s now a monthly comic which is just as good. Â Written by webcomic wiz Ryan North of Dinosaur Comics fame, and drawn by former Muppet Show artist Shelli Paroline (who, full disclosure, has appeared on a Super Art Fight show in the past), I’m pleased to say the comic is just as good. The art is simple but perfect, the writing is on point, and there’s all sorts of fun within the book, like entertaining backup stories, “alt-text” on every pages, and even comics within the comic. Â This really is a fun book that perfectly captures the silly, 4th wall breaking fun of the cartoon, and I dare say is as essential to any Adventure Time fan as the show itself. Highly recommended.
America’s Got Powers #1 Written by Jonathan Ross, Art by Bryan Hitch
The first major post-Marvel work by artist Bryan Hitch, and written by known UK celebrity Jonathan Ross, it’s safe to say that Image’s America’s Got Powers is a “big deal”. Â That said, the book really could stand to be better. Â You have what feels like a warmed over plot of a superhero based reality show (think American Idol meets the Running Man, or Hunger Games), a lead who “has no powers” that SURPRISE! discovers them at the end of the first issue, and even Hitch kinda feels like he’s on autopilot, with pages that appear to be well…Hitch by Numbers. Â I do think the book has the potential to go to some unique places, but from this first issue, I’m not terribly impressed. Lets see what happens through the rest of the series, yeah?
Avenging Spider-Man #6 Written by Greg Rucka & Mark Waid, Art by Marco Checchetto
The first part of a 3 parter which mixes my favorite Spider-Man book with the current, great, Daredevil book by Mark Waid and…oh yeah, Punisher as well, Avenging Spider-Man #6 is a fun, breezy read. Â Waid nails Spidey’s voice and tone (which makes me wonder, has Mark Waid EVER written a Spider-Man book?), this is a nice continuation of the current Daredevil arc, and…uh, I guess Punisher is cool? He kinda looks like Solid Snake for some reason now. I don’t really know why. Â Marco Checchetto draws well enough (his Spidey eyes, while more realistic, sure are weird, though), but this issue is mostly setup and ninja fighting. Â I sure hope that Daredevil’s issue in this stands alone, as I don’t think I’ll be grabbing the Punisher part. Â As a normal issue of Avenging Spider-Man, I do really miss Zeb Wells from the writer’s chair, but this story could play out well enough.
Batwoman #8 Written by J.H. Williams, III & W. Haden Blackman, Art by Amy Reeder
Oh, Batwoman - you are a book which is dropping off hard for me. Â I absolutely loved the first six issue arc, written and drawn by JH Williams, but the current arc kinda bores me. Â Amy Reeder is a great artist for the series, retaining a clean style while mixing in the unique panel stylings we’ve come to expect from the Batwoman comics, but this arc is doing nothing for me. Â I suppose it’s because I’ve never really been too into mystical, sorcery based characters (like Dr. Strange), so building an arc about a villain in that style isn’t really going to draw me in. Â Batwoman was a book I really loved as the DC New 52 began, but if we continue on this track, I’ll be dropping it soon.
Daredevil: Season One Written by Antony Johnston, Art by Wellington Alves
The Marvel Season One series, for those unaware, is a new initiative by Marvel to give new comic readers an easy access point to the classic origins of different characters. Â They aren’t really re-imagined versions of the origins, but instead, mostly faithful retellings done in a modern style, whether it’s with a new perspective, refreshed character designs, or streamlined storytelling. Â The series started with both Fantastic Four and X-Men, each of which was really quite stellar (and surprisingly, in both cases, written from a lead female perspective), and continues this week with Daredevil: Season One. Â As you know, I’ve only recently gotten into Daredevil with the current run, so to get his origins was actually a nice thing for me. Â Antony Johnson (Oni Press’s Wasteland) does a great job scripting the book, giving us a weaving tale including clashes with classic DD villains The Owl and the Purple Man, and it’s matched nicely by clean art from Wellington Alves. Â It’s a really enjoyable, fun read, and as far as I’m concerned, Marvel Season One is 3 for 3.
Saga #2 Written by Bryan K. Vaughn, Art by Fiona Staples
I’ve written in the past about how much I was looking forward to this book, and just two issues in, Saga is delivering in spades. Â The storyline, which seems to meld Star Wars-esq scope with a Romeo & Juliet tale of warring alien lovers who have a child and are now on the run, is unfurling slowly, but providing just enough details to draw you in. Â Fiona Staples is an absolutely amazing artist, and each panel just draws me in with the clean linework and superb coloring. Â Also, how inventive are the alien races in this series? Â This might be my absolute favorite book on the stands today, and is totally my pick of this week. Get in on the ground floor, everyone - this could end up amazing.
Scarlet Spider #4 Written by Chris Yost, Art by Ryan Stegma
Taking what could be an awful concept (the return of Kaine and the Scarlet Spider character from the much disliked Clone Saga storyline from Spider-Man) and turning it into an interesting story has been no easy job for the team of Yost and Stegma, but four issues in, I’m getting into this book. Â Making a meaner, rougher, more violent Spider-Man is a unique enough idea for the series, but supplanting him into a region like Texas gives him a definite difference from the normal web-swinging action, and removes it from the rest of the Marvel U, giving the comic it’s own world. Â I still think Kaine’s motives and the overall story for the book needs to be fleshed out a bit more for my tastes, but considering I thought this was an awful idea for a series, I really need to give this team credit - this may end up being a pretty damn good comic after all.
That’s this week in comics - not a bad one at all. If I tell you to get anything this week? Saga, Adventure Time and Daredevil Season One.
What’s on tap for next week?
We’ve gone past Hump Day, and this means that Yes, Virginia, it’s Comic Book time. Hide your children, get your gun and make some Ovaltine, it’s time to kick back and Read ALL The Comics!
This week is a big one for Marvel as they kick off the huge Summer 2012 event Avengers vs. X-Men. Elsewhere, the big Spider-Man event continues, some of my favorite books of the DC New 52 continue on, and we get some Invincible in there too!
Action Comics #8 Written by Grant Morrison, Art by Rags Morales
The first arc for the rebooted Superman book wraps up here, and appropriately, it ends with a slam bang battle between Superman and Braniac. We’re starting to shift toward a more typical Superman status quo from the almost Ultimate Spider-Man-esq feel of the first few issues, which bums me out a bit. That said, this was a very well done wrap-up, and I’m in for at least the next arc. Given my general “eh” feelings about Superman, however, I could see me leaving whenever Grant Morrison decides that he is done.
Amazing Spider-Man #683 Written by Dan Slott, Art by Stefano Caselli
The Ends of the Earth continues on with a big time battle between the Sinister Six and the Avengers, as Doc Ock’s final plan continues on. Once again, I really enjoyed Slott’s work here, between shocking moments like Spidey punching out Al Gore (it makes sense in the book, I promise) and Doc Ock’s back up plans to take out each Avenger. The stakes are getting raised ever higher in this storyline, and as a long time Spidey fan, this is a great arc to have come back on. Question - when did ALL of the Sinister Six get such dramatic redesigns? I’m not complaining, as I like them, but I didn’t know if they were exclusive to this storyline or what. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Animal Man #8 Written by Jeff Lemire, Art by Steve Pugh and Travel Foreman
One of the biggest joys of the DC New 52 has been the re-launch of Animal Man. Best known for its history as a fourth wall breaking mindfuck by Grant Morrison, under Jeff Lemire, the book has turned into what I believe is a first - a superhero family horror comic. As bizarre a mixture as that sounds, it works in spades, as Lemire does a great job balancing the family dynamic alongside some very dark and gruesome scenes. It doesn’t get much darker or gruesomer than this weeks issue, as Buddy Baker and family continue their battle with the force known as the Rot, and things start to go very, very wrong. This issue is an intense page turner, and based on what happens to Buddy at the end of the book, I can’t wait for issue 9 to hit. Seriously, one of my top books right now. Check it out.
Avengers vs. X-Men #1 Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by John Romita Jr.
Considering the relative importance of this book, you’d think that I would list it first, but no, I ADHERE TO ALPHABETICAL ORDER. I’ve seen some other blogs slag this first issue of the Marvel Mega Event, but really, I was enthralled from page to page. Sure, Romita draws some weird facial expressions here and there, but I really dug the hell out of this book. From the word go, and the strong return of the Phoenix Force, this definitely feels like a large scale book. Sure, we just get the first punch thrown in the fight, but this is set to go for twelve issues, not including the tie-in AVX book, which is literally supposed to be page to page fights. Maybe its because I didn’t have to go through the whole Fear Itself/Secret Invasion/Dark Reign thing, but I’m not seeing why this didn’t serve up the goods. Of note - it’s really nice to see Laura Martin colors again, she’s always made books pop, and that continues here.
Danger Club #1 Written by Landry Walker, Art by Eric Jones
Danger Club is a new book from Image, and has been described by many as the perfect Image book to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the company. And certainly, I can see that - it very much is an “extreme” superhero book. And for me, I really liked the art, and the concept - a world where all of the adults and lead heroes have left, we’re stuck with only the younger people and teen sidekicks - is a nice draw, but the book really left me wanting. It feels a little too much like we’re tossed in the middle of the story, it’s hard to keep track of our new cast, and it was a smidge too unnecessarily violent for my tastes. That said, any book that decides to use a Flaming Lips reference for a character name gets some positive response from me. Â I’ll give it another issue or two.
Daredevil #10.1 Written by Mark Waid, Art by Khoi Pham
Yes, that’s a “Point One”. Â Marvel started doing this “Point One” initiative last year to give fans a jumping on point for any series. Sort of a leg up, so ongoing series don’t seem so daunting. While the comic itself is a great intro to Daredevil, and honestly, matches the quality of the series so far, given that issue 11 will itself start a new arc for the comic, and the series has only run for 10 issues so far, isn’t it more than a little early for such an issue? Â A fun read, especially if you’re wanting to dip your toes in the DD pool, but I still felt like this was unnecessary.
Invincible #90 Written by Robert Kirkman, Art by Ryan Ottley
Oh, how Invincible makes my month. Â Invincible has been my most common read, being the one book besides Atomic Robo to read with every single trade release over the past few years. Â And the series is in a very unique transition. Â While The Walking Dead seems to have been moving towards a state of repetition, Robert Kirkman seems to be using Invincible as a sandbox to take every superhero trope and mix it up. Â Here, we are in the midst of an arc mixing the classic “new guy replacing the normal hero” and “hero can’t use his powers” story lines, and they are working very very well. Â Also, Kirkman isn’t afraid to take some risks here, taking the new fan favorite cast member of Dinosaurus and….well, leaving him in a very different place from where he was when the issue started. Â It’s also worth giving a shot to the amazing art of Ryan Ottley, who has seriously stepped up his game over the past year - his work looked AMAZING in this issue.
Skullkickers #13 Written by Jim Zubkavitch, Art by Edwin Huwang
If you aren’t reading Skullkickers, you really really need to.  An absolute blast of a fantasy based romp, you have two nameless heroes (a tall Bald man and a short red-haired midget) getting into all sorts of hilarious antics gone wrong.  Issue 13 returns the series after a brief hiatus, and the fun has not left.  Zubkavitch continues to piece together hilarious adventures brought to life with Huwang’s beautiful art, and this issue just zoomed by.  The first part of a new tale that places the duo and their new elven friend on a pirate ship, the book made me laugh and laugh hard with the action which ensued and some classic Skullkickers tropes including bizarre onomatopoeia for different sound effects.  If you haven’t read Skullkickers, guess what? It’s being posted in webcomic form too. Go check it out, now.
Sweet Tooth #32 Written by Jeff Lemire, Art by Jeff Lemire
More Jeff Lemire goodness! This is the final issue of the current arc of Sweet Tooth and it wraps up well, with Gus and his half human half animal pals striking a blow against those who wish to continue to capture them.  Lemire is really firing on all cylinders on this book, and for those who have followed his prior work in Essex County, they’ll love the hockey references which come up here.  A truly bizarre and whimsical tale set in a very unique apocalypse, it’s equal parts Walking Dead, Y The Last Man and The Elephant Man and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #9 Written by Brian Michael Bendis, Art by David Marquez
The story of Miles Morales continues to grow, with his issues along side his Uncle (the criminal known as this universe’s version of The Prowler) coming to mix into his issues against the new, way more gangsta version of The Scorpion. Â What’s really nice is this issue mixes in some of the classic Parker angst by having Morales start to encounter issues in school with his new found superherodom. Â David Marquez jumped on this issue, and he’s going to be a great addition to what has been a near flawless team of artists on this series so far.
Wolverine and the X-Men #8 Written by Jason Aaron, Art by Chris Bachalo
I’ll say it - Wolverine and the X-Men is the BEST X-Men book since Morrison. I am 100% into each character, the new dynamics of the school, the growth this series has shown from the standard X-Men setup, all of it.  And now, of course, we’re headed right towards the Avengers vs. X-Men tie-ins.  While it’s certainly possible that Aaron and company will make the book work through the tie-ins, if this issue is the last of the “new” status quo, they go out with a bang. You have an awesome Beast vs. Sabertooth battle at the center, but such fun things as the mind-wiped Angel getting a true hero moment, Kid Gladiator wrecking stuff on a casino planet, and Wolverine literally becoming the Xavier of his new school by being stuck in a wheelchair.  Now, how long until I get a Jean Grey School shirt?
So, while I was a little late with this edition (so much to read!) you can’t deny that it wasn’t a good week in comics. Â What should be on tap next week? According to Diamond’s shipping list…this!
Brick. The Brothers Bloom.
If you’ve seen those films, written and directed by the great Rian Johnson, chances are you love them. I’m one of the people who really does, and in turn, when he’s on a project I am sold. And his next movie is called Looper, a high concept sci-fi project if there ever was one.
Here’s the official synopsis, which is a bit brain bendy, but roll with it:
Well, Sony wants you to look forward to it as well, so they started the big promotional push today by giving /Film the exclusive reveal of the official poster for the flick, which given that it’s a studio poster, is actually pretty cool. I really dig the time turny/playing card feel of it. You can click on it for a very high resolution version.
Looper is set to hit theaters on September 28th, 2012. I will be there.
Source: /Film.
Another Wednesday has passed, and as any nerd worth his weight in gold knows, Wednesday means NEW COMIC DAY! So, it’s another week of Reading ALL The Comics!
This week, we get Spider-Man team ups, more Flash action and the kick off for the big Marvel event of 2012. Crack open your books, pull up Comixology, it’s reviewin' time!
Avengers Vs. X-Men #0 Written by Brian Michael Bendis & Jason Aaron, Art by Frank Cho
Marvel’s super huge mega event for the Spring/Summer pits all your favorites against each other in Avengers vs. X-Men. It’s interesting then, that it starts not so much with a bang, but with a pensive consideration. (Although, since this is the zero issue, I suppose it’s not really the “start” then…) This issue is all about the Scarlet Witch and Hope Summers, both incredibly powerful and incredibly misunderstood females for each side of the sure to ensue conflict. Scarlet Witch is seen as a pariah due to her…lets simplify it to “Screwing with the Avengers” and Hope Summers is considered bother a savior to mutants and the biggest threat to mankind (and she might just be the new Phoenix). This book gives us a unique look into both ladies, whom I assume the AvX conflict will revolve around, and quietly sets the stage for what is to come. Cho’s the perfect artist for a female centric book, but I suppose I found the issue a little too pensive for me. But perhaps it is the quiet thunder bringing forth a giant storm. We’ll see.
Avenging Spider-Man #5 Written by Zeb Wells, Art by Leinil Yu
I can’t lie, Avenging Spider-Man makes me happy. I can’t say it’s the best book on the market, the most action packed, or the funniest, but it’s the comic that reminds me why I love comics in the first place. You have wise-crackin' Spidey mixed up with unique characters from around the Marvel U in fun, not necessarily high-stakes, team-ups, and the comic just leaves a grin on my face. This week’s issue is no different. We have Spidey on an adventure with the Avengers, leaving him to be teamed up with the legendary Captain America. But what makes this team up so unique is what they talk about. See, Spidey found out that before he was a hero, meek Steve Rogers was a comic artist. So he spends the whole issue trying to get Cap to talk about his inner geek. It sounds a bit more cloying than it is. It’s a fun, funny, heartwarming issue that’s really worth your time. Might be my favorite comic of the week.
Daredevil #10 Written by Mark Waid, Art by Paolo Rivera The relaunched Daredevil has been a very enjoyable read since its launch last year, giving Matt Murdock a fun, almost 60s vibe, met with a solid poppy art-style in artist Paolo Rivera. What has really made the book worth seeking out is how Mark Waid mixes and matches plots, and issue #10 is a great example, giving us closure on the Mole Man arc (had he and Daredevil fought in the past?) and adding more intrigue to his new romance with the Black Cat, a pairing I really like, given DD’s own darker tendencies. One of the things I enjoy the most about the modern state of comics is that while each comic definitely fits into a greater universe (there have been many references to the Shadowland arc of 2 summers back), there seems to be a push upon making each series work within its own bubble. I think this is what finally made Daredevil so accessible to me, and same with many of the titles in the New 52. If you’ve ever felt like Daredevil was a bit much to chew into, give Waid’s run a try - it’s really great. Can any DD purists sound off on what they think?
The Flash #7 Written by Brian Buccellato & Francis Manapul, Art by Francis Manapul
It looks like the pretty pictures which have defined the New 52 era version of The Flash are starting to be met by an equally as interesting plot. Buccellato and Manapaul clearly have had a vision for how to take the new Flash comic from issue one, and although it wasn’t as apparent from the beginning, the whole series is coming together now. We get reveals of the darker side of the Speed Force, some great depth added to classic Flash baddy Captain Cold, and as usual, thanks to Manapaul’s pencils, each panel is gorgeous. I have to say, I also really enjoy how Barry Allen and The Flash, while the same guy, seem to travel in different circles, each not entirely aware of the other. It’s a throw back to when a secret identity truly was “secret” and is a very nice touch.
Ultimate Comics: The Ultimates #8 Written by Jonathan Hickman, Art by Esad Ribic
The Ultimates remains a book which needs to be read more as a trade (as I had to go back and re read earlier issues to remember where we were in the space of things), but let it be known that Hickman isn’t afraid to shake things up. After issue #7’s big reveal of who the villain behind futuristic development “The City” is, we get a big return from Hulk (who wrecks things, appropriately) and a truly game changing decree from the US government. There’s a VERY big move on the last page of the book, and I hope that like with the entire series so far, Hickman and Ribic aren’t afraid to shake things up with how they resolve it. This has been one of the more unique reads coming out of the big 2, with the Ultimates regularly looking like anything but successful in the superhero game, and if they follow through where they ended here, it could be a masterstroke. That said, considering there are OTHER Ultimate Universe books going on that aren’t being impacted, it should tie up in a neat bow, but I think Hickman will find a way to give the end of this tale some edge.
The Walking Dead #95 Written by Robert Kirkman, Art by Charlie Adlard
I love The Walking Dead. I really do. But I’m starting to feel like there’s a trend building. Take Rick & the gang, put them in a new settlement. Have things go wrong. Kill off a character or two. Then the move. Repeat. And sadly, the “A Larger World” arc seems to be the same, as Rick decides to explore the offer from the traveller named Jesus (yes really) to see a new, neighboring compound. And of course. Things go wrong. I suppose 95 issues in, there would be a level of recurring themes and events, but I dunno, I feel like we just saw this happen, although the fall apart was MUCH faster than last time. Here’s hoping the push to issue 100 makes it even more dramatic, as Kirkman sure does love his big numbered issues.
Welp, that’s this weeks reads for me - what did you guys dig this week?
Next week, if Diamond’s list is true, I’ll be covering…
I have to say, I was super excited for when Louis CKÂ released his latest special, “Live At Beacon Theater” on his website for stream and/or download for just $5.
So much so, that I hoped that all comedians would do the same.  It certainly seems as if one listened, as in the wee hours of yesterday morning, Aziz Ansari of Parks & Recreation, Human Giant and Funny People fame released HIS newest special, “Dangerously Delicious”.
Same rules apply. Send $5, you get a high quality download and/or a stream of the special. Â As I’m a HUGE fan of this method, I totally threw $5 at it, and I think you should too, provided you’re a comedy fan. Â I haven’t watched it yet, but if Aziz’s prior album/special “Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening” is any indication, this should be good.
Don’t worry, though. Aziz released a preview video, which you can view here.
“Dangerously Delicious” is available now at AzizAnsari.com. Â Up next in the $5 special game? Jim Gaffigan.
Well, it’s clear that the marketing push for the not-quite-an-Alien-prequel Prometheus is officially in full effect, as we’ve seen not just one, not just two, but three new videos hit the web over the weekend, tied into a very key panel appearance at WonderCon, San Fran’s coolest comic convention.
It started with this sweet 1-minute teaser for the IMAX presentation of the film:
Then, through the Weyland Industries website, we got a fake ad for the android, David, as played by Michael Fassbender:
But that is nothing compared to the big mamajama, the full 2.5 minute trailer for the film, which finally gives us a glimpse at the plot:
Guys, I never thought I’d say this, but I don’t know what movie I’m looking forward to most this summer. Between Prometheus, The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises, Brave and The Amazing Spider-Man, you have 5 potentially fantastic flicks over one summer. I am beyond stoked to see all of these movies. I just wish I could go see them now.
Prometheus hits theaters on June 8th, 2012.
This past weekend, I became an official iPad owner. Yes, I know, I’m officially one of “them”. With an iPod Classic semi permanently attached to my car stereo, my phone being an iPhone 4S, this post being written on a MacBook Pro, and now a 3rd Gen iPad, I’m one of those big Apple nerds.
But that is besides the point. Since getting my iPad on Friday, I’ve been reading comics on there like a fiend, and I think I can now officially say that I am a STAUNCH supporter of digital comics. Doesn’t take up space, in some cases are significantly cheaper, and overall, it’s a joy to read in this format. Simply put, I really, wholeheartedly support it. And this is for a “trade wait” kind of guy.
That said, today is the first Wednesday that I got to be one of the masses foaming at the mouth for their new comics in probably a decade, and I’m very excited to be a part of it.
In turn, I’d like to announce the beginning of a new feature here on blast-o-rama. My weekly takes on what I’ve read. Similar to my epic New 52 reviews, I won’t be going super in depth, both to avoid spoilers and to ensure that I can produce these reviews weekly. You’ll get my thoughts, and maybe it will spur you to pick up one of these books.
So, without further adieu, let’s get reading.
Amazing Spider-Man #682 Written by Dan Slott, Art by Stefano Caselli
This is the first part of the major “Ends of the Earth” Spider-Man event. The stakes are pretty high here for Spidey, and luckily for me, they wrote it as a perfect jump on point for new or lapsed fans. The concept is easy - a dying Doctor Octopus has reformed the Sinister Six for one last hurrah. There’s a very interesting twist though, which underlines how Doc Ock wants to go out BIG. Of course, the one person who stands in the way is Peter Parker, our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. He’s apparently become quite the inventor since I last read Spidey regularly, and this pays off not just in his new job, but yes, a new costume at the end. I think this arc is gonna be a good time.
Batman #7 Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Greg Capullo
Adjective-less Batman was one of my favorite books out of the DC New 52, and it hasn’t lost any of its luster in the six months since. The “Court of Owls” arc has continued impressively, and issue 7 absolutely does not let up. Capullo continues to be an artist where you’re left wondering how it’s taken him so long to draw Batman. As for Snyder? Well, between this, his Detective Comics run of “Black Mirror” and the hopefully impressive “Night of Owls”, I think it’s safe to say he’s one of the greatest Bat-writers ever. This arc has been absolutely action packed, and to totally shift the Batman universe in a very subtle way has made this run all the more impactful. Its early, but the Court of Owls and the Talon are rising up in my list of favorite Bat-villains, and if the last page tease was any indication, we’re just getting started. I love this book.
The Invincible Iron Man #514 Written by Matt Fraction, Art by Salvador Larroca
This one I picked up just because I loved the older arcs. I admit, I’m not current with this series, so to come in on part 5 of the “Demon” storyline is probably a poor move. Based on the “Previously…” page alone, this sounds like it has been one hell of a storyline, with all of Iron Man’s rogues coming together to kick Tony’s ass. If that wasn’t enough, the government is on his ass too, as Ol' Shellhead broke his sobriety. To come into this story in media res is a bit rough, but the pacing is enough that I could understand what was happening (nice for today’s trade written environment). Larocca’s art shines as always, and really, the highest compliment I can pay the book is this - I want to read the first 5 parts of Demon, and then come back for Part 6. Good times.
Prophet #23 Written by Brandon Graham, Art by Simon Roy
I know. Prophet. What the hell. But Prophet isn’t the giant armed Extreme Comics joke he once was. As a part of an across the board relaunch of the Extreme Comics line, Prophet began anew with issue 21 as a weird, European feeling Sci-Fi book. And it’s a damn fine read. The pacing is tentative, the art is unique and overall there’s a great, grimy adventure feel from it. I’ve yet to see John Carter, but I can already say that this type of book is what I would want from that film. I can’t believe it, but it’s 2012, and PROPHET of all comics has me excited.
Supercrooks #1 Written by Mark Millar, Art by Leinil Yu
Yes, Mark Millar is a pompous asshole. And he goes to ridiculous extremes sometimes with his writing. That said, he produces a lot of material I like, including Kick-Ass, The Ultimates, and his post-modern version of Shazam, Superior. Supercrooks is his newest title, reteaming him with Superior artist Leinil Yu. This is your setup issue, so we don’t go too in-depth with the plotting, but it seems like we’re going to get a version of Ocean’s 11 starring super villains. With Yu doing the pencils, it should look pretty, but unfortunately, Mark does his “hur hur, I’m using naughty words” schtick here. Let’s hope that doesn’t get in the way of what could be a great book, yes?
That’s everything for this week. On the docket for my reads next week?
As it’s been well established on this site, I love sci-fi and I love movie posters.
So, of course, when someone takes the idea of alternate timelines and applies it to movie posters, I’m totally stoked.
Imagine if you will a world where Leonard Nimoy stars in Die Hard or John Wayne was Superman! It’d be a very different world indeed, and it’s what has been brought to us with the imagination of artist Peter Stults, who mocked up a number of movie posters where classic films are pushed into a different time, giving them a considerably different cast.
I highlighted one of my favorite of the posters above, but you can peruse the full gallery below or via the source link. Check ‘em out, this is a brilliant idea!
Source: The Behance Network.
[gallery link=“file” order=“DESC” orderby=“title”]
I know these are going to be huge sellers, and yes, as a Marty, I am very excited.
At the end of last year, the head of Mondo did an interview where he was asked if there were any movies that they haven’t done yet which they really wanted to produce a poster for. His answer was simple - Back to the Future. Now, they’re going to produce the ENTIRE TRILOGY.
Releasing on Friday, March 2nd, these posters are by Phantom City Creative and will be available in two formats - as a 3 poster set, and a long triptych print. As you can see, these posters are designed to be displayed together, making one beautiful Delorian amongst the three prints, and really, they came out great.
The three poster set (above) includes 3 18"x24" screen prints in an edition of 420, at a cost of (heh-heh) $88.
Should you want the triptych print at the top of the post, that is a 16"x36" print limited to 115 for $120.
As always, keep an eye on Mondo’s Twitter for the poster drop!
As I mentioned yesterday, today, Marvel has released the brand spankin' new Avengers trailer, and HOLY CRAP, it looks GREAT! You see the team interact, you see action, all sorts of great little moments that have sold me on this flick.
No need for me to ramble, here’s the trailer. Click play! GO GO GO GO GO!
Please note, the embed is from Marvel UK’s YouTube account, hence the Avengers Assemble name.
The Avengers hits theaters on May 4th, 2012.
To celebrate the 3D re-release of Star Wars: Episode 1 (possibly the first time this sentence has been said), Pepsi Japan is releasing a series of mini figures available with a purchase of Pepsi Nex through April 16th.
The 12 figure designs are by PansonWorks, and they are ADORABLE. Easily the best lil' Anakin has ever looked, a really great Darth Maul, a CUUUUUTE Obi-Wan, and the hologram version of Darth Sidious might actually be my favorite of the bunch.
Expect full sets of these to pop up on eBay any day now for exorbitant prices.
Source: TOMOPOP.
As you know, I’ve been jamming out to the new Gorillaz track, “DoYaThing” for a few days now.
Today, Converse and the Gorillaz have released the official video, which is actually way more slowly paced than I would have expected. It just shows what it’s like in the Gorillaz home when everyone wakes up in the morning.
That said, it’s still pretty darn amusing. Good way to start your day. Check it out!
This is pretty damn cool.
Today, the fine folks at TED, responsible for those amazing and inspring talks, released a rather…unique talk today.
It comes to us from the future, the year 2023 to be exact. A speech from Peter Weyland, who promises to build the first convincingly humanoid robot by the end of the 2020’s.
If the name doesn’t ring a bell, I’ll cut to the chase - this man goes on to create the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, responsible for the exploration which leads to the Alien films. That means this video is the next step in marketing Ridley Scott’s next big sci-fi opus, the sorta-prequel to Alien - Prometheus.
I can’t embed the video - yet - but if you’re excited for Prometheus, you’ve gotta check this out via the source link below. Well done, all. Well done.
Source: TED Blog.
EDIT: That was fast. Thanks to BadassDigest.com, here’s an embedded version.
EDIT 2: Oh, look, WeylandIndustries.com is an actual site, and they mention a “new round of investment available soon”. I guess this is the start of a viral game, and considering Prometheus is written by Damon Lindelof of Lost fame, I figure this one will end up pretty great too.
Tomorrow, Marvel Studios will release a brand spanking new trailer for The Avengers, the Joss Whedon helmed culmination of 4 years of hard comic book movie work.
In anticipation of that, they’ve now released a new poster for the film (at the top), and while in concept, it’s not bad, holy hell - did this one get rushed out the door? I know, almost every poster these days is put together in Photoshop, but the lighting is off, people’s head replacements are weird…just…this is VERY odd looking.
But hey, a bad poster doesn’t mean a bad film, does it? …DOES IT?!
The Avengers hits theaters on May 4th, 2012.
Source: Ain’t It Cool News.
EDIT: Here’s a slightly higher resolution version from the UK, where they get the movie days earlier, and under a different title - Avengers Assemble.
Oh, Radiohead. It’s always such a joy when you slowly drip out new music to us.
2011 was a pretty great year for us Radiohead fans. We got a new album, The King of Limbs in February, then two new songs in “Supercollider” and “The Butcher”, and then another two new tracks in “Staircase” and “The Daily Mail” as a part of the sublime From The Basement: The King of Limbs special.  It seems Thom and the gang are all about pushing out new songs in twos these days, as again, two more songs popped up, performed live during the launch of their 2012 world tour in Miami last night.
The first new song is “Identikit”, which definitely feels like it came from the same sessions that birthed The King of Limbs.
The other new track is “Cut a Hole”, which is more subdued and slow, but is again, a very nice listen.
There is no word on a formal release of these two songs (I’d love proper studio versions of “Staircase” and “The Daily Mail” alongside these songs as an EP or perhaps part of a full album?), but we’ll see if Radiohead drops any more new songs as the tour travels toward…well, everywhere but near me.
Source: Rolling Stone.
It’s been a while since I’ve written a post on it, but I’m always intensely amused by how the Japanese arms of American fast food franchises edit their menu for local tastes. Sometimes you have gastronomic nightmares, sometimes you have things that sound downright delicious. This latest mixture of new items coming to Burger King Japan seem to split the uprights.
Lets hope these crazy sundaes make their way to the US. The rest? Yeah, you can keep them, Japan.
Source: EATAKU - New at Burger King Japan.
But right now, this post isn’t about the music of last year, it’s about a brand new track released TODAY!
The Gorillaz are releasing a series of Chuck Taylors with the fine folks at Converse (they who’s shoes I’ve almost constantly worn since age 11 or so), so they decided to release a new song with some VERY awesome collaborators.
[caption id=“attachment_6041” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“The Sweet Kicks”][/caption]
The track is titled “DoYaThing” and it features James Murphy (formerly of LCD Soundsystem) and an absolutely stupendous guest appearance from Andre 3000. It’s 4 and a 1/2 minutes of pure awesome funk jam, and I think it’s the perfect thing you need for your Thursday.
Download “DoYaThing” here and check out the sweet Gorillaz kicks here.
EDIT - 2/24/12 - 9:35am Want to hear a THIRTEEN MINUTE version of this song? GO FOR IT!
Source: DoYaThing » Converse.
I’m a bit ashamed - with just a few months left, I’d actually forgotten that Pixar’s Brave is part of the super stacked, sure to be awesome, Summer 2012 movie season.
Luckily, Pixar seems to want to make sure I remember, as today, they have released a “trailer”, which is actually a full scene from the film.
In it, the sons of many Scotland lords compete in archery for the lovely Merdia’s hand. As you’ll see when you watch it, things go a bit different than expected.
The animation looks lovely, the character designs are stunning (I love Merdia’s hair!), the voice acting is fantastic - I think we can officially say that Cars 2 was the aberration.
Brave hits theaters on June 22nd, 2012.
I’ve heard of this project for a few years now, I might have even written about it here, but documentarian Morgan Spurlock has decided to turn his always quirkly lens toward a subject very near and dear to me, San Diego Comic Con.
Titled Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope, the flick (produced by Stan Lee and Josh Whedon) takes a look at the massive celebration of comics and cult culture that is Comic Con. As opposed to looking at it from a strictly historical approach, the flick aims to look at the convention from a more mythological approach, seeing how it effects fans, attendees and overall geek culture.
The first trailer was just released, and I’ve embedded it above. It looks pretty darn good, I just wish we could move beyond the whole Star Wars thing - not the best choice of title, in my opinion.
Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope hits limited release on April 6th 2012.
I have to admit, when I first heard about The Bourne Legacy, I was very iffy. The Bourne Trilogy was pretty great, Damon was awesome, and it all tied together in a neat bow by the end of The Bourne Ultimatum.
But now here we have the first trailer for the 4th part of the series (or first part of a new series, depending on your perspective) and I am actually pretty intrigued! Since first seeing him in The Hurt Locker, I’ve become pretty fond of Jeremy Renner, and I have no problem seeing him ascend to the next level of stardom on the back of movies like The Avengers and Mission:Impossible - Ghost Protocol. You have him matched up with a master actor like Edward Norton, and you take the plotting of the prior Bourne films (an amnesiac special agent) and ramp up the danger, and you end up with a movie that might just work out.
Sure, this probably could succeed just as well without the Bourne name, but I think under any name, this will end up being another good flick for the stacked Summer 2012 season.
The Bourne Legacy hits theaters on August 3rd, 2012.
As I feel like I’ve had to admit in very single post I’ve written about the forthcoming The Amazing Spider-Man, I am a lame duck for the character.
Spider-Man is and was the first fictional character I ever claimed as “mine”. I have, and continue to love the heck out of him, having Web of Spider-Man #3Â as the first thing I ever read at my own, at age 3, and now at 27, I still get giddy. Â That said - I really do feel like this movie might work out.
The first trailer was a little too Twilight-ish for my tastes, but this second one, it’s a bit closer. Â The webswinging looks practical as opposed to CG (if not just CG enhanced), there’s wise cracking, Garfield looks like a good modern Peter Parker and Emma Stone is nailing the Gwen Stacy feel. Â Yes, it’s a little too dark visually, and no, I don’t think we really need the origin told again, but I admit I am VERY intrigued to see what twists they add to the story we all already know.
Director Marc Webb came into this movie with a shit hand. People didn’t want Raimi leaving. After Spider-Man 3, people aren’t sure about a Spider-Man movie. And no one really seems to want the origin to be retold again…but this looks like a very fun and exciting film for Summer 2012. Â I will be there.
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters on July 3rd, 2012
If you haven’t seen Machete, you haven’t lived.
I admit it, I was uncharacteristically late to seeing Robert Rodriguez’s revenge tale Machete, the tale of what happens when you “fuck with the wrong Mexican”, but holy crap, what an absolutely fun exploitation fest.
Following up where 2007’s Grindhouse left, Machete was a balls to the wall gore, boobs and craziness fest, and as teased in the credits, the sequel, Machete Kills is now green lit and ready to go.
What’s the plan for the sequel? Here’s what Deadline.com had to say…
Machete Kills doesn’t have an announced release date as of yet, but ya mo be there. Ya mo be there for sure.
Source: Deadline.com.
Growing up with a somewhat unique (or underused) name like Marty, I didn’t have too many directly definable heroes. Except for one man - Marty McFly.
The Back to the Future movie series is one of my favorites ever (even though I don’t really care for Part III), and as you can imagine, I’m very much looking forward to 2015, so that I may have  a proper Back to the Future Part II party.  It appears that I can’t take the title of biggest BTTF fan, however.  That belongs to Flickr user Orion Pax.
An accomplished LEGO builder, Mr. Pax has stepped his game WAYYYY up, and put together an absolutely amazing set, approximating the entirety of the Town Square of Hill Valley come 2015.
This is amazing work - you have Cafe 80’s, the Jaws Theatre, a custom DeLorean, the future Nikes and even custom mini-figs! I’ve included a gallery of it all below, but for a full 43 images, click the source link. Â I’ve seen many custom LEGO builds, but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen any this ambitious. Wow.
Source: Orion Pax’s Twitter.
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Lets start this post by making something VERY VERY clear.
The Incredibles 2 is NOT in development. Other Pixar sequels are (like the new Monster’s Inc. and a rumored Toy Story 4), but The Incredibles 2 is NOT.
That said, a very talented artist from the Netherlands, Edwin Rhemrev, decided to take a stab at some development art for what might be if Brad Bird and Pixar decide to give the classic CG superhero family tale a second go around.
Personally, I absolutely LOVE the look of this art, and feel like that if Pixar isn’t looking into a second Incredibles film, that someone should hire Edwin Rhemrev to start visualizing for another film, because he has an eye and a half.
Now I’m going to be stuck in “What If” mode for the rest of the night. I’ve included a full gallery of his art in this post, but be sure to pop over to Edwin’s site and tell him how cool this looks.
Source: RHEMREV.COM.
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So, it’s just around 10pm, on Sunday Night, January 22nd, 2012. I don’t typically go into real, personal detail on this blog, as it’s main purpose and goal is for it to be a catalog of all things nerdy that I enjoy. Â That said, I started tweeting a bit earlier, and I feel like it’s something that would work in a longer form written piece, and here we are.
For those who are somehow aware of this blog, and not aware of Super Art Fight, let me explain that real quick. Â Super Art Fight is an absolutely amazing live art competition, kind of a mix of pro-wrestling and Pictionary. Â Started by Jamie Noguchi and Nick Borkowicz, I had the pleasure of being there for it’s inception, being asked to become the live show host, and being a key member behind the scenes ever since. Â In the interest of full disclosure, I handle all of the matchmaking/storylines, amongst many other things. Â On Thursday Morning, I leave for San Francisco. Â This is quite a big deal, as not only is it our first show on the West Coast, but we’re performing as a part of the Macworld|iWorld expo (formerly just Macworld), which in the tech world is something of a “big deal”. Â More than that, this is literally going to be my second flight ever, and the farthest I’ve ever traveled away from home. Â It’s very much riding on my mind as of late (understandably), but not out of nerves or fear, but the realization of how incredibly lucky and fortunate I am to have an opportunity like this.
Thinking about this is taking me back to where it all started - not just Super Art Fight proper, but my whole mix up in this world of comic, arts and performing. Â A step I never thought I’d take. Â It’s been a long journey, with a lot of help from amazing people along the way. Â This goes in depth, so prepare your reading glasses, gang.
The story begins all the way back in the Fall of 2005. Â I was in somewhat of a sad place in my life. Â I was heartbroken (always the genesis of any person’s “next great step”), things were rough for my family (my parent’s business fell apart in 2003, so I was helping them support the household, covering a number of bills while they got their feet back on the ground - at a point, I even needed to buy the house out from them) and all and all, I felt tired and adrift. Â I was 21 years old, I didn’t go to college, and while having a decent job, I started to feel like I was going nowhere. Â Life was numb and difficult. I walled myself up with the internet and movies and just…not focusing on anything but the immediate.
Enter Nick. Â Nick was a friend of friends from high school. Â He was a few years older than I, his senior year was my freshman year, and while I had upperclassman friends, we never really ‘knew’ each other. I mostly knew him as one of the hippieish kids that was older than me. Â That said, he had recently returned to Maryland from a period of time in Portland. Â He went out to Portland to find himself, to kick start his creative muse, and had a project he was ready to work on, a zombie comic called Dead of Summer.
The issue was this - Nick was a hell of an artist, with lots of ambition and drive, but he needed a writer to reign in his impulses. Being that we knew each other through alike friends, he knew that I was a big comic book nerd (although admittingly, I had gone a few years without reading anything on the regular - big financial stressors would do that to any hobby).
We started hanging out on the regular, talking movies, comics, music and life.  We learned that we had similar tastes, interests and creative ideas.  It was a positive outlet in a negative time, just reaching out to someone new to get my head straight while everything else was going crazy around me.  And then, that Christmas, after a screening of Peter Jackson’s King Kong remake (a film I WILL DEFEND!), he pushed an interesting concept my way.  This Dead of Summer project. He wanted me to write it.
Here was the problem - I hadn’t written really, well, anything that wasn’t school related. And I hadn’t been in school for a few years. Â And who the hell am I to start writing a comic? I’m a sad sack nerd with problems out the ass. I can’t commit to a project!
But Nick persisted. He believed in me. He thought that I could pull it off. Â And with enough time, I relented. Â But I had a unique demand. I wanted the project to be a webcomic. Â Having seen the growth of comics like Penny-Arcade, I thought serializing the project was the right move. Not only would we be locked into producing something regularly (HA!), but we also wouldn’t have to worry about having everything done before we showed it to people. We could learn as we go. The pressure was low, the learning curve was high, but the idea was there. Producing a comic regularly.
We launched Dead of Summer in April 2006.  In the months leading up to the comic’s release, Nick had a brilliant idea - to integrate ourselves in the local music scene.  He had put on a handful of successful art shows at the Ottobar, Baltimore’s best place for indie rock bands to do their thing.  I had been a frequent visitor there, and had struck up a friendship with a pretty great band called Karmella’s Game (although I wondered if they saw me as some goofy fanboy).  Nick, had his eyes on something a bit bigger.  He wanted to make us as key to the scene as the bands in the region.  Start doing poster and t-shirt work for some bands in the area, throw them in as cameos into the comics (always need more zombies, right?), and make it something where if a band is breaking in Baltimore, they know they can come to us…and eventually link back to us when the time was right.
This meant that Nick and I went to a LOT of shows. It was nice at times - being friendly with Karmella’s Game, I felt somewhat at home whenever we went to shows they were playing. Â But at other shows, when Nick was wheeling and dealing, and having me meet people in other bands or who worked for this club or that club or whatever, I was a nervous wreck. Â I never let it on as it was happening, but internally, I was over thinking, over processing and just beating myself up. Â I was some nerdy kid from the suburbs who just was calling himself a writer. Nick was talented as hell. These bands? Absolutely amazing. I was (in my own head) the odd man out. Â Who was I to cross the velvet rope?
After weeks, even months of work, we were on the verge of the big launch. Â Nick was going to have an art show, we’d launch the website the same day, and it’d be great! Â Nick was completely assured. Me? I just was waiting to be found out as the phony I thought myself to be.
The week of the show, Nick and I were driving back from the Ottobar…and I just broke. Â I told him that I wasn’t the right guy, that he was making the wrong choice, that I didn’t belong backstage, that I didn’t belong in this place - that I was the wrong person overall.
Nick took a moment, processed it, and said something to me which has always stuck with me. Â I almost wish, after all this time, that he said something a little less vulgar, but it was going to be one of the most important sentences that I ever heard.
“That’s stupid. You’re Marty Fuckin' Day. You have just as much right to be there as anyone else.”
I know, a sentence so simple was all it took to tear down anxiety and self doubt built up so many miles high, but it’s really what happened. That’s the great thing about true friends - they cut through the crap and take you right to what you need to hear, right when you need to hear it. Nick wasn’t just some artist dude, he was my friend, my brother, and he needed me to know that I was just as valid as anyone else. I was, and am, Marty Fuckin' Day.
And that kicked it all off. Dead of Summer grew to run over 300 pages in just over two years time.  We booked art shows, music shows, and became a key part of the Baltimore “scene” of the time.  But our ambitions always were bigger.
As Nick and I started to do conventions, we rolled deep - bringing our friends along to help staff tables, making ourselves seem “important”. Â Our first panels at cons, I held my own answering questions and dishing out wit on panels mixed with some of the biggest names in webcomics. Â Cocky? Could be seen as such, but I had to prove to myself that I belonged at the same table as everyone else. Â And in those moments, I kept my ears open, looking for opportunities where we could shine, and do something bigger and better.
Cut to Katsucon 14, President’s Day weekend, 2007 -  our first “out of town” show, an event where, for whatever reason, Dead of Summer was deemed worthy enough to get a hotel room and free merch tables! Some artist named Jamie Noguchi had missed the convention due to a personal commitment, and the man who ran this event called “Iron Artist” (an Iron Chef esq art competition), Chris Impink, needed a fill in. He really liked Nick’s work, and realized that he drew VERY fast.  Nick was pitched it, and he immediately asked me if it was worth doing.  I told him that he had to - what better way to make a name for us than by out drawing everyone else there?
And draw well he did, turning the competition on it’s head, incorporating crazy antics (including sucking up to one of the hosts/judges, this guy named Ross Nover, who was doing a superhero comic at the time), ultimately getting the win over some well known names.  Nick had made his name. Dead of Summer was known. But still, there was more to be seen.
We continued to work on new concepts - the next was a giant art show/band showcase called Ultimate Kaiju All-Star Barrage. In retrospect, that’s an awful name, but it was an amazing night. Nick and I oversaw the event, booking great artists (including the afformentioned Nover, Noguchi and Impink) for an artshow upstairs and pairing it with a music event downstairs (featuring The Protomen, Peelander-Z and our favorite bands in Baltimore, Karmella’s Game and Avec). Â The event was an absolute success. Â Our show booking was an absolute success, but we really didn’t grab any of it ourselves. Â We still knew we were destined for something bigger, something more outrageous. Â But what would it be?
Again, Katsucon would be the scene of something great. Â Katsucon 15, another fateful February weekend, lead to another year of Iron Artist. Â This time, Chris wanted to pair Nick against Jamie Noguchi. Â I thought it was funny that Nick was being pitted against the guy he replaced. Â Nick, again, decided to push me out of my comfort zone. Â He suggested to Chris that I be one of the judges/commentators. Â Knowing my misbegotten youth spent watching Pro-Wrestling, Nick felt that I’d be really fun on stage. Â I wondered if I was the right feel, but I trusted him. He got me to realize I was “Marty F’N Day”, he had to be right, right?
And then the show happened. Â As mentioned, Iron Artist was structured very much like Iron Chef, right down to the slightly over the top, but generally controlled presentation. Â Chris Impink always outdid himself with amazing video packages, giving a narrative to the event, incase the art didn’t keep people interested. Â Unfortunately for him, an hour of well programed video content didn’t go as planned. No less than 5 minutes into the show, the video feed dropped out. Â It was do or die time - we on stage had to improvise. We had to keep the packed audience interested (in the Main Events room, Katsucon would show Iron Artist to a crowd well over 1,000 people in size).
I remembered back to when I did theater in High School. One of the keys to keeping your audience was to act like everything was supposed to happen. Â Nick looked at me. Nick looked at Jamie. The gears were clearing turning.
Once again, Nick pushed his game up, drawing outrageous things, combining sheets of paper to draw massive monsters - literally going outside of the lines to make his art work, while Katsu’s video team struggled to keep up.  Jamie saw Nick’s idea, and thought he’d try to out do him. The art went crazy - they drew on each others work, they added to it, drew on EACH OTHER, and even pulled people from the audience on stage to draw FOR them.  I matched their intensity - ramping up my commentary to add a sense of ridiculousness and drama to the proceedings.  And the crowd absolutely loved it. I still remember the line that got them the most - “IN ALL THE ONE IRON ARTIST’S I’VE CALLED SO FAR, I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS!”
We had arrived onto the big idea. Â This played. This played to a big room. This made the artists larger then life - drawing based rockstars, illustration superheroes. And then it was time to do it live.
The rest has been written about much more, but the gestation was key. Â It was all about saying yes in the moment. It was all about taking the opportunity presented and meeting it with everything you had. Â That’s what Art Fight was really about. Â That’s what this entire journey had been about. Â Living in the moment, taking what you knew was in you, and with no doubts, no fears, bringing it to life.
…of course, ArtFight.com was taken, which is how we ended up with Super Art Fight (.com), but that’s incidental.
Super Art Fight officially started with it’s first live show on June 1st, 2008. Â As of the time of this writing, we’ve put together 60 live events which have taken us to seven different states. We’ve performed to crowds as tiny as 10, as large as 2500. We’ve built an amazing roster of a dozen regular artists, and featured the talents of dozens more. We get to share the stage with some of our favorite musical guests in the world. Â We’ve built an incredible second family for all of us. We have an annual Christmas party which I honestly look forward to more than my real family’s gathering. Â We’ve fought, we’ve celebrated, we’ve cheered, we’ve cried. Â We’ve grown into a group of well rounded adults.
And in four days, I jump on a plane to do our first show on the West Coast. Â I will be nearly 3,000 miles from home, in front of an audience who doesn’t know who I am, what Super Art Fight is, and honestly, may not care. But I’m ready to rise to the occasion. To tkae the brass ring. To make us known.
Before Nick and I embarked on this journey, I had seen all of 4 states in my lifetime, and I never knew if I’d ever get out of Baltimore again. Â I’ve flown all of once, this will be my second time. Â And no matter how the show goes on Friday, I will be standing there realizing how lucky I am.
I embarked on this journey a 21 year old boy who lived with his parents and didn’t believe in himself with any level of conviction. I’m now a 27 year old man with a place of his own, who isn’t afraid of any audience in this world.  I’m not a religious man in the least, but I believe I’m blessed.  And it’s all because of hard work, and one very key thing - in the moment of fight or flight, when the odds were stacked, I answered the call. I said “Yes.” I jumped in with both feet.
I’m Marty F’N Day. And I deserve to be here.
I can’t go without thanking a few people along the way.
Nick, you are my friend, my brother and I love you. It’s been an honor to grow up beside you, and I’m sad you can’t join us this week, but the journey will take us both to great places and great shows. Â
Ross, I give you all the shit in the world, but I can’t imagine hosting this thing with anyone else.
Jamie, thank you for not looking at Nick and I like we were crazy when we said we wanted to do this in front of an audience, and thank you for letting me help plan the first shows before we became “a thing”. Â
My Super Art Fight roster mates, you’re all amazing talents, and it is an honor to try to make you look even better than you already are. I hope my dick jokes don’t take away from the beautiful and wild work that you produce from thin air.
To the audiences that tollerate (and even enjoy) what we do - you make this worth it. If I weren’t on stage, I’d be there amongst you cheering and geeking, and I hope that enthusiasm is noticed.
There are others worth thanking, some who truly have helped me in tough off-stage moments, and helped me learn to love myself (and really hammered home that I need to learn to accept that my hard work got me this success, even though I have a really hard time processing that), but that’s between us. Â This is an amazing journey - I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
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While the jury has definitely been split on TRON Legacy, there is little doubt of the importance of it and it’s 1982 predecessor TRON in the world of geek.
That said, it probably comes as little surprise that our favorite poster company, Mondo, is releasing an unprecedented third set of posters to celebrate both films. Due to hit MondoTees.com for sale later today, this set of two 24"x36" posters are designed by the masterful Martin Ansin, known to Mondo fans for his work on posters for both Dracula and The Mummy.
What’s really cool is these posters not just feature a unique UV varnish, they also glow in the freakin' dark.
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If you are interested in these posters (which will only be sold in sets!), they will be available for $90, limited to 390 pairs. If you miss out, don’t fret too much, as Mondo will have an exclusive variant edition on sale through Sideshow Collectables in the next few weeks.
As always, stick to Mondo’s Twitter for release details, and good luck!
Source: /Film.
This is a really cool project. Australia based artist Josip Kelava took a group of his favorite heroes and villains from the worlds of comics, video games and movies, and put together a series of eight, minimalist yet striking prints, mixing these characters with iconic typography.
The images grab you by the eyeyballs and don’t let go - check out the full selection of images in the gallery below, and for some awesome process images, check out the source link - Josip did some amazing work here.
Source: the Behance Network.
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Wes Anderson. Just by saying his name, you should already have an idea of the film. Few filmmakers are that iconic and unique. Of course in some instances, this can also tell you whether or not you’re interested, and I’m going to say that if you’re not - you’re going to want to move on.
Embedded above, that is the first trailer for Anderson’s latest film - Moonrise Kingdom.
His first film since 2009’s The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and first live action film since 2007’s The Darjeeling Limited, this film brings together arguably one of his best ensemble casts ever - Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Jason Schwartzman and Ed Norton amongst others (shockingly, no Wilsons) and it just looks great.
If you’re looking for the official plotline, here you go:
From the trailer, it almost feels like a more indie friendly version of Bridesmaids, but Friends With Kids basically features every well rounded comedic actor you enjoy right now. You’ve got your Jon Hamms, your Kristen Wiigs, your Adam Scotts, and even your Chris O’Dowdses - and it looks like a heck of an enjoyable film too.
Add this to my “see in 2012” list.
Friends With Kids hits theaters in April 2012.
(Granted, as I have many that I am yet to hang, I suppose I have the room…but I digress.)
Anyway, the awesome print above comes from artist Tomer Hanuka, and is titled “Enter”. The 24"x36" print is available for just $30 on his site right now, and I’m really considering it. The crazy action, the popping colors, it’s awesome work…and I now have another artist who’s work to stalk across the web.
Source: OMG Posters!.
I, like so many other folks across this great land we call “internet”, have found myself stuck in the trance of the latest game in the Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim.
If you’ve yet to play it, it’s an absolutely immersive RPG on a scale which few have reached, let alone attempted to reach. Given it’s hyperpopularity, it should come as little surprise that spoof and homage videos have popped up across the web.
The Grosjean Brothers put together the above video, which I feel is the best and funniest yet, posing the question, what would Skyrim be like, if it were set in present day?
It’s a great video, and thankfully, avoids all knee/arrow gags. Enjoy, click play!
I have to admit, I was quite late to the Adventure Time game. Have you seen it? No? You haven’t? Go ahead.
I’ll wait.
How great was that? Adventure Time is seriously one of the most fun cartoons on television today, and it’s doing a great job of melting the brains of kids and adults alike.
The awesome people at Mondo had released a print for the series over Thanksgiving, and now they’re back with a new release of a print set by the incredibly talented Becky Dreistadt.
Due to hit MondoTees.com on Friday, January 13th, this set, called the Finn + Fiona Set features a print of Finn with Lady Rainicorn and Jake (at the top of the post) and also a print of Fiona with Lord Monochromicorn and Cake (below).
This set of 2 18"x24" prints will be available for $75, limited to 185 sets total. Stay tuned to Mondo’s Twitter for when the release drops.
Source: Adventure Time Art.
One of my favorite movies of all time is the Japanese film Battle Royale.
An absolutely brilliant satire which is equal parts reality TV show and forced Lord of the Flies, Battle Royale is the tail of a Japanese high school class who is forced into a televised competition where 42 students are placed on an island, and only one may live.
While this may also sound quite a bit like The Hunger Games, Battle Royale did it first, releasing in theaters way back in the year 2000.  I’ve owned the movie in a number of formats since (VCD, Theatrical DVD, Directors Cut DVD), but Lionsgate is bringing it to the US this March, marking probably the first instance of me owning it legally!
The DVD and Blu-Ray release will be on March 20th, 2012 and will come in two flavors.
The standard edition, cover above, includes Battle Royale: Director’s Cut with Japanese Dolby TrueHD 7.1, English Dolby TrueHD 5.1, and English subtitles.
For the super nerds (i.e. me, who already has it pre-ordered on Amazon), there is Battle Royale: The Complete Collection!
This four disc set includes the following:
So, this coming fall, James Bond returns to the silver screen in the hopefully to be awesome flick Skyfall.  Not only is this the third flick for Daniel Craig, who I feel has been amazing, but it marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Bond franchise.
In turn, MGM/Fox are also planning something for HD movie nerds like myself - Bond 50: The Complete 22 Film Collection, a 23 disc collection of every single Bond movie on blu-ray.
For nine of these films, this is the first release in high-def, and it’s sure to be one of the big movie sets for the holiday season. Â They’ve released a very cool trailer to celebrate the set, and I’ve embedded it below.
The full details of the release are not known at this time, but the set will retail for $299.99. That said, if you head to Amazon.com right now, you can get it for just $199.99!
Very cool, right? Yeah, I thought so. Â Just remember - James is kind of an asshole.
It’s been over a year since Mad Men Season 4 ended, placing us at a very unique time for everyone’s favorite sixties ad agency.
And it turns out that we know when the series will return. Season 5, premiering a year and a half after the last season ended, will hit screens on Sunday Night, March 25th, 2012.
Mad Men star (and my man crush) Jon Hamm let the info fly on this week’s installment of the always great Doug Loves Movies podcast, and I can’t wait. Not just to get to look at Peggy and Joan again. sigh
Source: Deadline.com.
Welp, this is going to be awesome. The absolutely fun and sublime Lego Batman video game is going to be getting a sequel this summer (just in time for The Dark Knight Rises), and it looks like Travelers' Tales is going to step their game up.
For the forthcoming Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes, the game takes a note from the new sets from Lego and adds Superman, Wonder Woman and more of the DC Universe to the next block-styled Dark Knight adventure.
No word on all the heroes we’ll be seeing in the game, but we’ll be seeing it on almost every system ever - the PC, 360, PS3, DS, 3DS, Wii and PS Vita.
Time to blow more stuff up for block pieces.
Source: Kotaku.
I think I’ve found the books which I would want to ruin my future children’s minds with.
Well, provided they ever actually existed.
Mixing the whimsical style of the classic Dr. Seuss with everyone’s favorite Dark Knight, deviantART users DrFaustusAU really outdoes himself with some amazing pieces.
If you dig what you see here, be sure to check out his full DeviantArt page, with Seuss-esq takes on Masters of the Universe, Doctor Who and yes, CTHULU!
Source: DrFaustusAU on deviantART.
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One of my favorite movies of all time is Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige.
One of my favorite screenwriters of all time is Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, The West Wing, Sports Night).
I have a secret love of musicals.
So, when they announce that Hugh Jackman will be playing Harry Houdini in a musical written by Aaron Sorkin, it’s something my nerd brain can’t really take.  I realize, this is a project that may only interest me, but holy crap, this could be AMAZING.
Unfortunately, this won’t bow until 2013-14, so I guess that still gives me time to see The Book of Mormon, but…this could be something really special. I’ll be keeping an ear to the ground on this project.
Source: Variety.
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A very over the top series given an even more ridiculous in-joke filled dub, the title originally known as Cat Ninja Legend Teyandee in Japan became a cult classic over here, especially amongst those in my age group.
I guess word got around, as there will now be a Speedy Cerviche action figure!
I don’t know much more besides the release date (March/April), but HOLY CRAP! A high quality Samurai Pizza Cats figure! This is way too awesome for my nerd brain to comprehend.
Source: TOMOPOP.
You ever find yourself looking at a licensed item and wondering to yourself how the hell it got approved?
That’s where I am today.  See, the merchandising world of Star Wars apparently hasn’t hit an equilibrium in its highs and lows. In turn, the fine retailers of comically large, chain covered pants at Hot Topic have decided to shift the seasaw to the side of bad with this giant turd - The Chewbacca Hoodie.
Covered in brown fur, and apparently so uncomfortable that even the dude who is being paid to wear it can’t look excited, this damn thing costs $70-$74, and most importantly, your shot at ever being taken seriously by a loved one ever again.
Click through fast, furverts, this one is gonna go fast as we enter the freezing season.
Source:Â Hot Topic.
I’m not sure when exactly Danny Trejo’s career was built around breaking the fourth wall, but I certainly can’t complain about it.
Having finally watched Machete over the holiday, I’m quite excited to see any film that has the balls to put him as the lead, and it appears that this year, there will be no film ballsier than Bad Ass.
Yes, that’s its title.  Starring Trejo as a bearded old man who beats the crap out of dudes on a bus and then…uh, goes after more justice? Bad Ass could be this year’s Hobo with a Shotgun. If the trailer wasn’t enough to sell you, c’mon, Ron Pearlman and Charles S. Dutton are in it too!
Bad Ass has not a release date as of yet, but I think we all know that it’s going to rule whenever it comes up. Start shining the Oscars now. Emmys too. And Tonys. And what the hell, a VMA or 3.
EDIT: Thanks to my Super Art Fight co-hort Bryan Prindiville, the video which INSPIRED THE FILM!
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Here at blast-o-rama, we LOVE the Batman (as you’ll especially be seeing today). And really, is there any better way to share love and dedication to a character than by an over-obsessive infographic?  Well, ScreenRant.com certainly thought so!
Complied by Ben Moore, the graphic above complies literally every single Batman costume variant over the years. Relive literally decades of Bat costuming in one image, and remember your favorites. Personally, I’ve always loved the 80s-90s Modern Era Batman costume the most, but perhaps your favorite is different.
…you’d be wrong, but yeah, perhaps yours is different.
Source: Screen Rant.
We’ve seen the poster, now see it in action - Ridley Scott returns to the world of sci-fi with Prometheus, the flick that may, or may not be, a prequel to the classic Alien.
It’s a trailer that is short on plot but big on imagery, and boy oh boy does it do its job at selling me a seat this summer! Awesome spacesuits, the Space Jockeys, Stringer Bell, Magneto and Lisbeth Salander are all ready to take us on a journey unlike any before.
Prometheus hits theaters June 8th, 2012.
Wow. Earlier this year, I went through the gauntlet of rewatching the Lord of the Rings Extended Trailer on Blu-Ray, and it was a heck of a journey.
Well, after years of hard work, Peter Jackson is ready to show us his return to the shire with The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
And oh my god. This looks AMAZING. The music, the songs, the tease at the end of the trailer. Goosebumps, people. Goosebumps.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey hits theaters on December 14th, 2012.
I know, I know. You probably have already watched it a billion times, but now that a full, official trailer for The Dark Knight Rises is here, I HAD to post about it.
So, as you rewatch it, here are some fun things I’ve noticed in my rewatches for you to note this time.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
I can’t front, seeing the 2010 version of Clash of the Titans was one of the worst movie going experiences of my life.  That said, it was an early 3D film post-Avatar, so it made a lot of money (almost $500 mil).  So someone at Warner Bros thought we wanted more.
In turn, we now have this coming out in March - Wrath of the Titans.
Looks like a bunch of pointless sound and fury, and I’m pretty sure someone’s carpet died on Sam Worthington’s head. Â This is going to be awful.
Wrath of the Titans sucks it up on March 30th, 2012.
One of the coolest things the internet brings us isn’t just all the information on what is happening, but also what could have been.
As we look toward this summer’s release of The Amazing Spider-Man, the big reboot of the webswinger franchise, it’s probably a great time to look back at 2002’s Spider-Man, directed by Sam Raimi.  While it maybe hasn’t aged too well, it’s still one of my favorite movie experiences of all time.  One of the things that hasn’t aged great, besides Macy Grey, is the somewhat odd Green Goblin costume.  With a big clunky helmet, it feels Power Rangers-esq at times.
But, at one time, we almost had something VERY close to the comic book original. As the above YouTube video shows, special effects masters Amalgamated Dynamics actually had a working makeup/animatronic model which would have made Willem DeFoe look much like the Norman Osborn of the page.
Personally, I would have loved to see this design in action, but I suppose the remote control aspects may have proven too difficult for action scenes. Maybe we’ll see something like this in Amazing Spider-Man 2?
Just a week or so ago, I was rambling on Facebook about how I am far too excited about the forthcoming Marvel and DC Super Hero lines of Legos, given that I am officially in my late 20s, rounding my way to 30.
That said, Lego just made a new licensing announcement that has me VERY VERY giddy - Lord of the Rings!
The first sets are scheduled to hit in Summer 2012, and I’d have to wager a Lego Lord of the Rings video game isn’t too far away, probably Hobbit sets too.
While preliminary images of the sets keep getting taken down across the net, here’s a list of what the initial sets should be:
I’ve heard about this movie for years, but next summer, Bryan Singer’s reimagining of the classic Jack & The Beanstalk hits theaters.
It’s called Jack the Giant Killer, and like many other fairy tale interpretations hitting theaters these days, they’re aiming for the whole grim and gritty thing to sell tickets.
What a silly idea. Sure, many of these fairy tales were originally grim and dark, but why the hell do they keep pushing classic tales into molds that they never fit in before? Â Maybe I’m wrong, maybe this will be good, but the trailer tells me otherwise.
Jack The Giant Killer hits theaters on June 15th, 2012.
When it comes to the work of David Fincher (one of my favorite director’s going today), he seems to thrive on what has become the popular formula for creatives who wish to continue working in the Hollywood system - a simple game best described as “one for you, and one for me”. Â He does the blockbuster film to make the studio happy, then works his way into doing a personal film - a project that wouldn’t otherwise be greenlit, but gets the go ahead due to his prior successes.
Typically, his better films are the passion projects - films like Se7en, Zodiac and Fight Club.  Which isn’t to say that the movies “for them” haven’t been good - just Panic Room and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button tend to stand out amongst his more difficult, less accessible films.  I suppose one wouldn’t expect anything less for a filmmaking perfectionist who got his start making commercials for Nike.  But last year, that all changed - a project that would probably be best described as “one for him”, a film chronicling the creation of a ridiculously well known website - The Social Network became a critical and box office hit, nabbing Fincher some much needed Academy Awards. No longer were they just “for him”, Fincher now was an artist for “us” - both himself and the studio.
So, it should come as little surprise that when Sony needed someone to head up the American adaptation of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, they went to Mr. David Fincher. Â He clearly excels at communicating hard to understand concepts to audiences (he made Facebook interesting in The Social Network), he understands the obsession one has when solving a crime (Zodiac), and he has spent some time in the dark, deplorable depths of mankind (Se7en). All of these tools come into play here.
When I originally saw the Swedish version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, I was really surprised - after seeing copies in nearly everyone’s hand, I can’t say that a dark tale about a magazine publisher, an abused hacker girl, an unsolved murder, and well, a LOT of rape was what I anticipated. Â But once Fincher was signed, I could see how it could be worked, how it could be communicated again to an audience who, well, doesn’t want to deal with subtitles. Â Unfortunately, many of the flaws of that film were clearly of the source material - as they happen again here.
The story is overwrought with detail and length - the original film was a hefty 152 minutes, and you felt every single one of them - Fincher’s version runs six minutes longer.  Luckily, he’s a bit more adept behind the camera - while the movie is long, you are drawn in by the amazing composition of each frame, making Sweden equal parts beautiful and haunting.  He’s mastered the montage of people looking at computers, piecing together information - what could be difficult to follow or slow in one directors hands feels important and in the moment here - that said, I could have easily done without a half hour of the film.  But I suppose that is the dilema of playing in another’s sandbox.  There is an expectation to deliver what is on the page right onto the screen - and while I’ve never read the books myself, I have a hunch there is nary a scene cut or detail missed.  To that point, the 3rd acts flaws remain intact, leaving the viewer wondering “can we just skip to the end”?
That said, what is at it’s core a flawed film, is surrounded by strong acting - the cast, full of solid character actor work (Christopher Plummer and Stellan Skarsgard do some superb work here) is anchored in what may become franchise roles for both Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara.  Craig, as the lead, Mikael Blomkvist, truly feels driven in his pursuit of the truth and brings a strength to the role that I felt was missing in the Swedish original.  Mara will certainly be remembered for her turn as Lisbeth Salander - she’s completely unrecognizable, lost in a mishmash of piercings and tattoos, hiding herself from the world that appears to have turned against her every step of the way.  Also worth mentioning is the continued working relationship between David Fincher and the musical team of Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross.  As much as their work drove The Social Network forward, they take a more subtle approach here - their driving cover of “Immigrant Song” may kick off the film, but from there it’s beautiful ambient work, some of the finest instrumental work Reznor has done.  No matter your feelings on the movie once the final spool runs, you’ll want a copy of the soundtrack. (In fact, I’m listening to it as I write now).
I admit, my perspective on the film is skewed - I haven’t read the original book, and only have seen the film, but that said, for a newcomer to the Millennium Trilogy, I’d recommend this American take. Â For those who love the original film? You may want to wait for a matinee, or just pick up the soundtrack.
It may sound like I disliked the film more than I did, but I suppose at the end of the day, I was disappointed. In the world of adaptations, you’re only as good as the original work which you came away from. Fincher, Mara and Craig do their best to lift up the project, but at the end of the day, the flaws which exist in the length and scope of the story drag the work down.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo aims high, and delivers as best it can, but at the end of the day, it just couldn’t stick the landing.
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Bless me my fellow nerds, for I have sinned.
It has taken me 27 years of my existence to finally sit down and watch non-TV edit versions of the Alien franchise. This past fall, thanks to an astounding deal on Amazon.co.uk, I ended up with a copy of the blu-ray Alien Anthology. Last week, I finally watched the proper cut of Alien and absolutely loved every single second of it.  The immaculate restoration on the disc certainly helped, but really, what a damn good film.  That said, my timing couldn’t be better, as this summer brings us Prometheus.
Prometheus is Ridley Scott’s long awaited return to the world of science fiction.  Is it a prequel to Alien? Apparently.  But not in the way you’d expect.  But what we do know is this - the film has an amazing cast, including Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, and Logan Marshall-Green.  It’s written by Lost mastermind Damon Lindelof. And now we know it has an absolutely stunning first poster.
Breathe it in, fellow nerds, I think this is going to be an iconic image for some time. The mystery of what lurks in the background draws you right in, and as a proper convert to the Alien films, and a Ridley Scott fan (Blade Runner is one of my favorite movies EVER after all), I cannot wait to see what lies in store.
Prometheus hits theaters June 8th, 2012.
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If you look at the moderate success of The Expendables, a lot of what made that movie work was the combination of random, well known action hero names from the 80s and 90s.
Well, it certainly seems that this same tactic is in place with the marketing for The Expendables 2.
Yep. Those dudes you know with more dudes you know, complete with guns. Coming next summer. Get hype?
The Expendables 2Â hits theaters on August 17th, 2012.
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I think as the world of Mondo posters grows and grows, there will be prints and posters that we long dream of, that we want to see come alive.
Personally, my dream print would be an Inception poster by Kevin Tong, or a Prestige print from Olly Moss.  That said, sometimes, they hit the nail on the head so hard that you don’t even realize how much you wanted it, until you see it for yourself.
So is the case of the first Studio Ghibli print from Mondo, combining the absolutely wonderful minimalist work of Mr. Olly Moss with one of the greatest animated films of all time, My Neighbor Totoro.
If you’ve never seen Totoro, you truly need to fix this. Yes, it’s a cartoon for children, but at the same time, it’s the theatrical equivalent of a warm fuzzy. It’s impossible to not feel better and brighter in your life after seeing it…and these posters might just leave you feeling the same way.
The standard print is at the top of the post - a 20"x36” print, limited to a run of 400, at $50 a pop.  The variant, however, is very cool.
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Limited to a run of just 150, for $90, the variant gives praise to the original origins of the film, featuring it’s proper Japanese type set.
These prints go on sale at a random time on Friday, December 16th, so as always…watch Mondo’s Twitter! I know IÂ will be! Papa needs him a Totoro!
Ok, if people like myself who aren’t in easy driving distance from a proper IMAX theater weren’t bothered enough that we probably won’t get to see the official prologue for The Dark Knight Rises until the film properly is released in July, those who participated in the “Operation: Early Bird” game also got free swag.
What kind of swag, you ask? How about AWESOME TEE SHIRTS.
There were two designs, both grimy, both graphically arresting.
You had, first, the Batman “LEGEND” design…
and then, hold onto your butts…the Bane “END” design.
Cool, eh? Now to see how much cash they go for on eBay. Personally, I still have my I Believe In Harvey Dent tee from The Dark Knight, and I wouldn’t sell that for the world.
Source: FASHION TIPS FROM COMIC STRIPS.
One of my favorite writers in all of comics has to be Brian K. Vaughan.
He first grabbed my interest with the amazing, cult classic Marvel book Runaways, about a group of superpowered teens who discovered their parents were all super villains.  Since then, he blew us all away with the fantastic DC/Vertigo book Y: The Last Man, the tale of Yorick, the man left as the last male alive after a bizarre virus hits Earth, and then he went on to greener pastures (i.e. writing a few seasons of Lost and working on some film projects).
It seemed Vaughan was never to write comics again, but then at San Diego Comic Con this past Summer, he arose with a new title to share with us - it will hit shelves this March for Image Comics, and is called simply Saga.
Described as a mixture of Star Wars and Game of Thrones, if fans like myself weren’t already sold, the simple elevator pitch would be sure to have us.  Brian sat down with awesome comics site Comic Book Resources to discuss the title, and after reading their piece, I cannot wait for the first 44 page issue this March. Fiona Staples is the artist along for the ride, and her art looks STELLAR.  This bizarre sci-fi Romeo & Juliet looks like to be a must read next year, and I am chomping at the bit to see issue one. Check out the interview, gang!
Source: Comic Book Resources
…instead, no, I’m hyped as all hell for this damn sequel.
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra was a ridiculous film, not always in a good way. Sure, you had Joseph Gordon-Levitt chewing up scenery as Cobra Commander, and some surreal attention to detail (did you notice the flame thrower soliders who’s sole purpose was to deice Cobra’s icey fortress?), but all and all, not a good movie.
That said, with just one trailer, GI Joe: Retaliation actually looks like an absolute hoot of a popcorn flick.
You’ve got color coded ninjas, Cobra Commander in the glass helmet, my boy Dwayne, Bruce f’n Willis and COBRA TAKING OVER THE GODDAMNED WHITE HOUSE. This is completely ridiculous. In a good way. Hell, it’s even directed by the guy who did Step Up 3D, the film that brought us the third dimension of dance, after all.
That HAS to be worth a matinee, right?!
GI Joe: Retaliation releases on June 29th, 2012.
Didn’t it seem just like yesterday that we got the really kinda creepy and bizarre first teaser trailer for ParaNorman?
Well, the team at Universal/Lakia really want to sell you a seat to the cinema this August, so they’ve already gone ahead and released a second trailer, which gives us a better look at the tone of the flick.
Personally, I’m getting a lot of Monster House vibes from this picture, and considering how much I dug that flick, I can forsee loving this.  That said, this probably won’t be another Coraline for Lakia, and Monster House didn’t exactly do great, but hey, my job here isn’t to worry about box office! It’s to nerd out and enjoy, and this flick is most likely one I will love.
ParaNorman is set to hit theaters on August 17th, 2012.
Your feelings about Will Smith aside, I believe we can all universally agree that the first Men In Black is one of the best popcorn movies of all time. That said, Men In Black 2 was absolutely horrendous.
Now, I’m not sure if we were all wanting a third Men In Black, but this coming May, there WILL be a Men In Black 3, whether we want it or not. Much has been written across the web about the troubled production of this third Alien-fightin' film, but now that we have the first trailer, it honestly looks…fun?
Sure, this could end up being an absolutely awful mess, but I dunno - Josh Brolin as 60’s Tommy Lee Jones? That sounds really fun. Even if the movie has been a wreck in the making.
Men In Black 3Â hits theaters on May 25th, 2012.
The original Bioshock is a game that I continue to hold as one of the finest gaming experiences of this generation.  And while Bioshock 2 was mostly enjoyable, I’ve been long awaiting something to grab me just as hard as Bioshock did.
Since the first trailer for Bioshock: Infinite was revealed last year, I’ve been devouring every piece of information I could find on the title. Â Last night, as a part of the mostly terrible 2011 Video Game Awards, 2K Games unveiled a new trailer for Bioshock: Infinite, and like every piece of video before, it’s left me longing for the release of the game, scheduled for sometime next year. Â Go ahead and click play, and join me in the longing.
An aside - how weird is it that this day and age, everyone has to underline that the footage shown is in game? What does that say about the modern state of gaming?
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OK, so the Dark Knight Rises viral game may have ended somewhat predictably (Operation Early Bird allows people in cities with proper IMAX theaters to see the 6-minute prologue on Tuesday night, for free), but Warner Bros has decided to but some salve on the nerds who may be miffed by the turn of events by giving us something super awesome.
That awesome thing? The brand spankin' new poster for the film.  While I can’t say that it’s as iconic or jawdropping as the infamous “Why So Serious” poster that gave us a glimpse of the Joker, this certainly makes things very clear - the trilogy will end, and Bane is ready to wreck him some Batman.
My inner fanboy is beaming.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
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And now that we have the newest poster, pictured above, I continue to believe it’s going to be good, as that is one slick image!
Sure, mock the “The Untold Story” tagline - although I have heard rumors that this brings Peter Parker’s parents into the mix - but it’s a very intriguing shot, and leaves one to wonder what’s in store for this revision.
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters on July 3rd, 2012.
Source: Superhero Hype!
Hehehehehehehe.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
…
Wait, this isn’t a gag? It’s really coming out?
Oh shit.
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And for those of us who first read about Madman in the back of Wizard or on the early days of the web - get ready to feel old, as this year Madman turns twenty.
To celebrate, Image Comics is releasing the Madman 20th Anniversary Monster, a massive 11"x17” hardcover featuring awesome tribute work from talents as diverse as Darwyn Cooke, Jeff Smith, David Mack and Craig Thompson, amongst many others. Â But one piece in particular I wanted to share, the above pinup by artist Michel Fiffe.
Michel went all out with his piece, which is inked by Michael Allred and colored by Michael’s wife Laura Allred.  He threw together a gigantic jam image featuring dozens of characters from the world of indie comics, and it is simply awesome - I just had to share this one with you.
Top to bottom, this piece is filled with indie comic history - characters such as Spawn, Scott Pilgrim, Fone Bone, Hellboy, the Big Guy & Rusty - you could play 90’s comic bingo with this for HOURS. Really a fantastic piece. Â Click it above for a larger version, and get ready to lose yourself in it for a few hours.
The Madman 20th Anniversary Monster! hits shelves on December 28th.
Source: Fiffe’s Blog.
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We speculated about it here yesterday, but today, it became completely apparent - we’re going to be getting the viral game for The Dark Knight Rises starting now, and it’s going to get interesting starting tomorrow.
After yesterday’s reveal of two “in-universe” CIA reports about a Dr. Pavel, the official @thefirerises twitter account, which brought us the Bane image, tweeted a third document, the same that appears at the top of this post.
In the document, it mentions an “Operation Early Bird”, which is set to occur at 10:00am PST. Some fans moved very quickly, and sure enough, there is an OperationEarlyBird.com, counting down to 10:00am PST tomorrow.
What is it? What will it be? I have my guesses, but the fact is, we will know in just 17 hours. Get those nerd juices flowing.
Over the past few years, I’ve become a major standup nerd, with one of my absolute favorite’s being Louis CK.
Whether it’s his amazing, edge defining standup, his absolutely fabulous sitcom Louie, or even his guest starring appearances on shows like Parks & Recreation, if Louis CK’s involved, chances are, I’m in.
That leads to why I’m posting this now, which is starting on Saturday, December 10th, Louis will have a new standup special available - exclusively on his website.  Sick and tired of selling his wares to providers like Comedy Central or Netflix, he’s taking his latest special, Louis CK: Live at the Beacon Theater and selling it direct to you.  Available as both a download and a stream, it’ll be just $5.
To give fans a taste of what to expect, and to share a section from the cutting room floor, today Louis released the following video, featuring his bit on Evolution.
Here’s what he had to say about the video:
I…just…I-I don’t get it.
It’s been roughly ten years since American Psycho hit screens and basically made Christian Bale a star.  And sure, it was bad enough that the Mia Kunis-starring American Psycho 2 even existed, but did ANY OF YOU ever want a remake of the damn thing?
No? GREAT! Cause Lionsgate just set the plans into motion to remake the movie, with Noble Jones, a music video director heading it up. I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic, absolutely worthwhile, and in no way shape or form be a waste of theater space or millions of dollars.
I’m really starting to get bummed by this industry, guys.
Source: AV Club
Hands down, one of my favorite movies of 2011 was Drive. Stylish, brutal, great soundtrack, amazing cast - it fired on all cylinders. What you may not have noticed, however, is it was based on a 2005 novel of the same name by James Sallis.
Well, it appears that the popularity and success of Drive inspired Sallis, as this April comes the release of the sequel - Driven.
The synopsis is short but sweet, but should be enough to hook you - I know it hooked me.
Source: Litreactor
This July, the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy comes to an end with the hotly anticipated The Dark Knight Rises.  Later this month, the hype train begins proper, with the 6-minute prologue appearing alongside IMAX screenings of Mission:Impossible - Ghost Protocol, and the first proper trailer being attached to non-IMAX screenings of the same film.
So if you followed the hype of The Dark Knight, you’re probably wondering - when does the viral marketing begin?  The Dark Knight had a very impressive viral game, including fake Harvey Dent rallys, hidden cell phones and “Jokerized” trailers.  Thus far, all we’ve had were surprise reveals of Bane and Catwoman.  And then websites got some surprises today.
Beloved tech nerd publication Wired obtained a fake CIA memo discussing a so called Leonid Pavel, a Russian nuclear official.  I’ve embedded it below.
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Then, shortly thereafter, movie magazine Empire revealed another document, containing a transcript, mentioning Dr. Pavel.
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IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF THE DARK KNIGHT RISES VIRAL GAME?! Â Perhaps. Empire seems to know more than they’re letting on, saying more will be revealed this week. Â Lets keep our nerd panties in a bunch until we know for sure. Â If it’s real - are NUKES involved in The Dark Knight Rises?!
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
One of the most fun deep cable finds of last season was Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein’s Portlandia.
A mini sketch show on IFC based around an equal mocking and appreciation of everyone’s favorite Pacific Northwest city, the first season was an absolute blast (and hit DVD and Blu-Ray this week, actually). Â While I wasn’t sure if the mixture of the SNL star and the legendary grrl rocker was going to work out, every episode was comedy gold. Â And apparently others felt the same, as season 2 starts on January 6th.
To get people excited, IFC has released a new preview clip from the next season, called simply “Dog Park”. Â I’ll let the video take over from there.
Portlandia’s second season starts on January 6th, 2012Â on IFC.
The always astounding crew at Mondo continues to grab some very interesting and unique licenses. Over Thanksgiving, they premiered their first posters from Adventure Time and the DC Comics library. They continue to work with Disney. And of course, they make posters of the greatest cult films in the world.
That said, I don’t think I expected them to work with ABC on making prints for the show Once Upon A Time. But now that I see them, I get it.
Once Upon A Time, for those unawares, is a new show where the world of fairy tales interacts with the real world. Mondo, smartly, is using this to allow their roster of talented artists to create prints based on classic fairy tales. The first is by one of my favorites, Mr. Kevin Tong, and is a BEAUTIFUL rendition of Rapunzel.
The regular edition, printed in silver (ooh…) and posted at the top is limited to a run of 220 prints, and will run for $40. The special edition, in Gold (ahh…), posted below, is a run of just 95 pieces, for $65 each.
These prints go on sale tomorrow, so as always, watch Mondo’s Twitter feed. Future installments include Little Red Cap, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, and Cinderella. I can’t wait to see what they do with them!
One of the things I’ve missed during my hiatus on blogging was the unfortunate benching of Community from NBC’s midseason schedule.  I can’t lie, at 27 years of age, Community is one of the few shows which I still consider appointment TV, right beside Parks & Recreation.  In short, this is limiting the TV that I have to watch to a half hour.  (Possibly adding 30 Rock when it comes back.)
That said, there’s been an absolutely wonderful push from the internet to keep the show alive, which has resulted in the fantastic “Six Seasons and a Movie” campaign (based on one of my favorite gags from the show), the release of all three seasons of the show on HuluPlus, and now, a great save Greendale PSA from the fine folks at CollegeHumor.com.
I mean, come on, it’s even got Magnitude! How can you NOT love that?
Pop pop.
Here’s hoping that Community arrives quickly from its benching, and the dark hole which is Whitney is quickly removed from existence.
As I am on record, I’m a big fan of the Judd Apatow style of comedy - the mixture of the outrageous and the realistic makes for a really great film, and a great date night flick, as the movies tend to work wonderful with both male and female audiences.  Plus, you can say that with Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Muppets, the team of Nicholas Stoller and Jason Segel are two for two.
That said, we now have a trailer for their third collaboration, April’s release of The Five Year Engagement. Â Placing Segel and Emily Blunt as the couple with the titular lengthy engagement, it sounds like a combination worth the time. Â And then you watch the trailer…
…maybe I’m being cynical, but doesn’t this feel like a lazy mashup of Bridesmaids and I Love You, Man?  Like, really, what from this trailer stands out as truly unique or interesting?  Besides Alison Brie doing a British accent, of course.
I’d like to think this an example of terrible marketing, but then again, when it comes to Hollywood, they can’t all be winners.
We’ll find out for sure on April 27th, 2012 when The Five Year Engagement hits theaters.
While you watch this absolutely astounding (in that it was actually made, and people anticipate it to do well) trailer for The Three Stooges, the Farrelly Brothers misguided attempt to relaunch the classic comedy franchise for a new generation (is there a douchier phrase?), let us ponder this…
It almost starred Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro and Jim Carrey.
This is what has become of the team who made us all laugh with Kingpin, Dumb & Dumber and There’s Something About Mary.
Somehow, Larry David was talked into this.
This flaming turd of a flick hits theaters April 4th, 2012.
Heading into tonight’s preview screening of Young Adult, I kept saying one thing - Jason Reitman never lets you down.  With 3 fantastic films under his belt, (Thank You For Smoking, Juno and Up in the Air) he’s become a filmmaker to watch out for.  And with his latest holiday time release, Reitman doesn’t let you down - but he definitely puts you through the ringer for all 94 minutes of it.
Teaming up with Reitman once again is Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody, and before the blogosphere starts making its jokes - this is not an “honest to blog” script. It’s not whip smart - it’s rough and tumble, much like the edges of it’s lead - Mavis Gray, played pitch perfectly by Charlize Theron.  Similar to Juno, this is a film about a woman in a state of flux - but instead of a young girl reaching out from the edges of high school and finding what the real world is, Theron’s Mavis is a woman twenty years removed from her high school years…and she can’t let go of it.
At age 37, Mavis is considered a big deal in her hometown in smalltown Minnesota. Â She grew up, headed to “the Big City”, Minneapolis and started ghostwriting a Sweet Valley High-esq book series. She’s considered a big deal in her hometown, but in her own eyes? She’s meaningless. Â The former pretty popular girl in high school made good in everyone’s eyes but her own, and she sits twenty years later, with a book series at its end, a marriage fallen apart and she’s just a drunken, glue sniffing mess. Â She moves from partner to partner, sleeping with them and gaining nothing. Â But she longs for what she once had - the love of a man named Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson). Â She and Buddy were truly in love once, but something happened, and she never got it back. Â After getting an email from Buddy’s wife, announcing the birth of their daughter, she becomes obsessed with the life she wanted, but never had - and decides she’s going to head home and get him back.
Clearly, these are not the actions of a sane mind, and the movie never once gives credence to it.  The film’s been called a comedy-drama, and it leans FAR FAR more on the latter.  Mavis hangs on to the ideas of what was, and what never would be again, because that’s what her happiness is built around.  Her work is built around creating worlds of high school drama, where every moment is so important  - or so it seems at the time, and she lets her real life fall apart, blinding herself with drink, drugs, bad love and hanging her heart on hopes that will never be met.  It’s a truly heartbreaking yet believable performance from Theron, and honestly, the Oscar talk deserves credence. Much as she did with Monster, she subverts her image here.  Before, she took her beauty to an ugly extreme - now, she takes her beauty and uses it to mask years of pain, hurt and self doubt.
Reitman shoots the film wonderfully - he’s at times been a very slick and smooth filmmaker, here, he shoots fast and loose - the shots are quickly composed, leaving you in the realties of the moment, and there are some brutal ones.  This is a film that pushes the pain of life forward.  Sure, it has its humorous edges, but at it’s core it’s about a very broken person.  Theron is well matched in the cast by an incredibly strong performance from Patton Oswalt.  As anyone who saw Big Fan knows, Oswalt can be fantastic and heartbreaking with the right material, and he nails it here.  Co-starring as Matt Freehauf, a man who went to high school with Mavis and suffered some (literal) scarring of his own, he hits the pain of the male geek - those who never got to escape the pain of those four years, and live with it every day.
Young Adult isn’t a film that is going to warm your heart this Christmas season by any means, but it’s one that you’ll be absolutely captivated by.  Diablo Cody aimed to subvert her writing for smart mouth teens past here, and she did it in spades, and Jason Reitman? He’s four for four, even if I don’t know how comfortable I’d be with watching this movie again.  The cringe factor is high here, gang, but so is the quality.  Check it out.
Young Adult gets a limited release on December 9th, with a full general release roll-out on December 16th.
We’ve seen the teaser posters, we saw the teaser trailer, and now it’s time for the marketing for the next big Disney/Pixar adventure to start proper, as we have the first full story trailer for Brave.
I must admit, I get a serious How To Train Your Dragon vibe from the settings and character designs, but I do like how it feels like a marked departure for the Pixar crew.
Either way, I am there on track record alone, but the unique character designs have an animation nerd like myself just as excited.
Brave is set to hit theaters on June 22nd, 2012.
Click play. Get hyped.
So it looks like we’re heading back to San Andreas this time, but it’s a much bigger game in scope and scale. LA, San Fran, Vegas - looks pretty dope.
And does that look like multiple playable characters?
There aren’t many games that are true cultural milestones, but GTA sure is, and I have a hunch that Grand Theft Auto V is going to continue in that tradition.
EDIT - 3:25pm - Updated with YouTube trailer and some of my thoughts.
[caption id=“attachment_5750” align=“aligncenter” width=“400” caption=“The "Double Feature" Variant”][/caption]
Allow me to make something clear right now - if you are wanting to have something cool (and this post contains something really cool) mentioned here at blast-o-rama, all you need to do is email me.  I WILL post about it. ESPECIALLY if it’s awesome.
And that’s what this post is about. Â Today I was given the heads up from one of the fine folks from Skuzzles.com.
[caption id=“attachment_5749” align=“aligncenter” width=“200” caption=“TOXIC AVENGER Print”][/caption]
Skuzzles, like some other companies I have featured on this website, do some VERY COOL, limited run poster prints, and tomorrow, November 1st, they’re celebrating two of the best movies in the crazy Troma film catalog - The Toxic Avenger and Surf Nazi’s Must Die.
[caption id=“attachment_5748” align=“aligncenter” width=“200” caption=“SURF NAZI'S MUST DIE Print”][/caption]
Featuring mindblowing illustrations from Rhys Cooper, these posters for The Toxic Avenger and Surf Nazi’s Must Die go on sale at a random time tomorrow, and they are simply said, WAY TOO COOL.
Each poster comes in at 12"x36", with a run of 130 pieces. Â For those who want a limited variant, a combined “double feature” print, showcasing both movies in a 24"x36" “Double Feature” print.
These really are some of the coolest posters I’ve seen in this new genre of “limited edition poster prints”, and looking at the quality of Skuzzle’s past prints for Maximum Overdrive and The Class of Nuke ‘Em High, they’re a company I’ll be sure to keep an eye on.
To celebrate the holiday, Scott Pilgrim creator (and author of the not-soon enough releasing Seconds) Bryan Lee O’Malley took to his Twitter to see what he should draw to mark the occasion.
The fans spoke loud and clear, and in turn, we have the new art below. Behold! KIM PINE as RAMONA FLOWERS and RAMONA FLOWERS as KIM PINE!
Enjoy it, fellow Pilgrim nerds.
Source: Twitter / @radiomaru.
Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY or Austin, TX. The first two should be obvious, but Austin, TX is all because of the amazing things coming from my friends and yours at Mondo.
This past weekend they continued their Mondo Mystery Movie series (which gave us the awesome Akira and Jurassic Park posters, amongst others) with a rather unique event. 700 fans were told to arrive at a church in Austin, but this was just something to head them off the trail. At the church were 20 buses. These buses, accompanied by Austin police, were then sent straight to the local Highland Mall. Waiting for them? 200 zombies.
Those zombies then chased the Mondo fans into the mall for their exclusive screening - 1978’s Dawn of the Dead, featuring a live introduction from director George Romero, and of course, a limited run poster, designed by Jeff Proctor (above).
But why am I wasting words? To make the moment last, Mondo has put together a great video showcasing the event, and really, for fans of ANY nerd events, you need to check this out to see the damn scale of the thing.
…I wonder if I could ever dream up something like this…
Here’s another post appropriate for the holiday.
If you hadn’t had the absolute pleasure to see 2008’s Coraline, you truly missed out. Besides being an amazing film based off of a great Neil Gaiman story, the stop-motion flick also featured the BEST usage of 3D I have seen in theater. So good, in fact, my date noted I looked absolutely child-like giddy at certain sequences.
So, considering we haven’t heard from the studio since, you’d have to figure that I’d be very hyped over whatever the team at Laika had in store next. And that project is ParaNorman.
ParaNorman is due to hit theaters on August 17th, 2012. This should be a good late summer romp, for sure!
I’ve been pretty excited about this one since it was announced that Brad Bird would be taking the role as director, but seriously, if you aren’t interested in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol after watching the full length trailer, I’m not sure that you really like action movies.
HOW IS THIS NOT WORTH YOUR $11?!
Click play on the trailer, get ready to have your mind blown.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol hits theaters on December 16th in IMAX and December 21st in ‘standard’ theaters.
One of the biggest conclusions I had coming out of my long-form review of all of the DC “New 52” was not just that comics needed to be cheaper, but so too did the digital copies.
I mean, offering digital copies at the same price as print (a ridiculous $4), and then only offering ONE book with a download code (Justice League, at an extra dollar premium, so…$5 for that) really sorta hurt the “same day digital” push, regardless of the impact it’s had on Comixology’s sales.
Marvel it seems, is coming a little closer to what I’m looking for. Just announced late last week, Marvel will be providing a FREE download code for (at least) the first three issues of their brand new Avenging Spider-Man series.
Avenging Spider-Man, a title combining hot writer Zeb Wells with fan favorite artist Joe Madureira in a super alliance similar to those found with Spider-Man and various Marvel Universe heroes within the book, has its first issue hit stands on November 9th. While the book is $4, I certainly feel like it’s bit more worth it, as it feels more like you’re paying $2 for a physical copy to go along your $2 digital edition.
Sure, it’s not the 99 cents per digital issue which I long for, but it’s a step in the better direction, and by God…I might just bite.
I’ve included a gallery of all 3 issues set to be included in this promotion, so you’ll know what to look for when you hit your local comics shop.
Source: ComicsAlliance.
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So I guess I was wrong last time, The Muppets aren’t done with the parody trailers.
Sure, we finally got our full story trailer last week, but the marketing team for this flick certainly has things under control for a Halloween themed parody.
Don’t ask questions, just click play. And be sure to be ready for the return of The Muppets on November 23rd.
I know that many of my friends will see the phrase “Tim Burton” and immediately start to roll their eyes.
Honestly, I don’t blame them, with the exception of Big Fish, it’s been a while since Burton has done something truly great (although I must admit I REALLY enjoyed the visuals of his Alice in Wonderland remake). Next October will bring the feature length remake of his first film project, a surreal short called Frankenweenie, a tale of a beloved wiener dog brought back to life by the young boy who loved him.
This time the film will be a full stop motion feature, and Entertainment Weekly (and now, I) received the first images.
I really like the design of the film, as it seems to be in line with Burton’s traditionally quirky/dark style. I reserve my full opinion for when the trailer hits, but so far, so good.
The voice cast features Burton staples in Winona Ryder, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara and Martin Landau, and the movie hits theaters on October 5th, 2012.
Source: EW.com.
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Lets be honest here - most modern attempts to adopt Dr. Seuss books have been an absolute wreck.
The weird live action Grinch (which scary makeup aside wasn’t too bad), the HORRIFYING Cat in the Hat movie, the list goes on. However, starting with the CG version of Horton Hears A Who, a new renaissance of Seuss film was kicked off, and it looks to continue next year with The Lorax.
Animated by the team who brought us the sublime Despicable Me in 2010, the film looks fantastic, with amazing animation and stunning color work.  I must say, after a few years of his work on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, it’s a bit odd to hear Danny DeVito in a non-sleezy role, but I’m confident he can make it work here.
The trailer for the film is embedded above, and the movie itself, coming in 2D and 3D variants, hits theaters on March 2, 2012Â (Seuss’s 108th birthday!)
Source: /Film.
Guess what folks? Starting tomorrow, November 1st, you WILL be able to.
Thanks to my 360 red-ringing just MINUTES into game play, I haven’t been able to completely dedicate myself to the much spoken of awesomeness of Batman: Arkham City. That said, I know that more than a few of you have already plowed through the game, and are looking for something more.
Luckily for you, WB Interactive is repeating the constant DLC update plan as seen with this year’s Mortal Kombat resurgence, and will be giving gamers new Arkham City content for the foreseeable future.
Tomorrow brings the release of the Nightwing add-on, giving gamers the chance to play as the former Robin, Dick Grayson, in his awesome blue and black costume, wrecking fools all across Gotham.
This pack will include a secondary Nightwing costume from the Batman animated series, and will cost $6.99 for PS3 users and 560 Microsoft Points on the 360. Â The next big release will be the Robin add-on coming on November 22nd, but we’ll talk about that more as it gets closer.
Source: Joystiq.
Were you planning on jumping on the Arkham City hype and being Batman for Halloween this year?
Guess what - your idea was blown out of the water. Big time.
Making its way across the web from the amateur special effects forum TheEffectsLab.com comes this AMAZING Arkham Asylum styled Batman costume from user Batpiriss.
It’s really amazing work, and while the image above certainly shows the level of detail and craftsmanship, I recommend looking at the full gallery below. Stunning stuff, gang.
Source: TheEffectsLab.com.
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Known in Japan as The Borrower Arrietty, this February brings the release of the Disney produced English translation of the latest Studio Ghibli film - The Secret World of Arrietty.
Based off of the novel The Borrowers, Disney has brought their usual big name cast to voice the latest film from Japan’s animated masterpiece warehouse. Featured in the cast for this film are Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, David Henrie, and Moises Arias. Â The new trailer for the film is embedded below. As usual for me, if it’s Ghibli, I am there.
The Secret World of Arrietty hits theaters on February 17th, 2012.
While the response to the first two episodes of the second season have been mixed at best (NO SPOILERS I HAVEN’T WATCHED THEM YET!) there is NO doubting the extreme popularity of the AMC TV adaptation of The Walking Dead.
With nearly SEVEN million people tuning in every week, it’s the biggest show in cable, and being smart, AMC has decided to lock in their investment for another year.
Sure, there has been much talk about Frank Darabont’s departure from the show, and budget issues…but the fact at the end of the day is this - there will be a third season of The Walking Dead!
Now lets see how the next year plus turns out before we start hoping for a fourth season.
Source: Deadline.com.
I swear, I don’t spend enough time (or money) on the wonderful wares of ThinkGeek.
Besides sponsoring some really cool stuff, ThinkGeek is frequently home to amazing products that people wouldn’t have otherwise thought of, or have long dreamed for. Â Products like the iCade and the Tauntaun Sleeping Bag all started with one nerds wish, and they brought them to life.
Now, they’re striking while an iron is extremely warm. Â Just 11 days ago, Apple released the new iPhone, the iPhone 4S, a great upgrade on their existing iPhone 4. Â As a iPhone 3GS user, I was VERY excited to get my upgrade. Â Not just for the speed, graphics and camera upgrades, but for Siri, a significant step up in the world of personal digital assistants.
I’ve used Siri quite a few times since getting my iPhone 4S, and for as amazing as ‘she’ is, I can’t help but think she reminds me of HAL 9000, the sentient AI from the Stanley Kubrick classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Well, what if Siri didn’t just remind you of HAL…but she almost was HAL?
That’s the idea behind ThinkGeek’s latest product, the Iris 9000.
The Iris 9000 allows you to not only interact with your iPhone 4S and Siri from across the room, via remote, but adds a familiar ‘face’ to the device.
The true sci-fi nerds are already salivating over the potential for this one, but unfortunately, Iris 9000 will not be available until April 18th, 2012. Â However, it’s going to have a heck of a price, just $60.
I guess the only question left is - are you geek enough?
Source: ThinkGeek.
One of my favorite bands of my adult life is definitely Nada Surf.
While still sadly known best as an MTV Buzz Bin band for their 90’s cult hit “Popular”, Nada Surf reinvented themselves in the late 90’s and early 2000’s as a truly hardworking indie rock trio, producing some stellar albums (including The Proximity Effect, Let Go, and The Weight Is A Gift).
Last year, they took a brief detour with the all covers album If I Had A Hi-Fi (including a surprising cover of Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy The Silence”, but they’re returning in 2012 with a brand new album - The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy.
As someone who has fallen mostly out of the musical loop this year, I’ve leaned hard on old favorites to deliver new solid work (Radiohead’s The King of Limbs is one of my favorites this year, for example), so it makes me pleased to see Nada Surf producing a new album.
The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy is due in stores on January 24th, 2012, and will surely have a bunch of touring behind it, but in the meantime, you can download the first single “When I Was Young” via the widget below, just enter your email addy, and you’ve got it.
Say what you will about Grand Theft Auto 4 (I liked it, personally, but the dating mechanic was a bit tiresome), but there’s absolutely no denying that the Grand Theft Auto franchise is one of the biggest in gaming.
So, when a company like Rockstar Games has a new game coming out, and it’s called Grand Theft Auto 5, all they really need to do is release a logo (above) and tell you when the trailer will hit (Wednesday, November 2nd) and bam, you’re excited.
You are excited, right?
I’m sure dozens of sites are going to look at this logo and try to figure out where the game is set or other things like that, but me, I’ll just wait to see what Rockstar Games has in store for me 8 days from now.
Source: Kotaku.
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By far, my favorite horror movie of all time is the original 1978 John Carpenter Halloween.
It’s a very smart, brilliantly shot, scary film, and it’s inspired countless homages and rip offs ever since - while having little to none of the violence seen in its sequels and fellow slasher films. So, when I saw that there was a very cool, limited run screenprint coming out based on the film, I just had to share it with the world.
Titled “The Night He Came Home”, the integration of Michael Meyers is nice and subtle, in fact, you could almost miss him. But once you spot him, the creepiness of the print is in full effect.
Printed by Dark City Gallery, this print is by Dan Mumford (a name I will be paying attention to). The standard addition, shown at the top of this post, is a 23.5"x31” print limited to a run of 150.
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If you’re feeling particularly fancy, you can go for the metallic/glow in the dark variant (above), which is the same size, but limited to a run of 75.
No pricing details are available, but I’d imagine the prints will go on sale at Dark City Gallery very soon. You’d think as much, considering Halloween is just six days away…
Source: Posterocalypse.
I feel kinda weird looking forward to The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
I mean, I’ve technically seen this movie once before - and it’s not really a movie that you feel great after. If anything, you feel kinda dirty. But that’s also a type of film that David Fincher does great. I mean, I loved how he handled Se7en and Zodiac, so I’m sure the disturbing moments in Dragon Tattoo should be fine.
But I suppose more than anything, what this movie has nailed is it’s marketing.
The trailers have been great, the first poster was eye grabbing (to say the least), and the movement with the (possibly unofficial?) Mouth Taped Shut tumblr blog has been really cool!
And it’s that tumblr that has resulted in the release of the above image. Posted today, that (I presume) is your new poster for the film, and most likely the final one-sheet before the film hits theaters on December 21st. A striking layered image of Rooney Mara as Lisbeth with Daniel Craig as Blomkvist, it lures the eye in and keeps you there, as you take in each layer.
I can’t say the typography is the fanciest ever, but it’s a striking image, and really, isn’t that what counts?
Source: Mouth Taped Shut
See, not EVERY cool movie poster comes from Mondo! Just, well, most of them.
This really awesome print for the just as awesome film Drive comes to us from James White at Signalnoise.
This movie grabs the 80’s aesthetic of the film perfectly, and really might be more effective than the poster seen in theaters.
If you dug Drive like I did, and you are interested in owning this poster, keep an eye on James' blog - he’s getting a limited run made at 27"x41". No price yet, but something tells me it’s gonna be worth every penny. Well done, Mr. White!
Source: Signalnoise Blog
I know I say it a lot, but the guys at Mondo make it hard for me to NOT be excited about their posters.
A few weeks back, I featured their first Jurassic Park poster which was released for the Mondo Mystery Movie screening.  At that time, I told you it was the first of a forthcoming series.
Well, to celebrate this weeks blu-ray release of the entire trilogy, Mondo has another print, and it’s honestly one of my favorites they’ve ever done.
Limited to a run of 375 pieces, this 24"x36" print will be just $45 and is expertly crafted by JC Richard. And I’ll be fighting for one when it gets released this Thursday. Keep an eye on @MondoNews. I know I will be.
There’s only way I can celebrate this poster - with the Jurassic Park song. Enjoy (slightly NSFW).
I can’t say I saw this coming.
In one of the bigger pilot deals for the 2012-2013 season, Fox (not ABC, a Disney network) has lined up a ‘put pilot’ for an adaptation of the Marvel Comics hero, The Punisher.
For those, like me, who don’t know what a ‘put pilot’ is, this means that Fox HAS to order the series, or they will have to pay some super big fines to Marvel for not producing it. Â So I guess we’ll be seeing Frank next fall.
One of the unique things about this new take on The Punisher is the twist - Frank Castle will be an NYC cop by day, Punisher by night, so I guess we’ll get to see how Frank works on the ‘right’ side of the law.
That’s all the details for now, but it could end up good. I mean - it’s going to be better than the Dolph Lundgren version, right?
Source: Deadline.com.
I don’t know much about Chronicle, besides it’s cool poster (above) and it’s release date (February 3rd, 2012), but I do know its trailer intrigued the hell out of me.
After being pretty bored with Paranormal Activity 2Â (I’ve yet to bother with 3), I don’t think the “found footage” format works for everything - but I do feel like that it certainly can work with the ‘douchey teens get superheroes’ subgenre we’ve discovered here.
Click play on the trailer above and check it out yourself - I think you’ll be as intrigued as I am.
If /Film is right here, they have a HUGE exclusive, and if so, I know the format I’ll be seeing Mission:Impossible 4 in.
Here’s the rumor.
You guys remember way back in 2007, when I Am Legend hit theaters, they attached the first 8 minutes or so of The Dark Knight to all IMAX screenings, showcasing the Joker’s bank heist in STUNNING IMAX quality?
Well, this Christmas, Warner Bros is giving us another gift.
Attached to every IMAX print of Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol will be a SIX MINUTE prologue to Christopher Nolan’s much anticipated final Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.
You hear that? That’s a bunch of midnight tickets sold, including mine. I was looking forward to M:I 4 already - this just is icing on the cake. If this holds true, my thanks are to Paramount and Warner Bros for working together when they don’t really need to. This will be a special night at the movies.
Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol sets IMAX records on December 16th, 2011.
Source: /Film.
This Christmas movie season is absolutely stacked.
Over a period of one week, you will have David Fincher’s Girl with a Dragon Tattoo remake, Spielberg & Jackson’s Adventures of Tintin, Brad Bird’s Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol (more on that in my next post) and last but far from least, the sequel to 2009’s Robert Downey Jr. Victorian romp, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.
I had an absolute blast with the first Holmes film, and this one looks to be just as fun, adding current it girl Noomi Rapace to the cast, and giving Sherlock fans a proper Moriarty in Jared Harris from Mad Men, but more than that, the script seems witty and action packed, as showcased in the latest trailer (above).
It looks like a grand time, now I just need to find the time and money to see four movies in the theater…unless I get comped review passes for them…
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows hits theaters on December 16th, 2011.
I think it’s fair to say that since the Fall of 2009, people have wanted a follow up to the horror comedy Zombieland.
That said, given the popularity of its cast (Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson), it’s starting to look like that film was lightning in a bottle. So what do the creators do to make a sequel happen?
If you said “Turn it into a half hour TV show!” you win, as FOX and Sony Pictures are working together to turn Zombieland into a half-hour comedy for the 2012-2013 season.
This is interesting, as the movie originally started off as a potential TV series, but was turned into a film when the project stalled at CBS. Â Given the HUGE popularity of AMC’s adaptation of The Walking Dead, zombies are the new big thing, so it’s of little surprise that someone bit on the project.
Sorry to say that this will kill all hopes of a Zombieland 2Â proper, but I think given that they’re going the half-hour comedy route, as opposed to an hour long dramedy, that this project could work, stand out and be a good time. I sure am going to miss that cast, though.
Source: Hollywood Reporter.
[caption id=“attachment_5635” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] An NYCC Exclusive Attack the Block Print from Marvel Comics[/caption]
One of my top films for this, the year of 2011, is Attack the Block, but you already know that.
What you may not know is that it hits DVD and Blu-Ray tomorrow. (You might wanna swing over to Amazon for that.)
Anyway, many people, including myself, but more importantly, big money Hollywood types are pretty much figuring that Attack the Block is going to wind up as quite the big movie on video.  So in turn, creator/director Joe Cornish is starting to get quite a few offers on the table.
Like what, you ask? Â As Cornish spoke to IFCÂ about, they are about what you’d expect. Â You have the standard US remake, which would be completely unnecessary and terribly shit, I feel. Â There’s the idea of a TV series - again, pretty unnecessary and terribly shit.
But then there’s the sequel idea - which I’m only vaguely interested in because the idea of it comes from actor John Boyega, who starred as the lead, Moses.
Here’s what Cornish said on Boyega’s idea for Attack the Block 2:
“No, his image was even better,” Cornish continued. “He had an image of Moses on a police horse. You know the police in London who have those horses they use in riots…somehow Moses has got onto one of those horses. So he’s on a horse leading this army of South London kids across the river to take on this bigger wave of aliens. So yeah it’s really fun to think of stuff like that and what we could do." That honestly sounds pretty awesome, and I suppose at the end of the day, we always would have the pitch perfect film to look back at.
Any way you slice it, if you’re reading this and haven’t seen Attack the Block yet, pick it up, Redbox it or do whatever you do to see movies - it’s a damn fine film.
Source: IFC
I’ve featured many a trailer and image for the new Mupppets film, The Muppets, on this here site, but now Disney is ready to sell you on the film proper.
No more fake teasers or spoof trailers, here’s 2:30 of hype and promotion, and if it doesn’t get you all warm, fuzzy and excited for the Thanksgiving release of this film, I don’t know what will. Â Click play now.
The Muppets hits theaters on November 23rd, 2011.
As the ongoing battle between producing quality films and generating films to create profit hits a fever pitch, 20th Century Fox has decided to dig deep and decide that the world needs yet another Die Hard movie.
Now, before I rant and rave, let me say that I throughly enjoyed Live Free or Die Hard, even if it really obviously failed to pass Baltimore, Maryland off as Washington DC. I’d even go so far as to say that it’s my 3rd favorite Die Hard (Die Hard, Die Hard With a Vengeance, Live Free or Die Hard, and Die Hard 2 bringing up the rear).  However, lets be honest - Bruce Willis is currently 56 years old.
With a projected release date of February 14th, 2013, the Die Hard franchises worst enemy won’t actually be its lead approaching six decades on this Earth, nope, it’s the title.
You ready? Here goes - A Good Day to Die Hard.
Yeah. Pretty awful. That said, if it’s the final Die Hard, it’s an appropriate title for the end. But of course, the head of Fox is rambling about this kickstarting another series, one lead by John McClane’s son, and Willis says he’d be willing to do a sixth film, and it just looks worse and worse from there.
But as always, talk is cheap, so we’ll have to see how it all turns out - after all, Fox rejuvenated both the X-Men and Planet of the Apes franchises this Summer, so maybe they know something I don’t. I guess I’m just bothered that this is making my blu-ray Die Hard collection invalid now.
[caption id=“attachment_5623” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Night of the Living Dead (Regular Edition)"][/caption]
For as much as I give the fine folks at Mondo so much poster love, they aren’t the only people in town.  In fact, over the weekend I received two great posters from Adam Rabalais (his Moon and Inception posters, incase you’re wondering).
But I was contacted today by a representative of Kryptonite Prints and Apparel, who besides doing some sweet t-shirts, they’ve broken into the world of limited edition, short run screenprinted posters with their debut release, Night of the Living Dead! Â For those who may recall, I wrote a zombie comic in a past life, so to mix that with Mondo style prints goes straight for the pleasure center of my brain.
Designed by Grzegorz Domaradzki, this stunning 24"x36” print is limited to an edition of 250 at $40Â a pop. Â Here’s what Grzegors had to say about the print.
If that wasn’t cool enough, they also have released a limited edition glow in the dark variant, limited to just 100 prints. Â That runs for $50.
If you’re looking to grab yourself a copy, Kryptonite has been awesome enough to extend a very special offer to blast-o-rama readers! If you use the promotional code BLASTORAMA at checkout, you get 15% off! How awesome is that?  Here’s hoping this is the first of many posters to come from Kryptonite, god knows they’ve grabbed me from the start.
Check out those prints for sure, they’ll be sure to look great on your wall this Halloween and for many years to come.
This past weekend in Los Angeles, my favorite poster creators in the world, Mondo hosted another series of Mondo Mystery Movies.
This time, they set sail to the West Coast, and allowed their team of poster artists to select the six films that would be featured over the course of this weekend. Â Their artists pick their favorite films, Mondo gets the rights, audiences pay for the tickets, and at showtime find out the movie they’re seeing and the poster they’ll be getting at the show. Â Sounds like a fun game of chance, doesn’t it? Â Well, as the images below show, these audiences were TRULY lucky, getting some stunning posters for some of the greatest genre films of all time.
Here’s what showed, and the posters that went alongside them!
[caption id=“attachment_5609” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] 28 Days Later (Regular Edition)[/caption]
Friday October 7th at 7pm brought a screening of 28 Days Later, with a poster from The Walking Dead’s Charlie Adlard. The regular poster came in at 180 pieces with the variant at 80 pieces.
[caption id=“attachment_5610” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] 28 Days Later (Variant Edition)[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_5614” align=“aligncenter” width=“467”] Hellraiser (Regular Edition)[/caption]
At 10pm on October 7th, Florian Bertmer released a fantastic poster for that night’s screening of Hellraiser, with 245 regular prints alongside 70 variants.
[caption id=“attachment_5615” align=“aligncenter” width=“467”] Hellraiser (Variant)[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_5617” align=“aligncenter” width=“467”] Iron Giant (Regular)[/caption]
The 7:30 screening on October 8th was one of my all-time favorite films, The Iron Giant. Perhaps appropriately, this was paired with a poster from one of my favorites, Kevin Tong. 245 regular prints were available with 70 variants. No word if Tong has extra prints for his site. God knows I’ll be watching with anticipation.
[caption id=“attachment_5616” align=“aligncenter” width=“467”] Iron Giant (Variant Edition)[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_5611” align=“aligncenter” width=“467”] Assault On Precinct 13 (Variant Edition)[/caption]
The late night Saturday screening was Assault On Precinct 13. The poster? By Tyler Stout. 245 prints were available, all variants. Why? As the standard version will be available for sale when the new blu-ray hits!
[caption id=“attachment_5612” align=“aligncenter” width=“467”] City of Lost Children (Regular Edition)[/caption]
Sunday evening at 7:30 brought what is sure to be a beloved poster for an amazing film as the classic The City of Lost Children was screened by request of Ken Taylor.
[caption id=“attachment_5613” align=“aligncenter” width=“467”] City of Lost Children (Variant Edition)[/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_5618” align=“aligncenter” width=“500”] The Mist[/caption]
Finally, the weekend was brought together with a new poster from Daniel Danger, for the 10pm showing of The Mist. This print is just awe-inspiring.
An amazing weekend for those in attendance, and for those of us who couldn’t attend, it’s a whole bunch to be jealous of. Maybe one day they could bring a screening to the east coast. From my fingers to Mondo’s ears, right?
One of my celebrity crushes, or at least one of the one’s I’ve written the least about, is female mixed martial art fighter (and one time American Gladiator) Gina Carano. Â I suppose someone in Hollywood decided I wasn’t the only one who found her mixture of beauty, confidence and strength appealing, as this winter, she’s headlining her first film - Haywire.
Directed by the always awesome (and risk-taking) Steven Soderbergh, the movie is sort of your basic Bourne-esq actioner featuring a trained operative gone rogue with things going wrong all around them, but they don’t typically have the cast this one does, mixing Carano with Ewan McGregor, Michael Douglas, Bill Paxton, Antonio Banderas and Michael Fassbender (we’ll ignore Channing Tatum). Â If that wasn’t enough, Ms. Carano even does her own STUNTS!
The trailer looks pretty dope, and I’ve included it below (the poster is really cool, too).
Haywire hits your local multiplex on January 20th, 2012.
Like most movie nerds, I have a list of directors who I will follow into a movie no matter what. There are some which may be easy to predict (Christopher Nolan, Edgar Wright), but there are some you might not be aware of, like Jason Reitman.
With the excellent films Thank You For Smoking, Juno and Up in the Air under his belt, I’m pretty much game for any movie he has ready, and his latest is Young Adult.
Pairing Reitman once again with Juno scribe Diablo Cody, here’s the synopsis:
Young Adult hits theaters on December 16th, 2011.
Peter Jackson & Steven Spielberg directed, Edgar Wright & Steven Moffat written, WETA animated, next generation level movie making. If that isn’t enough to sell you a ticket to see The Adventures of Tintin this holiday season, mayhaps this trailer will!
The second major trailer for the film to be released, it showcases the adventurous scope of the movie, which has rapidly gone from a movie that I felt like I “had” to see, to a movie that I cannot wait to see.
The Adventures of Tintin hits theaters on December 21st, 2011.
The amazing French musical duo known as Daft Punk has been far too quiet since the release of last year’s Tron Legacy soundtrack.
All we’ve really heard from the guys in the robot helmets since is a disappointing remix album and a poorly remastered version of Interstella 555 on blu-ray. So I’m somewhat happy to say they have a new collaboration in the works. Or maybe it’s best called a colaboration - as they have teamed with Coca-Cola to create a limited edition bottled version of Coke called, not too shockingly, Daft Coke.
Unfortunately, these awesome bottles are limited to an edition of 20, only available in Daft Punk’s native France. But hey, you can see a full gallery of images (all 3) below. So, buck up, and lets hope they tour in 2012 or something.
Source:Â Stereogum.
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My nerd brain has lost all ability to process standard thought, as it’s Avengers trailer day and HOLY CRAP IT LOOKS AWESOME.
You’ve got the heroes, you’ve got explosions, you’ve got Tony being an asshole, you’ve got (surprisingly) a Nine Inch Nails song, what more could you want?
OK, yeah, I have some official stills in the gallery below, but COME ON! AVENGERS! SO COOL! YEAH!
The Avengers hits theaters on May 4th, 2012.
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So it was one month ago that it all started with the release of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee’s Justice League #1 on August 31st.
Since then, I’ve read and reviewed fifty-one other comics, writing over 10,000 words on every single book in the DC Comics relaunch.
If you missed them, let’s get you caught up.
Wow, I never thought we’d see the day, but here we are. After a month of reading, reviewing and writing, we have reached the final week of DC Comics New 52, the comics giant’s attempt to grab a new or lost audience by relaunching literally every single book in their roster.  So far, it’s been a mixed bag - between the comics themselves being mixed in quality, to some major controversy about how female characters are handled (and you thought the backlash against a lack of female creators was bad) - but the fact is the books are selling. In fact, every single issue has sold out. Sure, the proof will be in how many copies of issues 2 and 3 of these books get ordered.
But the fact is, we’re in the final week, and it’s a week full of Batman, Aquaman, Flash, Vampires and more Green Lanterns! Â So lets get it going!
All-Star Western #1 Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti, Art by Moriat
Pros: This is actually a fun yarn! Moriat’s art is really solid, and the color work gives the book a proper old timey feel. I also love that the setting is Old Timey Gotham, giving us a lead in Dr. Arkham, and fun easter eggs to the rest of the Bat-universe (what up, Mayor Cobblepot?).  Also, this issue definitely felt like we were biting into a big chunk of a larger tale as opposed to “part 1 of 6 for the trades”.  Kinda had a nice Downey era Sherlock Holmes vibe, too.
Cons: Much like Men of War, it’s a book that I can tell is being competently put together, but at the end of the day, I’m really not the audience for it. It’s rare that a western grabs me, and this has its moments, but at the end of the day, it’s just something I’m not that into. So I guess these are my cons, not everyones.
Would I Continue Reading It?: If you’re a western fan, you’d probably dig it, a lot. I can respect it for what it is, but really, it’s not my bag. Sorry.
Aquaman #1 Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Ivan Reis Â
Pros: Goddamnit, Geoff Johns made me like Aquaman. In short, this issue is “hey guys, Aquaman can be awesome, deal with it”. Â He knows he’s a joke and he hates it. He knows he’s worth more, but he knows the slings and arrows he must bare. But just as importantly, he remembers that he’s half human. Â It’s a great setup for a character, the last time I saw him, he was running around with a crazy beard and hook hand. Â Also, Ivan Reis' art is pretty damn solid, his rendering of Boston in the opening sequence are stupendous.
Cons: Unfortunately, the book doesn’t give us much more than “Hey guys! Like Aquaman!” There seem to be some creepy fish, and I look forward to more of Aquaman vs. Dry Land antics, but…there isn’t a lot to chew on here.
Would I Continue Reading It?:  Like a lot of the books across the 52, if the first collected story ends up good, I’d consider the trade. But I think it says something about the state of many of these first issues that that is the best compliment I can come up with.
Batman: The Dark Knight #1 Written by David Finch, Art by David Finch Â
Pros: David Finch was pretty much born to draw Batman. He brings a rugged, yet slick quality to the art that just screams the mix of brutality and high tech which makes up the best versions of the character. Â The story is mostly solid, giving us some Bat action, some Wayne action, and a big Arkham Asylum setpiece…
Cons: …but uh, that was the same plot of Batman #1Â last week. And they did it WAY better. Â Where are the EDITORS here, goddamnit? We had the week of airplanes, now two debut Batbooks with the same story? Who is making these calls? Â I wouldn’t have minded it if it wasn’t done better the week before. Also, the last page reveal? Possibly the silliest character change ever, and unless they’re doing an homage to the shlocky 50’s-60’s Bat Books, a bad move.
Would I Continue Reading It?:  Of the 4 Batbooks on the market (Batman: The Dark Knight, Batman, Batman & Robin and Detective Comics) one rises above the rest…and it isn’t that one. Stick with the Synder/Capullo Batman. Solid effort, but just not as good.
Blackhawks #1 Written by Mike Costa, Art by Ken Lashley Â
Pros: This is actually kind of a slick book. Reinventing the Blackhawk crew as a group of super spies, I feel like this book is ready made for a really awesome summer blockbuster. Decent writing, solid art, it was a breezy and enjoyable read.
Cons: I have to admit, it did kinda feel like they really really wanted to have a S.H.I.E.L.D.-esq group for the DCU, and I have to say the characters kinda hit all of the action-team archetypes. Well done archetypes, sure, but still archetypes.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Sadly this is another one for the middle for me. Not bad, a fun read, but it wouldn’t be high priority for me. Â I could see the book getting some serious fans, however.
The Flash #1 Written by Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato, Art by Francis Manapaul
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Pros:Â Wow, this is a BEAUTIFUL book. Art is absolutely tremendous, and I found the story pretty compelling, at least what was there. We got a good idea of Barry Allen’s moral compass, some cool sequences demonstrating his speed (speed DNA research is interesting), and the foundations of what could be a very unique story.
Cons: Maybe it’s fatigue at this point, but really, ANOTHER book with the last page cliffhanger? Also, for the long time fans of the Flash franchise, retconning romances and writing out one of the most beloved characters in Wally West is a serious bummer.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Actually, yes. I’ve never been a Flash hardcore, but I REALLY liked what I read here, not to mention I want to track down every other book that Francis Manapul has drawn.
The Fury of Firestorm: The Nuclear Men #1 Written by Ethan Van Sciver & Gail Simone, Art by Yildiray Cinar
Pros: If you like teen hero books, guess what, this one has TWO leads! And they don’t like each other! How wacky!
Cons: Overall, I was NOT into this book (and I typically like Simone and Van Sciver). The racism conversation seemed unnecessary, as did the extreme violence from the presumed big bads of this run, and the “Fury” form looks a lot like the X-Men villain Holocaust. Also, reading this bland book after reading what Atomic Robo’s Brian Clevinger wanted to do with the book? Just depressing.
Would I Continue Reading It?: This book did next to nothing for me over its length. While far from the worst book in this run, it’s definitely towards the bottom in terms of my interest or even enjoyment. Bleh.
Green Lantern: New Guardians #1 Written by Tony Bedard, Art by Tyler Kirkham
Pros: So in here, we get a new version of Kyle Rayner’s origin (minus the stylish Nine Inch Nails t-shirt), and a vague setup for him and all of the other lanterns staring in this series (ONE OF EACH FLAVOR!). It was fun enough, I guess? At the least, Kyle’s ring constructs were really cool.
Cons: Another team book setup where…not much happens. Page after page of narration and dialogue, we get everyone in a room, and then BLAM, SEE YOU NEXT MONTH! Come on dudes, compression is KILLING me.
Would I Continue Reading It?: I could see the book becoming fun down the line, but I saw next to nothing in here that made me want #2, let alone #3, #4, etc. My GL book preference is with Green Lantern Corps right now.
I, Vampire #1 Written by Joshua Hale Fialkov, Art by Andrea Sorrentino
Pros: This is definitely one of the more unique books in the New 52. Clearly designed for the Vertigo reading, True Blood watching set, it certainly has immersive art and solid visual storytelling.  There are some very jaw dropping images here, and for that, I enjoyed my time with I, Vampire.
Cons: That said, the writing was a little too vague for my liking, and some unclear art definition certainly didn’t help in some back and forth exchanges. And given that it looks like that there are 2 characters in this world worth paying attention to, does the book have the longevity necessary to last as an ongoing title? I don’t know.
Would I Continue Reading It?: I think I’d be more interested in a Art of Andrea Sorrentino book, honestly.
Justice League Dark #1 Written by Peter Milligan, Art by Mikel Janin
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Pros:Â Alright, the idea of a “Justice League” being made up of a team of the dark, magic characters of the DCU sounds like a really fun read, and Mikel Janin is more than game to make them look fantastic doing whatever they do.
Cons: But that’s the problem, they do NOTHING. I feel like I’m repeating myself. Vaguely introduce characters, have them sorta arrive at the same plot device, and then BAM, ISSUE TWO. Make me want to read number two, don’t just assume because I dropped $3-$4 that I am invested and HAVE to get involved. I want to like this concept, but this book gave me essentially the vague pitch as a comic. “Well, we have Zatanna, Constantine, Shade, Madam Xanadu…they’re gonna be a team.” Also, sounds like a candy bar.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Â Another one for the “has potential, but it isn’t demonstrated here” pile. It bums me to put books in this pile.
The Savage Hawkman #1 Written by Tony S. Daniel, Art by Phillip Tan
Pros: This I liked! A superhero who dislikes being a hero, but keeps getting dragged back into the mess, really well crafted art, some nice changes to the Hawkman mythos (his armor being somewhat living/sentient is very cool), a creepy ass foe, and setup for Carter’s world makes for a great first issue!
Cons: Honestly, not too much - I really liked this book a good bit.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Absolutely! Not one of my first string MUST reads, but I could see catching up with this book and being really pleased with where it is.
Superman #1 Written by George Perez, Art by Jesus Merino
Pros:Â Well, if you’re an old school Superman fan, this book had, nearest as I could tell, EVERYTHING you could want, minus Lex Luthor action, but I assume that’s because he’s the main villain over at Action Comics. This book got a LOT of story and a LOT of exposition out there, which (as I’m sure you can gather by my other reviews) is something I’m very happy to see. Jesus Merino does a great job with the human moments juxtaposed against the large scale action, and it gives a nice grounded touch to the book.
Cons: Am I crazy, or did this not really feel like it was about Superman? More Metropolis and Daily Planet: The Series? I know that the deep cast of characters are what make the Superman universe what it is, but this felt like a pizza with one topping too many - I can’t really taste the pie anymore because of all the other ingredients in the way. Â Also, the new costume sucks. But that’s not their fault.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Â Of the Superman books, this is #2 for me - Morrison’s doing much more interesting work in my eyes over at Action, but I could see the long time Superman fans being more into this.
Teen Titans #1 Written by Scott Lobdell, Art by Brett Booth
Pros: Wow, the book that pissed me off from it’s cover art alone ended up being not that awful. Â Unfortunately, it follows Justice League’s setup of give us two characters and setup a Super-person at the end. Â But there are some changes that I find intriguing - why did Tim step down as Robin, why is he working in the shadows, why is Wonder Girl on the run, and what does Superboy have to do with all of this? Â Which reminds me, the tie in with Superboy #1 was well done. Should be cool to see how both books line up moving forward.
Cons:Â I really hate everyones new costumes - also, why did they spring a surprise new cover on us? Â But besides that, I was intrigued for more.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Like Superboy, I expected to hate this book, but finished it intrigued for more - if each book follows up on their respective mysteries well, they could make for a great 1-2 punch of reading. If only Lobdell wasn’t also responsible for one of the worst books of all the 52 so far…
Voodoo #1 Written by Ron Marz, Art by Sami Basri
Pros: Sami Basri would be great on…oh, any other book. Kid has talent.
Cons:Â Did you ever want a comic series about a stripper? No? Well here you go! Oh, and she’s an alien killer, too. What utter dreck. Really, this is a Skinamax movie but as a comic with less boobs.
Would I Continue Reading It?: No. Just, no. No, no, no. I’d be embarrassed to buy it. Would be interesting to compare digital sales (where people can’t judge you) versus hard copy (heh) sales moving forward…
And that’s it! ALL FIFTY TWO BOOKS! DONE! Â We’ve read a lot, we’ve learned a lot…and that gets to my next post.
There will be ONE FINAL update - Me vs. The New 52: What Have We Learned! Look for it this weekend. Should be fun.
So, I’ve been posting book reviews on GoodReads since I really got heavily back into reading late last year.  In the interest of having more awesome content on here, I’m going to start posting my reviews here too. So…here’s the first one. Enjoy, OK?
Set in the not-too-terribly-distant future of the year 2044, Ready Player One thrusts its readers into a world where the USA is basically a wreck, almost desolate.  This isn’t really due to anything more than the same issues we see today having reached the apex of their worst possible scenarios, but don’t worry about the people living there, they barely notice. You see, the people of the 2040s are all really into The OASIS.  The OASIS is like if Facebook and Second Life had a baby, one where everything you do in life - your job, your schooling, your friends, your family - comes together in one virtual world.
The OASIS was developed by a Bill Gates or Steve Jobs level genius, a man named James Halliday. Â A recluse obsessed with 80’s pop culture, his greatest creation serves not just as the world millions live in, but a giant homage to the culture he loved - its films, its music, it’s characters and its games. Â Similar to many classic video games, The OASIS has a very important easter egg - one that is revealed at the time of Halliday’s death. If you can find the easter egg and “win” at The OASIS, you earn Halliday’s forture, to the tune of several hundred billion dollars.
This inspires many people, including our hero, a teenager named Wade Watts (nome de internet, Parzival) to engage in the wild goose hunt that is the search for Halliday’s fortune.  But to understand the game is to understand the culture Halliday loved.  The book that ensues is a madcap action adventure which both serves as a high concept sci-fi adventure for today, and an homage to the culture of the 1980’s that writer Ernest Cline (best known for penning the script to Fanboys) grew up with.  Pee Wee, Back to the Future, Johnny 5, Wargames, Jet Jaguar, Devo, Family Ties..these are just a few of the literal hundreds of pop-culture artifacts references throughout the books 384 page run, and if you can keep up, it’s an absolute blast.
While the idea of building a story set in the future that is so engrained in the past sounds like a fantastic idea to get an audience acclimated to the new world they’re encountering, at times, the level of reference is just a bit too deep.  Cline tries to keep the language simple and affable to readers who may not know that much about what was king in the 80’s, but he can’t shake how engrained the culture is in his life.  At the end of the day, some, if not most of the material, will fly over readers heads.
Despite this issue, however, the book remains user friendly - even those not familiar with internet culture, MMOs or the 1980s will get caught up in the life of Parzival, his friends, his romantic interests and even some real life adventure against the evil corporation who wants to get the Halliday fortune at all costs.
Sure, Ready Player One might not be a book for everyone, but for those who get it, they’ll cherish it.   If you’ve spent hours on X-Entertainment, long for your Atari 2600 or just can’t seem to drop World of Warcraft, this is a love letter to you.  Turn the page, insert coin and get ready, this is the adventure you’ve been waiting for.  Recommended.
The lights go down. The film starts. The company logos play, and immediately we are thrust into a conversation.  A man in a jacket emblazoned with a scorpion is standing in a dark room on a cellphone.  He’s explaining his terms to the person on the otherside. They’re very simple. “If I drive for you, you give me a time and a place. I give you a five-minute window, anything happens in that five minutes and I’m yours no matter what. I don’t sit in while you’re running it down; I don’t carry a gun… I drive.”
This is our “hero”. Never given a name and known simply as ‘Driver’ in the credits, he is a man of few words, but for him, they aren’t necessary. Â It’s his actions which say everything. Â And it’s his actions that set everything into motion for Drive, a dark, moody film that gives props to 80’s action films that came before it but is truly a creation of it’s own.
Starting with almost a short film showing the Driver and how good at his job he is, the movie kicks in for it’s credits, a pumping musical montage set to “Nightcall” by Kavinsky. In certain movies, this montage would be shlock, an 80’s throwback that mocks an era.  Here it sets the tone.  The director is intending to tell us a tale, but not necessarily in the way you’d expect. Nicolas Winding Refn (director of Bronson and Valhalla Rising) plays his story out like a song.  The scenes giving us just enough of moments, like vague lyrics that paint the picture but don’t provide all the details, the action sequences are the crescendo that give the film it’s apex and emotional catharsis.  And like a good rockband, we have one hell of a front man - Ryan Gossling.
I’m not sure when Gossling got so damned good as an actor, but it seems he didn’t ever want to be The Notebook Guy.  Here, he is equally ever in the moment and always illusive, mixing quietly simmering dialogue with violent and extreme actions.  But at the same time there is an incredible tenderness to his character, as seen in the way he cares for his neighbor, Irene (Casey Mulligan) and her son.  The dichotomy continues with his day to day life, with his dayjobs of being a mechanic and doing stuntdriving for films, juxtaposed against his nightlife of being the wheelman for crimes and getting caught up in the mob (represented in two great, scene stealing performances from Albert Brooks and Ron Pearlman).
Much like a great album, each moment is sequenced perfectly right - but to spoil how the moments come together would ruin the fun.  Drive is a film full of scenes and sequences that have continued to bounce around my memory since I saw the film yesterday, and I forsee it sticking with me for a very long time.  Much like the synth soundtrack that permeates every speaker in the theater, the film pulses, bounces and eventually blows you away.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I sat down for Drive, but what I got was one of my favorite movies this year.  Stunning cinematography, great music, impeccable performances and a story that ties up the ends you need and leaves just enough loose to have you discussing the events for hours to come, this is a film that will be looked back at fondly for years to come.  I can’t wait to hit play and start it all over again.
This past weekend was the Alamo Drafthouse’s annual film festival, made up of amazing or unseen films from all over the world, Fantastic Fest 2011!
One of the key events of the film festival was a very special screening of the horror classic An American Werewolf in London, which not only featured a Q&A with master makeup maker Rick Baker, but also with Mondo poster legend in the making, Olly Moss. Why Olly Moss? Because he designed a SUPER SWEET POSTER for the event, with both standard and variant editions available. Â The standard is shown at the top of the post, with the variant down below.
No word on if there are any extras that will be available via MondoTees.com this week, but as always, Moss delivers incredible work mixing his minimalist style with key artwork from the film. Â It’s really great work.
This time last year, thanks to a birthday gift gone very very right, I had the pleasure of reading through a very surreal novel called John Dies At The End.
A weird mixture of monsters, drug use, detective work gone wrong, blood, gore and stunning humor, it was an absolutely enjoyable read.  Seriously one of my favorites ever.  And it looks like if things work out and the first official trailer is any indication, next year, John Dies At The End is going to make for an awesome movie.
Directed by Don Coscarelli (Phantasm, Bubba Ho-Tep), and featuring a cast including Paul Giamatti, Clancy Brown and Doug Jones, this looks like it’s going to be an amazing and accurate recreation of the book - I can’t wait to see how the final flick turns out.
Fans of the book - what do you think of the trailer? Those who have no idea what John Dies At The End is, what do YOU think? Sound off in the comments.
I think everyone has that something that they feel that every movie would be made better with. Â For me? Giant robots. Every movie would be better with them. Even shitty movies with them in there? Made significantly better by way of Giant Robots.
For YouTube user Buchan39, he feels that every single movie needs Tom Selleck’s Mustache. Not Tom Selleck, oh no! TOM SELLECK’S MUSTACHE.
After watching his video, I can’t deny it. Well done, sir. Well done.
Look, it doesn’t matter what I write here. Nor does it matter what the official synopsis for this film is (below, thanks to IMDb)…
The highlight of this trailer? Knowing that Liam Neeson WILL PUNCH WOLVES IN THE FACE WITH GLASS BOTTLES TAPED TO HIS HANDS! HELL AND YES.
Go see this immediately.
Holy crap, I might actually pull this off.  Almost a month later I am still in the game, going through the process of reading and reviewing all 52 of DC Comics “New 52”, 52 #1 Issues designed to bring new fans, lapsed fans and non DC fans into the comic reading fold.
Thus far I’ve read 27 comics, over half of the run, and with ELEVEN more books released yesterday, by the end of this article, I’ll be in the home stretch and having had read 38 issues of this unique undertaking by the #2 Comics Giant.  This week brings such highlights as Greg Capullo’s debut on a Batman series after years of being the artist for Spawn and the latest relaunch of the Wonder Woman franchise.  It also brings such low lights as ANOTHER Legion of Superheroes book and whatever the heck they’re doing with Nightwing now.  But enough jibber jabbah. It’s time to review the books! Let’s check it out!
Batman #1 Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Greg Capullo
Pros: Holy crap this book is good! If you’re a current Batman fan, a lapsed one, a fan of The Dark Knight, what have you, this is THE Batman book to be reading, and I really enjoyed Detective Comics a few weeks back.  Greg Capullo proves that he should have been drawing Batman for YEARS, and the story by Scott Snyder provides an awesome opening action sequence, sets our characters properly, and even gives Bruce Wayne a few strong moments.  Add a great hook for the next mystery which will undoubtably take the first trade, and I am game for whatever this book has to dish out.
Cons: Honestly, not too much. I’m bummed to see Gordon smoking again, and the way that Capullo draws Bruce, Dick, Tim and Damien is a LITTLE too similar, ditto the new Gotham mayorial candidate, but for the most part, I was both surprised and pleased with this book. Awesome work, all!
Would I Continue Reading It?: Right now, this is the 4th book I’d start collecting alongside Animal Man, Action Comics and Frankenstein. Shut up and take my money, DC.
Birds of Prey #1 Written by Duane Sweirczynski, Art by Jesus Siaz
Pros: Siaz comes out with strong art and Sweirczynski plots a solid tale involving 2 members of our potential Birds of Prey team (Black Canary and Starling) and the reporter that’s been following them.  The book is a lengthy action sequence, tossing readers exactly into what Starling and Canary can do, juxtaposed with a number of flashback showing us how we got here…
Cons: …but ultimately the story didn’t engage me. Â The book felt a lot like Justice League #1 back in Week One, you have a team book where things aren’t in motion yet. Â Yes, there were strong character moments, but I never really got into who the characters were or what they were doing. Â Also, is Starling’s “Suicide Girl” look a new thing to “extreme” it up?
Would I Continue Reading It?: I’m sure this book will have its fans, and make them very happy, but for me, it’s just lost in the sound of other books. In turn, I wouldn’t pick it up.
Blue Beetle #1 Written by Tony Bedard, Art by IG Guara
Pros: Blue Beetle takes an interesting approach to the heroes seen so far - this is a book about the man, well, boy behind the mask more than the hero and his adventures, but that isn’t to say that it doesn’t ramp up more.  Ostensibly one of the least DCU connected series released so far, Beetle stands on its own, giving us the tale of high schooler Jaime Reyes eventually intersecting with a magical space scarab.  What I really liked about this though? The book has it’s own unique rogues gallery! The villain who looked like a walking Day of the Dead decoration (while a little on the nose) might be one of my favorite character designs so far.
Cons: If you’re in for Beetle action, you don’t get much here, as this is HEAVY on the setup.  Also, was this version of Blue Beetle always almost symbiotic? I could make the Peter Parker comparisons with Jaime, but the Venom-esq nature of the scarab is a little too obvious.  Also, did we really need the shoehorned in Green Lantern? Felt unnecessary.
Would I Continue Reading It?: This would definitely be in my maybe pile. Â If the book kept up and the Blue Beetle action was great, I’d be game.
Captain Atom #1 Written by JT Krul, Art by Freddie Williams II
Pros: This is really a strong idea for a book! One of DC’s underrated characters, Captain Atom is almost God-like with his abilities and skills (he reminds me a lot of Watchmen’s Dr. Manhattan), but the book never portrays him as above the reader, which is very key.  The idea of such a powerful character losing control over his VERY powerful abilities is one that is intriguing and I’d like to see play out. Also, the new look for Captain Atom and the almost etherial way he is depicted in the book is really cool. The coloring team did a great job making him stand out amongst the rest of the book.
Cons: The rest of the art, however, feels rushed and ugly. I’m not sure if this is an intentional decision to make Atom stand out, but it was kind of jarring to see him rendered so well, and the rest of the world around him look so bad. Â Also, this is another book that I wonder how the story will be able to play out over 6 issues, let alone an ongoing series - it feels like the writers forgot how to pace themselves these days.
Would I Continue Reading It?: I feel like this book is good for A trade and that’s about it. If the rest ended up good, I’d consider it, but it’d be one of my lower priority pickups.
Catwoman #1 Written by Judd Winnick, Art by Guillem March
Pros: Oh boy. Yeah. I can see where this got some anger. Let’s get the nice out first, right? Gillem March was BORN to draw a Catwoman book. He draws dynamic action sequences, he has a great mixture of awesome expressions (check the cats in the first few pages) and cheesecake, and overall, he just makes the book feel like a fun romp.
Cons: That said, what the hell was up with the writing? You have a setup for an interesting storyline between Selena and the Russian mob, a heist of awesome art and then SHE AND BATMAN BANG FOR 3 PAGES OUTTA NOWHERE. When did this become fan fiction, Judd? Ugh. You had me, and then you just sexed it up out of the blue. I’m far from a prude, but this was just unnecessary.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Nah, I’m good. If this is any indication, the book will be 60% story derailed by 40% superhero banging. What the hell, dudes.
DC Universe Presents #1 Written by Paul Jenkins, Art by Bernard Chang
Pros: Wow. This one will stick with me.  The DC Presents series is designed to showcase limited run series of different characters who cannot otherwise support an ongoing series, and if they do for others what they did for Deadman here, this could be one hell of a book. Jenkins puts together a very dark, depressing but enthralling read here, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.  Bernard Chang’s art is really great, strong, clean renders helped with solid inks and great color work.
Cons: Another book where I’m struggling to say something bad.  I suppose the mystical side of Deadman’s character is played a little thick (I think I’d like him just forced into new people’s lives Quantum Leap style), but really, this is great.
Would I Continue Reading It?: For the Deadman run, at least. I don’t know if Jenkins and Chang are on for the series following Deadman, but if so, I’d love to see what they do with more C and D list characters. Recommended for sure.
Green Lantern Corps #1 Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Art by Fernando Pasarin
Pros: I didn’t know I wanted it, but a Guy Gardner/John Stewart buddy cop book makes for a great read! Tomasi does a wonderful job having these characters play off each other, and seeing them try to get real world jobs for when being a GL is slow makes for a fun conceit to the reader. Â Oh, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t give props to the Ravens and Orioles shout outs. Â The idea of these guys and other GL’s fighting through the galaxy while dealing with “real” things on Earth sounds like a book I could get into, and it worked well here.
Cons: Did anyone else find this issue unnecessarily graphically violent? Like, I was just sorta jarred by how brutal some of the violence in the book was from the mysterious villain (to be revealed by the end of issue 2, I’d assume). Oh, and “Triumph of the Will” as the story title? Yikes.
Would I Continue Reading It?: If the banter remained fun, the art remained solid, and the stories enthralling, this might be the better of the GL books on the stands. We’ll see.
Legion of Super-Heroes #1 Written by Paul Levitz, Art by Francis Portela
Pros: Uh. Well. The art is nice? And they do a really great job identifying each member of the GIANT cast in this book.
Cons: I wondered this with Legion Lost…I think I just cannot give a shit about the Legion of Super-Heroes, at all. Future space action? Normally, I’d be down, but there’s something about how it’s presented here that I don’t really care. There were 22 pages, things occurred, and I just couldn’t get into it. Â Maybe it’s a great Legion book, maybe I’m wrong, but I just was indifferent to every page. Â Not the worst book of the New 52, but definitely toward the bottom for me.
Would I Continue Reading It?: I’m good, thanks.
Nightwing #1 Written by Kyle Higgins, Art by Eddy Barrows
Pros: This is one of the books that really gets the issue one idea down pat. You setup the universe, show us what makes the characters tick, add some solid action sequences and setup intrigue for the next issue. Â Barrows draws a great Nightwing, and just as great acrobatic sequences (key for this book), and Higgins does a very good job at showing us just how different from Bruce Wayne that Dick Grayson is.
Cons: I don’t really like the new red look of the Nightwing costume (I preferred him in black and blue), and honestly, I was a big fan of Dick taking the Batman cape and cowl, so I’m going to have a bit of a bias no matter what. Â Also, did it strike anyone else that the design of the new big bad seems to be stolen directly from Wanted?
Would I Continue Reading It?: If money were no object? Sure. Â But as it stands, I’d really only recommend this to the big Nightwing fans. It’s a well put together comic, but it’s not a must have.
Red Hood and the Outlaws #1 Written by Scott Lobdell, Art by Kenneth Rocafort
Pros: Well, I really enjoyed the first half of the book.  The banter between Red Hood and Speedy was really enjoyable, as was the prison break sequence.  Rocafort’s artwork is grimy in a good way, adding a street level feel to the book, which is necessary.  For the first half of this book, I could already see a really awesome Smokin' Aces esq movie for Jason Todd and the gang.  And then the second half hit.
Cons: Does the writing pool of DC Comics REALLY NEED TO GET LAID?! That’s now (so far) two overtly sexualized females this week, and with the 2 other big female lead books still to be reviewed by me (this is written chronologically, GASP!), I’m getting worried. Starfire as nothing more than an alien sexpot is just poor writing. You should be ashamed, Lobdell. This really left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the book, which is a shame as I loved the first half.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Maybe if Lobdell were replaced and Rocafort stayed. Shame, as this went from a book I didn’t care, to one I wanted more of, to one I was turned off by…all in one read. Oh well.
Supergirl #1 Written by Michael Green & Mike Johnson, Art by Mahmud Asrar
Pros: Â I can’t say they didn’t give us action in this one! 22 pages of Supergirl wrecking a team of dudes in robot suits. If that’s your bag, this book delivered in spades to you. Â Also, I like the Kara-El has no idea what Earth is or how she got there idea. Â If we’re gonna reboot Supergirl AGAIN, might as well wipe her totally clean.
Cons: Another book where we as readers aren’t given much and are expected to stick around for the mystery. Â Also, what’s with her weird cut out thigh boots? Just reeks of bad 90’s Image Comic-style design choices.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Supergirl isn’t a character I’ve been particularly into, and this comic gave me no reason to jump on board. Not a bad book by any means, but it’s another that shifted toward the middle. Â Enjoyed the pages I read, not going to be sad to move on from it.
Wonder Woman #1 Written by Brian Azzarello, Art by Cliff Chiang
Pros: Goddamn is Cliff Chiang’s art great, and his women are just fantastic. Not too cheesecakey, they look strong, powerful, in control and realistic. He was BORN to draw a Wonder Woman book. Also, the integration of Greek mythology into a real world scenario is handled well - it kind of reminds me how Dogma worked Christian theology into a real world scenario (and given the immaculate conception hinted at here, the analogy isn’t entirely off - thankfully, no shit monsters). As someone who’s never liked Wonder Woman, this actually had me interested, so consider the experiment having paid off here.
Cons: I’m a little confused by the captioning/internal monologuing(?) during the books main action sequence - I assume it will make more sense later on, but I wasn’t entirely getting it, and it just felt put upon as a reader.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Perhaps. Diana, Hermes and the woman carrying Zeus’s child fighting for their lives in the woods isn’t how I figured this new Wonder Woman book would start, and I’d like to see how it all eventually comes together. Â Not one of my must haves from the New 52 so far, but I think it worked, something that WW fans should be happy about, given how regularly she’s been relaunched/rebooted.
Wow, that’s 11 more down, and we have JUST ONE MORE WEEK TO GO! What will we see in the final week of The New 52?!
Here’s the lineup.
I have a weird relationship with The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.  I feel the novels are a bit lengthy in prose, to an unnecessary degree, and while very uncomfortable to watch, I really enjoyed the first 2 Swedish films (I still haven’t gotten around to finishing watching the third).  I have to say, I totally understood the anger and confusion of those who felt that the new American remake was completely unnecessary.  That said, now that Sony Pictures has just released an extended trailer, I’m sold this Christmas.
Pushed out across the web overnight, this trailer runs just about 4 minutes. Â While it underlines that yes, the film is hitting many of the same beats as the Swedish original, the amazing direction of David Fincher and yes, the score of Trent Reznor, add a truly hypnotic feel to the footage. Â I must say, I’ve already watched this trailer twice, and it just has me in its trance.
Also, how goddamned unrecognizable is Rooney Mara?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo hits theaters on December 21st, 2011.
It’s weird - I seem to be very bipolar on reviews here - either I really love something or I really dislike it.  Honestly, that’s more because I struggle to write about my own indifference towards something.  Strong enjoyment or strong distaste is SO much more enjoyable to share with others - it’s the middle-ground that is hard to communicate.
And that brings me to this evening’s review - Real Steel. Â Just over two hours in length, the film really couldn’t bring me to any set emotion. The film simply happened, and I was there to see it - but as I’ll get to, I could just be the wrong person for it.
For those who haven’t seen the trailers (which spell out a lot of the plot), allow me to summarize the setup for you. Hugh Jackman (WOLVERINE!~) plays Charlie Kenton, a down and out fighting robot operator. Â See, Charlie was once a boxer of note, and once the world became more entertained by the high-stakes violent world of robot boxing, his career went down the toilet, and when you can’t beat them, you join them. Â But it seems that the world of robot boxing hasn’t treated him well, leaving him sending a trail of debt, beer bottles and bad decisions across the country as he takes he and his robot from city to city. Â Things change for Charlie, however, as one day an old ex-girlfriend dies, leaving him with his long lost son Max (Dakota Goyo), and now it’s up to him to figure out how to deal with a son, paying off his debt, and maybe even making it up to a childhood friend/lover in his former trainer’s daughter, Bailey (Lost’s Evangeline Lilly).
Along the way, Max even develops an interest in robot fighting, and one fateful night they stumble upon an abandoned early generation sparring robot, named Atom, but there’s something special about Atom - and Charlie alongside Max decide to see what Atom’s truly worth in the ring.
I know, you’re already doing the mental math - Atom fights up the ranks, Charlie and Max get closer, Charlie becomes the father he was supposed to be, and that endears Bailey to Charlie, everyone gets happy by the credits. Â It’s really easy to project (sorry for the spoilers?) - but there’s a notable flaw with the script, and it’s probably what bothers me the most…none of that is earned, but it all happens.
Charlie suddenly becomes a “good dad” without the crisis of self.  Atom gets a shot at the top title in robot fighting. Max learns to love his dad…I think?  But the movie never shows us the how or why - we just get there. And maybe that’s my flaw in watching Real Steel.  Maybe I expect too much from the movie. Maybe I should just write it off as dumb fun, because if you let it be - it IS fun.
The real draw of the film, i.e. where the money is, is definitely the robots and they shine, literally and figuratively.  A mixture of practical animatronics and CG, the robots are VERY impressive, and the fight sequences (there are about 4-5 major ones in the film) are exciting and well rendered.  This movie is going to be amazing to an entire generation of 6-10 year old boys.  From the scrapheap look of Atom to the asian flared Noisey Boy to the big bad monster Zeus, each robot has a noticeable personality, dragging you into the fights.
And that leads me to my problem with the acting…the robots actually do a better job of grabbing sympathy and interest than the actors. Â I know I alluded to the weak script earlier on, but the actors do nothing to really add to the interest. Jackman’s American accent is all over the place throughout the film, slipping from Jersey to almost a bad Kennedy impression, and Dakota Goyo, playing Max, is simply a brat throughout the movie - except of course when the movie hits the redemption switch and all is good.
Maybe that’s my issue - Real Steel really could have been a fun, all ages romp with fighting robots, but it just didn’t want to put in the time to gain my interest or affection. Â That being said, the audience at the preview screening was unlike any I’ve experienced in a long while, cheering during the battles, clapping for Atom’s victories and getting into each bout as if it was happening in real time.
So like I said, maybe I’m wrong, maybe Real Steel is really great. But only time and audiences will tell.
Hey, you guys remember when Hostess made delicious baked goods based on DC Superheroes?
N-no? OK, that’s fair. But they did. And it was awesome.
Anyway, in celebration of the home video release of this summer’s explosion highlight reel Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Hostess has decided to mash up their snowballs and cupcakes with Autobots and Decepticons for a limited edition run.
The classic Snoball has been given an Autobot touch with Optimus Prime, making for SNOBALLIMUS!
Not to be outdone, the classic Hostess Cupcake has gone evil, combining with the Decepticon Shockwave to make…CHOCKWAVE!
Transformers: Dark of the Moon hits DVD and Blu-Ray on September 30th, so expect these treats to hit your local grocer around them. If they don’t have them, do what Michael Bay would do…BLOW THE PLACE SKY HIGH.
Source: ComicsAlliance.
It looks like that the longest running prime time animated series of all time may also be the first to spawn it’s own television network. Â That’s right, gang, we could see a cable network made up of nothing but episodes of The Simpsons.
I know, I know, you’re already sold on the idea, but let’s hold off on fantasizing, as this is just a potential idea.
News Corp. Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey hinted at such an idea at the the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Media Communications & Entertainment Conference in Beverly Hills earlier this week.
Personally, I think they might just be smarter to start a “Fox Animated” channel, featuring their wide breadth of animated programs from throughout the years, but ponder this…if you do the math of how many episodes of The Simpsons have aired over the years (not including the episodes still to come), they could air episodes of the show 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and not rerun an episode for eleven days.  I don’t know of another show that could pull that off.
What do YOU think? Could a Simpsons network work? Or would it be too much for our favorite family from Springfield? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Slice of SciFi.
As I’ve featured many times in the past on this here blog, there are few companies working on the level of Hot Toys when it comes to high end nerd collectables.  And now that they’re producing figures based on the 1989 Tim Burton Batman film, they’ve pretty much sealed the deal as being basically the best figure creators of all time.
…all time!
Showcasing the beautiful sculpts, impeccable paintjobs, smart accessories and just all around amazing awesomeness that has made Hot Toys one of the top creative toy forces in the world, their new Batman and Joker figures are just jawdroppingly great.  It’s as if someone shrunk the Keaton and Nicholson of 1989 and mass produced armies of them to hang out in peoples houses.
However, as always, this level of perfection comes with a cost - Sideshow Collectables has imported both figures as usual, but they’re gonna cost ya.  Batman can be yours for $240 and Joker, with his more impressive costuming, will be $265.  Add an extra $10 to pick up a copy of the amazing Prince Batman soundtrack and you’ve got over $500 in the mix…but really, can you put a pricetag on such enjoyment?
I’ve included a full gallery of both figures below, so check it out!
[gallery link=“file” order=“DESC” orderby=“title”]
Color this unexpected.
One of my favorite films this year, Source Code is apparently on it’s way to becoming a TV show.
In case you missed the movie (AND SHAME ON YOU IF YOU HAVE!), the titular “Source Code” is a unique investigative tool that, via time travel, allows someone to relive the last 8 minutes of someone’s life. Â In the case of the film, it allows a military agent to constantly relive a train bombing in the hopes of catching the bomber.
Apparently CBS is convinced that you’ll be willing to watch an entire series as CSI-esq operatives enter new people’s final minutes each and every week.
For the big Duncan Jones fans like me, please note - the series does not involve him (yet?), it’s totally the production of the writer of the film, Mark Gordon.
As for me - I can’t say I’m thrilled that the film is being mined for a TV show, but the concept is removed enough from the movie-proper that I think they can coexist. Lets keep an eye on this one, shall we?
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
I swear, this isn’t just an excuse for me to post a photo of Emma Stone with Princess Leia hair.
But that is kinda nice, right? Not just me? Or am I officially towing the line of weirdo?
OK, anyway, moving on to the point, Lucasfilm has teamed up with the group called Stand Up To Cancer to put together a series of limited edition t-shirts and auctions all to benefit cancer research.  I’m sure many of you have family members who have been effected by cancer. I know I have family, friends and loved ones who have dealt with it, survived it, and some who succumbed to it.  But I think this is a great way for people to celebrate their nerdiness while donating to a great cause.
A video promoting the effort has been put together, with the aforementioned Ms. Stone, Bill Hader, Aziz Ansari, Andy Samberg, Ed Helms and others, so I thought I’d share that with y’all.
To check out the eBay auctions, click here. To get the really awesome limited edition tees, click here. Â It’s gonna be worth it, I promise.
By now, we’ve all seen the really awesome trailer for David Fincher’s remake of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, right?
If not, here it is…
Awesome, right?
Well, as the countdown continues to this November’s release of The Muppets, Disney has decided to, once more, release a fantastic parody trailer…and I think you’re now going to be very familiar with the source material.
Yeah. They just did that.
If that wasn’t enough, they also produced an amazing spoof of Dragon Tattoo’s nipple baring teaser poster, too, as seen at the top of the post. They really must have some great marketing people there at Disney…
The Muppets hits theaters on November 23rd, 2011.
Lets be blunt here - Ghost Rider was an absolutely awful film.  Just positively dreadful.
However, since the film has been released, it’s lead Nicolas Cage has redefined himself as an overacting, cult level performer.
So when I tell you that the duo directing the Ghost Rider sequel, Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is the team behind the Crank films, you get excited, right?
Well, the first trailer was released a few weeks back (I missed it, my bad), and it’s pretty clear that they, combined with Cage, are delivering one of the most over-the-top superhero films ever. Â Click play to watch the trailer - HE PISSES FLAMES FOR CHRIST’S Â SAKE!
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance hits theaters on February 17th, 2012.
We roll on through September, and with 14 issues down, I continue through my journey into the new DC Universe - it’s week three of Me vs. The New 52. This week brings some flagship titles like Batman & Robin and Green Lantern, some interesting risks like Demon Knights, one of the most hated books (Suicide Squad) and even FRANKENSTEIN.  This should be a run week to plow through.
But what do I think? Lets find out.
Batman and Robin #1 Written by Peter J. Tomasi, Art by Patrick Gleason
Pros: As the last time I read Batman (besides Detective Comics last week) was the first trade of Grant Morrison’s Batman and Robin, this is my first exposure to the Bruce and Damian dynamic. And I have to say, I love it.  Bruce Wayne as wise and slightly overbearing father juxtaposed with the super serious and deadly Damien is a great mix, and I really dug their back and forth.  The action was fairly competent, well drawn and easy to understand.  And the new villain introduced (Nobody) looks to be an interesting foe.
Cons:Â Like many of the first issues of the New 52, not much happened. This was a lot of mood setting and setup. Â The new villain is a hook for sure, but as a stand alone issue, I was left wanting more.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Provided the intrigue setup here pays off, I could definitely see buying and enjoying the first trade. Â If I missed the book, though, I wouldn’t be left crying.
Batwoman #1 Written by JH Williams III & W. Haden Blackman, Art by JH Williams III
Pros: Wow, what an awesome book! I had heard that Batwoman had been quite a read, but I didn’t know if I expected this! Absolutely stunning art, mixed with a storyline that is equal parts supernatural and neo-noir, I was hooked by every page!  Kathy Kane definitely feels like a new generational hero, and her unique nature makes her stand out amongst the rest of the DCU.  I am sold on this one.  Plus, for the longtime fans, adding a new sidekick to the mix must be a nice progression for the hero.
Cons: Not too many. I can say that having the group tracking down an openly gay female hero called “The Lipstick Project” was a little too on the nose, but I don’t know if that was intentional - did the group exist before? Â Oh, and why does Batman get shoehorned into ANOTHER book?
Would I Continue Reading It?: Yes please. And now I want to get the first few trades to see what I missed! (This is one of the few books mostly unaffected by the relaunch)
Deathstroke #1 Written by Kyle Higgins, Art by Joe Bennett
Pros: Deathstroke is a badass. And he’s a cranky old man. Soliders with modified Clayface DNA sounds cool. The art’s pretty competent too, and the book is a brisk read.
Cons: Oh my God, the dialogue is like the most ridiculous B-Movie ever. If that was the idea, well done, if not, HOLY CRAP IS THIS AN AWFUL COMIC. I mean, seriously, a team of sidekicks called “The Alpha Dawgs?” Â And I really hate the “suitcase that everyone sees but the audience” trope. Blargh.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Oh, there’s going to be a second issue? Wouldn’t have gathered that from this one. I guess I can applaud the writers for wrapping everything up in 22 pages, but there really isn’t much that has me on board for more. Pass.
Demon Knights #1 Written by Paul Cornell, Art by Diogenes Neves
Pros: Wow, what a goofy and fun book! You guys want a read that is decidedly NOT connected to the rest of the DCU? How about a romp through the dark ages with the Demon Etrigan! Â I didn’t realize Etrigan had been such a fun character until now, but he’s an absolute hoot! Â The book itself, given that it’s a medieval-era team comic has a basic setup getting our cast of characters in a room together, but ends up being a fun read. Â And the last page? FREAKIN' DRAGONS!
Cons: There aren’t too many, but if you’re expecting the capes and boots DCU, you’re gonna be barking up the wrong tree here.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Yes please! Bring on more wacky medieval goodness!
Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #1 Written by Jeff Lemire, Art by Alberto Ponticelli
Pros: Frankenstein! Werewolves! Mummies! Vampires! Giant Monsters! An old man in the body of a little asian schoolgirl! Frankenstein’s 4 armed dragon lady wife! EVEN MORE GIANT MONSTERS! AND STUFF BLOWS UP! This is a total ridiculous sugar high of a book. I should have known I’d like it, as it’s written by the dude behind the amazing Vertigo book, Sweet Tooth.
Cons: The art is a tad messy, and I could see where some would argue that it’s a stupider, sillier version of B.P.R.D.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Hell and yes. Lemire has me for this one, for sure.
Green Lantern #1 Written by Geoff Johns, Art by Doug Mahnke
Pros: Having Sinestro back as a GL proper is a very interesting setup, especially seeing him in the mix with the Guardians (who do not trust him) and the Sinestro Corps, who now find themselves against him. Â It’s well juxtaposed against Hal Jordan, through whom we learn to answer to the question of “What would happen if a Superhero were forced to stop?”. Â Clearly it doesn’t work well. Â This is a fun read with solid art, and should be an enjoyable read for long-term, new and lapsed fans.
Cons: That said, unlike other books, the story here isn’t too little, it’s too much. The climax of the book probably would have been better paced into the third or fourth issue of the standard six issue run. Â To use a rude phrase, the load was blown a BIT early.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Halfway through the book, I’d say yes, but the last page tells me that we’re going to see the story either wrap up too early or drawn out too long. Boo to that.
Grifter #1 Written by Nathan Edmondson, Art by CAFU
Pros: Holy 90’s flashback! The dude with the sweet mask from WildC.A.T.s is back as a regular member of the DCU! This book is basically if Sawyer from Lost fought something weird and supernatural.  The art is solid, if nothing more than inoffensive, and there are some really dynamic moments.
Cons: Can anyone really tell me what happened in this comic? It’s a terrible example of many hints being dropped of a plot, but NONE being picked up.  The book wants so badly to be exciting and mysterious, but seems to fail on both, by delivering nothing over it’s 22 pages.
Would I Continue Reading It?: No. No thank you at all.
Legion Lost #1 Written by Fabian Nicieza, Art by Pete Woods
Pros: This is the textbook definition of an inoffensive comic book. Decent writing, decent art, enough story to get you to flip through the pages. Â Nothing really terribly awful, nothing anger inducing.
Cons: But there’s nothing to be passionate about here. I believe this is the continuation of the long running Legion of Superheroes, but there isn’t really much connecting this book to the old, minus the time travel, and the whole ‘wacky people from the future in the present day!’ thing. I know, fresh slate, but context would be nice. Honestly, I read this thing twice, and I couldn’t tell you a single thing that hooked me. Â It’s completely disposable. Â And when you’re in a slate of 52 books, being forgettable isn’t a good thing.
Would I Continue Reading It?: I read it? Â Oh, oh yeah, I did. No mas, por favor.
Mister Terrific #1 Written by Eric Wallace, Art by Gianluca Gugliotta
Pros: On paper, Mister Terrific is a very interesting character, a super smart, super rich superhero who becomes a hero not just to better himself after a dark period, but to also better all of mankind.  Also, the prime setup of a character who is working hard to create a future that he knows must exist, but does not know how it comes to be is certainly a different way of mixing time travel into a comic series.  It’s a world I could see explored well moving forward.
Cons: It’s a shame that this book doesn’t live up to the setup. Â The plot is mostly disengaging, and oh my god, the art is UGLY. No wonder the creative team for the first three issues keeps changing.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Â Sounds like this is a half cooked book that was let out when it shouldn’t have been. Avoid.
Red Lanterns #1 Written by Peter Milligan, Art by Ed Benes
Pros: I have to say, the idea of giving the Red Lanterns their own book sounds like pure fanservice (given the book starts with the kitty Dex-Starr wrecking aliens), but by the end, I was sold on the idea of them becoming heroes of sorts turning their rage into a vengeful justice on those who cause chaos across the universe. Â The art was mostly solid (felt very early Image-esq), and the writing was decent enough (that opening Dex-Starr bit caused me to chuckle).
Cons: This almost feels like the Venom-izing of the Red Lanterns. Â Just because a character (or characters, in this case) are beloved, that doesn’t mean that we need to make them heroes to justify them to the audience. Â I guess I’m worried of the concept losing gas 12 issues in, and then it looks like a failure.
Would I Continue Reading It?: I can’t say that I would find myself reading this book regularly, but I certainly feel that if you loved the Red Lanterns, this book would be more of what you like about them. Â The Green Lantern universe was left mostly untouched with the New 52 relaunch, and this book continues to give you more of the same, for better and for worse.
Resurrection Man #1 Written by Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning, Art by Fernando Dagnino
Pros: Of all the series going for the “make it like the first episode of a TV show!” approach, Resurrection Man is the one that actually makes it work. You have a superhero with VERY unique powers (that are demonstrated well), some intrigue, some mystery, and a plot that is exciting throughout. Not to mention the art is very solid. Good use of shadow and lighting to give the whole book a foreboding feel.
Cons: Some of the mysteries are a little too “hey, here’s a character! Wanna know them? BUY ISSUE TWO!”, but I suppose they have to tease us somewhere.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Provided the rest of the issues follow this pace, I could see myself becoming a trade reader for this one. Well done, Abnett, Lanning and Dagnino!
Suicide Squad #1 Written by Adam Glass, Art by Marco Rudy
Pros: Uh..
Cons: This sucks, holy shit this sucks. This is a comic written by people who think violence and things that are TOTALLY XTREME rule hard. Harley Quinn’s new costume sucks, the dialogue is awful, Amanda Waller is skinny for some reason, and the entire story is a cop-out to setup for an even dumber story next month. Everything involved deserves better.
Would I Continue Reading It?: No. No, no, no, no, no. No.
Superboy #1 Written by Scott Lobdell, Art by RB Silva
Pros: For a book I expected to hate, Superboy had me intrigued from the word go.  I mean, not every superhero book is built around a super intelligent test tube baby.  There are a number of surprise twists through the book, starting with the cameo of an old favorite from the Wildstorm Universe, in a VERY different role. The art is great, and has a nice manga feel to it, and always stays grounded while giving the eyes something to enjoy.
Cons: Given the last few pages of this book, I can’t help but wonder if having both this and Teen Titans won’t result in some overlap between the two comics, but I guess that can be resolved with some split narrative.  And much like Green Lantern, it’d be nice if some of the twists arrived a few issues in, as opposed to half way through the book.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Depending on how this and Teen Titans turn out, Superboy could end up being great, or just a book with a first great issue. Time will tell, it could really go either way.
Welp, that wraps up Week Three! Â Quite the journey we had here. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Here’s what is coming up in Week Four…
You find yourself thinking lately, the world needs a really gutsy, really brutal action film?
Yeah, me too.
It seems Indonesia has delivered, of all places, with a film that premiered this weekend at the Toronto Film Festival - The Raid.
I don’t know much more about it than what this rather graphic red band trailer shows, but holy hell, I really want to see this film.
Stop reading my words. Click play. Get hyped. Â More on this when I know…well, anything more!
One of the movies I’ve most enjoyed this year is definitely Duncan Jones' Source Code.
The second film from Jones (responsible for one of my all time favorite movies, Moon), it’s not quite as heady as his prior work, but is a smart, blockbuster level film that is almost a sci-fi version of Groundhog Day.
If you haven’t seen it yet, luckily, the movie was released on DVD/Blu-Ray a few weeks ago, and I highly recommend you check it out.
As for those of us who have seen it…
SPOILER BUFFER
…you’re probably wondering, how did all of the different timelines work out?
Well, Duncan Jones posted the following doodle on his Twitter earlier this week, which breaks down each separate timeline. It’s really helpful to understand how it all works. Enjoy!
[caption id=“attachment_5409” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Click for Larger!"][/caption]
Source: Duncan Jones' Twitter.
You can’t say that the team at Mondo doesn’t give love to all types of movies, and this weeks releases from the amazing poster releasing company definitely showcases their diversity.
Releasing later today at MondoTees.com (keep an eye on their Twitter for exact release times) are posters for the Disney animated classic Dumbo and the cult horror film It’s Alive.
Dumbo is a limited run of 395 24"x36" prints illustrated by the ever prolific Tom Whalen and is $50.
It’s Alive, painted by Jon Smith is also a 24"x36" print, limited to a run of 120 for just $40.
Both prints are fantastic, but luckily for me and my wallet, neither piques my interest to own. But if you are so inclined, be ready later today to pick them up!
Hello and welcome to Week Two of Me vs. The New 52, one man’s ridiculous quest to read and review ALL 52 of DC Comics new #1’s throughout the month of September.
Last week started simple with one major book, Justice League #1, but this week brings a whopping 13Â issues into the mix. Â In turn, I am scaling down my review process to three simple ideas - The Pros, The Cons, and what I’d argue is most important for the industry - Would I Continue Reading It?
It’s a big week, with many blockbuster books (Action Comics and Detective Comics) launching alongside some dark horse candidates (Animal Man, Swamp Thing).  Either way, it’s a lot of reading and reviewing to do, so lets get to it.
Action Comics #1 Written by Grant Morrison, Art By Rags Morales
Pros: The artwork has a great pulpy feel, Morales, despite depicting this younger Superman in a modern time, somehow gives the book a feel that it should have a serial style voiceover. Â Morrison writes a great Lex Luthor, steadfast and strong in his distaste for the “creature” known as Superman. Â There are some great action beats in the book, ending in a train sequence on par with that seen in Spider-Man 2. Â Also,I enjoy how the younger Superman’s powers harken back to only being able to leap buildings in a single bound, not full on fly.
Cons: I’m not sold on the younger, brasher Superman.  I get the idea is for us to see him as he was coming up, but it feels a little too Smallville for me.  I know from reading Supergods that Morrison believes Superman to be a perfect superhero for the common man, but he feels a little too bohemian. And did we really need to steal so many character beats from Spider-Man? I thought Superman’s whole appeal was that he was without flaw, not dealing with flaws along the way.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Absolutely. Despite my complaints, they’re ultimately issues that ring true to my personal favorite superhero of all time (Spidey), and honestly, I’d want to read whatever Morrison has planned moving forward. So yeah, check this one out.
Animal Man #1 Written by Jeff Lemire, Art by Travel Foreman
Pros: The art, while somewhat oblique at times, can be absolutely stunning - especially turning the books showcase dream sequence. Â The writing is also phenominal. Â Anyone who says that married superheroes are boring, as just pages into this, I was already very into the back and forth between Animal Man and his wife. Â The last page twist is a very strong one, and while some may roll their eyes at starting a comic with a lengthy text piece, this does a great job of setting up who Animal Man is, and was.
Cons: Honestly, there aren’t too many. This book already feels like it’s from a different universe of anything else, and might even fit in better in the Vertigo line, even with the family dynamics shown.  I guess my lone complaint would be that of the costume, it’s kinda weak, and the new A symbol looks a little too much like the Assassin’s Creed logo.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Absolutely, Lemire has me frothing at the mouth for the trade now. BRING IT ON!
Batgirl #1 Written by Gail Simone, Art by Ardian Syaf
Pros: Simone’s writing is mostly solid, making Barbara a relatable character for the new reader. Her internal monologue drives the story well, and is fun and simple to read. Â The new villain, “The Mirror” has a really great costume design, and I like the idea of Barbara having a crazy activist roommate now that she’s able bodied again. Â I also like the fact that they’re not ignoring the fact that she was Oracle, which leads to…
Cons: Seriously, we couldn’t address the elephant in the room in issue 1? Barbara Gordon has been wheelchair bound in comics for years, and now that she’s not, we’re not going to knock that issue out in a few pages? I get it, we want it to be intriguing, but really, it feels kind of cheap. Â Ardian Syaf is a decent enough artist (think Jim Lee-lite), but does he have something weird about drawing faces? Seriously, look through here and see how many panels have characters hidden in shadow, shot from behind or otherwise have their faces obscured, it’s very surreal.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Neither a bad book or a great one, I feel like missing out on the new version of Batgirl wouldn’t really break anyone’s heart. No thanks.
Batwing #1 Written by Judd Winick, Art by Ben OliverÂ
Pros: Ben Oliver’s art is absolutely fantastic, this might just be the most visually striking of all the books released thus far in the New 52. Â The story is somewhat interesting (murdered superheroes anyone?), and the book does end with a unique cliffhanger, in so much as it’s a “how is Winnick going to write his way out of this one?” situation. Â I also really like the idea of a Batman type character who works for the police by day.
Cons: Â It’s Batman for Africa, I get it. Â But Winnick doesn’t stop reminding us that for the entire length of the book. Batman this, Africa that. Â It’s hamfisted throughout the book. Â Can’t we let Batwing get established on his own? Â Or does he have to remain in Batman’s shadow all book?
Would I Continue Reading It?: Perhaps. Â The setup wasn’t the most intriguing of the books I’ve read thus far, but Oliver’s art could go a long way. Â We just need to politely remove Batman from the book and hope that Judd Winnick won’t go for the obvious bit and work another character with HIV/AIDS into his work because this is set in Africa. (Seriously, Judd. Stop it. It’s losing it’s effect.)
Detective Comics #1 Written by Tony S. Daniel, Art by Ryan Winn
Pros: Wow, this is exactly what a prototypical Batman book should be. Gotham is gloomy, cool gadgets are on display, Joker is written well and creepy, you get a nice Batman/Gordon moment, it’s fantastic! The art is really strong (I like the look of the cowl when Winn is drawing it), and Batman’s new armor-y costume looks less bad here, more like what was seen in the Arkham Asylum game. Â Also, that last page is a great cliffhanger and is COMPLETELY disturbing.
Cons: Not many, honestly.  There are some lines of dialogue that are a little too bravado filled for the bats, and naming his robotic infiltration device the “Ro-Bat” is a little too on the nose.  Also, having both Batman and Superman’s books have major action sequences on trains just reeks of poor work by the editors.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Hell and yes, this feels like an awesome, gritty, action packed Batbook. Count me in.
Green Arrow #1 Written by JT Krul, Art by Dan JurgensÂ
Pros: I feel like the Oliver Queen purists are going to really dislike this younger, less radical take on Green Arrow, but I’m not gonna front - the idea of a Steve Jobs like guy traveling the world and battling bad guys because he wants to…that sounds like a heck of a hook.  I know they hint towards his “real reasons” for becoming a hero, but I don’t know, someone doing this level of good because they want to, and not out of some huge guilt is refreshing.  I could see myself really falling in love with the character.
Cons: However, Ollie’s story is kind of bland. Â The art is dull (has Jurgens changed anything since his Superman run in the 90s?), the scripting is non-descript, there isn’t a lot grabbing me, besides the basic crux of this new version of the character. It’s really a passible book.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Maybe in others hands. Â I really like the idea of the new Green Arrow, but the execution is yawn inducing. Â No thanks.
Hawk and Dove #1 Written by Sterling Gates, Art by Rob LiefeldÂ
Pro–wait, I should do it in this order.
Cons: The art is typical Liefeldian nonsense, the writing is over the top and silly. The book is completely ridiculous.
Pros: But perhaps that is the idea? Much how Transformers: Dark of the Moon somehow took an idea that should have sucked out loud and just upped the ante repeatedly to where you almost had to enjoy it, this book is full of 90’s tropes and silly ideas to where if I didn’t know any better, I’d think this book was trying to spoof and glorify Liefeld’s golden era. I mean, you have impossibly muscled heroes, zombie villains, weird family drama discussed through gritted teeth and non-ironic usage of “jerkwad”…if this is a joke, I get it.
Would I Continue Reading It?: At full price? No. But when the entire run hits the 50 cent bins, I could see myself having a great laugh at it.
Justice League International #1 Written by Dan Jurgens, Art by Aaron Lopresti
Pros: Booster Gold is an absolute riot in this book, and the way he and Guy Gardner rub each other the wrong way should be absolutely fantastic moving forward. Â Jurgens writing does a great job of setting up each character and their individual dynamics, and we get to see exactly what the government would want in a superhero team. ALSO: THE HALL OF GODDAMN JUSTICE ! WOOO!
Cons: “Ignore them, they’re just a bunch of basement dwellers, who spend all day whinin' on the net. Not a single openminded one in the bunch.” “Ignore them? Never! It’s our job to prove them wrong!” Way to shoehorn in some fan bitching into the book, Dan. Took me RIGHT out of the world you were building, bravo. Â Aside from that, I thought this was a fun setup book. Â I do like the idea of the public being outraged at the government hiring heroes, as if that removes them from the public proper. Â It’s a unique idea, and I’d like to see where Jurgens takes it.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Sure, I’d give it a few more issues. It’s not my favorite book this week, but it was a fun, breezy read.
Men of War #1 Written by Ivan Brandon, Art by Tom Derenick
Pros: Clearly designed for the Call of Duty set, this revamp of the Sgt. Rock franchise is a solid read, with the juxtaposition of a strong military story with things more towards the superhero set.  The art is competent, the story is somewhat compelling.
Cons: But that doesn’t stop this from being a book decidedly not for me. If you’re really into military movies or other similar stories, you’d probably dig the hell out of this, but I couldn’t see myself reading it outside of this project. Sorry.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Eh, not so much.
O.M.A.C. #1 Written and Drawn by Dan DiDio & Keith Giffen
Pros:Â Â This is a really weird, almost silly fever dream of a book. We’re mixing Kirby-esq sci-fi concepts with a Hulk like brute, a giant big brother figure and office humor? What the hell? Yet - I found myself reading it. Â Then again, given that the first story was titled Office Management Amidst Chaos, that should tell you that the book is meant to be silly. Oh, and I LOVE the silly nicknames on the credits page. Nice retro touch.
Cons: Almost too weird of a book. I don’t really know the audience for it, maybe throwback Kirby fans? I just know that I’m not it.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Doubtful. Considering the head of the company is handling this book, it’ll probably last longer than it should, otherwise, I’d guess this is the first casualty of the books presented so far. VERY VERY strange.
Static Shock #1 Written by Scott McDaniel & John Rozum, Art by Scott McDanielÂ
Pros: I know I made some claims to Action Comics being Spider-Man-esq earlier, but this REALLY is DC’s Spider-Man book.  But not in a bad way.  Having the super genius secret identity give way to the wisecracking hero is always a good choice and it’s done well here.  Also, is this the first time NYC was actually a part of the DCU? Like, I always thought DC had fake cities, not real ones.  Oh, and there’s a nice cameo for the longtime Milestone fans.
Cons: The art could stand to be nicer, it’s a bit too sketchy for me. Makes me wonder about the rumors of books being rushed to print for September. Â Aside from that, it’s really just a solid, breezy read.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Sure! Provided the writing stays as smile inducing, I could see myself reading it on the regular. Fun stuff, here.
Stormwatch #1 Written by Paul Cornell, Art by Miguel Sepulveda
Pros: I’m happy to see characters from Stormwatch and The Authority back in action, plus Martian Manhunter’s new costume is pretty nice, actually.
Cons: Just about everything else. The art is all weird and smudgy, the writing is a little too on the nose with being “in your face and hip” (HAY GUYS! YOUTUBE! PHOTOSHOPPING!), and it just feels like a book that is trying to be too cool for the room. Not terribly engaging, and given the pedigree of the books it’s derived from, a definite disappointment.
Would I Continue Reading It?: Nah.
Swamp Thing #1 Written by Scott Snyder, Art by Yanick Paquette
Pros: Â Stunning art and solid writing cap off this weeks selections. Â Much like Animal Man, this is a book that feels like it’s coming from a different imprint, even with the Superman appearance. Â Dark, deep, mature and contemplative, this is definitely a standout book from the rest of what DC is printing in the New 52. Â Really enjoyed reading this one.
Cons: For the average comic reader, the storytelling could be seen as slow or oblique. Â Personally, I loved it. Â This is another book that delivered things that I wasn’t expecting, but the average fan could be turned off by what is delivered. Â This is definitely not another superhero book, for sure.
Would I Keep Reading This?: Absolutely. Color me very intrigued and very interested to see where this lands.
Coming next week…
In case the fact that I run a nerd blog isn’t proof positive enough, I don’t really get sports. Â Sure, I get sucked into hockey and MMA (and in recent years find myself keeping an eye on the Ravens), but I’m not a sports guy really.
However, I am a sucker for a good sports movie. Any Given Sunday. Friday Night Lights. Hell, even the Major League movies.  Sports provide the last true black and white conflict in this world, one with pure winners, pure losers and the truest in the moment drama.  And I’m pleased to say, that while being as far removed from a traditional sports film as possible, Moneyball will go down not only as another sports film I loved, but perhaps one of my favorite films this year.
Based on a true story (later turned into a novel, which was then adapted for the screen by Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian), Moneyball is the tale of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane (played here by Brad Pitt), a former ballplayer turned management.  After the 2001 season left his team gutted, not just by a divisional loss, but also by the growing cost of playing the game (his A’s, with a salary of $40 mil, lost to the Yankees, running off of a $120 mil budget).  At his wits end after being disappointed by the game of baseball for over half of his life, Beane meets a rather unique individual over at the Cleveland Indians - Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill).  Brand is an economics major from Yale who sees baseball in a way that not many others have before - it’s not about putting out big money for big stars, it’s about putting out strategic money to get the players who can best deliver as a group, and helping that team win.
Of course, this unique way of managing a baseball team is the source of the drama in this film, and it is met with skepticism at all levels. The fans don’t like it (the movie smartly intercuts sports radio talk into the mix, as effective as it was in Friday Night Lights and Big Fan), the old-timer scouts hate it, the players don’t get it, and right at the top, A’s Manager Art Howe (a surly and stoic Phillip Seymour Hoffman) just won’t…play ball, to go for the weak pun.
The movie is an interesting thing to watch in motion - similar to Sorkin’s Oscar winning script for The Social Network, the movie strives to take something that is uninteresting (statistics and economics) and make it interesting. Â Luckily, in the capable hands of director Bennett Miller (Capote), the film doesn’t just strive, it thrives. Â What could be a rather dry concept is made real with strong characters up and down the cast, met equally by an adept team of actors who hit every beat of the very strong script. Â Jonah Hill and Brad Pitt aren’t a pairing that I’d expect to enjoy together, but their awkward chemistry is an absolute joy here. Â Pitt is in great form, proving once again how adept he is adding a silent rage to Beane, and as always, chewing scenery just at the right moments.
Special commendations must go to the cinematographer Wally Pfister (Inception, The Dark Knight).  Normally Christopher Nolan’s right hand man, he makes baseball truly look like the game of legends here, emphasizing the human drama with beautifully framed scenes that left me in awe.  After years of being bored by tired sports coverage on local television, Pfister’s work really blew me away.
If you’re so inclined, you can read up on the real story of the Oakland A’s and how they ended up doing during their 2002 season, but ultimately, it’s irrelevant.  This isn’t a movie about where the story ends, it’s about how the story gets there.  Just as The Social Network wasn’t truly a film about Facebook, this isn’t a film about baseball or stats - it’s about people looking to carve out something different and defining their moment in time.
Moneyball may get lost in this fall’s grouping of Oscar candidates, but as far as I’m concerned, it has a place in my best of 2011 list. Give it a chance, you may just fall in love with it.
These days, as my blog (and many others) have showcased, one of the biggest movement in the arts is the resurgence of the screenprinted gig poster.
Whether a limited edition run for concerns or high quality prints for movies (a’la Mondo), this has grown to be quite the unique industry, giving amazing artists a way to showcase their talent in images that last a lifetime.
And now, filmmakers Scout Shannon and Johanna Goldstein are documenting this movement in a film to be titled Just Like Being There.
Following many artists who’s work I truly enjoy, such as Kevin Tong  and Daniel Danger, this film will not only catalog the work, but the lasting impression these posters have on the audience.
I’ve embedded a trailer above, but below, I have linked their IndieGoGo page, where you can donate money to this project and get some awesome goodies for supporting a sure to be amazing documentary.
Check it out, I’m sure you’ll end up as excited about this project as I am.
Source: IndieGoGo.
As any nerd worth his weight in gold knows, DC Comics has undertaken the rather ridiculous goal of rebooting their entire comic universe, the idea being to grab new readers and overall media attention with an easily accessible universe, one that is bogged down less by decades of continuity and is going to get people back in the comic shops. As the industry has fallen from a #1 book meaning millions of issues to literally 100,000 or less, it’s a big move to save the comics world.
52 brand new #1 issues. 52 fresh starts. 52 titles to get an audience hooked.
I, myself, have been rather critical in discussions with my friends, as this relaunch seems to not only alienate the existing fan base, but hasn’t exactly set the world on fire for non-readers (and I feel $3-$4 for digital comics is bullshit). Never the less, the plan seems to have worked slightly, as the flagship title - a new Justice League written by superstar writer Geoff Johns and drawn by 90’s fan-favorite and current DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee has lead to orders of 200,000 copies.
So I’ve decided to take on a very unique goal - given the easily accessibility of these titles (DC has decided in an industry first, for the issues to be day-and-date released digitally for reading on iPads and other tablets) to read and review every single first issue of the new DC Universe 52.
I think I might just be the right person for this task - born a Marvel fan (one of my earliest memories is reading Web of Spider-Man #3, starting a life long love of the hero), I’ve never really been into the DC Universe. While I certainly love the universe in the abstract (the DC Animated Universe is fantastic, the Batman movies have grabbed me for years, and I love the concepts of characters like Green Lantern and The Flash), I’ve never been able to get into the DC Universe proper, minus a few exceptions (like Grant Morrison’s JLA and the great, unloved Young Justice series). If this can get me hooked, I think it might just be able to get anyone hooked, especially given my biases towards hating the project.
So here goes nothing, and there are no promises here - I could see myself blowing this project early, but let’s get started right, with this past Wednesday’s release - Justice League #1.
The issue starts in an action packed enough way, the Dark Knight himself Batman is in the midst of action - both fighting some sort of alien creature thing and being hunted by the police. It’s clear that one of the new things with the relaunched DC Universe is that superheroes are at this point not welcome. Or at least they weren’t. As the first panel explains that this series takes place five years ago.
I know it’s a silly thing to complain about so early, but isn’t it kind of weird that the relaunch of an entire universe is built around/showcasing a flashback tale? Why not just START the universe there, and allow the other titles to build. It just feels like a “have cake and eat it too” situation. If Justice League is the access point, make it the access point. Plain and simple. But I digress, for now.
Anyway, Batman’s being hunted through Gotham city while chasing a general nondescript alien who is, apparently, somehow connected to Darkseid (but looks like a mix of Killer Croc and The Scarecrow). Â In the mix of all of this, he runs into Hal Jordan as Green Lantern. Â The two have a vague team up/exposition fest which breaks down as follows:
-Green Lantern is kind of a wise-ass. -Batman is an asshole. -Random alien blows himself up and is ignored.
After Hal tells Batman about the Green Lantern Corps for a while, we see a momentary scene of Vic Stone, who is better known amongst comic fans as Cyborg (he’s the cyborg on the cover, understand now?).  In a weird twist, Vic is a young football star, who is ignored by his father - considering I’m used to him being the elder statesman of the Teen Titans, this is kind of odd.  I suppose he’s our insertion point for the audience, but why did everyone else give us so many details?  Anyway, we see he’s a football star via an awkwardly drawn montage from Lee (who otherwise, I felt was on-point this issue) - I’m not sure the issue, but does this panel look odd to anyone else?
Anyway, we cut back to GL and Bats fast enough for SUPERMAN OUTTA EFFING NOWHERE, who is now apparently a dick who likes to fly in, hit people in the face, and say something cocky.
And that’s Justice League #1.
Weird issue, right? I mean, for what is supposed to be THE issue that new readers can jump into, not a lot happens, and there isn’t much of a story. Batman’s chased while tracking an alien, GL shows up, Cyborg sees it, Superman’s an asshole. I kinda figured in an important issue like this, we’d get a high stakes story leading to something bigger.  And don’t say it can’t be done in today’s trade-wait comic world - Grant Morrison did it PERFECTLY in JLA #1 back in 1997.  The closest thing to accessibility is that Batman’s a brooding dick like Christian Bale and Green Lantern is a wise-ass like Ryan Reynolds.
All and all, it’s not an awful book, but it’s not the big blockbuster promised - and I worry that this early on, it will turn off fans.
Pros: Mostly solid Lee art, Batman and Green Lantern’s banter is fun, the new “superheroes are hated” world sounds interesting.
Cons: Superman’s an asshole, nothing really happens, not terribly accessible to new readers.
Would I continue reading it?: Only if the trade turned out to be good.
And that’s the first of 52. Â In later weeks, expect shorter exposition, with the same sort of Pros, Cons and Would I Continue Reading breakdown for every title.
Up next week?
Lets all take a moment to ignore all of the hubbub about the removal of Frank Darabont from the production of The Walking Dead Season 2 and realize that holy crap, we are weeks away from Season 2 of The Walking Dead.
Sure, if the rumors are true about AMC wanting to cut costs, that’s kind of messed up, given that The Walking Dead is their best rated series to date, but lets play devil’s advocate - Season 1 wasn’t all the series could have been. If you’re producing a series and you constantly deliver over budget and after deadline, you’re gonna get smacked, no matter how good you are. Maybe these changes could be good.
But whatever changes we see, we’ll be seeing them in two parts, as AMC announced today that the first seven episode half of Season 2 will air starting on October 16th, and the second, six episode backend will air starting in February 2012. Take this as notice to expect a pretty big cliffhanger at the end of episode 7, and to probably ignore a Season 2, Part 1 DVD or Blu-Ray set (I mean, they’re already double dipping Season 1, for fuck’s sake).
But, it’s not all doom and gloom, as it was also announced that the first episode will be an extended 90 minute episode, just like the amazing opener to Season 1.
I think they can salvage this. Lets hope it’s true. Don’t let us down, AMC!
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It’s still very hard to believe, but by this time next year we will have seen The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises and perhaps most importantly, The Avengers.
The culmination of 4 years of Marvel Studios hard work, not to mention 5 other films' groundwork, you really get the feeling that there is a lot riding on the success of the Joss Whedon helmed film. That said, doesn’t it strike you as odd that Marvel Studios/Disney has yet to release any official stills or media from the film since the surprise trailer attached to Captain America: The First Avenger?
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Well, it seems the marketing people have the right idea, as two painted images have surfaced from the film. We’ll probably be seeing these images on posters, comic covers and lunchboxes over the next year, but never the less, they approximate the new costumes for the avenging crew, and perhaps more importantly, leave fanboys like myself amazed that these films will finally, actually be real. I still think that all of the film shot is going to catch on fire before release or something.
Any way you slice it, I think the costumes look great (although Hawkeye’s glasses are silly), and I’m chomping at the bit for an official poster or something soon. Please be kind, Disney. Give us something rad.
The Avengers hits theaters on May 4, 2012.
I continue in my quest to get people excited over the forthcoming Spidey film reboot, Marc Webb’s The Amazing Spider-Man.
I know the costume is weird, and I know most of what we’ve seen to this point was from crummy spy pics and a rather odd teaser trailer, but the more proper content we see, the more excited I get. And that continues with these two promotional images which surfaced online.
I believe these come from a marketing style guide, but they showcase the costume better than most images I’ve seen, weird changes and all. But for as odd as the costume looks, it’s all very uniquely Spider-Man, ESPECIALLY the image at the top of the post. Maybe I’m wrong, maybe the movie will be an unmitigated disaster, but I remain excited.
What say you, dear reader?
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters on July 3rd, 2012.
Ok, I thought it was cool enough that Mondo announced yesterday that they’d be doing a series of Jurassic Park posters.
Of course, today, via their mailing list, they trump it.
Mondo has officially announced they will be doing a series of posters celebrating the films of Pixar. That noise you heard was first, my girlish glee, and then my wallet crying.
The first film out of the chute comes tomorrow, as they release a print celebrating 2001’s Monster’s Inc., as illustrated by Tom Whalen (as shown at the top of this post). This 18x24 print is limited to an edition of 365, and goes on sale tomorrow for $45. Of course, I recommend you watch their Twitter for details.
I am so screwed when they release Incredibles, Wall-E and Toy Story posters…
Earlier this year, my dear, beloved friends at the Alamo Drafthouse and Mondo decided to put on the first ever Mondo Mystery Movie.
On April 15th, they held an exclusive screening of Akira to celebrate artist Tyler Stout’s birthday, and at the same time, released an exclusive poster to go alongside it.
The screening was so successful that they decided to do it again -the rules are simple, you don’t know the movie (they only give vague clues), you MUST come to the screening in Austin, and the cost for the print is included in the ticket cost.
The screening was tonight, so the poster has been unveiled to the web…
I give you the absolutely beautiful Mondo print for Jurassic Park.
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This print from Aaron Horkey is actually the first in a series of Jurassic Park prints from Mondo (the second, to be revealed later, will be released closer to the film’s blu-ray release this October), and is an exclusive for only those who attended the second Mondo Mystery Movie.
I honestly feel this is one of Mondo’s greatest releases to date, and it’s a shame that we will not be able to order one traditionally (I’m sure you’ll be able to pay through the nose on eBay), but for those who got to go to tonight’s screening, what a treat. Â I really love how studios like Universal are opening up the archives to Mondo, and as always, I cannot wait to see what they release next.
Source: Movies.com
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Here’s one that I didn’t really expect, but given that it’s a cult film by a fan favorite director and based on a comic book, I should have expected this, as Mondo has announced their next poster will be for Swamp Thing.
The poster seems to take more a cue from Swampy’s later Alan Moore-era than the shlocky Wes Craven film, but honestly, I feel that’s for the best. Masterfully illustrated by Florian Bertmer, the poster will come in both a standard and glow in the dark variant flavors, and goes on sale at a random time tomorrow.
The regular edition appears at the top of this post, and is a 24"X36” print limited to an edition of 230, for $45.
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The variant (above), features glow in the dark and metallic inks, limited to a run of 90 prints, for $80.
Good luck, Mondo hunters, this really is one of the nicer prints they’ve released for an odd choice of film. I’m not sure if any print will better represent the Mondo mentality than this.
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What an interesting image to wake up to!
A week after the paparazzi leaked images of Bane on set (I’ll let you Google for them, be warned, there are spoilers), the official website for The Dark Knight Rises has released a photo of another cast member.
This time, it’s of Anne Hathaway as Selena Kyle.
Note the way I’m phrasing that - the file name is selena_kyle.jpg, and at no point is she called Catwoman in any of the official press material so far.
And let me say…what a weird image. The techno goggles? The Batpod, which I assume she stole? It makes for a surprising first look, one that is not the traditional Catwoman image we’ve come to expect. But either way, it’s quite the surprise image to wake up to this morning.
What say you, my dear fellow interneters?
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters July 20th, 2012.
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Fresh off the internet wire, Warner Bros has released the first image of Henry Cavill as Superman for Summer 2013’s Man of Steel.
Suffice to say, he looks like he’ll take no crap, and for the first time in this process, I can truly say that I’m excited for Zach Snyder’s take on the classic DC Comics hero (as overseen by Christopher Nolan).
Here’s the full press release.
The film also stars three-time Oscar® nominee Amy Adams “The Fighter” as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane, and Oscar® nominee Laurence Fishburne “What’s Love Got to Do with It” as her editor-in-chief, Perry White. Starring as Clark Kent’s adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, are Oscar® nominee Diane Lane “Unfaithful” and Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner “Dances with Wolves”.Squaring off against the superhero are two other surviving Kryptonians, the villainous General Zod, played by Oscar® nominee Michael Shannon “Revolutionary Road”, and Faora, Zod’s evil partner, played by Antje Traue.
Also from Superman’s native Krypton are Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s mother, played by Julia Ormond, and Superman’s father, Jor-El, portrayed by Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe “Gladiator”.Rounding out the cast are Harry Lennix as U.S. military man General Swanwick, as well as Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy.
“Man of Steel” is being produced by Charles Roven, Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Deborah Snyder. The screenplay was written by David S. Goyer, from a story by Goyer and Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Comics. Thomas Tull and Lloyd Phillips are serving as executive producers.
By all indications, Captain America: The First Avenger could have been a lame duck film.
As the last part of Marvel’s ramp up to next summer’s The Avengers, in a summer where Thor had already come and blew audiences away, and with a character seen by many as somewhat of a uninteresting boy scout, they pretty much could have just thrown a guy in the suit, had him fight Red Skull, called it a movie and got their few hundred million on the way. I mean, that’s sorta how the two prior Captain America films were handled.
However, with a cast that truly believes in the project, a whip smart script and a director that has an amazing understanding of the material, it’s safe to say that Captain America: The First Avenger is another jewel in the crown of Marvel Studios.
For those unfamiliar with the source material, allow me to toss you the elevator pitch for what happens in this one. Literal 98-pound weakling Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) wants nothing more than to be able to serve his country in World War II. However, his lack of size, skill and ability holds him back, despite his abundance of heart. After 4 straight failures in enlisting, he is spotted by scientist Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) who decides Rogers is the perfect candidate for his Super Solider Serum, a biological breakthrough that can make Rogers the hero he truly wishes to be, with a body that matches the size of his heart. And it’s just in the nick of time, too, as the US is about to face the secret threat of HYDRA, the Nazi experiment weapon divison, lead by the evil Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), a man who’s trial with an earlier version of the serum left him permanently scarred and mad with power.
Sounds like a rip-roaring pulp adventure, right? That’s because it is!  Adeptly directed by Joe Johnson (The Rocketeer, Jumanji), this movie is equal parts Iron Man and Indiana Jones. One of the swiftest scripts to come out of Marvel Studios thus far, this is a tale on a scale unlike the other films, one that takes you through a number of years with Rogers, going from scrawny wannabe to joke to icon, and yet does not outlast it’s welcome at a lean 2 hours and change.
It’s really amazing how much story they were able to pack into the film. You are able to get a true feel for Steve Rogers life before the Serum changed everything (thanks to some stellar Benjamin Button-esq CGI work on Chris Evans), and once he gets juiced up, the movie hits a fever pitch, sending you through Cap’s painfully hilarious tour for the USO, his ascension into military greatness with a gutsy mission into HYDRA territory and his eventual leadership in the war, supported by a team of mercenaries who are never named, but comic fans know as The Howling Commandos.
What truly makes the film work is the cast. Top to bottom, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the roles they have here. My initial worries and criticisms of Chris Evans as Captain America were quickly tossed away when I saw his performance here. Evans understands how easily Cap can be played as a dull boy scout, but he understands the true passion and honesty within the character, taking a performance that could be cloying into one that is relatable and never feels hokey. He’s met across the board with a great extended cast, including Tommy Lee Jones sublime performance as Colonel Phillips, Hayley Atwell as love interest/military agent Peggy Carter (who mixes pinup looks with a great wit and general strength), the entirety of the Howling Commandos (who REALLY need their own spin-off) and most surprisingly, Tucci’s performance as Dr. Erskine. Much like Evans, Tucci takes a role that could be rather cookie cutter and blase on paper and livens it up, making you wish the film gave you a bit more of a glimpse into the character’s past.  Of course, I would be remiss without mentioning Hugo Weaving as The Red Skull, who chews up scenery as if it is the only thing he can subsist on. The film needs a properly strong villain to counteract Captain America, and I’m pleased to say that Weaving more than supports the role. The movie even finds time to make characters like Bucky (Sebastian Stan) and Howard Stark (Dominic Cooper) stand out and have an impact. If the films strengths were on the ensemble alone, it enough would make for an enjoyable time at the cinema.
All and all, coming off of the trailers and pre-release hype for the film, my expectations were aiming a little high. The trailers promised a super hero film in the vein of action adventure films like Indiana Jones, and I’m pleased to say the action lives up to the hype. Perhaps it’s because of the injection of strong characters, but the set-pieces all snap and you’re left giddily grinning as Cap plows through row after row of HYDRA soldiers. Full of crazy sci-fi weapons and over the top tanks and machinations, you truly get the feeling that the number one idea for the film was “fun”, and it was met up and down the line.
For the comic fans, you’ll be excited to know that this movie does tie the film into the growing Marvel universe. If you’re a devout fan of the character, you know how Cap’s story ends, and I’m pleased to say the transition was appropriately jarring, and you really do want to see what happens next. And yes, as always with Marvel Studios films - stay through the credits. Really.
If there are flaws, they are but minor. There are some instances of wonky CG work, and as a digitally shot production, there are times where the digital feel is more prevalent than others, giving certain shots a cheap feel. And once again, I advise you dear reader - this is not a film naively shot in 3D…just don’t bother with the extra money or the stupid glasses.
The final flick in a superhero filled summer, Captain America: The First Avenger holds up as not just one of the best films of this season, but one of the best superhero films, period. I greatly look forward to some lazy Saturday afternoons spent with the blu-ray, and highly recommend checking it out in theaters this weekend. It’s an absolute blast.
While we’ve already seen one unofficial poster for The Avengers thanks to a licensing expo, this weekend Marvel Studios and Disney are starting the proper push for the film at San Diego Comic Con.
The first true teaser poster for the film is being distributed at the con (image above, of course), and in that same regard, the official website for the film has launched.
I do wonder when we’ll see a teaser trailer for that film. I mean, it’s not like they’d be so crazy to tack it onto the end of Captain America: The First Avenger this weekend, WOULD THEY!?
The Avengers hits theaters on May 4th, 2012. Really. Crazy, isn’t it?
Raise your hand if you’re actually surprised about this one. Â What, only a few of you? Good, you’re getting smart.
Continuing in the trend of Super Street Fighter IVÂ following Street Fighter IVÂ and dozens of other variants of prior fighting games being released prior, Capcom has announced that superhero based mega fighter Marvel Vs. Capcom 3Â will be getting an upgrade on both PS3 and 360 this November - Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3!
To be sold as a stand alone disc for $40Â (sorry, DLC lovers), this game includes the full roster from MvC3 proper (including both DLC characters) but adds eight new levels, a spectator mode to online play, enhanced balancing, and perhaps most importantly a dozen new characters.
Here, I’ll let the two announcement trailers do the talking (thanks, Joystiq!)
For those of you wanting to keep track of all of the new characters, here’s how they breakdown by grouping…
Marvel gets the following new characters:
Below is a full gallery of the official art of the newbies, be sure to check that out. Â If you’re lucky enough to be in San Diego this weekend, a playable version of the game should be on the show floor.
What say you readers - is a dozen new characters worth the $40? Personally, I think so, and that’s even after spending the extra $$$ on the Collector’s Edition of the last game (what can I say, I love steelbooks).
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This is a rather big week in the world of nerd.
Comic Con International descends upon San Diego, Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters on Friday and as of today, teaser trailers for two of the biggest films of Summer 2012 have arrived officially, after bootlegged videos of each have gone across the web to much discussion and debate.
There’s a third video that I will not discuss yet, as I feel it’s reveal should remain a surprise (unlike most nerd blogs on the web), but I do wonder if an official version will be available soon. Never the less, the debate of the biggest movie of Summer 2012 begins here.
Monday brought the release of the teaser trailer for The Dark Knight Rises. The final installment of the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy, there is already much debate over the contents of this trailer. I feel it’s unfair, as this is more an “announcement” teaser than a full blown trailer, but I am excited to see Bane in this film, and the tone is just good enough to get us excited.
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
A video getting just as much, if not more debate, is the first trailer for The Amazing Spider-Man. Some people hate the costume (I love it), some people aren’t sure about the cast (I really dig it) but what we all seem to agree on is this: do we really need another origin film? The preview seems to make a strong argument for it, as this is certainly a new tone for a Spider-Man film, but is it the RIGHT tone? I like my Spidey fun and wise-cracking…this feels a little too gloomy. In fact, some have called it Twilight-esq, which can’t be good. One things for sure though, the final POV webswinging shot is super cool, and as this is a flick natively shot in 3D, probably will be very impressive in the much-maligned format.
The Amazing Spider-Man hits theaters July 3rd, 2012.
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Wow, I really think Mondo has outdone themselves here.
Typically, Mondo goes all out for new geek releases, commemorating these flicks with one or two new posters for a movie right around it’s release date. But with this weeks release of Captain America: The First Avenger, they’ve teamed with Marvel Studios, Paramount Pictures and 3 of their most beloved artists for not one, not two, but FIVE posters for the movie.
The posters will be released later this week (as always, watch @MondoNews for details), but holy hell, these are stellar…and unfortunately for me, have the pricetags to go with such quality.
All and all, these are some amazing prints, celebrating what I hope is an awesome film. Even if it isn’t good, you can certainly appreciate them as the art they are, and if you can’t buy them for yourself, don’t worry, Mondo just opened an online archive of EVERY PRINT THEY’VE EVER DONE. Be careful before clicking that link, it’s quite the time sink.
Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters this Friday. Mondo continues to release amazing merch every week.
Maybe this makes me a bad internet fanboy, but damn it all, I am looking forward to The Amazing Spider-Man!
Sure, the new costume is more than a little odd looking, but between Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker (actually looking “small” as Spider-Man, too), Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy and a great ensemble cast including Martin Sheen, Sally Field and Dennis Leary, I really think this has a great shot at being good.
Either way, the excitement begins this week, as Entertainment Weekly has released a metric ton of images (low rez versions you may have seen on my Twitter yesterday), and it’s full of great stuff.
These images include close up looks at the costume (which I honestly like the more I see), a look at the mechanical webshooters, and our first peak at Rhys Ifans as Curt Connors, who DOES become The Lizard in this one! It’s a treasure trove of content for Spidey nerds like myself.
Next week is supposed to have the first trailer released alongside Captain America: The First Avenger so the push for Summer 2012 begins here.
I swear, between Brave, The Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers and this flick, my butt will be seeing a LOT of theater seats next year.
The full gallery of images from Entertainment Weekly are below. Enjoy!
Source: EW.com.
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Coming off of a very busy weekend with Super Art Fight in New England, I was pretty sure I was going to have a busy day of blogging tomorrow…
…but I just couldn’t wait to post this one.
Coming in advance of Friday’s first teaser trailer (to be attached to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2), Warner Brothers has released the first poster of The Dark Knight Rises via the official site.
All I can say is….oh shit, son. Â I guess Gotham is in for some rough times next Summer.
Click that sucker for big, make it your background, whatever you want to do.
SO AWESOME.
The Dark Knight Rises is due to hit on June 18th, 2012.
I suppose it’s a little more than appropriate to post a video by Explosions in the Sky on the 4th of July.
But this has good reason to be posted besides the coincidental date. Â After over 10 years in the music business, the band finally has their first music video.
For the song “Last Known Surroundings” off of their new album Take Care Take Care Take Care (which I loooooove), here’s the clip, an animated adventure into space.
Enjoy!
Source: Wired.com.
As the lights go dark, and the company logos zoom by, you’re thrust headfirst into a Cybertronian war. Â Spaceships zoom in and out in glorious 3D, blasts fire all around you in 7.1 Dolby Digital sound, until one ship, a very key ship is blasted out of orbit and sent flying across the galaxy to the moon. Â Not just any moon, our moon.
We’re quickly caught up to speed on the secret history of NASA, never truly designed to put man on the moon, but instead to stop the soviets from getting this alien craft. Â The craft is miles long and miles wide. It’s absolutely cavernous and humbling. Â Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong take their first steps on the moon, but it’s really part of a secret mission to obtain as much information and intel about this ship as possible. Â We see the lost autobot, Sentinel Prime, found deep within the ship…the title card comes up…and then we see a tight, 3D close up of the perfectly formed bottom of a Victoria’s Secret model.
This is Transformers: Dark of the Moon…and it’s not just a Michael Bay film, it’s the most Michael Bay film of all time.
Coming into this movie, I truly was expecting very little. Â In terms of the robot battling saga thus far, I thought Transformers was watchable at best and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen was one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. Â But of course, combined, those films made more money than probably my 10 favorite films of all time combined, so there had to be a third flick.
Don’t worry, they told us. We knew the second one was bad. Blame the writers strike! Blame Megan Fox being difficult to work with, she’s outta here! Blame whatever you want, we’re fixing it! Â It’s the latest in what is becoming a trend these days…“we know the last film was bad, but this time, THIS TIME, we’ll get it right.”
Time for me to eat some humble pie. They did. They got it right. Flawed? Heavily. Perfect? In no way shape or form. Award winning? For effects, probably. Â Transformers: Dark of the Moon is hands-down the best part of the Transformers saga, and will probably hold as the most grandiose, ridiculous, over the top action spectacle of this, and many summers to come.
It’s almost as if while plotting this film, they had a checklist handy of what didn’t work in the prior films.
The plot of this movie, like the others, is mostly irrelevant.  Something about Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf) trying to settle down with his new girlfriend Carly (Rosie Huntington-Whitely, the afformentioned Victoria’s Secret model with the nice bottom), looking for a “real job” but he can’t settle down because he wants to do something “important” after saving the world.  Of course, Sam’s goofy ass parents show up (less irritating than before), and there is a minor love triangle including Carly’s boss (Patrick Dempsey, doing his best Rob Lowe impression), which leads to more important things later on - but the fact is, it’s irrelevant.  And it really runs a little too long. But smartly, this vague idea of a “story” has many fantastic character actors thrown into the mix, to keep you interested. John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, Ken Jeong and Alan Tudyck are amongst the actors tossed in to keep you interested, and chewing the scenery when there is little else to enjoy. And this has it’s benefits, as Shia LaBeouf finally learns to be kind of a decent action hero in this one!
But lets be honest, the plot, the acting, all of those tennants of filmmaking are irrelevant. Â This film is about one thing - the set pieces. Â And good lord has Michael Bay thrown the gauntlet down for every other action director going today. Â Taking up over half of the films meaty 2 and a 1/2 hour run time, the action sequences are at a scale and scope rarely seen, with not a single dollar of the films $195 million price tag NOT being seen on screen.
Intense, visceral robot battles take place throughout the world in this one, with particular attention being paid to Washington DC, and (based on the condition it is left in), unfortunately, Chicago. Â Every complaint rendered in the first two films about the action being short, or hard to follow is left silenced here. Â You want a full out Autobot and Deception war? Congratulations, you got one. Â You want a human vs. robot battle that only serves to underline how poorly put together Terminator Salvation was? Here you are.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d begin to speculate if Michael Bay had a terminal disease. Â This is his magnum opus.
Sure, some of the slowmo is heavy handed. Yes, there are some leaps of judgement and plotting that you have to make. Â The dialogue? Hamfisted. The humor? Childish. And yes, those little robots are back and they’re just as annoying. Â But if you don’t find yourself with your jaw agape as our heroes battle through the famous skyline of Chicago, with nary a famous building left unscathed, there may be something wrong with you.
When I was a child, my Optimus Prime and Megatron action figures had some of the most amazing knockdown, dragout wars ever seen in my parents living room. Lego buildings were torn asunder. Hot Wheels were thrown everywhere. Â And the Transformers cartoon never really lived up to what my imagination wanted it to be.
Well, folks - prepare your inner child. Â Michael Bay had some very expensive toys to play with, and this time, he finally gives you what your minds eye always wanted.
I can’t say the film is great. I dare say it defies rating. Â But what I can tell you is this - find the theater with the biggest screen. Find the theater with the loudest sound system. Yes, SHELL OUT THE MONEY FOR THE 3D (I can’t believe I’m saying that).
Transformers: Dark of the Moon is completely ridiculous and over the top…but if you let it, it will blow you away.
Seen this weekend on certain prints of Cars 2, Disney has uploaded the teaser trailer for Brave to YouTube.
Due for release next Summer, I’ve been pretty excited for the movie, just based on the artwork released, but now that we can see it in action, I’m VERY excited.
Hard to believe how far Pixar has come in animating humans and environments over the years. If you can, be SURE to watch this in HD!
Stop reading my words, hit play!
Hints of Indiana Jones, Nazis, Hydra, Shield Throwing, Awesome World War II era action…if this trailer is any indication, Captain America: The First Avenger is going to provide all this and more in spades.
Since the Super Bowl reveal, I’ve had a good feeling about this one, and this latest trailer again has me thinking - this is THE Movie to beat this summer.
What are you waiting for, CLICK PLAY!
Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters July 22nd, 2011.
I’ve been pretty up front about how excited I am over Captain America: The First Avenger, and with a month to go until release, Marvel and Paramount are going to be releasing a new trailer via Yahoo! later tonight.
But first, they’ve revealed a new poster for the flick which is…honestly, kind of weird composition wise. I’m not sure if the title’s off center, or the odd angle of the image is throwing me off, but…something isn’t right.
Either way, you can enjoy the new poster above, and I’ll try and throw up the new trailer when it releases.
Source: Yahoo! Movies.
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Maybe I’m reading too much into this, but either Pixar is wanting to cushion the blow of Cars 2 by getting us excited for Brave early, or it’s just some very conveniently timed leaking by fans.
Never the less, today’s new piece of Brave artwork is headshots of four of the film’s characters.
From left to right, you have…
Here’s hoping that trailer is the next thing to leak.
Brave hits theaters June 22nd, 2012.
EDIT: Updated - June 24th - 8:30am
Just got a high-rez screen shot of Merida. Really showcases how close to the concept art they’re getting, and how different this feels from the usual Pixar flick. Enjoy!
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After countless delays, The Hobbit is finally in production.
And with a large amount of worldwide excitement building towards the two films releases, it’s only fair that we start to get our first look at the world, starting with the first official image (exclusive to Entertainment Weekly) of Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. And damn, does he just feel right for the part.
Additionally, we have our first look at Ian McKellan as Gandalf the Grey (above), who hasn’t seemed to have aged a moment since Lord of the Rings ten (yes, ten) years ago.
Between these images and the blu-ray release of the Lord of the Rings extended editions on Tuesday, I’m feeling in a proper hobbit mode, and I cannot wait for our return to Middle Earth.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is due to hit theaters on December 14th, 2012. The Hobbit: There and Back Again is set for December 13th, 2013.
Source: EW.com.
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This week, the first reviews for Cars 2 started to hit, and in a rare instance for Pixar, they’re generally pretty poor.
Given the fact that I wasn’t a fan of the first film, I can’t say I’m all that surprised, but as a Pixar devotee, I’m rather disappointed. I guess that’s why it’s a good thing that they’re getting us right into anticipating the next film….Brave.
At one time titled The Bear and the Bow, this is Pixar’s first film with a female lead, and is set in the Scottish Highlands.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Brave hits theaters on June 22nd, 2012.
Source: /Film.
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Hands down, the game I am most excited to play this fall has to be Batman: Arkham City.
The highly anticipated sequel to the first Batman game to really get it right, Batman: Arkham Asylum, it extends the gameplay from the constraints of being within the Asylum proper, to being in a full scale version of Gotham City.
We’ve already seen that joining Batman on his quest will be the playable Catwoman, but as Warner Bros Interactive has just revealed, Batman will also be joined by Robin!
As seen in the image above, Robin certainly looks way more badass than usual in this go around, almost looking like Cole from Infamous, if he were the latest Robin.
For the continuity nerds, it’ll be the Tim Drake version of Robin appearing in game, but there are two very key caveats.
Robin will only be playable in the different challenge maps.
Robin will be a Best Buy pre-order exclusive.
Yeah, it’s the latter that really bugs me. I don’t understand why key content is being locked away for different retailers. Granted, if Warner Bros continues as they did with Mortal Kombat, all exclusive DLC will be available eventually, but it still bothers me.
Oh well, at least it’s not Gamestop exclusive, am I right?
Batman: Arkham City hits shelves on October 18th, 2011.
Source:Â Superhero Hype.
We’ve seen many a teaser, many a spoof ad, but now its time to dim the lights and get ready, a real trailer for The Muppets has hit, and it truly hits EVERY SINGLE NOTE you’d want it to.
Click play above and NOT smile. I dare you. Jason Siegel and Co. truly have brought the Muppets back for us, and I cannot wait for this flick. It’s going to be a great fall!
The Muppets hits theaters November 23rd, 2011.
Here’s a combination pleasing to my nerd brain!
Guillermo Del Toro’s next big movie, Pacific Rim, his ode to giant monster/Kaiju films is about to get into production for a 2013 release.
One of the cast members might just surprise you.
In talks to play a professor is Charlie Day (no relation, unfortunately), better known as It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s “wildcard”, Charlie Kelly.
It’s a unique combination to be sure, but one that has me VERY excited.
Here’s hoping we find out more Pacific Rim information soon!
Source: Variety.
On July 15th, 2011, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2 will hit theaters.
More than just the end of the film series, it serves as the ending of a worldwide phenomena. It all started with one novel, but it became so much more.  After a decade of content creation, between films and new novels, it all ends.  And to give that one last push to get people into theaters (like they needed it), Warner Bros has released a final trailer that serves as equal recap and hype video.  It’s really a joy to watch, and I’ll be damned if I’m not excited.
Click play above. Â I’ll be sure to be there opening night.
I never thought I’d say this, but I’m really looking forward to a movie about someone dealing with cancer.
50/50 is due to hit this fall, and is all about how the lead (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is quickly becoming an actor who I follow to any film) deals with his diagnosis of terminal cancer. Â But it’s certainly not your normal cancer based film, that’s for sure.
Here, check out the trailer.
Looks REALLY good, and not super depressing, right?
While I think I prefer the film’s original title, I’m With Cancer, this certainly looks to be a unique and somewhat upbeat look at what can be one of life’s hardest moments.
50/50 hits theaters on September 30, 2011.
Ah yes, it’s that time again that I love.
Time to share with you folks more amazing posters from Mondo, celebrating films from a director I love.
After releasing posters for Blade II, Hellboy, Hellboy II (which is on my wall) and Pan’s Labyrinth, Mondo has announced the final two posters in their Guillermo Del Toro Directors Series - Cronos and The Devil’s Backbone.
And wow, these really are some works of art.
The first posters to go on sale will be that of The Devil’s Backbone. Intricately designed by Vania Zouravliov and Aaron Horkey, these posters go on sale TODAY (so be sure to watch that Twitter feed!). The posters are 24"x36", with the standard edition coming in at 350 pieces for $60, and the two variants at an edition of 90 for $90.
[caption id=“attachment_5192” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Devil's Backbone - Standard Edition”][/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_5193” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Devil's Backbone - Variant A”][/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_5194” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Devil's Backbone - Variant B”][/caption]
Coming at a later, to be announced date, is a poster for Cronos, created by Martin Ansin. Again, this poster is 24"x36", but the edition size and pricing for the poster and it’s variant have yet to be announced.
[caption id=“attachment_5190” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Cronos - Standard Edition”][/caption]
[caption id=“attachment_5191” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Cronos - Variant Edition”][/caption]
As always, these posters are super exclusive and sell out fast, so if you are planning on buying them, good luck and godspeed! How crazy is it that most movie posters these days are photoshopped messes, yet when a little time and effort is put forth, you not only get a great image, but a premium product that people are willing to pay a premium price for. Maybe Hollywood could learn something here…
Who am I kidding, they won’t.
Lets make it very clear - I’m not a big sports guy. In fact, the only real sport I enjoy is hockey (GO CAPS!).
However, I do always seem to enjoy a good sports movie, especially those that go behind the games, giving you an idea of what it is to be in a professional team, or in the case of this film - Moneyball, running one.
Moneyball is based on a book by Michael Lewis, and is about the real life tale of the Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane (played here by Brad Pitt), who decides to take the unique advice of a young man (played by Jonah Hill) to build a team based purely on statistics.
This movie was originally supposed to be directed by Steven Soderbergh, but it was pushed back, and the screenplay had a pass by Aaron Sorkin. After a year of delays, Bennett Miller (Capote) took over the reigns and the film is finally due this fall.
The trailer seems to evoke The Bad News Bears, The Social Network and Friday Night Lights all at once, and despite being bored to tears by baseball, I’m pretty sure I’m going to make it out for opening weekend. Check the trailer out yourself by clicking play above.
Moneyball hits theaters on September 23, 2011.
First, they gave us the fake preview for the romantic comedy Green With Envy…
Then, they spoofed the trailer for The Hangover, Part II
Now, the marketing for this Thanksgiving’s The Muppets continues with a shout out to a movie hitting this Friday (which I really disliked…)
I swear, each one of these trailers sells me more and more on the Muppets return. I think the next trailer is going to be the real one, but they’ve already sold me, I’ll be there this Thanksgiving.
What say you?
I hate it when I’m right.
If you were to ask my friends to breakdown who I am as a person, I think one of the most common traits you’d find is that I really hope for the best in things. Â Not always an optimist, per se, but I really want things to work out for the best. I want the bad movie to end up good, I want the crappy looking dinner to have great food - I would like to believe that from so-so beginnings, great things can happen.
So, when last November, the Green Lantern trailer was attached to Harry Potter, and looked awkward at best/terrible at worst and overall left me underwhelmed, I wanted to believe that the movie just wasn’t ready to be shown off properly yet.
I mean, it’s Ryan Reynolds! Sure, he’s not the best choice for Hal Jordan, but he’s fun! And it’s the director of Casino Royale, and sure, spy movies have nothing to do with superheroes but…it’s something, right? And OK, I’m not into Gossip Girl, but they have to see something in that Blake Lively girl to cast her, right?
Oh, how I wish I had listened to my gut.
To bring you up to speed, or to give you what to expect, here’s the plot of Green Lantern - Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) is a cocky fighter pilot. One fateful day, he is bequeathed a powerful ring by a dying alien, Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison).  Abin Sur was attacked by an evil force, personified as a giant yellow and grey cloud with a cranky old man face, called Parallax.  In Sur’s dying moments, he gives Jordan the ring, making Hal the latest in a core of thousands of Green Lanterns, the universe’s police force.
Sounds really cool and interesting, right? It is! Or rather, it could have been.
I could write out an entire piece tearing apart the film scene by scene, pointing out exactly what was done wrong, but ultimately the issue is very simple - the film is incredibly lazy.
Essentially trying to become the DC Film Universe equivalent of Iron Man, Green Lantern is a movie trying to establish far too many things at once. You need Hal, you need Carol, you need their relationship, you need the ring, you need Planet Oa, you need Sinestro (performed well by Mark Strong, although all he really does is stand around and monologue), you need Hector Hammond, you need Parallax, you need the willpower vs. fear explanation, and somehow also setup the sequel in….less than two hours.
Yes, everything I just mentioned plays out in an hour and forty five minutes.
How on Earth do they accomplish this? Surely the team (and I mean team, with 4 screenwriters and 3 story by credits) has cracked the code to making sure superhero movies don’t need to run 2 and a 1/2 hours!
WRONG! Â Unless you consider removing any weight, momentum or point from the proceedings as “cracking the code”.
Remember how great it was to see Tony Stark become the hero in Iron Man? He goes from drunk playboy to a man haunted by his own weaponized demons over the course of the film, ending as a hero. Â Hal doesn’t have that. He’s an asshole who cares about himself, until the plot decides he’s a hero and has someone tell him he is one now.
Nothing in this movie is earned or even struggled for. It just happens - and that is the films greatest failing.
A perfect personification of this is the Planet Oa sequence. Planet Oa is the headquarters of sorts for the Green Lantern Corps. Â All of the 3600 Green Lanterns gather on this planet. It’s a location full of amazing creatures each with their own unique, incredibly complex design.
You know what they do? Stand around and listen to Sinestro talk. And two train Hal. Sorta. They more just talk to him while he doesn’t understand things until the movie needs him to become adept.
I realize I’m writing this movie into a corner, as if it’s the worst film I’ve ever seen - it’s not, it’s really not. Â For this year alone, my worst film is Sucker Punch - but at least that movie put forth the effort to fail, and fail spectacularly.
Green Lantern cost over $200 Million to make. And I honestly couldn’t tell you where that money went. Â Was it to the wasteful CG suits? Maybe. (It’s an incredibly useless effect that I still cannot see the point in) Â But whatever it is, it certainly wasn’t spent on making a film anyone can give a damn about.
Avoid this. I’m sorry Warner Brothers, I wanted the DC movie universe to start here, too - but if you want me to care, at least start by giving me a movie worth my time.
Oh, and last - if you must see this, avoid the 3D. Much like the rest of the movie, it’s not worth the effort put forth.
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The annual Licensing Expo just kicked off in Las Vegas, which is where rights holders for different properties sell off their movies, games, etc. for the purposes of merchandising.
In turn, we’re seeing the first push for The Avengers to these licensers, and Marvel has been kind enough to put together a poster for these fine folks. Â Someone on the floor took a photo, and sent it to Bleeding Cool, so now I’ve got it for you (above).
It’s pretty clear that this is a photoshop job, but I’d assume that these are the actual costumes we’ll see in the 2012 Joss Whedon flick. Â There are some changes to existing costumes (note the new Iron Man armor, for example) and our first “looks” at Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Mark Ruffalo as The Incredible Hulk, but I would figure that things may change between now and the official marketing push.
Any way you cut it, this image is the birth of many fanboy dreams, including my own, and I still cannot believe this movie is REAL!
Source: Bleeding Cool.
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I think this is becoming a maddening trend for poster fans like myself from Marvel Studios.
At the end of filming for Thor, all of the cast and crew were provided an amazing, minimalist poster from Olly Moss.
Well, now the team behind Captain America: The First Avenger has gotten their own poster, and HOLY CRAP it is awesome.
Painted by Paolo Rivera, it’s a fantastic throwback to both the original Captain America cover and to movie posters of the area. But more importantly, I really really want a copy of it.
Here’s hoping the movie ends with Cap punching Hitler in the face, and this becomes like, a retailer exclusive cover for the DVD.
Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters on July 22nd.
Source: The Hero Complex Blog.
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It almost feels redundant to say it at this point, but Mondo has done it again!
The absolutely stupendous merchandising wing of the Alamo Drafthouse theater franchise presented an exclusive screening of the 1988 cult classic They Live this evening, sponsored by infamous poster artist Shepard Fairey.
So it should come as little to no surprise that they colaborated on an amazing poster - but what you’ll probably want to know is, you’ll get a shot at buying it!
Going on sale tomorrow at MondoTees.com is the amazing poster found at the top of this post. Undeniably a Fairey original, this screenprinted poster is 18"x24” and goes on sale sometime tomorrow. As usual, you’ll need to follow their Twitter for more information, and have $50 at the ready for this print.
But honestly - how awesome is this poster?! Â I love you, Mondo!
Source:Â OMG Posters!.
Honestly, for me, E3 this year has been kind of weird.
Microsoft bored me to tears. Â Sony has a nice looking handheld with the PS Vita, but if the PSP is any indication, that could be DOA. Â Nintendo came the closest to getting me legitimately excited, but the 3DS is still too expensive (no matter how great the Mario and Mariokart games looked) and the Wii U seems interesting, but I’ll need hands on time first.
Going into this year, I was interested in two games - Uncharted 3 and Batman: Arkham City, and luckily, they both still look GREAT!
But there was another title that I completely forgot - Bioshock Infinite.
How soon I forget the colorful, airship filled sequel to one of the best first person shooting series of this gen. Â And this new trailer? Just reminds me how silly I am for forgetting about it.
This looks AMAZING. From the colors to the art style to the gameplay - THIS is what I want in a game.
Congrats, Irrational Games - you have me day one…whenever that is.
I have to tell myself to avoid hyperbole here.
In fact, I’m reminding myself that with every keystroke.
It’s rare when I walk out of a movie as energized and excited as I have this evening. Â Sometimes, you go into a movie expecting to be amazed, and are. Â Sometimes you go into a movie not expecting much, and you are surprised. Â Most times, it’s an even sum game. Â But on the rarest of occasions you are presented with a film where your expectations may be on one level, and the movie presented to you changes, subverts and otherwise improves on every thing you wanted when you sat down in your comfy theater chair.
Super 8 is one of those films.
It’s hard to believe it’s been one year since the mystery JJ Abrams project trailer was attached to opening night prints of Iron Man 2. Like the teaser for Cloverfield before it, we weren’t given much. A train, an escape, a hint of alien origin, and two names - Abrams directing and Steven Spielberg producing.  The short trailers released since haven’t given us much more, but teased a film reminiscent of the Spielberg of old - a coming of age tale mixed with something bigger, something supernatural.
The latest in what has been dubbed Abrams' “Mystery Box” films, we as a marketed to audience are given but the slightest tastes of what the project is, only to have some key mystery or surprise revealed to us once we watch the completed film. Â What Super 8 is, however, is no simple surprise. Â If the prior “Mystery Box” films have been fun parlor tricks, the presents we enjoy but get bored with after a few days of play, this is the true gift from Abrams - the grandfather’s watch of his filmography, something to be enjoyed and shared for years to come.
Bold words, I realize - but it’s within the 112 minute running time of Super 8 that JJ Abrams comes of age as a filmmaker. Much how Spielberg transitioned from the blockbuster of Jaws to the beauty of Close Encounters, this is where Abrams ascends to the next level, becoming the creator of pop film perfection for the 21st century. Â This is his transitionary moment - may it continue on into an amazing career.
The story is deceptively simple, but pitch perfect for the project.  12 year old Joe Lamb (first time actor Joel Courtney) makes films with his friends, directed by his best pal Charles (a scene stealing Riley Griffiths). He has a crush on 14-year old Alice (Elle Fanning). His father (Kyle Chandler) is the town deputy.  But for Joe, he’s hit a dark patch in life. His mother passed away, tragically, in an accident at the local steel mill.  His father is distant - the summer of ‘79 beacons, and all he can seem to do to deal is throw himself into the amateur films that he and his pals work on so diligently. But late one summer night, they begin to film at the local train station - suddenly, out of nowhere, a truck begins to drive onto the tracks and slams directly into the incoming train.  The train is immediately derailed (in one of the most visceral sequences of the summer) and something escapes.
That’s your setup, and it really has you drawn in from the word go. Â The difficult relationship between Joe and his father, the realistic and fun dialogue of Joe, Charles and their friends, and the wonderful (and slightly pained) performance of Elle Fanning as Alice. Â It draws you in - in fact, one of the biggest compliments I can pay to the cast is, I would love to see them all interact in another film, just to see how they were before and after this incident.
Which brings me to the big question - the alien.  What is it? Well, it’s large and ugly.  But it had a purpose. It’s anger is righteous, and the force and focus it brings to itself is reminiscent of the T-Rex in the original Jurassic Park. A large, angry force of nature - one that you do not want to be caught in the path of destruction of.  But really, at the end of the day, it’s ancillary to the whole.
This is a film about coming of age, losing one’s innocence, seeing the world as an adult for the first time - and stepping up for one’s self. Â As my buddy put it, it’s almost Stand By Me, but with aliens. Â However, that doesn’t feel fitting, the combination too shlockly. Â In whatever way a filmmaker can combine those two concepts without either feeling overbearing or trite, Abrams has done it here, and I think his strong, natural cast is certainly responsible for easing the transition between the two.
At no moment more than the climax is this apparent. Don’t worry, I’m not going to ruin it for you. Â There is a point right at the end of the film where a number of characters come together, the score hits the sweet spot (masterfully produced by Michael Giacchino), and the ending begins to play out - and it’s absolutely beautiful. Â So many diverse elements come together in one whole, and I realize, it’s this mixing of the mundane and the fantastic, the real and the unreal, and a wonderful score laid upon a well shot frame that is why I truly love movies. Â It’s why I enter the theater with hope, the hope for transcendent moments like that.
What can I say that the prior 900 words haven’t already - I truly loved Super 8. It’s a movie that really understands the language of film, and uses that wonder and joy to build it directly in the audience. Â I cannot recommend it any higher. Â Go see it, and share it with everyone you love. Â As the lone, major original idea piece hitting the multiplex this Summer, I hope it makes millions and millions of dollars - but even if it doesn’t, you’re bound to love it more than anything else that does.
And be sure to stay through those credits.
In the interest of full disclosure, please note that the passes for tonight’s show were provided directly by The Baltimore Rock Opera Society themselves. Furthermore, I (as a member of Super Art Fight) have previously performed alongside members of the Baltimore Rock Opera Society. Â That said, my review is in no way tempered by their requests nor any personal relationships. Thanks! And read on!
“I’m off to see a rock opera.”
It’s a weird statement to say to yourself. Â Considering it’s been neigh on four decades since the heyday of the rock opera, which gave us far too many Who albums and films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, it’s not really something you just up and do anymore. Â It’s a unique mission for a night, one that provides little expectation or anticipation. It’s a relatively blank canvas upon which your evening will be set.
Sure, I had heard a great many positive thing about the Baltimore Rock Opera Society, and their 2009 performance Grundlehammer, but this was a completely different situation.  Two completely different situations, to be honest.  And if the idea of performing two separate shows wasn’t daunting enough for this relatively young group, they had to completely renovate a theater at the same time, taking the well worn Showtime Theater and turning it into what will now be known as the Autograph Playhouse.
Clearly, they were aiming for the moon on this one - but the question is, to the unknowing audience, who just was arriving for the night - what would they see?
It’s an old adage in the theatre world (surprise, I’m an ex theater kid) - that which the audience does not know, does not matter.  If you blow a line, the audience doesn’t know about it unless you make it clear that you did.  More importantly, in this case, the efforts put forth in renovating a building and creating two separate shows does not matter - the audience just wants to be entertained.
And lo, the Baltimore Rock Opera Society aims for the moon with their Spring 2011 performance, a double feature, placing the Roman Empire era tale Amphion alongside an over the top Star Trek homage, The Terrible Secret of Lunastus. Â Taking on a single one of these shows, with complex scripts, large casts, complex songs and impressive sets would be task enough, but the gang at BROS decided to pair them together. Â And that, in and of itself, is equally the event’s most impressive - and most damning- concept.
The evening begins with Amphion, set in the year 527 AD. A tale of a charismatic songwriter’s ill-fated love with an ambassador’s daughter, it’s a complex story full of rich characters, and more importantly (given the focus of the evening) a diverse soundtrack, spanning the gamut of many sounds and song styles.  By itself, this show would have been more than enough.  The actors more than talented, the musicians more than adept and ready to take on whatever the tale would provide.  However, from the word go, a number of minor technical issues would mar the performance.  The sound, generally impressive for the musicians, rendered vocalists difficult to understand and some dialogued muffled.  Never the less, the audience (like myself) was game, and proceeded full speed ahead with the intent of the creators, and enjoyed what was, as much as the concept of what could’ve been.
A twenty minute intermission followed, and the sets were changed, giving us the sci-fi layout of Lunastis. Â Perhaps a bit more in the BROS wheelhouse, the tale is more humorous. Â Comparisons to Star Trek are more than apt, with a general sense of camp and whimsy felt in the entire cast. Â The lead for the humans in particular, Tim Olewinik (“Paul”), seemed to channel equal parts Captain Kirk and Captain Hammer. Â Again, the level of production shined, with impressive sci-fi landscapes and interactive weapons covering the Autograph Playhouse stage. Â The alien makeup is also worth noting, with the Abzug people feeling like they’d fit right into the next Abrams lead Trek sequel, but the most impressive costume work of the entire evening goes to that of the Android. Â Perhaps the most pitch-perfect part of the evening, Lily Susskind provided the proper body language to the character, but the costume (and I assume PA system) absolutely sold the robot to the audience.
But again, much like Amphion, technical issues marred what could’ve been a front to back perfect experience. Â Dialogue at times lost, vocals unclear. Â Again, I wanted these shows to achieve greatness, but I was left wanting for something more.
Sure, I had my issues, I had my concerns. Â And I also must say that a four hour event was much more than I had expected for the evening. Â Perhaps cutting the show down to one story, and perfecting its two hour run would have been a smarter idea? Â But I get the feeling that with The BROS, there is no such thing as cutting an idea down. Â They go big, or go home. Â And in this day and age, there’s something truly admirable about that.
Well performed, well casted and well laid out, the BROS Double Feature is far from perfect, but it is a hell of a way to spend an evening. Â Considering the size and scope of the events they’ve done so far, I cannot wait to see what they do next. And hopefully, you’ll be inspired to see them sometime soon as well. Â The BROS Double Feature runs for it’s final weekend next weekend (June 10-12), and more details can be found at BaltimoreRockOpera.org. Do yourself a favor - see them now, and be the one to tell your friends about how you saw them before they were “cool”. Â If these are their growing pains, the BROS are going to be something truly great, and I for one cannot wait to see it.
I really, honest to God, was dreading this movie.
As I looked over the list of potential Summer 2011 movies to see, X-Men: First Class was right there alongside Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and The Hangover Part II on the list of movies that I really didn’t want to see, but I was fairly sure I’d wind up in a theater for, regardless.
After some lackluster and dull trailers, some absolutely UGLY posters, a cast consisting of B, C and D list heroes and a rushed development period (director Matthew Vaughn, best known for Kick-Ass and Stardust was signed just 10 months ago), my excitement level was on about a 3 (where Super 8 is a 10 and the latest Madea movie is a 0). But then the early reviews started hitting the web. Comparisons made immediately to Casino Royale and JJ Abrams' Star Trek reboot. They got it right, they said - the series was redeemed after the terrible Wolverine movie.
It appeared we had a hidden gem, obscured by piss poor marketing. Or was this a final front of planted reviews across the internet to get the all important geek demographic’s wide asses into comfortable seats for the opening weekend? As I took my seat at my local cineplex’s 12:01 showing last night, I had to be ready for anything - and I’m pleased to say: X-Men: First Class is the best movie in the series since X2, if not the best one, period.
Rebooting the cinematic X-Men universe proper, the film is set in the early 1960’s. Magneto and Charles Xavier aren’t quite the men we know them to be yet. Magneto, or rather, Erik Lehnsherr (an amazing performance by Michael Fassbender) is going through life as a James Bond style assassin, targeting the remaining Nazi’s that tortured him and his family. Charles Xavier (Wanted’s James McAvoy) is finishing his thesis at university, enjoying using his psychic powers with the ladies and usually enjoying a drink or two at the same time. Living with him? His longtime adopted sister, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence), a fellow mutant who can shapeshift. You probably know her better as Mystique.
Already the X-Men universe has been turned on its head. Magneto is more suave, more active - attempting to get revenge without looking at the bigger picture of the whole world (yet). Xavier isn’t the coolheaded leader we know him as. He’s funny, flawed and generally less stoic than he would be in later years. And it’s these sorts of shifts of character that really make the film such a joy to watch.
The comparisons to Casino Royale and Star Trek are valid. Much like these films, half of the joy is in seeing the new and different ways which the world is recreated, restructured or redesigned to fit a new narrative. And same as those films, this is a new world that I want to see explored heavily. You may note that I’m somewhat avoiding plot and character details - this is a film where the joy comes out of the surprises and discoveries in the new ways relationships are formed and alliances created - I don’t want to spoil that for you. I will say, there are two surprise cameos that are wonderfully fantastic, and one might be the best use of the lone PG-13 f-bomb ever on screen.
The script while an admirable attempt to throw many narrative threads together, is far from perfect. The front half of the film is rapid fire, bouncing from character to character and development to development, making for a breezy, enjoyable watch. But as plot takes over and the final battle is in place, the pacing slows down and honestly starts to drag. Vaughn fights this as best he can with some very adept direction and well paced action sequences, but he can’t fight the exposition-o-rama (new site for me?) that is the last 20 minutes.
I must give the young cast major credit. As a new X-Men film minus Cyclops, Wolverine and the rest, it must’ve been a hard task looking at a cast of Mystique, Beast, Havok, Banshee, Darwin and Angel - but they all make it work. Particular props go to Caleb Landry Jones as Banshee - you get the distinct feeling that if he was given a bit more to do, he would’ve absolutely stolen the film.
On the villains side, things are less positive. Kevin Bacon makes for a great lead villain as the leader of the Hellfire Club, Sebastian Shaw, but his cohorts don’t come off as imposing or impressive. January Jones, while looking fantastic, is a rather terrible White Queen, giving the same dry reads to basically every line in the script. And while they make for fantastic special effects, Azazel (Jason Flemyng) and Riptide (Alex Gonzalez) are completely paper-thin.
But at the end of the day, this film is about three components - Xavier, Magneto and the 60’s setting, and all three deliver. You never grow tired of McAvoy and Fassbender’s interactions, and the 60’s setting really gives a great spy movie feel to the proceedings. You really get the feeling that if any one of these three elements were mismanaged, the movie would have fallen apart, but since all three are done so well, the film is lifted into a place of greatness.
At the end of the day, yes, X-Men: First Class is an imperfect film - but where it needs to deliver it does, and in spades. I could watch this generation’s Xavier and Magneto spar off verbally for hours, and I sure hope Fox has more films in this series planned - I’ll be there day one. Be sure to check this one out.
Say what you will about how poorly managed Blockbuster was - I’m going to miss video rental places. Â Redbox just isn’t the same. Hell, the fact that there isn’t even a decent mom and pop to stand in as a replacement is a shame.
Why? Because in the golden area of VHS renting, you could take risks. Â You’d see a movie on the shelf, maybe only one copy, maybe it was an employee recommendation, but it’d intrigue you. Maybe the cover art wasn’t the best, but the description had you hooked. Â You paid your money, you took the video home, popped it in. Â Sometimes? Abject failure. Poor decision. You’ll do better next time. But other times, you’d have a genuine find. A movie that reminds you why you have this hobby in the first place. A movie that you have to share with everyone you know. A hidden treasure, discovered and cherished by you.
Attack the Block is going to be one of those movies.
Tonight I went into a preview screening of this SXSW midnight wonder knowing very little. Â In fact, all I really knew was the synopsis. Â Sure, the movie blogs had been going apeshit over the trailers, but I hadn’t had the chance to sit down and watch them myself. Â Then the fine folks at Screen Gems (who have the US rights) decided to put a call to action out on all the big movie blogs. 25 screenings in 25 cities on May 25th. All to build word of mouth. Â They believed so much in their product that they had to get it to as many people as possible - for free. Â How can I say no to that?
So the lights dimmed down, and that synopsis played back in my head. What was I getting into?
From the wreckage emerges a vicious little alien that the youths hunt down, kill and triumphantly parade back to their block. But their adventure is not over. The night is still young and the attack on the block has only just begun… And that’s all I’m giving you.  To elaborate on the film would be to ruin the surprises that are in store, but I can say with 100% confidence that Attack the Block is one of the most enjoyable, exhilarating experiences I’ve had in the theaters in years.
Dubbed by some reviews as “Super 8 Mile”, it’s an original mixing for sure. Combining British chav street culture with one part Goonies and one part Critters, it grabs you early, and pulls you through an absolute blast of a roller coaster ride. Â And the fact that it’s so damn enjoyable really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise, after all, it comes from one of us.
Joe Cornish is the first time director behind this film, and if you’ve ever given The Adam and Joe Show, a very popular British nerd culture sketch comedy program, which if bittorrent is any indication, has it’s fandom here in the states. He’s also been working on the scripts for Tintin and Ant Man, if he needs more cred. It’s clear from frame one that Cornish embraces cult filmmaking at it’s best, and by the end of it’s lean 88 minute runtime, you’re going to be sold on literally every single project he will do from this point forward.  It’s no wonder Edgar Wright signed on to produce - Cornish will be for me, much like Wright going forward. I hear he’s directing, I’m there day one.
Much of what makes the film work is it’s very tight pace. No scene is irrelevant, no character unimportant. Everything happens for a reason and pays off perfectly.  Now, I will say, if you’re not up on your British teenager street lingo, parts of the movie might be hard to follow, but don’t worry, those moments of breath catching are followed immediately with audience pleasing action or visceral scares.  And while the movie isn’t the most visually pleasing of films (competently shot, but the film takes place mostly in a run down apartment complex), the score is an aural joy, a funky, dirty electronic mix provided by the fine folks at Basement Jaxx.  I immediately had to find a copy of it for myself. Unfortunately, so far, it’s only on UK iTunes (and some tracks have made it onto YouTube).  But! As soon as I can get it, the sucker is mine. SO good, SO memorable, SO unique, SO catchy.
I can’t say or underline this enough - see this movie. Pure genre joy pieced together by a director who is going to be one to watch. Â THESE are the types of films that Hollywood needs to be making. Risk taking, awe inspring, joy giving, exciting films. Â If it’s playing in a theatre near you, go, and take all your friends. Hell, maybe they’ll do the VOD thing that seems to be so popular now. Or maybe you’ll need to wait for the DVD. Any way you slice it, see Attack the Block. And be ready to share it with everyone you know.
One of the most memorable aspects of The Dark Knight, aside from being a really freaking great movie, was its innovative viral marketing campaign. Using crowdsourcing to release early images of characters, trailers and eventually give away early premiere tickets via a series of websites, it was an absolutely exciting time to be a fan (here’s a great wiki on it, if you missed it).
With the news this week that the third and final Nolan Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, has started filming, you had to figure that the new marketing campaign would be starting…eventually, right?
Well, to the shock and awe of many, including myself, it started TODAY.
If you go to the Dark Knight Rises website, you get a looping audio clip of a chant, over a black page. Â Clicking on the page allows you to download the audio file.
A rather intrepid fan used an audio program to view the spectrum of the file.  As seen in the below screenshot  - it says, repeatedly #TheFireRises.  Pretty clearly a Twitter hashtag.
[caption id=“attachment_5140” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“I love when other nerds figure this stuff out for me…"][/caption]
But it’s ALSO a Twitter account! Looks like each time someone tweets the hash tag, part of an image is opened at http://www.thedarkknightrises.com/image.html
However, someone already pulled apart the flash file, and look at what we’ve got…
[caption id=“attachment_5139” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Click for High-Rez!"][/caption]
That right there? TOM HARDY AS BANE, LOOKING AWESOME AS HELL.
GOD DAMN I LOVE MARKETING LIKE THIS. BRING ON MORE! NOWWWW!
The Dark Knight Rises hits theaters on July 20th, 2012.
As I rambled about on my Twitter account not that long ago, I have a really strange soft spot for The Other Guys.
When I saw it in the theaters, the movie didn’t do much for me, but multiple revisits on Netflix had me absolutely in stitches, in part due to the bizarre chemistry of it’s leads Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.
I guess I wasn’t the only one who liked the two of them together, as Warner Bros has just green-lit a flick re-teaming the duo - Turkey Bowl!
Wahlberg and Ferrell will star as heads of opposing tackle football teams who meet for a yearly game (around Thanksgiving, I assume?). Â The plan is for the movie to be jam packed full of surprise cameos (think the news battle from Anchorman), and one has already been signed, as Alec Baldwin will be playing Wahlberg’s father.
Color me tentatively excited for this one!
Source: Deadline.com.
So after the super success of Batman: Arkham Asylum, Batfans and gamers all across the globe are anxiously awaiting this fall’s Batman: Arkham City.
But what if I told you that there was ANOTHER Batman game coming?
Sure enough there is, and it’s not really a traditional Batman game by ANY means.
Being produced by Monolith Productions (F.E.A.R.), Gotham City Impostors is a fast-paced, online multiplayer first person shooter similar to the ultra popular Team Fortress 2, but with 2 very unique classes.
Instead of being say a Spy or Heavy Gunner, you have 2 crews…The Batz and The Jokerz.
While the game is very early on in production, early word is that it is some silly, over the top fun, and currently supports battles of up to 8 players. Â If you want to get an idea of how unique of a Batman game this will be, take a look at this first piece of promotional art. [caption id=“attachment_5132” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Click for High-Rez!"][/caption]
Yeah.
Gotham City Impostors is set to hit PC, PSN and XBox Live at a date to be announced.
Source: Kotaku.
As promised yesterday, today we have the first teaser trailer for The Adventures of Tintin, and honestly, I’m neither convinced, nor turned off.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen a teaser trailer that left me so indifferent, but I’m not seeing anything here that really grabs me, nor pushes me away.
I’ve never been someone against the new motion capture based CG animation, but I’ve also never seen it as “the future” as so many others have. Â Sure, the tech is impressive, but what does it mean if it doesn’t push storytelling forward?
I have no doubt with the impressive team behind the film, lead by Spielberg and Jackson, this will be an enjoyable time, but my hype level is far from peak.
What do you think? Click play above to watch the teaser, or click here to view it in HD thanks to Apple.
The Adventures of Tintin hits theatres on December 23rd.
This Thanksgiving, after far too long a time off, The Muppets return to the big screen.
In their latest adventure, written by and starring Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), appropriately titled The Muppets, everyone’s favorite band of puppets return.
Here’s the proper synopsis courtesy of Disney:
I’m not sure why they’re going with an almost alieny vibe, but man is it great to see the Muppet gang back in action.
The Muppets hits theaters on November 23rd.
Source: Latino Review.
Earlier today I posted about Seth MacFarlane’s apparent succession to the Flintstones crown. Â In it, I mentioned two other soon to premiere FOX Sunday Night cartoons, Allen Gregory and Napoleon Dynamite.
Considering they have a full evenings worth of animated entertainment, it’s easy to say that two more cartoons are unnecessary, but now that I’ve watched trailers for both Napoleon Dynamite (yes, based on the 2004 movie who’s catchphrases wouldn’t die) and the Jonah Hill created Allen Gregory, I posit this question to you, dear reader…does either one of these look remotely entertaining to you?
Here’s the first look trailer for Napoleon Dynamite:
And here’s Allen Gregory.
Each toon will be seen on FOX in the 2011-2012 season. What do you think?
Apparently for Fox, 3 Seth MacFarlane cartoons (Family Guy, American Dad and The Cleveland Show), The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers and the forthcoming Allen Gregory and Napoleon Dynamite aren’t enough.
Just announced by the folks over at Deadline.com, Seth MacFarlane will be helming a reboot of The Flinstones.
Details are sketchy, aside from it being a project from both 20th Century Fox Television and Warner Bros Television, but the relaunched version of the caveman cartoon will be airing on Fox, whenever it’s scheduled to debut.
Personally, I think this is one project too many for MacFarlane, and I don’t see the need for a modern reboot, but if it’s a dream project for Seth, there must be some juice behind it.
Either way, I fully expect some terribly awful things to be said by Fred and Wilma.
Source: Deadline.com.
Arguably the biggest movie on a worldwide scale this Christmas is The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn, the first of a series of 3D motion captured films featuring the classic European comic book character.
While I am not very familiar with the source material, I am a big fan of the talents involved. With Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson co-directing, Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish sharing the scripting duties alongside Steven Moffatt, a score by John Williams and a cast including Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, it’s pure geek nirvana.
And today, the hype kicks off with the reveal of the poster, above. Tomorrow is supposed to bring the trailer, so consider this the first step in a very long journey to the holidays.
The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn hits theaters on December 23rd.
EDIT: Apparently the above poster is the one for the UK Market! There’s a US one too, and thanks to Ain’t It Cool News, I’ve got it below. Enjoy!
Sometimes in life, you see something, watch something or read something exactly when you need it. Everything Must Go is one of those films.
Without going into detail, I’m currently going through a period of personal difficulty, one wrought with sadness, self doubt and inner strife. However, I cannot say I’ve ever had as bad a day as Nick Halsey (Will Ferrell). A (poorly) recovering alcoholic, he’s let go from his job, and comes home to discover his wife has left, has changed all the locks, and thrown all of his belongings on the lawn. His life, as he knew it, is completely changed. But he does not know where to go, he does not know how to deal. He’s left completely high and dry, and doesn’t know his next step.
After a run in with the law, and a conversation with his sponsor, Detective Frank Garcia (Michael Pena), Nick is left with but one solution. Have a yard sale.
That’s the setup for Everything Must Go, a film based on a short story by Raymond Carver and written and directed by first timer Dan Rush. As a very big fan of Ferrell’s last attempt at dramatic acting, 2006’s sublime Stranger Than Fiction, I was very much looking forward to this film. And while it does not disappoint in any way, Stranger Than Fiction this is not.
Ostensibly, both films are about a man finding true joy and purpose in his life. But in Fiction, you have a man who never really had it, gaining it for the first time. In Everything Must Go, the story is quite different. Nick Halsey is a man who has left himself in a state of disrepair for years, and never truly hit bottom, and Ferrell plays it perfectly. One of the reasons why I’ve always felt Ferrell was a great comedic actor is that he never lets the audience know he’s in on the joke. He’s always 100% in character, and the same holds true with his dramatic chops. You believe the pain that Halsey feels, you believe the desperation, and more than anything you just hope he can pull himself back up…even if he’s not ready yet.
Ferrell is surrounded by a great, albeit small cast of supporting characters. The aforementioned Michael Pena plays his role to a T, being a completely believable support to Ferrell, even when his character takes a surprising turn. Also aboard for this film are Christopher Jordan Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.’s son!) who plays a neighborhood child that befriends Ferrell, and the always great Rebecca Hall, playing a pregnant wife waiting on her husband to join her in their new home, demonstrating why she’s become Hollywood’s go-to actress for a woman showing grace in times of turbulence. Laura Dern makes a brief appearance as a High School friend of Ferrell’s, and surprisingly, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia’s Glenn Howerton shows up as Ferrell’s boss, in a brief, but perfectly prickish role.
You’re not going to walk out of Everything Must Go feeling bright, shiny, or happy. But what you will walk away from it is the belief that people can truly come back from the worst, once they start believing in themselves. The cuts may become deeper before they get the chance to scab, the bottom may suddenly find itself lower, but once you start climbing the hill back to a semblance of sanity, you can do anything.
Everything Must Go isn’t just a clever title, it’s a proper phrasing of the lesson the movie gives us. If you will ever rise above the challenges life has presented before you, you must first leave them all behind. Go see this one, even if it makes you more than a little sad.
I know, you’re seeing the headline for this, and you’re very confused. Why the blue hell am I writing a review about Bridesmaids on blast-o-rama? Isn’t it a nerd and geek related site? Sure, I’ve touched the Apatow stuff before, but isn’t Bridesmaids a “chick flick” or something?
Let me start my review in the way I normally end them, a summary statement - Bridesmaids is one of the most genuinely funny, well written and well crafted comedies of the past few years. To say it’s a “great comedy starring women” is an insult - it’s just a damn good comedy. See it. Period.
Now, onto the rest of the review.
Bridesmaids is appropriately enough, the story of a group of bridesmaids. Or more specifically, a Maid of Honor. That’s our lead, Annie (Kristen Wiig, who also co-wrote the film). Annie is in a rough spot in life. She’s got a “friend” with benefits who treats her like crap (a fantastically scummy turn from Jon Hamm), she has a failed business in her past (used to own a cake bakery, is now stuck working at a jewelry store), she lives in an apartment with a very odd British brother and sister and her mom’s kinda sorta…very crazy. Not in a quirky way. In a draws b-list celebrity portraits and goes to AA meetings even though she never drank kinda way.
If that wasn’t enough, Annie’s life long best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) is now getting married. From there Annie is thrust headlong into the world of being a maid of honor, serving alongside the titular bridesmaids: the super perfect Helen (Rose Byrne), the long married Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey), the newly married Becca (Elle Kemper) and the odd woman out, Megan (Melissa McCarthy, in a star making role).
Many early reviews of the film have compared Bridesmaids to The Hangover. I’d say that’s a rather unfair comparison. It just so happens that both movies surround weddings. Sure, Bridesmaids has it’s vulgar and gross-out moments, but that’s where the comparisons end. The movie is surprisingly well written, with fleshed out characters who you really feel like you could know. Roles that could be easy stereotypes, such as classic trophywife Helen are given proper depth and unique quirks, making you feel like you sort of know these people by the end. Melissa McCarthy’s character Megan could have easily been this movie’s version of Zach Galifinakis as Alan in The Hangover, however for all of Megan’s quirks and “bizarre” behavior, you never stop feeling like at some point in life you’ve known a girl just like her. Someone with no filter, no fear and incredible confidence.
I also have to give a lot of credit to the writers for the character of Officer Nathan Rhodes (The IT Crowd’s Chris O’Dowd). Seemingly on the onset a standard ‘handsome romantic lead with European accent’, his character is, again, given surprising depth, endearing quirks and I’d go so far as to saying he is one of the most accurately realized male romantic leads I’ve ever seen in film. He’s genuine, he’s flawed and he feels real. He’s one of the films secret strengths, and I was really surprised by his performance.
I realize, I’m giving the movie a lot of credit scripting wise. Most comedies focus less on characters, more on comedic set pieces. If you’re thinking that I’m glossing over the comedy out of lack of it on the screen, you’re quite wrong. I’m actually trying to give as little away as possible. Hilarious antics fill the screen for most of the two hour runtime, and the humor never feels cheap, never feels unearned. Genuine belly laughs are found here, right alongside the poop jokes, and I think there is something for every audience…provided they can deal with graphic language and sex gags along the way.
For all the praise I’ve heaped on the film, I must admit, it has it’s flaws. The afformentioned British brother and sister roommates for Annie, while initially hilarious, become creepy very fast, and almost feel like they come from an entirely different film. I’m guessing the original cut of the movie (said to be 2 1/2 hours long, like all rough cut Apatow films) had more of them. And for as realized that Annie, Helen, Lillian, Megan and others are, the combination of the newlywed Becca and long-wed Rita feel a bit stereotypical.
But even with my complaints, I can’t stop feeling very excited about how much I genuinely enjoyed this movie. It’s a breath of fresh air, and for a movie I was anticipating enjoying, it surprised me how much that I did. And I hope that you take the time to enjoy it too.
Male, female, single, couple, it doesn’t matter. Bridesmaids is a fantastic time at the theatre. And stay through the credits. The stinger is a laugh riot.
It hits May 13th. See it.
Aside from producing the amazing movie posters they do, I think what I like most about Mondo is how diverse of movies they strike up prints for.
A perfect example of this is their release schedule this week.
Earlier this week (which means you missed your opportunity to buy) were these two amazing posters for Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, by Tyler Stout!
[caption id=“attachment_5094” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Click for Larger!"][/caption]
That’s right, the “complete” version of Kill Bill is finally being screened, and to celebrate it’s release (and Tarantino’s birthday) Mondo commissioned this amazing poster, with it’s equally amazing variant - printed on RICE PAPER! As I’m sure you can imagine, these sold out in about a minute.
[caption id=“attachment_5095” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“The AWESOME Variant. Click for larger!"][/caption]
Their next release arrives later this morning, and once I saw what it was, I was amazed.
The latest in the Disney/Mondo collaboration (following Tron, Tron Legacy and Steamboat Willie) is a true modern classic - Who Framed Roger Rabbit?.
[caption id=“attachment_5096” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Click for Larger!"][/caption]
Expertly crafted by Tom Whalen (another Mondo poster regular), the print is limited to an edition of 210, comes in at 18x24”, and is just $40.
That goes on sale later today, and to find out when exactly, you’ll want to watch Mondo’s Twitter Feed.
What poster will we see next? Only the folks at Mondo know for sure, but I sure know some movies I’d love to see. What movies do you want to see them take on? Let me know in the comments.
Last November, the first trailer for Green Lantern was released.
Trying to balance smart alec moments from Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, mixed with the space epic that is Green Lantern, the trailer just didn’t work for me. And from what I read online, it really didn’t work for any of you.
And for four months, they’ve been VERY VERY quiet.
This past weekend was Wondercon in San Francisco. And Warner Bros was to remain silent no more. In a star studded panel, WB unveiled 12 minutes of footage. The next morning, it was uploaded on Apple.com, cut down to four minutes…and I have to say, if the movie can live up to THIS footage, I might actually feel good for having dropped the $10 to see it.
But enough of my rambling. Click play. Watch it (in HD, if you can), and tell me what you think in the comments.
I’ll say this - if DC movies can be as cool as this footage…I might just be OK with their weird movie universe split.
Yeah, not really. But it could be cool movies anyway.
Green Lantern hits theaters June 17th.
One of my all time favorite movies is 2006’s Stranger Than Fiction.
A rare dramatic role for Will Farrell, it’s the surreal and touching tale of Harold Crick, an IRS agent who’s life is rather uneventful, until the day he realizes he is living in a novel someone else is writing.
Much like The Truman Show in both plot and intent, it was a fantastic showcase for Farrell as a dramatic actor, showing that his ability to completely immerse himself in a character works not just for comedy, but for “proper” acting as well.
Unfortunately, for Farrell, Fiction was a bomb compared to his comedic track record, and all hopes of him doing dramatic roles were lost.
Until now.
This May brings the release of Everything Must Go, a rare independent film for Farrell. Written and directed by Dan Rush, the movie tells the story of Nick Porter (Farrell) a man who loses his job and his wife leaves him in the same day. He finds himself on the lawn of what was once his home, his possessions scattered about, and he decides to start selling everything that was him, in an attempt to start anew.
The trailer is embedded above, and honestly, I cannot WAIT for this one. If it’s even half as good as Stranger Than Fiction was, this is going to be a nice flick to wedge between the non-stop blockbusters of the summer.
Aside - wanna feel old? The boy he befriends? That’s the Notorious B.I.G.’s SON!
Lets preface this post here.
I love Zach Galifinakis. Love, love, LOVE the dude. Ever since I saw him at a Comedians of Comedy show in Towson back in 2005, I’ve been absolutely amazed and entranced with his comedic abilities. His success makes me happy.
I genuinely enjoyed The Hangover. A well timed, well written, funny but crude buddy comedy, it was a really fun night out at the movies, and I’ve enjoyed revisiting it on occasion on Blu-Ray.
That being said…
I cannot see any reason why I’d like to see The Hangover Part II. And so far, the marketing isn’t helping. A watch of the trailer basically says that it’s almost the exact same film, but in Bangkok. I mean, they don’t even let Doug get into the action this time! Oh, and instead of a baby, it’s a monkey. Go ahead, watch the trailer.
Was there ANYTHING new or different there which interested you?
I want to believe that this movie will be an enjoyable time, but the sheer fact that they keep trying to sneak in random cameos by flavor of the moment gags (Mel Gibson, Charlie Sheen) doesn’t bode well.
We’ll see if I’m wrong on May 26th.
Well, while we’re possibly ruining things I grew up loving (like the DC Universe), lets get to a reboot that might actually be handled WELL!
After spending a shitton of money, Nickelodeon is ready to introduce their brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series, and I have to say, I really like the art style!
Feeling like funky 3D street art, I like the new look for Mike, Raph and the gang, but one major question keeps popping up in my head - since when did they have THREE TOES?!
The new TMNT series is due to debut in 2012.
Source:Â Bleeding Cool.
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I intended to post about this earlier, but it seemed that every day a new twist of the story was coming out. And honestly, I’m still not sure what was going on.
Last year, Warner Bros enacted what I considered a masterstroke, enlisting Christopher Nolan to produce and supervise the return of the Superman film franchise.
The concept was simple enough, Chris Nolan has guided Batman to such amazing success, why not have him architect the future of the theatrical DC Universe? And with films being put together with Green Lantern, Flash and Wonder Woman (at the time), it just made sense. Marvel has pushed their united movie universe to the peak of success, giving fans and moviegoers an amazing world to partake in, each movie from different angles, culminating in a forthcoming Avengers film. Why not duplicate the success seen at Marvel with DC?
Then…things got weird. Nolan proclaimed that his Batman wouldn’t exist in the same universe as his Superman. Word of mouth (and the first trailer) for Green Lantern was quite poo. The Flash became some weird “Matrix meets Silence of the Lambs” hybrid. Wonder Woman became a sure-to-be-crap TV show. And Zack Snyder, who was hand picked to bring back the Superman franchise, shit the bed with Sucker Punch.
But we had good things to look forward to, like the DEFINITIVE end of the Chris Nolan Batman saga, with The Dark Knight Rises! Right? R–right?
Well, one interview with WB head Jeff Robinov threw it all out.
Yes, the Nolan saga will end with Rises.
But they’re going to immediately start work on a NEW Batman film franchise. With Nolan overseeing it. How will it be different? I have no idea. But different enough to consider it “different”, I guess?
And he also decreed - there WILL be a Justice League movie.
Wait a second - a Justice League movie?
Maybe that’s why they’re relaunching Batman! To combine him with the other franchises! Let Nolan finish things on his watch, and then rebuild the DCU! That’s gotta be the plan, right?
Yeah. No.
Since the interview has come out, we’ve learned a few things thanks to some interviews.
According to Zack Snyder, his Superman movie will NOT connect to the Justice League movie.
According to Ryan Reynolds, he has NOT been approached about starring as Green Lantern in the Justice League movie.
The new Batman will be separate from the Justice League Batman.
So let me see if I have the number of universes that will exist for the theatrical DC Universe, come the release of Justice League.
I…I give up. And will probably document each step on this here blog.
Get ready to track my growing insanity, gang!
This summer, it finally ends.
No more Harry Potter movies*.
The final battle between the Boy Who Lived and He Who Shall Not Be Named will hit theaters this summer, and to remind us of the July 15th, 2011 release date of Harry Potter & The Deathly Hollows: Part II, Warner Bros has released the absolutely stupendous poster above.
You’ve got Harry, you’ve got Voldemort…what more could you ask for?
I’ll be there day one. 2D ticket, please
*until the eventual reboot/remakes.
Love it or hate it, there is no denying the effect South Park has had (and continues to have) on pop culture.
Much like The Simpsons, it started as a controversial cartoon which has gone on to become a true tentpole in entertainment, providing years of laughter on the cutting edge. Believe it or not, South Park is now 15 years old, and to celebrate it, an art show has been put together in New York City, running March 28th through April 10th.
The show can be seen at the Opera Gallery, but if you can’t see it live, you can see a full slideshow below. Check it out!
Source: Laughing Squid.
Back in the early 2000s, there was an amazing line of Muppet Show action figures, created by the now defunct Palisades Toys (which was located here in Maryland, no less).
The figures were beautifully detailed, but more importantly, they had amazing playsets. Unfortunately, the figure line never got around to making the Muppet Show gang what they needed, a proper stage.
Cut to the obsession of a real life set designer. One Lance Cardinal of Canada saw the opportunity, and built a FULL STAGE from scratch!
It has working lights, working curtains, swappable backdrops, and a very detailed backwall!
While I added my favorite photo above, I cannot underline enough how badly you need to check out the full photo set via the link below. If you need more, he also made a full backstage area with just as much detail.
I’m in awe, and you will be too!
Source:Â CARDINAL DESIGNS.
If you, like me, were enchanted by the first Captain America trailer that was shown during the Super Bowl, chances are that you’ve been chomping at the bit for a full length trailer to be released.
Well, Paramount and Marvel Studios finally has released a full length trailer, and I simply have been unable to go a day without watching it.
The tone is perfect, both light and action packed, feeling like a new Indiana Jones movie mixed with the Marvel Universe.
The Benjamin Button-esq effects being used on Chris Evans to make him look Steve Rogers skinny seem great, and really, I cannot wait for this to hit the screens. If you can’t get excited when you see Cap catch his shield, check your plus - you might be dead.
Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters on July 22nd.
Wow, here I thought I knew everything there was to know about Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Turns out with all the amazing songs on both of the film’s soundtracks, there are FOUR songs that didn’t make the cut to the final film!
Thanks to music blog Some Kind of Awesome, these songs have been archived on the web for all, and now we both can check them out.
The songs are as follows…
“Indefatigable” from Sex Bob-Omb, which you may remember from the final sequence in the film at the Chaos Theater, and then three lost Beck demos: “No Fun”, “Disgusting Rainbow” and “Gasoline Eyes”.
Check out all four songs at the link below, and rock out one more time with Sex Bob-Omb!
Source: Some Kind of Awesome.
What if you took Kick-Ass and upped the indie and twee factor to 11?
That would be Super, this year’s superhero based dark comedy.
With a cast featuring Rainn Wilson, Kevin Bacon, Nathan Fillion, Ellen Page and Liv Tyler, I was pretty much set.
Now we have the full length trailer, which between making me wonder if I have a superheroine fetish (what can I say, Page fills out a costume well), it showcases some great, screwed up masked vigilante action!
Super is set to hit theaters locally on April 15th. You can check the list of dates here to see when it’s due to arrive near you!
As I’ve said in the past while reviewing films - when you don’t have anything nice to say, you shouldn’t say anything at all.
So, to give myself the ability to tear this film apart, let me start by saying this - the blu-ray of Sucker Punch will make for a great home theater demo. Also, Jena Malone (as “Rocket”) is absolutely freaking adorable.
That having been said - Sucker Punch is an absolutely awful film. Soon to be the textbook example of what happens when a studio gives a director complete free reign, especially after delivering some major hits. It is literally every Zach Synder trope (slow mo, cgi, attractive women) thrown on screen without anyone telling him no. And considering he wrote the script, it’s not surprising to say that it is just as indulgent and awful as the filmmaking present.
To truly break down what went wrong, I need to go into some pretty heavy spoiler territory.
In turn, if you don’t want Sucker Punch to be spoiled for you, turn away here. Just believe me when I say that you want to avoid this movie at ALL COSTS.
SPOILERS BEGIN HERE!
Sucker Punch kicks off with a montage presenting the terrible life of our lead, “Babydoll” (played by Emily Browning). Her mother dies, she’s left with her awful stepfather (you can tell he’s bad because of his anger over the will), and she wants to protect her younger sister.  After the implied rape of her little sister, Babydoll confronts the evil stepfather with a gun. She tries to shoot him, but in the skirmish, Babydoll wounds and murders her little sister.
This results in Babydoll being taken to a corrupt mental asylum. Babydoll’s stepfather pays one of the head orderlies to falsify information so that Babydoll will be lobotomized. The orderly agrees to the deal, Babydoll stays at the mental asylum for 5 days, waiting for the doctor who will perform the lobotomy (played by Jon Hamm), she tries to connect with the head therapist, Ms. Gorski (Carla Gugino), and ultimately, is lobotomized.
Yes. That’s your opening sequence. Imagine that with random hyper cut slow mo and a terrible rendition of both “Sweet Dreams” and “Where is My Mind”, and you have a fraction of the awfulness on display in the first ten minutes. Not to mention, that’s pretty much a complete story there. Where the hell does the movie go from there?
This is where it gets downright silly. Upon the pick being hammered into Babydoll’s brow, the movie shifts to a dream sequence.
In this sequence, Babydoll imagines herself not in a bleak mental asylum, but instead forced into a brothel! (Such great dreams this girl has). Instead of her fellow patients, the girls of the asylum are dancing whores, trained by Madam Gorski to perform impressive dances for potential clients. The brothel is overseen by the Orderly, who is now a gangster that looks like Gomez Adams, complete with pencil thin mustache. Babydoll, a virgin, is now being saved for “The High Roller”, who will arrive in 5 days to deflower her. This, of course, is the dream sequence’s analog for Jon Hamm’s doctor character.
Already, there are a LOT of issues here. One - why the hell are we in a dream sequence? Two - I think Zach Snyder has some REALLY screwed up sexual issues. Mental asylum equated to a brothel? Lobotomization equated to losing your virginity? What?
But don’t worry folks - Babydoll’s got a plan! She’s going to break out of this brothel, and take her fellow girls with her! So she assembles her team - sister’s Rocket (the afformentioned Malone) and Sweet-Pea (Abbie Cornish), Blondie (a brunette, played by Vanessa Hudgens) and Amber (Jamie Chung, token minority).
How will she do this? By obtaining a series of items (a map, a knife, a lighter and a key), she will be able to launch their MacGuyver esq escape. How will these items be obtained? Turns out Babydoll is a great dancer, and she can basically hypnotize any man who watches her dance, allowing the other four girls to swipe the items necessary.
I know, you’re already asking - “What do mechs and dragons have to do with everything?” THEY’RE METAPHORICAL!
Whenever Babydoll dances, the movie goes into a dream sequence (yes, dream sequence IN A DREAM SEQUENCE) where as opposed to watching Sweet Pea steal a map or watching Amber steal a lighter, you get to see the girls in giant, over the top action sequences, BARELY analogous to to the implied action! Why bother actually showing us why people are entranced by Babydoll’s dancing (in a VISUAL MEDIUM, NO LESS!) when instead you can have giant CG filled battles with girls in tiny costumes!
Taking a map becomes the five girls fighting steam-powered, clockwork Nazi zombies (yes, I did not add superfluous adjectives, that’s really how they’re described), taking a lighter becomes the girls fighting a dragon amongst orcs (of COURSE there are orcs), stealing a knife becomes a…battle with robots while trying to disable a bomb called “Kitchen Knife” (o…k…?).
But you know what the worst part is? THE BEGINNING OF THE MOVIE TELLS YOU THEY FAIL. IT’S A DREAM. IT’S A DREAM IN A DREAM. IT’S COMPLETELY FAKE. NONE OF IT MATTERS BECAUSE BABYDOLL IS LOBOTOMIZED. GAME OVER. YOU LOSE.
In turn, as an audience member - none of it matters! You know they fail, and it’s not even in an ironic way. You know this is a mission that doesn’t work, and since Synder shoots every action sequence in his trademark super slow-mo/speed up style, there’s even less weight to the proceedings than there would be if we weren’t shown the ending at the beginning of the damn movie.
Ugh.
So, take that recipe for a crap fest. Add more implied rape/torture and murder of women, and toss in some more shitty song covers.
But at least the robots and CGI samurai look cool? I guess.
Anyway, one thing leads to another, we get zapped back to the real world, and oh yeah, Babydoll still got lobotomized.
The movie tries to wrap things up by having the orderly arrested (alongside Jon Hamm trying to make chicken shit into chicken salad with his time on screen as the doctor), but the fact is - the entire movie, the entire story we were just told - was for nothing.
Somewhere, in this mess of a script, there was an interesting story. Show it to us in real time. Remove the creepy brothel dream layer, and just have Babydoll and the girls trying to escape (with Babydoll’s halucinations serving as the action sequences).
But instead of going the less is more route, Zach Snyder goes the more is more route, adding tight costumes, bizarre and uncomfortable sexual inferences and absolutely unnecessary and ridiculous storytelling to what could’ve been a decent film.
It’s abundantly clear that no one told Zach Snyder “No” during this entire process. It’s my hope that this review (and I’m sure others) is enough to say the sentence the studio couldn’t.
Should you see Sucker Punch? No.
I’ve featured the work of awesome art/design crew Tokidoki before, particularly their mashups with the madcap heroes of Marvel Comics.
They released an amazing series of shirts and hoodies last year, and not too surprisingly, based on it’s success, they’re aiming for another collaboration.
The target this time? Your zipper. That’s right, we’re going to get MARVELxTOKIDOKI zipper pulls!
I’d imagine that the reason for zipper pulls as opposed to figurines is due to an existing licensing agreement Marvel has, but the fact is, if you liked the super cute redesigns before, you’ll probably love them even more in three dimensions.
Besides, how can you deny Doc Ock with a hamburger?
These figures will be blind packed, and are expected to hit shelves this July.
Source: TOMOPOP.
Sometimes in life, you really want a Sundae. The ice cream, the chocolate sauce, the whipped cream. That pitch perfect combination. But then you look in your fridge, discover all you have is ice cream, and you eat it anyway.
Sure, it’s delicious, but it’s not exactly what you wanted. And despite the fact that it’s good, it just doesn’t feel right. And that right there is how I felt about Paul.
Returning the duo who brought Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz to the top in film geek libraries nationwide, this is the first collaboration between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in four years. And since their good buddy Edgar Wright was busy filming some movie called Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, they enlisted Greg Motolla, helmer of the great flicks Superbad and Adventureland. This however, might just be why the movie misses the sweet spot of Shaun and Fuzz.
Ostensibly a very foul-mouthed adult version of ET, Paul is the tale of two British sci-fi nerds, illustrator Graeme Willy (Pegg) and author Clive Gollings (Frost) who come to america for San Diego Comic Con and then embark on a journey of the United States greatest alien hotspots. One thing leads to another, and they suddenly find themselves meeting the titular Paul, a space alien who escaped the constraints of the United States Government.
Quickly, the plot turns into a madcap road film, with Graeme, Clive and Paul riding through the United States, trying to escape the possible clutches of Special Agent Zoil (Jason Bateman) and his lunkheaded cohorts, Agents Haggard and O’Reilly (Bill Hader and Joe Lo Truglio). In addition, Kristen Wig pops up as a very religious love interest for Graeme, who only adds to the mayhem in store for the gang.
So how is the film? Given the cast, it’s not hard to understand that it’s basically a very enjoyable watch, but it did leave me wondering how much of Shaun and Hot Fuzz' success was due to the skilled hands of Edgar Wright. As he handled both directing and co-writing credits on those films, the lack of his fingerprints on this project might be just the missing touch on this film. In no way a bad evening at the movies, there just isn’t that polish on the script, or push forward in direction that you normally see in a Pegg & Frost vehicle.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there were some odd leaps in storytelling (like Bill Hader’s character making a sudden change of heart, and Bateman’s character also having a surprise revelation), but I almost wonder if this is less due to poor screenwriting, but instead unclear editing.
At the end of the day, Paul is a really enjoyable, light comedy. The CG work for Paul is fantastic, the cast brings everything you love about them to the screen, and I did leave the theater with a smile. But you can’t help asking yourself - couldn’t it have been better?
All and all, I say, grab a matinee.
As I said in the last post, we need something to get excited about right now.
And while I doubt that it was in ANY way their intent this morning, Paramount’s release of the full length trailer for Super 8 was exactly what the doctor ordered.
You take the feel and tone of a proper, 1980’s Steven Spielberg childhood adventure film, mix it with the modern, mysterious style of writer/director JJ Abrams, and you have the first movie of 2011 where I can honestly say…I have no idea what to expect.
And that excites me.
Seriously. Click play on the trailer right now.
Did you geek out as hard as I did? Did you feel the goosebumps when, what I assume is the film’s theme started to kick in?
I hate to ride so many hopes on this, but I honestly believe - Super 8 will be a very special movie.
At the least, today, it was just the hint of the movie I needed.
Super 8 hits theaters on June 10th.
I think it kinda goes without saying that today hasn’t been the best of days.
Waking up to an entire country almost being wiped from the map will do that to you. If you’re one of my followers on Twitter, you probably noticed that while I wanted to blog, I didn’t know if it was really the “right time”.
I mean, what space does cynicism and nerd rage have when such bigger, more important things are occurring in this world? Who gives a shit what I have to say about the latest superhero reboot sequel prequel based on a book about a TV show, when thousands are dead, dying or without home in Japan?
I hate to invoke September 11th here, but after that, the first Saturday Night Live episode had a very clear, very funny bit. Lorne Michaels was sitting with Rudy Giuliani, and they had this great exchange.
Mayor Rudolph Guiliani: Thank you, Lorne. Thank you very much. Having our city’s institutions up and running sends a message that New York City is open for business. “Saturday Night Live” is one of our great New York City institutions, and that’s why it’s important for you to do your show tonight.
Lorne Michaels: Can we be funny?
Mayor Rudolph Guiliani: Why start now? And it struck just the right chord, at just the right time.
As someone who’s guidance, advice and gravitas means more to me than he probably realizes, it meant a lot for Bryan Prindiville to reach out to me today on Twitter.
As he put it…
That’s what the entertainment business is all about. In darkness, it brings the light. In times of sadness, it reminds us of joy. It takes a bad day and makes it great. And I think that’s what everyone in the entertainment business, from D-list bloggers like myself, to A-List performers all strive to do. I realize what I do may not effect many people, but if I can make you excited about something in the future as opposed to worrying about what is happening right now, I feel like I’ve done an OK job.
One day, probably much sooner rather than later, the cynicism will return, and it will probably be sooner rather than later…but I think what we need right now is something to get excited about.
Which leads right into my next post…
As I’ve gone on record here quite a few times, Summer 2008’s Kung Fu Panda was a major surprise.
Featuring beautiful animation, a decent script and serving as a decent homage to classic kung-fu films, albeit one with talking animals, it was way better than it had any need to be, and arguably started Dreamworks Animation’s renaissance (Shrek Forever After aside).
Well, the first true trailer for Kung Fu Panda 2 hit the web this weekend, and it looks to be just as great as the first. Sure, the script might not be so great (the humor in the trailer is a bit eye rolling), but the skill on hand with lighting and color, not to mention the amazing scale of the set pieces, is certainly awe, if not interest, inspiring.
Click play above to watch the trailer. I recommend bumping it to HD if your comp supports it, as it really shows how great the animation looks.
Kung Fu Panda 2 hits theaters on May 26th, 2011.
Here’s another fun DC mashup for your Friday.
Mixing a cult classic film (The Rocky Horror Picture Show) alongside the classic icons of the DC Comics Universe, you have an absolutely brilliant piece of art drawn by Leigh Kellogg.
And really, it couldn’t be more perfect. Superman as the stoic, asshole Brad, pushing the awkward subtext between Batman and Robin forward, and really, could there be a more perfect mix between Joker and Riff-Raff?
Yeah, I thought not.
Check out more of Leigh’s work at his awesome DeviantArt page!
You ever find yourself seeing something on the web, and realizing that although you never thought of it before then, you want it more than anything else, in the blink of an eye?
Well, thanks to the folks at Bite.ca, I really want Angry Batbirds!
A brilliant mashup of mobile gaming addiction Angry Birds and the goddamn’d Bat-Universe, I really want DC and Rovio to start working on this IMMEDIATELY.
Check out the gallery below for a look at each awesome redesign, featuring the birds as the heroes, and the pigs as the villains.
Source: Bite.ca.
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After many starts and stops, production on the Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit has finally begun.
We’ve known for some time that the movie would be split into two halves, but what we didn’t know is if they would be called just The Hobbit: Part 1 and The Hobbit: Part 2.
Well, Lord of the Rings super-site TheOneRing.net seems to have found some fancier titles for the movies.
New Line Cinema has registered two movie titles, and they certainly would fit the bill of Part 1 and 2. They are…
The Hobbit: There and Back Again
and
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Personally, these are perfect. It ties perfectly into the Rings trilogy (after all, Bilbo’s novel was called There and Back Again), and given that the sequel mixes Tolken’s post Hobbit work and ties into Lord of the Rings proper, I suppose unexpected would be a great title.
As always though, these titles may not actually be used, so take this with a grain of salt. For me? These titles are just too right to be fake.
Source: TheOneRing.netâ„¢.
Later this month, all sorts of awesome descends upon Austin, Texas, as the annual South By Southwest conference (SXSW to the cool kids) kicks off.
Full of internety folks, comedians, music and film screenings, it’s an amazing event, that some day, I swear I will go to.
You may have noticed that there are film screenings in there. And of course, that means that there are exclusive posters. And given that the shows are in Austin, that means the posters come from our dear friends at Mondo.
Three stunning posters are due to be sold at the films respective screenings well before they go on sale online, so there’s a very high chance that these may never see online sales. However, they are SO rad, that I HAD to share them.
The first two posters are the next in Mondo’s Directors Series. Having previously celebrated Guillermo Del Toro, the next director to be honored is Duncan Jones. With STUNNING art by the always amazing Olly Moss, I’m proud to showcase his posters for Moon and the brand new Source Code!
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Each poster is a 16x24 print, limited to 200 pieces, and will be just $35.
The next poster is for another long awaited nerd film - Paul.
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That’s right, the Simon Pegg/Nick Frost alien road film gets an amazing poster from the uber talented Tom Whalen. This print is 18x24, limited to 225 pieces, and is again $35.
From what I understand there will be EVEN MORE SXSW posters coming from the Mondo gang, so as soon as I get my eyes on them, I’ll gladly post them up.
And to my dear, dear friend Rosscott, who is attending SXSW…y’mind swinging by the Mondo Store, buddy?
I don’t know about you, dear reader, but of all the comic book movie set to hit theaters this summer, Captain America: The First Avenger is the one I’m most looking forward to.
With the great casting of Chris Evans as Cap, and a fantastical, Indiana Jones feel from the trailer, it really feels like it’s firing on all cylinders.
Now, with Entertainment Weekly getting an exclusive first image, I think it’s safe to say this…
Hugo Weaving looks absolutely perfect as the Red Skull.
A full piece on the film is at EW.com, linked below, and I definitely feel it’s worth reading, if only to confirm that Joe Johnston is the right guy to direct the film.
Example, here’s Johnston on why Cap fights Nazi’s so damn hard.
Source:Â EW.com.
So now that the massive undertaking that was Tron Legacy has come and gone (with wildly varying opinions as to how it was), Disney is continuing with their plans to build a massive franchise out of everyone’s favorite movie set in a computer.
Since we’ve already had the giant, modern day reboot, the next step is simple - an animated series!
Titled Tron Uprising, the first look at the series is set for the DVD/Blu-Ray set for Tron Legacy, and it found its way onto The GridYouTube today.
Looks pretty rad, right? I agree, and I even dig the not quite Daft Punk score.
While the video isn’t much more than lightcycle racing, there is an overall plot to the series.
Wikipedia sez it’s this…
If you at all (like me) are a fan of the Blade Runner series, you know the rocky road the film had. Starting with it’s miserable production, a masterful directors cut, and then a decline into studio intervention, the film was a flawed but amazing cult favorite that finally had a happy ending with the astonishing Final Cut, released in 2007.
If you’re also a fan of Blade Runner like me, you probably do not want to read the rest of this story.
Announced today, the production company Alcon Entertainment (they who brought us The Blind Side and The Book of Eli) have obtained the franchise rights to Blade Runner, allowing them to produce both sequels and prequels however they wish.
Look, I realize I perpetuate much of the problems facing Hollywood, by embracing the many sequels, remakes and reboots of geek based franchises. Heck, I even push for adaptations of some of my favorite works.
But this has to stop.
Yes, some of these remakes and sequels paid off great, but the fact is, original ideas are being ignored for the easy plays, and in turn, the well is running dry. Honestly, one of the best sci-fi movies I’ve seen in years (Inception) was a VERY original idea, and the fact that I know it only got made because The Dark Knight did well and WB wanted Nolan for a third Batfilm sorta bothers me.
This GQ article articulates the point far better than I can, but seriously, can we just let certain titans exist in their own realm of quality entertainment and STOP TRYING TO RECREATE THEM.
Or hell, if you must recreate them, DO THEM UNDER A NEW NAME. That way, you can try to OUT do them, without the pressure of flying under that name.
The full press release follows. If anyone needs me, I’ll be opening up some veins.
Alcon is negotiating to secure the rights from producer-director Bud Yorkin, who will serve as producer on “Blade Runner" along with Kosove and Johnson. Cynthia Sikes Yorkin will co-produce. Frank Giustra and Tim Gamble, CEO’s of Thunderbird Films, will serve as executive producers.
Alcon’s franchise rights would be all-inclusive, but exclude rights to remake the original. The Company, however, may produce projects based on situations introduced in the original film. The project would be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. International rights are yet to be determined.
Johnson and Kosove stated: “We are honored and excited to be in business with Bud Yorkin. This is a major acquisition for our company, and a personal favorite film for both of us. We recognize the responsibility we have to do justice to the memory of the original with any prequel or sequel we produce. We have long-term goals for the franchise, and are exploring multi-platform concepts, not just limiting ourselves to one medium only.“
Among its many distinctions, “Blade Runner" has been singled out as one of the greatest movies of all time by countless polls and media outlets, and overwhelmingly as the greatest science-fiction film of all time by a majority of genre publications.
Released by Warner Bros. almost 30 years ago, “Blade Runner” was adapted by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples from Philip K. Dick’s novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” and directed by Ridley Scott following his landmark “Alien.“ The film was nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Visual Effects, and Best Art Direction).
“Blade Runner" was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” The film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1993 and is frequently taught in university courses. In 2007, it was named the 2nd most visually influential film of all time by the Visual Effects Society.
Alcon’s COO Scott Parish and head of business affairs David Fierson are negotiating on behalf of the Company. Source: Deadline.com.
The following article is a lot of rumor mill rumbling, and potentially full of SPOILERS for The Dark Knight Rises. You’ve been warned.
I’m not typically one to really enjoy running too far with rumor and scuttlebutt, but when it comes to The Dark Knight Rises, there are many options which sound ridiculous, and some which sound…very plausable.
Now, I’ll admit, I was totally believing the rumors that the third Batfilm would be based on Prey, so I’ve been wrong before.
But this sounds very possible.
Courtesy of Devin Faraci, formerly of CHUD, now of Badass Digest, here might be the general setup for The Dark Knight Rises…
The League of Shadows.
Headed by Talia Al’Ghul. With Bane, who is her muscle/possible love interest. And with Joseph Gordon-Levitt in tow. Is he playing Black Mask? My source didn’t know, but did know that Levitt is certainly an antagonist and involved with the League of Shadows. Sounds AWESOME, right? I know, I agree.
But as with anything Nolan related, take your grains of salt and expect to be proven wrong. He’s leaked disinformation before, it could be the same here.
The Dark Knight Rises hits in Summer 2012.
Source:Â Badass Digest.
This could end up great!
Announced over the weekend, cable network FX has officially picked up an adaptation of the fantastic creator-owned comic Powers to pilot.
If you’ve never read Powers before, you’ve been missing out. Written by amazing comic auteur Brian Michael Bendis (before he ran the Marvel Universe proper), it’s a detective drama set in a world where superpowers are relatively common and centers on two detectives, Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim, in a Homicide department that deals with cases involving “powers” (people with superpowers).
Without giving too much away about the characters, just know it’s been an amazing read, and I think it will end up an even more amazing TV show.
Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the pilot will be written by Charles H. Eglee (who produced The Walking Dead TV series), and even has the same production team, Circle of Confusion, who oversaw Walking Dead’s amazing success.
If all that wasn’t enough to make nerds excited, it seems we have our Deena!
Battlestar Galactica star Katee Sackhoff has twittered about wanting the role, and even hinted on her Twitter that she’s had some meetings about it.
If you’re not sure if she’s the right person, let’s compare a photo of her to Deena (the blond in the main image above).
Yeah, I thought so.
No set date for Powers, but here’s hoping everything lines up well and we get the series to air soon!
Source:Â Deadline.com.
Hey kids!
You liked Kick-Ass, right? Sure you did.
How would you feel about an even more darkly comedic version, with Rainn Wilson as the lead hero and Ellen Page as his homicidal sidekick and the guy who did Slither directing?
Sounds awesome, right?
And that’s why I’m pumped for Super. Due to premiere at SXSW later this month, I’ve been looking forward to it’s release since the first details leaked, and now that the release is upon us, we have our first poster!
Honestly, I absolutely love the image, as it’s very Gondry-esq. Here’s hoping the movie meets the marketing. We’ll find out on April 1st.
Source: Badass Digest.
Tired of James Franco yet?
20th Century Fox hopes not, as he is the lead in their big Thanksgiving release, Rise of the Apes.
And yes, the movie is exactly what you think. A prequel to the Planet of the Apes saga (for those counting at home, that’s two reboots in the span of ten years), we see how genetic experiments gone wrong lead to the birth and growth of the titular apes.
The first image from the movie was revealed over the weekend (above), and I have but one question…
WHERE ARE THE APES?!
There’s not a monkey, a chimp, an ape…even a GORILLA?
I already call shennanigans. YOU CAN’T EVEN GIVE US AN ORGAN GRINDER MONKEY?!
Rise of the Apes hits theaters on November 23, 2011.
Source: Latino Review.
Allow me to preface my thoughts with this statement - I really enjoyed The Hangover.
A really fun, if not sophomoric comedic romp, I had an absolute blast watching it, and just as much fun rewatching it at home. Not to mention I’m happy that it shared my boy Zach Galifinakis with the world.
I knew they’d have to cash in. I knew they’d have to do the sequel, and sure, this is JUST a teaser…but honestly, can anyone figure out why there needs to be a sequel?
What loose ends needed to be tied? What exciting adventures did we WANT to see afterwards?
I guess it’s now Todd Phillips and company’s job to make me want to see this.
The Hangover Part II hits theaters on Memorial Day Weekend.
One of the movies I’m most looking forward to this Spring is Zach Snyder’s Sucker Punch.
As we get closer and closer to release, however, it looks like if you aren’t ready for a pure, unfettered look at EVERYTHING that Snyder loves, Sucker Punch might not be the movie for you. If the robots, samurais, dragons and hot girls weren’t enough, Snyder also has been able to exact his World War II fetish.
With the latest batch of character posters, the fine ladies of the film have been turned into 40’s era propaganda. Something tells me that these posters will be the Farrah Fawcett posters for the millennials, turning young boys into men.
One of the posters is above, the rest are in a gallery below.
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If that isn’t enough, according to a post from HitFix.com, Sucker Punch will also have a taste of Moulin Rouge, with the movie having a number of anachronistic musical numbers.
What’s going to be on the soundtrack? Here ya go!
  “Army Of Me (Sucker Punch Remix)“  - BjÁ¶rk featuring Skunk Anansie
  “White Rabbit" - Emiliana Torrini
  “I Want It All"/“We Will Rock You" Mash-Up - Queen with Armageddon Aka Geddy
  “Search And Destroy" - Skunk Anansie
  “Tomorrow Never Knows" - Alison Mosshart and Carla Azar
  “Where Is My Mind?“ - Yoav featuring Emily Browning
  “Asleep" - Emily Browning
  “Love Is The Drug" - Carla Gugino and Oscar Isaac While I’m surprised the musical part has been kept somewhat hidden from the trailers, the fact that more than one of these songs appears in my iPod has me excited and intrigued.
So - will Sucker Punch be a genre-busting classic? Or will it fall flat on it’s face? We’ll find out in three weeks - it hits theaters on March 25th.
Of course you do!
Straight from last night’s Cartoon Network Friday Night cartoon block, we have our first look at the relaunch of Thundercats, due to hit screens later this year.
How does it look? Just click play. You can definitely tell a proper Japanese animation studio is handling it, it really looks like it should be fansubbed as opposed to going straight to the American airwaves.
What do you think? Are you full of excitement and nostalgia, or is the new Thundercats just not for you? Sound off in the comments.
Marvel No-Prize to the first person who reponds with “Hoooooooooooooo!”
While the quality is usually somewhere between admirable and poor, it’s hard not to respect the gumption of fans who go crazy and make their own fan films.
What is easy to respect, however, is when such fans create movies that are totally worth checking out.
While it’s a painfully short animated film, Superman Classic by Rob Pratt certainly goes into the win column when it comes to fan films.
From the style to the sound to the very well animated action, it’s a complete joy to watch.
Click play on the video above to enjoy, and be amazed at what about six people can do!
Someone give Rob a contract!
If you’ve been a regular follower of this here nerdy website, you’d know that I absolutely looooovvvved Duncan Jones' directoral debut Moon.
I premiered the first trailer for his follow up, titled Source Code on here a bit ago, and as we’re inching ever closer to the flick’s April 1, 2011 release date, Summit Entertainment decided to release a second trailer, embedded below.
While it’s pretty clear that the Jake Gyllenhaal starring flick is certainly closer to a standard Hollywood actioner than the indie sci-fi flick Moon was, I certainly can say I’m pretty damned intrigued to see how this flick turns out. Provided of course, they ignore the obvious twist*.
What do you think? Will you be seeing Source Code on Day 1 like me, or are you going to wait for instant watch?
*the bomber was Jake ALL ALONG!
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Sony sure did want to give the Spider-Man fans a love letter this Valentine’s Day.
In addition to unveiling the proper title for the 2012 releasing, Andrew Garfield starring Spidey flick, Sony has even given us our first look at the costume in full.
Set to be titled The Amazing Spider-Man, the reboot will be in 3D, and the full press release follows.
What do you think of the costume? I like it’s sleek nature, and while it looks really solid, it doesn’t have the “made by a teenager feel”. It certainly looks WORLDS better than the candid images that made their way across the web, which is why I don’t cover them.
As with the Peter Parker image, you can click to see more detail.
The Amazing Spider-Man is due in theaters on July 3, 2012.
TO BE RELEASED JULY 3, 2012
CULVER CITY, Calif., February 14, 2011 — Columbia Pictures announced today that the title of the next Spider-Man film will be The Amazing Spider-Man.
The studio simultaneously released a photo of Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man, the first shot of Garfield in the famous full mask and suit (see attachment).
The film, which is now in production and is being shot entirely in 3D, will be released on July 3, 2012. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Martin Sheen, and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt and Alvin Sargent and Steve Kloves based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the Marvel Entertainment production for Columbia Pictures. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Michael Grillo. The film’s official website is www.TheAmazingSpiderMan-movie.com.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel’s strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com.
See that above?
That right there is the first promotional image for the forthcoming new Thundercats animated series due to hit Cartoon Network next year.
Looks like Lion-O, Cheetara, Panthro and Tygra are ready for action, and honestly, I love the anime redesign from Studio 4°C. The style just screams energy, and hopefully the show will live up to the design.
However, no matter how good or bad it winds up, lets look at how it could have been, with this peek at an abandoned test for a CG rebirth of the classic 80s cartoon, courtesy of some random interneter on YouTube.
Is it really only a month and change until Sucker Punch hits theaters?
I feel like we’ve been talking for some time about how great this movie could be, and yet with the trailer so far, we still only have a glimpse of what the movie will be - so I dare say that Snyder’s doing the marketing well.
Next on the marketing train are these five awesome posters, one for each female lead for the forthcoming special effects and fan service spectacular.
I can’t wait! Sucker Punch hits theaters on March 25th.
Source: Badass Digest.
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Holy cow. I’ve gone at length about the 1/6th figure skills from the team at Hot Toys in the past, where you might even say that they do for toys what Mondo does for movie posters.
But this figure? This is something truly special. They’ve received the license to make a figure of Indiana Jones from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
And as always, Hot Toys has spared no expense. An amazing sculpt, interchangeable outfits, tons of accessories, a dead on likeness to Harrison Ford, and even a reversible stand - it’s probably one of their greatest figures ever.
However, with greatness, comes a price tag. If you want to take this version of Indy home (preorderable from Sideshow Collectables), it’ll cost you $250.
A full gallery appears below. Why weren’t toys this awesome when I was little?
Source: TOMOPOP.
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Has their been a vehicle in all of comicdom more loved than The Batmobile?
OK, there might be some strong competitors (Tron’s lightcycles, perhaps?), but as this amazing infographic above demonstrates, there certainly hasn’t been a vehicle more redesigned than Bruce Wayne’s classic ride.
I think this really has every version, including many that I didn’t know exist, but it really underlines that the best versions are the classics, the Burton one, the ‘44 Studebaker, and the ‘92 animated series version.
Which one do you like the most?
Source: Autoblog.
And, how do I feel about it?
…pretty meh.
While I understand a teaser trailer is designed just to do that, tease, this really felt like a bunch of disconnected imagery, none of which that I found terribly intriguing.
I know there have been many other teaser trailers that have used this same formula to leave me in a full-on geek tizzy, but there’s something about what was shown here (or not shown here?) which has just left me cold.
Maybe I’m wrong. We’ll see how this one develops.
X-Men: First Class hits theaters on June 3, 2011.
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I feel like this poster should be used as an example of intriguing marketing.
Everything we’ve seen so far from Captain America: The First Avenger has made it feel like an Indiana Jones-esq action romp.
And now today, with the release of the first poster (above), Marvel Studios turns expectations on it’s head.
Gritty. Sad. Rough. Hard fought. This definitely looks like we’re going to see the dark and the light of World War II in this next major superhero romp, and I for one can’t wait.
I’m surprised that Chris Evans is maskless here, but I guess they want to sell the star.
Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters on July 22, 2011 and the first trailer premieres THIS WEEKEND during the Super Bowl!
EDIT: Here’s a new image from this week’s issue of Empire Magazine. Shows how good the mask/helmet looks!
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Source: Yahoo! Movies.
When I first posted about the new Guillermo Del Toro series of posters coming from the crazy awesome merchandisers at Mondo, word came fast about the stunning poster for Hellboy 2, as drawn by Ken Taylor (above).
Well, the poster will be coming out THIS Friday, January 28th, and it’ll be joined by a poster for the first film in the series (Hellboy) drawn by Florian Bertmer.
In a reveal exclusive to Ain’t It Cool News, the above poster for the first flick starring Red and the BPRD has been unveiled, and while I don’t like it quite as much as the UH-MAY-ZING Hellboy 2 poster, it’s still pretty damn good.
Both posters are 24x36" screenprints, with Bertmer’s Hellboy poster limited to 240 prints and Taylor’s Hellboy 2 with a larger 360 print run.
Either way, they again go on sale on Friday, January 28th, and as always, the best source to find out when they’re going on sale is Mondo’s Twitter Account. Good luck, poster shoppers!
Source:Â Ain’t It Cool News.
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Wow, Fox really is trying an all out assault on the nerd news sites this week when it comes to X-Men: First Class.
We get the unofficial release of a cast shot, then an “official” release of that same shot, three more stills, and even a teaser poster.
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But not even 24 hours later, the director Matthew Vaughn is giving popular movie news site /Film two exclusive shots of Michael Fassbender as Magneto (at the top of the post, in his sweet 60’s jumpsuit) and James McAvoy as young Professor X (above).
Not only is he sharing images, he’s flipping out about the release of the cast shot.
Says Vaughn…
X-Men: First Class hits theaters on June 3rd, but at this rate, between stills, clips and trailers, you’ll have seen all of it by mid-March.
Source:Â /Film.
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Considering some of the most viewed posts on my site here are the Mondo poster reveals and (strangely) all Ninja Turtle related content, I expect to see some excitement about this.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 20th, Mondo intends to release the next in their ongoing series of amazing limited edition movie posters.
The artist? Jeff Proctor.
The film? 1990’s Live Action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles flick.
The poster at the top of the post is the regular edition, which is a 24"x36” print, limited to an edition of 155 prints, for just $40.
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However, for those with pricier tastes, the limited edition copy (above) can be yours for $65, a limited edition of 55.
As always, watch Mondo’s Twitter account to find out when they go on sale.
These posters were the exclusive reveal of movie site /film, which leads me to ask - Hey Mondo!? When is Blast-O-Rama gonna get a reveal?! You know I’d cover it either way. I KNOW YOU READ YOUR GOOGLE ALERTS!
Rant over - enjoy the prints. I know I do!
Source: /Film.
It’s a big day for comic films here at Blast-O-Rama.
We saw the announcement of Selina Kyle and Bane for The Dark Knight Rises, new images from X-Men: First Class, and now we return to the World War II action from Captain America: The First Avenger.
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This weekend the Los Angeles Times revealed the first action shot of Chris Evans as Captain America in full costume, and it seems he’s either running away from or running toward something VERY important.
The next image revealed is a key one, as key art of The Red Skull was revealed. Due to be played by Hugo Weaving, this art matches the style of the prior Thor and Captain America reveals, and even features the cosmic cube. Brazilian blog Mundo Hype somehow found this art, and I think it looks PERFECT.
If the live action version lives up to this even remotely, we’ll be in for a treat.
Captain America: The First Avenger hits theaters on July 22nd, 2011.
Yesterday at my sister blog, BMore Nerdy, I unleashed the first look at the cast of X-Men: First Class.
Given that it was a little small of an image, and one which was possibly released early, I thought it too soon to make a decision.
Well, today, images appeared across the web of not just close ups of that cast image, but also 3 more stills which showcase the 70’s mod feel of the flick, including our first look at Kevin Bacon as Sebastian Shaw. A full gallery of these images appear below.
If that wasn’t enough, Ain’t It Cool News got the exclusive reveal of the teaser poster, which appears above, and if you ask me, is just downright cool.
X-Men: First Class, directed by Kick-Ass' Matthew Vaughn, hits theaters June 3rd, 2011.
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Fresh off the desk of Warner Bros Pictures to the fine nerds of the web, we finally know the two major new leads for the final part of Christopher Nolan’s Batman saga - The Dark Knight Rises.
Anne Hathaway (Get Smart, Alice in Wonderland) will be taking the role of Selina Kyle in the July 2012 release, and from the same press release we now know that Inception’s Tom Hardy will be playing Bane.
Interesting that the press release calls her Selina Kyle and NOT Catwoman, and I’m fairly sure that Hardy’s Bane will be more like the intelligent version from comics, not the dopey “Fat Bane” from 1997’s Batman & Robin.
Full press release follows. Color me VERY excited.
Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.“
In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.“
Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven.
“The Dark Knight Rises" is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. Source: Deadline.com.
Mix the five saucy leads (Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens and Jamie Chung), a giant freaking robot, guns and swords, you wind up with a poster that will be on nerdy males college dorm walls for years to come.
It’s also the finalized poster for Zack Snyder’s Sucker Punch, due to hit theaters on March 25th.
We can all agree this poster is pure awesome, yes?
Lets just hope the movie is too.
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Straight from Sony Pictures comes the first official image from Summer 2012’s reboot of Spider-Man, helmed by (500) Days of Summer director Marc Webb.
With The Social Network’s Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, this first image shows him in costume (minus the mask) at the end of what appears to be a very rough day.
Did Uncle Ben just die? Has he resigned himself to be Spider-Man no more?
Either way, a stark image as our first look at the next generation of webswinger. And I have to say - I like it.
Whatcha think, dear readers?
Source:Â Deadline.com.
As an unabashed fan of Pixar films, I’ve been a bit worried about the inundation of sequels coming from the studio.
Sure, Toy Story 2 & 3 were amazing, and Cars 2 looks like it might actually be great, but what was left unsaid by the first Monsters Inc. to justify Monsters Inc. 2?
Turns out it wasn’t what was left unsaid, but instead, what was said before - as Monsters Inc. 2 is going to be a prequel.
Taken straight from a theater catalog, here is the current synopsis for the forthcoming prequel:
Monsters Inc. 2 is set to hit theaters November 16, 2012.
Source: io9.
Judd Apatow sure thinks so.
Freshly announced by Universal Pictures, the uber producer/director’s next film is set for a June 1st, 2012 release, and the subject matter may surprise you - it’s going to be a sequel to Knocked Up.
But perhaps not the sequel you’re expecting. His next film, which is thus far untitled, will continue the story of Leslie Mann and Paul Rudd’s characters. Seth Rogen has gone on record as saying that he isn’t cast for the film, so presumably neither will Katherine Heigl. Overall, I cannot figure the story set for this, but I assume that if Apatow is choosing this as his next project, there’s a reason.
Part of me worries that this is a “safety” play after the overall failure of Funny People, a movie I really enjoyed, but as with all things Apatow, since his name is on it, I’m willing to give it ago.
What do you think? Should this be the first of many Apatow sequels? Do you want to see the 41-Year Old Virgin? Superbad 2? Sound off in the comments.
Source: Variety.
Remember those weird claymation ads for Lipton Brisk Tea back when, starring Hollywood legends like Bruce Lee in stop motion form?
Well, I guess someone remembered it fondly, as there is a new one. But the star is a very different kind of legend.
The star is the Mexican you don’t want to eff with - Machete.
Yes, that’s right, the deadliest role ever played by Danny Trejo is now an adorable claymation figurine, and he’s shilling tea.
You better buy some. I mean, you don’t want Machete after you, right?
Source: /Film.
As I’ve featured their work in the past, there’s really no one making 1/6th scale figures quite like the amazing team at Hot Toys.
Their work never fails to impress, and as the years go on, they get closer and closer to almost eerie, lifelike recreations of some of pop-cultures most iconic characters, creatures or creations.
The latest figure in their line comes from Iron Man 2, a recreation of the fan favorite suitcase suit - better known as Iron Man Mark V.
Featuring light up arc reactors, glowing hands, interchangeable chest pieces, and yes, that suitcase, it’s a screen perfect recreation of one of the coolest moments in comic book film to date.
Of course, such perfection comes with a price - $180 will get you this figure at the end of the Summer. And some would say it’s worth every penny.
A full gallery of images appears below.
Source: TOMOPOP.
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The amazing California art gallery Gallery1988 has fast made a name for itself with its mixture of amazing pop culture based art shows.
Classic cult films, Lost, video games, comics, they’ve all been fair game for the gallery to showcase, and with their latest show, Is This Thing On? they enter into a whole new world of comics - the world of comedy to be exact.
Co-sponsored by comedy video site Funny or Die, the show features over 100 artists creating unique interpretations of comedic icons as diverse as Judd Apatow, Louis CK, Woody Allen, Scott Aukerman, Conan O’Brien, Robin Williams, Bill Murray and dozens of others.
You can view all of the artwork on Gallery1988’s website, even purchase some of it (either as prints or expensive originals), but I’ve included a gallery of some of my favorites below.
If you’re near Gallery1988’s Melrose location, you owe it to yourself to check it out - the show runs through January 29th.
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Considering the reaction of everyone to my Daft Punk related posts, I think it’s safe to say the readers of this here blog loooove them some Daft Punk.
But have you ever looked at a photo of Daft Punk and wondered “When is this from?”
Turns out, you can tell by their helmets and gloves!
Guy-Man and Thomas haven’t always been the same robots all along, infact, they’ve made subtle changes all along.
And now, due to the work of a dedicated fan at TheDaftClub forums, we have an easy to read guide to these differences.
Consider it like reading the rings on trees, except for that it’s WAY better, because it’s comparing robot heads.
Except for when their title is a horrifying concept.
And then the execution eats at your soul just the same.
I’d say well done, but my childhood is too busy screaming.
Source: Muppets with People Eyes.
Growing up, like most white, middle class teenagers of my generation, I grew to love Kevin Smith.
Mallrats, my favorite of his films. Chasing Amy? Spoke to me in ways no other movie before had (or so I thought). Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back? An absolute party of a film. Hell, I thought the first two Evening With… discs were some of the best DVDs ever created (admittingly, they still hold up).
But sometime after Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, he changed.
The Smodcasts got longer and more vulgar. The twitter feeds, too self involved, shared too much. I just got turned off of the man.
And then Cop Out came out. And sure, if I were him, I’d kill to work with Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan too…but it just wasn’t good.
So now we have a project he’s claimed would be his most difficult, and most different, film to date. Red State.
And I have to say, this trailer is and was enough to make me forget how much I’ve over-learned about the man over the past few years. This trailer is VERY stark, VERY interesting and has me wanting to see it in March.
Don’t eff this up, Kevin.
And the trailer for this April’s Hanna certainly shows me that one of the things it made people believe is that girls being violent heroes can be awesome.
Now, I’m not 100% sold on this film, featuring The Lovely Bones' Saoirse Ronan as the titular Hanna, an adolescent ass-kicker trained by her ex CIA father (Eric Bana). But there are enough things to make me ignore that what should be a very violent film is hit with a PG-13.
The concept is unique enough to intrigue me, and then there’s this note…the score is by The Chemical Brothers. Yes, those Chemical Brothers, the 90’s techno icons.
No matter what, win lose or draw, if their score is to Hanna what Daft Punk’s was to Tron Legacy or Trent Reznor’s was to The Social Network, it’s going to be an interesting outing at the movies.
Let’s just hope the movie doesn’t fall into the same, cookie-cutter traps which so many other promising action films has as of late. I’d sure love to feel right about being excited here.
Hanna hits theaters on April 8th, 2011.
Source: Badass Digest.
As always, I love art that takes well known pop culture icons and subverts them in ways previously unseen.
While I can’t say this guy is the first do to this type of art, when it comes to minimal versions of iconic heroes and villains, I don’t think there’s anyone more minimal than Fabian Glez.
Thus far, his series of minimal art has extended to three pieces, one of popular comic book heroes, one of comic book villains, and finally heroic or friendly robots.
The real fun of this art is that you can play a guessing game as to who each square is, and there’s an answer key right on the Flickr page (linked below).
If you like this art enough, you can even support Fabian directly, and buy it as an art print, T-Shirt or hoodie.
Now let’s see how he follows it up!
Source: Lishoffs (Fabian Glez).
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When I went and saw True Grit earlier this week, there was a pretty interesting trailer for a forthcoming TNT show, called Falling Skies.
Upon watching the special effects laden trailer, I knew I had to find out more. So, after digging up some information, I found the official plot synopsis.
I’m a little bummed that it’s only set for 10 episodes right now, but hopefully this will be an instance of BBC-esq quality over quantity.
Falling Skies is set to premiere in June 2011.
Follow after the jump for a look at the trailer. Please note that it automatically starts playing.
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The final year end tradition to continue this year is my round up of my favorite albums from 2010.
You’ll note that this list is someone different from the favorite tracks, as in some cases, my favorite albums worked best as a cohesive whole, not as an individual track, and some albums were eh, but with amazing songs.
Much like with the movies list, this isn’t ranked, just a listing of favorites, with the strong urge to you to check them out.
Here goes.
The Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
The Brother Kite - Isolation
Daft Punk - Tron Legacy (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach
Los Campesinos! - Romance Is Boring
The Octopus Project - Hexadecagon
Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - The Brutalist Bricks
And, in a special recommendation, as I’m very sure any reader of this blog would enjoy it, hands down, my favorite comedy album of the year.
Kyle Kinane - Death Of The Party
Another Blast-O-Rama tradition continues this year, as like at the end of 2009, I’m posting my favorite tracks from 2010.
26 tracks in length, and coming in at 195 MB, this is a compliation of all the songs that really got me going in 2010.
The full tracklist (in artist alphabetical order) is as follows:
In an attempt to celebrate the year that just passed, here is a list of my absolutely favorite films from 2010.
Note, there are some movies not a part of this list which I enjoyed, but found flawed enough to not count as the best (Iron Man 2, Tron Legacy). There are also movies which I think may end up on this list, which I just haven’t seen yet (Black Swan).
Also, much like last year, there is no official ranking, these are just the movies that I really enjoyed, and recommend you see as soon as you can.
Exit Through The Gift Shop
How To Train Your Dragon
Inception
Kick-Ass
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
The Social Network
Toy Story 3
True Grit
If you’ve yet to see some of these films yet, I recommend you change that, and fast. Get to the theater, get to Amazon.com. Make it happen.
And now I turn it over to you, dear reader. In the comments, let me know your thoughts. What movies did you love? Which did I miss? Which am I wrong about?
Sound off in the comments!
It’s sad to say this, but it’s true.
The amazing Mondo/Lucasfilm collaboration for unique screen printed Star Wars posters is coming to an end.
And when the final posters go on sale on Friday, December 31st, they’re going out with a bang.
Featuring the largest print run yet, with 875 standard editions, and 325 variant editions, these 24"x36" prints feature art from one of Mondo’s best contracted artists, Tyler Stout, who you may remember from his amazing Iron Man, Inglorious Basterds and Blade Runner posters (the latter of which is on my wall at home).
But Mondo didn’t let him just cheap out and do some silly print, oh no. He did three posters - one for each film in the trilogy.
With the exclusive reveal of all 3 prints, UGO also has written an amazing look back at the art of Tyler Stout, which I highly recommend checking out at the source link below, but let’s talk about the main appeal - these AMAZING posters.
Stout always goes the extra mile, adding unique design elements to every inch of the poster, and he hasn’t let up here. Equally messy yet defined, these posters do a great job of presenting immortal moments from the Classic Trilogy in a style never seen before.
After my loss at getting the Olly Moss posters, I’m definitely going to be F5’ing Mondo’s website to get a crack at these.
Personally, I want the “standard” versions, but the metallic variants are great, even going the extra mile to change Return of the Jedi to it’s original title - Revenge of the Jedi.
These Star Wars prints have been a great celebration of one of most timeless series of films ever, and while I’m sad to see it end, I can’t wait to see what Mondo has up their sleeves next. I’d imagine whatever it is, it’ll be easier to order, too.
A full gallery of all 6 prints (3 standard, 3 variant) appear below.
Source: UGO.com.
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I think to say that the collaboration between Mondo and Lucasfilm has been an absolute success.
With 17 different releases this year, each Star Wars print has been jaw dropping and amazing, but all great things must come to an end, but if this piece from Wired is any indication, they’re going out with a bang.
Starting this Monday, the first of the final three releases, making 20 total, will hit Mondo’s website, and it’s a very special collection of prints.
Designed by master artist Olly Moss, these prints are a trio of minimalist posters for the entire Original Trilogy.
Each print takes a look at an iconic location from their respective films, and subverts them to turn them into a key character. You have Tatooine turned into C3PO, Cloud City turned into Boba Fett, and in what I feel is the most striking design, the forests of Endor turned into Darth Vader.
These 24"x36" prints will retail for $50, a limited edition of 400 each, and all go on sale on Monday, so be sure to watch Mondo’s Twitter for the on-sale announcement.
I really think this is the time where I need to pull the trigger.
Source: Wired.com.
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I…I think I need these, guys.
Stepping up their amazing poster game, Alamo Drafthouse’s merchandising wing, Mondo has decided to join the hype and release posters for both Tron and this week’s sequel Tron Legacy.
Due to go on sale tomorrow (keep an eye on their Twitter for the release time) both posters will be $40, and feature absolutely stunning mod styled art by artist Eric Tan.
If that wasn’t enough, the posters GLOW IN THE DARK(!) and I can only imagine how awesome they’d look next to each other on the walls of your nerd den.
I love love LOVE these posters. Well done, all.
Source: Hero Complex — Los Angeles Times.
While I had heard the rumors that Jon Favreau had clashed with Marvel over the content of Iron Man 2, I had hoped that the success of the second film would allow him to finish the trilogy as he’d wish. Alas, if the rumors are to be believed, Marvel Studios and Jon Favreau have reached an impasse, and he will not be returning for Iron Man 3.
The rumored reasons are everything from Marvel presenting an over-elaborate version of Iron Man 3 which turned Favreau off from the project, to simply the idea that the director is too in demand and too expensive for the penny pinching folks at Marvel Studios.
But whatever the reason why, the fact is that Iron Man 3 will progress without half of the team which made the first two work, and that’s a shame. No matter who Marvel likes, however, the final pick belongs to Robert Downey Jr., as he has contractually negotiated director approval, which will make the selection process very interesting.
Who would I like to see behind the camera? My choice is simple - with his experience directing superheroes and even important action franchises, I feel like Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Mission: Impossible 4) would be a great pick for the movies moving forward, especially with his Disney ties.
No matter the outcome, here’s hoping the third shellhead outing remains a good one.
Source: Vulture.
EDIT - 10:02PM
Favreau has done an exclusive interview with the LA Times, explaining why he left Iron Man 3. It seems his Magic Kingdom film will be a part of a trilogy of auteur based Disney films, including a David Fincher helmed 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and Guillermo Del Toro’s Haunted Mansion. This sounds really cool!
Gosh, I love Clark Gregg as Agent Coulson.
Thor hits theaters on May 6, 2011.
Summer 2011 is going to be, hands down, the summer of the Marvel movies.
Between Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger, you won’t be able to hit your local multiplex without knowing about Marvel Comics, and most importantly, the forthcoming Avengers franchise.
Marvel did all the right things by getting the fanboys excited at San Diego Comic Con this past summer, and “Operation: Convert The General Fanbase” kicks off this week with a brand new poster for Thor (seen above), and a new trailer for the Kenneth Branagh directed flick, due to hit the web later tonight.
As for the poster above, I think it’s a really great image, making Chris Hemsworth look nice and regal, and the relative lack of color makes the cape really stand out.
But how does it look in motion? Stay tuned, as I’ll post the trailer once it hits tonight.
Source: Yahoo! Movies.
Back in June, I posted the first image of the Hugh Jackman starring giant robot’s fighting flick Real Steel.
Today, Dreamworks has unleashed the first trailer for the movie, and…well, it looks cheesy as hell.
It almost had me for a few seconds, the giant robot lover in me drooling over the idea of robot based combat.
But then came the shot of Jackman training with the robot in front of a motel for some reason? And of course, the classic last line of a trailer - “BRING IT!”
I can see this being a 10 year olds dream and a parents nightmare.
Real Steel hits theaters on it’s way to HBO Saturday Afternoon infamy on October 7, 2011.
Hours upon hours of stand up specials, Kids in the Hall marathons, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Saturday Night Live reruns, South Park and The Daily Show, it helped me become the vaguely witty, nerdy comedy dork that I am today.
And in 2011, they’re looking to freshen things up with a new style and a new logo.
Now, I’ve never really been a big fan of their current logo, in fact, I just don’t understand it (what does a city have to do with comedy), but as I haven’t really liked any of their branding since they stopped with the Penn Jillette voiceovers, anything new could work.
The logo is going to be the new face of Comedy Central moving forward, and while I cannot say that I really like it, it looks really great in their big 2011 video, embedded below.
What say you, fellow comedy and design geeks? Is the new Comedy Central up your alley, or do you just not give a crap? Sound off!
Edit - 3:15PM Another look at the new logo. I think it’s still kinda “off”, but classy at the same time…
Source:Â Deadline.com.
Sometimes there are videos on the web which don’t really deliver.
This isn’t one of them.
Titled “All of Billy Joel’s Greatest Hits At Once” it does exactly what it says on the tin.
And it makes me laugh like an idiot.
Watch your speakers, it’s a wall of sound once you hit play.
While the first movie wasn’t completely horrible in my eyes, the second was an absolutely laughable mess of cinema.
Granted, that sequel made a bajillion dollars worldwide.
So now, here we are, seven months away from the release of the third and (hopefully) final film in the trilogy, Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
Yes, the title is terrible, but last night the first teaser trailer was released for the movie, and I have to say, it’s vaguely effective. I dare say, if I hadn’t seen the other two “movies”, it’d actually have me excited! Check it out.
Sure, the scale of the robot seems to be ever changing, and I had no idea that the inner machinations of transformers included gears in their eyes which spelled out a logo, but yeah, if that was the first teaser for the first film, I would’ve been excited! Infact, it’s kinda like the first teaser for the first film.
Also, which robot is that, anyway? Facially, he looks like a robotic Jack Sparrow, but we already know he’s tied up next summer. I dare ask - is that Unicron?
But why speculate when I know it’s going to suck out loud.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon hits theaters in 3D on July 1, 2011.
This weeks print is titled “Sanctuary Moon”, and they gave an exclusive look at the print to fellow nerd blog Geeks of Doom.
Designed by artist Daniel Danger, this 24x36" print is limited to a run of 230, and will be available on Friday, December 10th for the price of $50. An incredible nighttime scene set on the Forest Moon of Endor, it features an AT-ST and a number of Ewoks, evoking the final part of the Star Wars saga, Return of the Jedi.
It’s really a beautiful print, and you can click it for a closer look.
As usual, the timing of the on-sale will vary, so keep an eye on Mondo’s Twitter for the appropriate details.
Source:Â Geeks of Doom.
OK, maybe that video I posted earlier was more a trailer set to the tunes of Daft Punk’s first single off of the Tron Legacy soundtrack.
But now there is a REAL video, which mixes 80’s Tron style, jousting, the Daft Punk boys, and soon-to-be-nerd-crush Olvia Wilde.
It’s just under 3 minutes of awesome.
What are you waiting for, PLAY IT!
Source:Â Vulture.
In an effort to underline the above statement, Warner Bros has released 5 new, very brief clips from the film, and yes, it still looks awesome.
Here’s hoping that there’s just a little more to the plot than what we’ve seen so far. It’d be nice to have a little meat to chew into with this flick.
All the clips are embedded after the jump.
Sucker Punch hits theaters on March 25, 2011.
Source: Latino Review.
Me, I’ll be heading to a 3D IMAX Midnight show for a good pal’s birthday, but if you don’t have your evening plotted, why not roll up to your local cinema on a light cycle of your very own.
And no, I don’t mean the RC ones that drive up walls.
I mean your own, street legal, driveable Tron light cycle, from the crazy guys at Parker Brothers Choppers.
Jeff Halverson and the gang have built only 10 of these, following up their successful recreation of the Batpod from The Dark Knight, and for just $55,000, it can be yours.
I know, that sounds like a lot for one of these fiberglass monsters, but six of these cycles (which use an iPad as the gauge reader!) have already been sold, so move fast!
Source: Jalopnik.com.
I thought it was crazy enough earlier today when Disney announced a Fifth and Sixth Pirates of the Carribbean film, but I guess Dreamworks just wants to steal the title of “Family Film Studio With Craziest Expectations for Extended Success.”
In an interview with movie-mag Empire, Dreamworks head Jeffrey Katzenberg (former chairman at Disney no less) laid out future plans for the current batch of Dreamworks Animated franchises.
Amongst the titles revealed:
The entertainment business is just that, a BUSINESS, but come the heck on, gang - ORIGINAL FILMS CAN SELL TOO. I mean, isn’t that why we loved Kung Fu Panda and How To Train A Dragon in the first place? They were unique titles and stood out amongst the mix.
Don’t make me regret having enjoyed you, Dreamworks. Four Shreks was enough. Develop the new - you have the money for it.
Source: Empire.
In a scoop exclusive to movie news site HitFix.com, we have learned that the 4th Jack Sparrow adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides won’t just be a return to film for the Pirates franchise, but it will be the beginning of a new trilogy.
Yes, that’s right, Pirates of the Caribbean 5 & 6 are on their way.
From a personal perspective, this is a huge risk.
The original Pirates trilogy was a perfect example of the law of diminishing returns. The first was an astounding breath of fresh air, but the breakneck back-to-back filming schedule of the second and third installments resulted in two overwrought, over-lengthy films where one was mostly good (the second) and one mostly bad (the third).
I assume the results of On Stranger Tides thus far have been positive, at least for Disney to make such a huge step forward, but as 5 and 6 are scheduled to be (again) filmed back to back, it really sounds like a perfect example of too much too soon.
I mean, On Stranger Tides itself is only happening as the script is based on a book completely unrelated to the Pirates saga, and I’m not sure that I’d trust the creative team to be able to deal with making two more movies. If you watched the documentary on the DVD of the second film, you’d know that the script was being written and rewritten throughout filming, and that explains why the third film was mostly a mess (that whirlpool battle was kinda rad though).
Not to mention, the big question mark of Johnny Depp. The man is signed to be in both Dark Shadows and The Lone Ranger next year, when will he have the time to reprise Sparrow?
This is a big risk, but evidently Disney knows something I don’t. We shall see.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, the fourth film in the Pirates series opens on May 20th, 2011 with a trailer rumored to be attached to Tron Legacy.
Source: HitFix.com.
As mentioned earlier this morning here at Blast-O-Rama, Mondo will be releasing the first part of their Director’s Series: Guillermo Del Toro line, with a Blade II poster tomorrow at a random time.
Releasing tomorrow as well will be the latest in their amazing series of Star Wars prints.
The subject this time? Everyone’s favorite cantina dweller, Greedo!
Limited to a run of 400 prints, “Han Shot First” is a 24x34" screenprinted poster designed by Florian Bertmer. It can be yours for just $50.
As with the aforementioned Blade II poster, the on sale time is random, and the best way to find out when it’s on sale is to follow Mondo’s twitter account.
Best of luck, poster buyers!
Source: Mondo.
I know, I’m practically swinging on the teet of amazing poster makers Mondo (an offshoot of the amazing Alamo Drafthouse movie theater chain) by covering all of their poster releases, but when the projects are as great as they are, it’s hard to say no.
Well, they pretty much ensured that I would go gaga for their next series of posters, which kicks off what they’ve dubbed a “Director’s Series” of custom poster prints.
The first director to be celebrated? One of my favorites - Guillermo Del Toro.
The initial two posters to be released will be two colorways of a Blade II poster, but in the near future, additional films will be covered, including Chronos, The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labyrinth and both Hellboy films.
The Blade II posters will go on sale tomorrow (keep an eye on Mondo’s twitter for the official release time announcement) and we have a first look at both styles below.
No additional directors have been announced (at this time) for the series, but I’d imagine they’ll fit the same cult level as Guillermo Del Toro (Chris Nolan? Edgar Wright, mayhaps?)
As more details are released, you know I’ll cover them. Stay tuned.
Source: EW.com.
Hands down, one of my favorite film discoveries of 2009 was Moon, an absolutely fantastic sci-fi film directed by Duncan Jones.
The film debut of Jones, he immediately set a tone for his films moving forward. His next project has finally been unveiled, and it’s another unconventional sci-fi film.
Titled Source Code, the movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal as a solider who is forced to constantly relive the last 8 minutes of a train bombing, in the effort to discover how the bombing occurred, and who caused it.
It’s a very violent version of Groundhog Day, and the film looks pretty great so far.
Not due to hit theaters until April 15, 2011, color this one of my most anticipated movies of next year.
What say you about Source Code?
I’m still not sure about the post production 3D conversion, but I must say, I think they’ve talked me into a matinee showing, at least.
The Green Hornet hits theaters on January 14, 2011.
However, the mid 90’s theatrical adaptation, starring Sylvester Stallone, was at best a cheezy action movie and at worst, an absolutely horrible adaptation of it’s source material.
But now, about 15 years later, a new Judge Dredd film is under way. And the first image of Karl Urban (Star Trek, Doom) as the titular Dredd has been released.
I’ve placed it (naturally) at the top of this post, and by god, if we were judging the film only on visuals, I’d dare say they nailed it.
There is much work ahead on the film, set to start filming this year (the above image was a costume test), but if this is any indiciation, the new Judge Dredd film is starting off on the right foot.
I’ve heard it said many time, from sources including myself - Family Guy just was never as funny when it came back.
Maybe they should’ve remained a cult favorite, maybe it never was that funny to begin with - but no matter what it is, one thing is true - the Family Guy Star Wars episodes have been faaaaaaaannnnnn-tastic.
Starting with Blue Harvest two years ago, Seth McFarlane and the gang have made a spoof each year of the original Star Wars trilogy, and this year brings the final installment, It’s A Trap.
Due to hit blu-ray and DVD on December 21st, I’m genuinely excited for this release.
If the above trailer wasn’t funny enough, here’s a more gag related one, but personally, I’m keeping spoiler free.
Hands down, one of my favorite albums this year is Arcade Fire’s The Suburbs.
I didn’t think it was possible for them to properly follow up Funeral and Neon Bible, but yet they handed in the third in what will no doubt be looked back on a series of some of the greatest albums ever written.
Anyway, with the release of their new single, the title track “The Suburbs” comes a video.
But not just any video, oh no.
It’s the music video return of amazing director Spike Jonze, more recently known for his theatrical adaptation of Where The Wild Things Are.
Unsurprisingly, the combination has made for a great video. Apparently part of a short film Jonze directed, it starts off innocent enough, but changes dramatically.
That’s all I’ll say. Click play, and get ready for great music and great imagery.
Really, there isn’t much more than the headline.
The highly anticipated (by me at least) new Simon Pegg/Nick Frost collaboration Paul is finally on it’s way to theaters, and as is appropriate, the hype train is moving forward.
We had the trailer (linked below), and now we have a one-sheet proper.
I have a hunch this is the UK poster, but hey, we got Pegg, we got Frost, we’ve got the Seth Rogen voiced titular alien.
It’s awesome times.
Paul hits theaters on March 18, 2011.
If you troll the same websites I do, chances are you’ve seen the video which is Seven and a half minutes of Arnold Schwarzenegger screaming.
Haven’t yet? Here you go.
And then, almost as kismet, a second amazing video appeared.
The topic? Nicholas Cage Losing His Shit.
Stunning, right?
Well, I had an even more amazing idea.
WHAT IF WE MIXED THOSE VIDEOS TOGETHER?!
Enjoy.
Amazing projects put together by very talented people, but measured even at the last minute as not really cutting it, there are dozens, if not hundreds or thousands of games lost to the ether.
One such game was the Electronic Arts title codenamed LMNO.
Spearheaded by producer Steven Spielberg, LMNO was to be the second game for EA overseen by the star director following Boom Blox for the Wii, which itself was codenamed PQRS.
But in 2005, LMNO was the title that a team of talented artists and programmers were looking to make come to life. The concept was gutsy, to say the least. A mix of first-person parkour movement with adventure/RPG objectives and escape-focused gameplay, it was to be based around the player’s relationship with an alien-looking character named Eve.
In the article linked below, you get to see how such a promising title by such talented people fell apart. But not without seeing what could’ve been.
The alien you see above is Eve, and her tale is if nothing else an interesting one.
If you have any interest in gaming, or how games are created, you owe it to yourself to read the linked article below.
In the meantime, here’s a look at the game that may’ve been.
Source: 1UP.com.
By now, you should know the deal.
Mondo is the awesome merchandising wing of super theater chain The Alamo Drafthouse. They make cool, limited run merchandise, most particularly posters and prints, for different films. Their most well known line is that of Star Wars based posters.
And holy crap, the past few weeks have been amazing.
Friday, November 12th brought the above print, “Attack Position” by Rich Kelly, featuring Chewbacca battling a group of Stormtroopers.
The next week, November 19th, brought “A Wretched Hive” by Martin Ansin, a print showcasing the memorable scuffle in the Cantina in Dagobah.
But this week might be the most stunning print yet.
Drawn by Blast-O-Rama favorite Kevin Tong, “A Linch Pin Droid” goes on sale this Friday, November 26th, and is an absolutely beautiful “exploded” style print of everyone’s favorite robot, R2D2.
The print is absolutely stunning on it’s own, but what is really amazing is the work that went into it, cataloged extensively by Kevin Tong on his blog.
If you really want to appreciate how much work goes into these prints, there is no better way than this post.
“A Linch Pin Droid” is limited to 400 prints, at 24x36 in size. To find out when exactly on Friday they go on sale, follow Mondo on Twitter at @MondoNews.
Late last week, Warner Bros released the first trailer of Green Lantern to the web.
Set to be attached to Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1, the trailer was released to the web a bit early, to allow fans to see it in glorious HD via Apple.com, as opposed to the shoddy phone cam shot versions that would surely hit the web otherwise.
At the time of it’s release, I watched it. In HD even. And yet I couldn’t shake a feeling of unsureness about the project, at least from what we’ve seen so far.
And so I waited until I saw the trailer “properly”, projected on a large screen in a dark theater (I really enjoyed Potter, btw). But yet I’m still left unsure about this adaptation.
What does it do right? The shift in tone, even in the trailer is great. It looks like a goofy comedy about a smart ass fighter pilot, and then WHAM, the sci-fi hits you in the face, alongside the DC and Warner Bros logos. And holy crap, Oa looks STUNNING. As do the other Lanterns, for that matter.
But then the flaws show. The all CG Green Lantern suit? Looks laughably bad. Like, absolutely plasticine and awkward. Sure, the ‘breathing’ in the suit looks great, but that mask is TERRIBLE. And then after a great break in tone, going from goofy comedy to major superhero event film, the trailer goes back to comedy? Sure, this is but a snippet of the film, but are we going to be faced with such uneven shifts in tone in the final project?
I sure hope not.
I know one way or another, my ticket will be purchased for Green Lantern on or around June 17th, 2011, but I cannot help but feel like this movie isn’t heading down the right path. We shall see.
As even the most fervent fan of the works of Pixar, I can admit that Cars was a misstep.
An indulgent film for Pixar head John Lasseter, it was ostensibly a love letter for an era I never knew, and resulted in what is arguably their weakest film to date. However, Cars became a merchandising cow. As boys LOVE cars. And love to play with cars. So they sold a BUTTLOAD of merchandise.
And lo, like only few other Pixar films to date, Cars earned a sequel. Which brings us to today, and the release of the first trailer.
With a scheduled release date of June 24, 2011, Cars 2 takes the characters from the first film and throws them all across the globe, in an homage to spy films.
While I’m really excited to see Michael Caine in action as one of the cars, I still can’t help but be bothered by Larry The Cable Guy. The man irritates me, even when it is just his voice.
But I can’t help but feel that for Pixar to do a sequel to Cars, there has to be a story worth telling - but I just can’t get excited for this.
Prove me wrong, gang. Prove me wrong.
High resolution stills are available in the gallery below.
[gallery]
But of course, a movie is much more than it’s title.
With a terrible title like Cowboys & Aliens, you immediately start thinking of one of those terrible Asylum Pictures films, made in about a month on a shoe string budget, with the hopes that SyFy or some deep cable movie channel will use them to fill up two hours of airtime.
And then you see the trailer.
Jon Favreau (Iron Man) behind the camera. Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde in front of it. I mean…it’s James Bond and Indiana Jones as COWBOYS, fighting ALIENS.
How can this NOT work?
I hate the title, I really really do. But the trailer and talent involved are leaving me wondering - can Cowboys & Aliens be a good flick?
We’ll see this summer. Cowboys & Aliens hits on July 29th, 2011.
A full gallery of stills follows below. Enjoy.
[gallery]
You’d think with all the work that the amazing team at Mondo are doing (more to come in a later post), that there would be no market for more Star Wars posters.
You, however, would be wrong. VERY wrong.
Artist Steve Thomas looked at what we may see as an over-mined field and found himself a place to plant a tree, and struck pure gold with this series of Star Wars based travel posters.
Promoting the lands of Mos Eisley, Dagobah and Hoth (amongst others), these posters are absolutely fantastic, and are a dead on skewering of the old fashioned travel posters you used to see back in the 50’s and 60’s.
Evidently, I’m not the only one who thinks so, as Acme Archives Direct has decided to release prints of them in limited quantities. The Kessel Run and Mos Eisley prints are up first, but the rest are still to come.
If you’ve got a nerd in your life, I think you just found their Christmas present.
Source: Steve Thomas Art
[gallery]
Sort of a dark actioner, the film is based around a group of hunters who uncover, and scavenge, the real Santa Claus. Now, if you know anything about how Claus is seen in other cultures, you’d know that this doesn’t exactly end well.
I’ll let the trailer do the talking from here.
Shlocky? Yes. But does it look ENTERTAINING? OH YES.
Rare Exports hits US theaters starting December 3rd.
One of the most fascinating projects to almost, but ultimately not, hit the silver screen to me is Tim Burton’s ill fated Superman Lives.
Set to be an adaptation of the now classic Death and Rebirth of Superman story, the film took many forms, ultimately dying in 1998, with Nicolas Cage attached at the time to play Superman.
About once a year or so, more images or long lost pre-production information hits the web, and I’m always drawn to it. The ideas are equally terrible, yet gutsy.
This movie was undoubtedly far far removed from the classic ideas of Superman, yet Warner Bros put up hundreds of millions of dollars for this gamble. They ultimately lost, but not as much as they could have.
Never the less, this latest “leak” of sorts is thanks to special effects designer Steve Johnson, who via his Facebook, and recreated in the gallery below, gives us a look at what I assume was the “regeneration suit”, used by Superman when he comes back to life.
It’s a chrome and LED lit eyesore, but it’s amazing to think how it would’ve been received by film audiences, had the movie been completed.
Here’s hoping that Zach Snyder doesn’t have one of these suits up his sleeve for his forthcoming Superman reboot.
Source: Facebook.
[gallery]
Seriously, folks.
It’s not that Battle: Los Angeles looks bad. Heck, this teaser trailer makes it look great, even, despite it’s bargain bin video game-esq title.
The issue is that with Skyline (which this trailer is attached), Paul, Cowboys & Aliens and this film, are we going to end up a little aliened out by the end of 2011?
Sure, alien movies are generally pretty cool, and some are good (or looking good, like some which I just mentioned), but why does Hollywood have so many instances of aiming at the same target at the same time?
It’s like the year Deep Impact and Armageddon hit at the same time. Sure, people can have the same thoughts at the same time without trying, but it just leads to moments where movies feel samey, and the viewer doesn’t feel like leaving home, as they might just see the same damn flick they saw the week before.
Sorry, I veered way off path, as really, I do think Battle: Los Angeles' teaser trailer is rather evocative and grabs the viewer, but maybe 2012 we space out our genres a bit, yeah?
Battle: Los Angeles hits theaters on March 11th, 2011.
Source: Latino Review.
And his next movie, Moon Rise Kingdom, will be no exception.
Who does he have in the roster for his next movie?
Just some actors who you might’ve heard of. Bruce Willis. Ed Norton. Bill Murray. Tilda Swinton. And uh, Frances McDormand. Oh, no one special. Not at all.
If that star studded cast full of powerhouse talent wasn’t enough to sell you on the flick, thanks to Deadline Hollywood, here’s a quick synopsis of the movie to be.
Source: Deadline.com.
Releasing on May 27th, 2011, I find myself strangely looking forward to this sequel. Released in 2008, Kung Fu Panda was a true surprise of a great flick. Arguably the first really great film from Dreamworks Animation since the original Shrek, it ushered in the new era of great films from the typically maligned studio.
Lightning struck a second time with the absolutely fantastic How To Train Your Dragon, and from all indications, Megamind is also quite the pleasant surprise of a film. But will a sequel break the trend? Considering the unusual talent behind Kung Fu Panda 2, you at least have a shot of the movie being at worst a noble attempt, at best, a grand success.
What do I mean by unusual talent? Kung Fu Panda 2 serves as the first Dreamworks Animation production properly produced by Guillermo Del Toro, and in a really shocking turn, the script is written by Charlie Kaufman, best known as the screenwriter of Being John Malkovich and Adaptation.
No matter what, this will be a flick I keep my eyes on next Summer. I am by far and large a dyed in the wool Pixar fan, but I’m certainly game for there being two great animation studios.
Kung Fu Panda 2 hits on May 27, 2011.
Source: Latino Review.
At the time of this writing we are exactly one month away from the premiere of Tron Legacy.
I’ve covered much of the hype, even covered Tron Night, but on December 17th, it’s going to be meaningless. 28 years since the original, Tron Legacy will hit screens, and with this, the third and final trailer, Disney takes its last shot on the hard sell.
And holy crap, is it an awesome trailer. A taste of the Daft Punk score, a look at some of the amazing action coming up, and that eerie CG young version of Jeff Bridges are all showcased.
I guess after you watch it, there’s just one question - are you excited?
I am. Tron Legacy hits theaters on December 17th.
I don’t know about you, but I was always fascinated as a kid whenever the TV show or movie I was watching was set where I lived. There’s something about the combination of this fictional tale with a location you know so well which just draws your attention closer. It’s probably half of why I loved Homicide: Life on the Streets so much.
But is there a movie for every state in the US?
That was the idea behind the above graphic, designed by reddit user subtonix, giving us the United States of Movies.
Pretty awesome, right?
Well, with everything on the web, someone has to out do someone else.
So thanks to Andrew Shears, we got the United States of TV!
Are there any particular snubs in each map that you’d think be more appropriate? I think they both hit the nail on the head, but I’m sure given enough time, we’ll see more detailed maps splitting it up by cities.
That’s right internet, I just threw the gauntlet down. Live up to it!
One of the movies I’m really looking forward to next year is the return of The Muppets.
In a film currently rumored to be titled, appropriately, The Muppets, Jason Segal (who also wrote the film) stars as Gary, who along with his roommate Walter (the new muppet in the foreground) seeks out the Muppets when word is that the Muppet Theatre is due to be torn down.
There is no set release date for the film at this time, and like I said, we don’t know for sure the title of the movie, but gosh it’s exciting to see the Muppets back again.
Source: Latino Review.
You can’t really call it a surprise.
With a record setting 5.3 million viewers watching episode 1, and a barely dropping 4.6 million watching episode 2, it’s no shock that AMC has officially picked up The Walking Dead for a second season.
Based on the amazing comic from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead has been an absolutely fantastic adaptation of already great source material, and I cannot underline how happy I am to see the series succeed.
What’s really great about this pickup? Season 2 will see 13 episodes, as opposed to Season 1’s 6 episodes, giving us twice the zombie goodness next year.
How ecstatic is AMC? I’ll let their official press release do all the talking.
(New York, NY — November 8, 2010) AMC announced today the renewal of “The Walking Dead" for a 13-episode second season. Since debuting Sunday, October 31, “The Walking Dead" has broken ratings records, with the series reaching more Adults 18-49 than any other show in the history of cable television.
Today’s announcement also includes Fox International Channels’ (FIC) global renewal for a second season, following record-breaking premiere ratings in 120 countries in Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East. “The Walking Dead" was the highest-rated original series premiere ever to air on FIC simultaneously worldwide.
“The Dead’ has spread!“ said Charlie Collier, President, AMC. “No other cable series has ever attracted as many Adults 18-49 as The Walking Dead.’ This reaffirms viewers’ hunger for premium television on basic cable. We are so proud to be bringing back The Walking Dead’ again, across the globe.“
Ratings Highlights for The Walking Dead - Episode 2, which premiered on AMC Sunday, 11/7:
“¢ 10pm airing — 3.1 HH rating with over 4.7 million viewers; “¢ Adults 18-49 — 3.3 million viewers; “¢ Adults 25-54 — 2.8 million viewers; “¢ Men 18-49 — 2.1 million viewers.
Ratings Highlights for the The Walking Dead - Episode 1, which premiered on AMC Sunday, 10/31:
“¢ 10pm airing - 3.7 HH rating with over 5.3 million total viewers; “¢ Adults 18-49 - 3.6 million viewers; “¢ Adults 25-54 - 3.1 million viewers; “¢ Men 18-49 - 2.0 million viewers.
“I wish all programming decisions were no brainers like this one,“ said Sharon Tal Yguado, SVP Scripted Programming. “The Walking Dead’ is a TV masterpiece on so many levels. We want at least 10 seasons, if not more. Kudos to AMC!“
AMC’s “The Walking Dead" is based on the comic book series written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics. Kirkman serves as an executive producer on the project and three-time Academy Award-nominee Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile) serves as writer, director and executive producer. Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator, Aliens, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk), chairman of Valhalla Motion Pictures, serves as Executive Producer. David Alpert from Circle of Confusion and Charles “Chic" Eglee (Dexter, The Shield, Dark Angel) serve as Executive Producers.
“The Walking Dead" tells the story of the months and years that follow after a zombie apocalypse. It follows a group of survivors, led by police officer Rick Grimes, who travel in search of a safe and secure home. The comic goes on to explore the challenges of life in a world overrun by zombies who take a toll on the survivors, and sometimes the interpersonal conflicts present a greater danger to their continuing survival than the zombies that roam the country. Over time, the characters are changed by the constant exposure to death and some grow willing to do anything to survive.
Shot on location in Atlanta, “The Walking Dead" is led by a cast that includes Lincoln (“Teachers,“ Love Actually) as Rick Grimes, Jon Bernthal (“The Pacific,“ The Ghost Writer) as Shane Walsh, Sarah Wayne Callies (“Prison Break") as Lori Grimes, Laurie Holden (“The Shield,“ Stephen King’s The Mist) as Andrea, Jeffrey DeMunn (Stephen King’s The Mist, The Green Mile) as Dale, Steven Yeun (“The Big Bang Theory") as Glen, Emma Bell (The Bedford Diaries) as Amy and Chandler Riggs (Get Low) as Carl Grimes. The Walking Dead continues it’s amazing first season on Sunday night at 10pm.
This sure is some well timed movie promoting synergy!
No sooner do Warner Bros release a new still from Sucker Punch, as seen on here yesterday, do they release a new, full length trailer!
The footage here still looks amazing, but I can’t help but feel (at least from what’s shown here) that the “real world” sequences are going to draggggg.
Either way, there’s a ton of eyecandy here, and it’s definitely Zach Snyder at his most Zach Snydery.
If your comp supports it, I highly recommend watching this trailer in HD!
A large number of major movie sites had the honor and pleasure to post set visits for Zach Snyder’s next major film Sucker Punch.
While I didn’t get to share in this pleasure, I can share the big new media on the film, which includes a new still of lead character Baby Doll (Emily Browning) seen above, plus the official synopsis for the film.
Here’s how Warner Bros is officially describing Snyder’s next crazy action opus:
What’s really crazy is that I’ve been nominated four times overall (Best Pop Culture, Best Twitter Feed [Personal], Best Personal Blog and Best Charm City Current Blog),but I want to make for one focus here.
I want Blast-O-Rama to win Best Pop Culture Blog at the 2010 Mobbies.
You can click the above link to vote once a day, through November 12th, and to make sure you remember, this post will be stickied until then.
All day I’ve been fluxuating near the top, and now I hope that with a current all-time record readership, you will all do me a solid and put me at the top.
Remember, you can vote ONCE A DAY through November 12th. LETS MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
The next in the latest wave of 3D motion capture films is heading our way for October 2011, and it has some pretty major names attached to it.
Directed by Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg with a script from Joe Cornish, Steven Moffat and Edgar Wright, The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn is an adaptation of the world famous comic by Herge, about a young reporter (the titular Tintin) and his faithful dog, Snowy.
Now, the announcement of these films was a HUGE deal in basically, oh, every country in the world minus the US, so it stands to reason that Empire Magazine (the UK’s greatest movie mag, period) received the exclusive on these images.
The cover, seen at the top of the post, is the first look at Tintin, “played” by Jamie Bell. Tintin, as with every character in the film, is a 3D CGI character created via motion performance capture, similar to what you saw with The Polar Express or Avatar. It’s this same technology that is why the film, which wrapped filming a year ago, will take two years to release, the CG is of that amazing of quality.
The other two stills, above, feature Tintin, Snowy, and both a behind view and close up of Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis), a trusted ally to Tintin.
All and all, given the talent and technology involved, I’m very interested to see how the film turns out, but I can’t help but feel many in the US are like me when it comes to the source material. I know enough to know that the books are incredibly popular all around the world, but I cannot say I’ve read a single volume. Given my level of all around nerddom, I do worry that they will struggle to sell the film to John Q. Public.
Either way, I have a year to get caught up, and they have a year to sell the world on this adaptation. This could be an interesting one!
Source: Empire.
With just under two months to go, Disney is facing a somewhat difficult marketing process with this December’s Tron Legacy. How do you promote a sequel to a film like Tron that is 28 years old, and at best, is considered a cult classic? Well, it seems they stole from the best, and re-purposed Fox’s Avatar Day idea of screening 20+ minutes of footage for free, and called it appropriately enough - Tron Night.
Heading into the local AMC Theater in White Marsh, home to an IMAX 3D theater, the audience turn out wasn’t quite what I expected, but stronger than what was seen at Avatar Day, a theater that was roughly 3/4ths full. But no matter the turn out, once the glasses were on and the lights went down one thing was for sure - the buzz from these screenings were going to be overwhelmingly positive.
Starting with a 2D sequence in the real world, where Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) is discussing the possible fate of his long missing father with Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner, reprising his role from the original Tron), we are quickly thrown into the world of the Grid, and things have changed significantly since we last saw it in 1982.
Without going into deep spoiler territory, the next twenty minutes were absolutely riveting. Mixing light cycle races, an exciting chase sequence with an all terrain vehicle called a Light Runner, disc battles, the fate of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) and Olivia Wilde being somehow even more attractive as freedom fighter Quorra, it was an extraordinary display of genre-pushing filmmaking.
Far too often in movies, when you look at the concept art, you feel the disconnect of what the creators envisioned and what makes the screen, but if these 23 minutes were any indication, there was little to no compromise, and it’s an absolute joy to look at. The sound too was particularly impressive, with powerful bass indicating the oncoming Recognizers and hints of the stunning score from Daft Punk.
If I had to pinpoint the weaknesses, it seems Hedlund is a bit wooden as the lead, playing a little too grim and gritty for his age. Plus, as someone who has rarely been impressed with 3D, this was another instance where I was left wondering when a live action film would live up to the bar set by Avatar.
Either way, at the end of the day, one thing was true - I cannot WAIT to see Tron Legacy. The trailers had me hooked, but this footage confirmed it, I’ll be there for the midnight show.
As the excitement builds for the premiere of Conan O’Brien’s new show Conan on TBS, Monday November 8th, the folks at Team Coco are making sure to give back to the fans that supported O’Brien with a very special episode.
Show Zero will be a streaming episode of Conan on Monday, November 1st. A live streaming test episode of the program, it will feature everything you will expect from Conan proper, including celebrity guests, and it will air live across the web at 11pm EST.
The streaming episode will be available at the Team Coco Homepage, YouTube page and Facebook page, and personally, I can’t wait to see Conan back in the swing of things. Excitement abounds!
The merchandising off-shoot of the amazing Alamo Drafthouse theater company (who now have their own film distribution arm, called Drafthouse Pictures), Mondo has been doing amazing limited run prints of posters for movies for a number of years now, many of which I’ve featured here.
UGO got the opportunity to sit down with Justin Ishmael to discuss his favorite posters put out by the company and to give an idea of the thinking behind the prints.
In addition to being a great read (really, you owe yourself to click the source link), this article also unveils the next print in their stunning Star Wars line.
Pictured at the top of this post, the next print will be “Luke’s Destiny” by Frank Stockton.
Limited to an edition of 360 pieces, this 24x36 print showcases the pivotal moment from Empire Strikes Back where Luke and Darth battle for the first time.
The art is fantastic, with a great sense of perspective, and may be the first I attempt to “fight the crowd” for and buy myself.
If you, like me, are interested in owning this print, be ready - it goes on sale tomorrow, October 28th, and I recommend you follow them on Twitter for the on sale announcement - these prints go fast, and I feel like “Luke’s Destiny” may go the same way.
Source:Â UGO.com.
While we heard minor snippets from the book throughout the season, it never seemed like we’d get the full story. But it seems some very smart writers have decided to get together and write the “real” book.
Due to be released on November 16th by Grove Press, I’m very interested to see what lies within the book’s 176 pages, and what, if anything will be referenced in Season 5 of everyone’s favorite show about advertising.
The full description is as follows:
During his long and illustrious career, Sterling has come into contact with all the luminaries and would-be luminaries of the advertising world, and he has acquired quite a reputation among his colleagues for his quips, barbs, and witticisms.
Taken as a whole, Roger Sterling’s pithy comments and observations amount to a unique window on the advertising world—a world that few among us are privileged to witness first—hand—as well as a commentary on life in New York City in the middle of the twentieth century.
A few “sterling" examples:
When a man gets to a point in his life when his name’s on the building, he can get an unnatural sense of entitlement.
The day you sign a client is the day you start losing him.
Being with a client is like being in a marriage. Sometimes you get into it for the wrong reasons, and eventually they hit you in the face.
When God closes a door, he opens a dress.
Sterling’s Gold covers it all: business, marriage, and the taste of success made sweeter with a glass of something strong. That “God closes a door, opens a dress” line is amazing.
If you want to pre-order yourself a copy of Sterling’s Gold, click the link. Not only will you get what could be a great book, but it helps Blast-O-Rama out a bit.
This’ll be the perfect holiday gift for a Mad Men fan, and I look forward to seeing how it turns out!
Source: Amazon.com
Following in the footsteps of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight will be the third film, now officially titled The Dark Knight Rises.
Given the dark turn of the end of the second film, one can assume this is the redemption film for Batman, as he goes from public enemy number one to Gotham’s lead hero.
While Nolan was not ready to discuss who the main villain would be, he did eliminate one possibility, saying that the villain was not going to be The Riddler (which totally throws out my theory as to who Tom Hardy would be portraying).
Additionally, in a bit of information that made me very happy, the director noted that the movie will NOT be in 3D, and he intends to work more towards usage of IMAX in the third film. I just wonder if he is crazy enough to shoot the whole film in IMAX this time.
Any way you cut it, it’s a long road between now and 2012. Now we just need to figure out who the villain will be.
Who do you think it is? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Source:Â Hero Complex — Los Angeles Times.
This coming Thursday night marks “Tron Night”, Disney’s attempt to recreate the excitement of August 2009’s Avatar Day by building hype for Tron Legacy via a screening of 20 minutes of footage.
Little did they realize that all they needed to do was release a brief video of footage scored by Daft Punk.
The above video for “Derezzed” was released today by the Disney Netherland’s YouTube page, and it simply rules the house.
I’ll be at “Tron Night” Thursday evening, and will give you the full run down right here late Thursday night. I’m excited.
Tron Legacy hits theaters on December 17th.
1990’s comic icon and modern day punching bag Rob Liefeld is starting a webcomic.
Called Zombie Jesus.
I…
Wow.
I’ll just let the press release say everything that needs to be said.
THE MOST DISTURBING SCRIPTURE IN THE BIBLE REVEALED! ZOMBIES WALKED THE EARTH AFTER THE DEATH OF CHRIST!
MATTHEW 27:51-52 “The earth shook, the rocks broke and tombs opened and many men and women who had died came back to life again. They left the cemetery and went into the city and appeared to many people there.“ THE UNTOLD TALE OF THE 48 HOURS FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF CHRIST!
Following the crucifixion of Christ, supernatural warfare tore apart the Roman Provinces. Zombie Hordes attacked Jerusalem in search of the corpse of Christ. The Disciples were under siege as the Undead tore apart the countryside and an unlikely hero, LAZARUS THE IMMORTAL emerged to combat the Legion of Dead!
Written and Illustrated by legendary creator Rob Liefeld, ZOMBIE JESUS! reveals the secret history of the supernatural war that ignites the scriptures following Christ death. “ Where The Passion of The Christ ends, our story begins!“ states Liefeld “ ZOMBIE JESUS involves all the key players that moved behind the scenes following the crucifixion. The Disciples, Pontias Pilate, Judas Iscariot, Joseph of Arimathia all play key roles as the Undead attack. Most importantly, Lazarus, the man Christ returned from the Dead, arrives to fulfill his destiny. Lazarus was delivered from death for a purpose and ZOMBIE JESUS connects all the mystery surrounding the days following the death of Christ. It’s 300 meets Dawn of the Dead with a ticking clock reminiscent of 24.
ZOMBIE JESUS will be serialized twice weekly at www.robliefeldcreations.com Yes. This is really happening.
Best of luck, Rob, but I just need to let you know - the zombie webcomic thing? It’s been done.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
Well, Katie has been bringing the cute to another universe, as she tackled a series of Marvel Heroes vs. Villains scenes for a forthcoming Rittenhouse trading card set.
I think it’s safe to say that these are some of the most charming interpretations of the Marvel U to date, and I cannot recommend enough that you check out the full gallery below.
Enjoy!
Source: katiecandraw.com.
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With a new Dragon Ball MMORPG due to release soon, Shueisha has announced that Toriyama will be returning to the Goku drawing board for the first time since the one-off crossover with One Piece in 2006.
Sure, I can make all the filler and grunting jokes I want, but for Dragon Ball fans, this has got to be really exciting.
More on it as it comes.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
While the song itself isn’t entirely my bag, the latest video from My Chemical Romance, “Na Na Na ((Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)" absolutely delivers on the promise of the “Art Is A Weapon” teaser video I blogged about a month ago.
Officially introducing viewers to the world of California in the year of 2019, plus the bands new aliases (which I assume are the Killjoys, based on the albums title), it’s about 5 minutes of glorious 70’s action homages and sentai references, plus, of course, comics god Grant Morrison as the main villain.
All and all, I’d have to say I’d be more interested in a full DVD of videos like this, but if the song is your bag, get excited as The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys is due to hit on November 22nd.
The newest, and probably final, poster for Tron Legacy hit the web via Yahoo! Movies today, and aside from being a really cool looking poster, it really hits the whole Tron nail on the head.
How well does it? Â Let’s check out the 1982 original poster…
Yeah, that’s what I call a quality reference.
Tron Legacy hits theaters on December 17th, with a special 20-minute preview in select theaters on October 28th.
Source: Â Yahoo! Movies.
It was over a year ago that I first wrote about Paul, and with the movie finally set to hit theaters on March 18th, Universal has finally taken the wraps off of the Simon Pegg/Nick Frost starring alien comedy.
Featuring the Hot Fuzz/Shaun of the Dead duo as two sci-fi geeks traveling the US who encounter the titular alien (voiced by Seth Rogen), this teaser trailer is our first look at the film, and more importantly, our first look at Paul himself.
Honestly, on the simple concept of the movie, I was skeptical, but with Pegg and Frost anchoring an amazing cast (including Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig) and Greg Motolla (Superbad) behind the camera, I have little doubt that this is going to be one heck of a watch next Spring.
Color me there.
Source:Â Cinematical.
One of my absolute favorite things to feature here on Blast-O-Rama are pop culture related art shows.
Generally curated by the fine folks at Gallery 1988, these shows have featured dozens of classic films, elevating what some may consider too mainstream of a topic to turn into art, to a true masterpiece.
Well, now there’s a new gallery trying to add to the world of movie-based art shows.
Located in San Francisco, the LoPo Gallery is freshly opened, and starting on October 30th, will be featuring a show in tribute to the films of Wes Anderson, titled Bad Dads.
Featuring amazing artwork from such folks as Becky Dresitdat, Tim Doyle, Lauren Gregg, and BoR fav Kevin Tong doing tribute to The Life Aquatic, Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Bottle Rocket and The Darjeeling Limited, it should be an amazing show.
I’ve included an extensive preview gallery below, and should you be interested in purchasing any of this art, you can at SpokeArt.net. Enjoy!
Source:Â /Film.
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…Bruce Willis.
That’s right. In the latest episode of Between Two Ferns, the worlds greatest talk show filmed between two plants, the alternative comedian goes head to head with one of the greatest action stars of all time.
Suffice to say, it gets real awkward, real fast. But as always, as the viewer NOT in the room, it’s hilarious. Enjoy.
Source:Â Funny Or Die.
I was already pretty excited for Daft Punk providing the score to this December’s Tron Legacy, but it seems the fine folks at Disney found a way to make me even more giddy.
Ah yes. By putting them in the movie.
Fresh from the Tron Facebook, we have our first high-rez (click it!) look at the French Techno duo, as they appear in film.
Is it too much to ask for an action figure set?
Source: io9.
Did I fall asleep, and the past 6 years of my life have been some sort of weird, very realistic dream?
Because Fox TV has evidently decided that it’s 2004, and greenlighting a Napoleon Dynamite cartoon is a GRAND idea.
Just set up for a 6 episode run, the cartoon returns Jon Heder to the role that made him big, and the series is being handled by Dynamite’s original creator, Jared Hess, so it’s not like this won’t feel like the original film. Â I just can’t help but ask, what loose ends were left untied at the end of that film? Do we really need a sequel?
Granted, I’m sure this is how audiences felt when the Clerks cartoon was announced, and we all know what an underappreciated gem that was.
I’m left wondering only one more thing - with Fox already having a solid block of cartoons (and between longevity and a $100 million deal respectively, I don’t see The Simpsons or the Macfarlane properties going anywhere), when do they intend to air both this and the green-lit at the same time Jonah Hill project, Allen Gregory?
It’s like they plan these shows to fail.
Source:Â Deadline.com.
While you would be correct to believe the headline as a wonderful fever dream, or a fantastic play scenario dreamed up by an over sugared 5 year old (I’m pretty sure I played it once or twice myself), the above scenario really is happening!
Kicking off this January, Infestation is a company-wide crossover from comics publisher IDW. Â Known mostly for licensed work, including (you guessed it) Ghostbusters, G.I. Joe, Star Trek and Transformers, they’re mashing up all of those universes into one tale, pitting the characters from all four universes against a universal scourge - zombies!
But these aren’t any run of the mill undead, oh no!
These are the zombies from the IDW comic Zombies vs. Robots, which means they have some experience fighting out of the ordinary opponents (sorry, Transformers.)
The one bummer of the story is while it will be a cohesive whole, you won’t be seeing the universes combine, so there’s no awesome Spock & Snake Eyes vs. zombies moments.
Infestation kicks off in January and ends in April. Check your local comic store to reserve.
Source:Â io9.
One of the many big first looks showcased at New York Comic Con this past weekend was the first reveal of details for the forthcoming Green Lantern animated series, coming to Cartoon Network.
Following the push for the movie, this series has some major power backing it, serving as a collaboration between DC animated universe head Bruce Timm and Avatar: The Last Airbender director Giancarlo Volpe, which is sure to already insure the drool of fanboys.  What makes this interesting is this is the first CG series by Timm, with the whole show being 3D modeled.
Currently set for a 26 episode run (with I’m sure more to come) Green Lantern: The Animated Series is more a space buddy cop series, featuring Earth Green Lantern Hal Jordan teaming up alongside his trainer and fellow GL Kilowog. Â The series will take place in the deepest, darkest regions of space, with the Red Lanterns serving as the “big bad” for the series, and Sinestro due to appear down the line.
The only bummer so far? While a preview run will launch in late 2011, we won’t be seeing the series proper on the air until 2012.
All the time to perfect it, I say!
Source:Â io9.
Titled Takio, this all ages title printed under Marvel’s Icon imprint re-teams Bendis with his Powers collaborator artist Michael Avon Oeming.
What’s it all about? Here’s how Bendis describes it from his interview with Comic Book Resources:
Part of the reasons the two sisters in “Takio” are having so much trouble getting along is the simple fact that they don’t have much in common. “They’re very different. They’re looking at the world differently. One is a little older than the other. The older one has much more responsibility because it’s a single parent house hold. I see a lot of kids today with a lot more responsibility than I had when I was a kid. Both parents are working, so they might have to grow up and take responsibility for a lot of things. That’s a part of this series too,” Bendis said. “One of the girls is adopted and one isn’t. That does impact their relationship. The oldest one is at that age where she’s trying to discover who she is and what she is." Between the concept and the really funky art, with colors by Val Staple, Takio is already looking like a must read for when it launches in February 2011.
Bendis is already comparing this book to his first year of Ultimate Spider-Man, which I’ve long felt is one of the best runs of comics ever published, so to say that my excitement is high is an understatement.
The full article is a great read, and I highly advise giving it a look via the link below.
Oh, comics. Just when I think I’m out, you pull me back in!
Source:Â Comic Book Resources.
But for those of us who aren’t quite getting it, I’ll cut to the chase.
The classic, and downright amazing for it’s time, six player X-Men arcade game from 1992 by Konami will be coming to XBox Live Arcade and the Playstation Network.
Unique because of it’s six player cabinet (although in some locations, a 4-player cabinet was available), this X-Men game has never been available for home systems, and unless you’re lucky enough to have a machine near you, hasn’t been played regularly by gamers in nearly twenty years.
That’s all going to change with this downloadable only release, where the only changes being made are the addition of online co-op (for up to 6 players) and adjustable difficulty.
No release date is set at this time, but if you’re like me, you cannot WAIT to play funky, 80’s styled Cyclops, Colossus, Wolverine, Storm, Nightcrawler, or Dazzler!
This release was officially announced at New York Comic Con this weekend, to (understandably) much yelling and excitement.
Now if only they could port the Simpsons arcade game…
Source:Â Kotaku.
Here’s the latest - Mike Myers has decided the next step on his “Kill My Career” tour will be to voice Looney Tunes skunk/possible rapist Pepe Le Pew in a headlining film!
Oh wait, it gets better/worse (depending on how much you enjoy me ranting about these things), the movie is intended to be a live action/CG hybrid, like the god awful Alvin & the Chipmunks films, and the sure to be terrible Yogi Bear and Smurfs movies.
According to inside information, this is all a part of Warner Bros plan to recharge the Looney Tunes franchise, which has fallen in popularity and public awareness over recent years. Â In turn, Warner Bros idea (much like how they’re stripmining the DC Universe) is to take all of the available characters and turn them into films.
Let’s take a step back, shall we?
Looney Tunes is losing its cultural relevance, and the idea to reinvigorate the popularity of the cartoons is to rush a series of (sure to be terrible) films to the big screen. Â I don’t think that’s the right idea at all.
Over the past two decades, after having a renaissance due to the Tiny Toon Adventures franchise, Bugs, Daffy and the gang were pushed off of TV (the old cartoons were deemed too controversial), thrown into terrible movies like Space Jam and Looney Tunes: Back in Action, and then made into a terrible cartoon titled Loonatics, which was supposed to reinvent them for a modern audience, all dark and extreme. Â Suffice to say, THAT is why the toons are no longer relevant. Â Pushed to DVD only release, it’s no wonder that kids aren’t familar with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and the rest.
Here’s an idea - GET THEM ALL BACK ON TV! Â When I was a kid, a daily block of Looney Tunes filled the Nickelodeon afternoons, alongside Tiny Toon Adventures and Taz Mania on Fox, and then the toons were all over Cartoon Network and Boomerang. Â Cut to today, when Cartoon Network is filled with live action programming, why can’t they just fill the afternoons with quality content which kids (and families) were raised on for decades past?
I know that they’re working on new 3D shorts, and a new cartoon to air on Cartoon Network, but there are literally hundreds of hours of content sitting in the vaults, when it could be making children of all ages smile today.
You want Looney Tunes to be relevant, WB? Don’t piss away the past with the Love Guru, remind us what we loved THEN by giving it to us again NOW.
Source:Â Vulture.
Oh, AMC, you are the MASTERS at getting me to want to watch your shows*.
Every week, you cut a new teasing promo for the following week’s edition of Mad Men which say nothing and everything at all, and now to hype the Halloween premiere of The Walking Dead, you do the exact inverse, but the result is the same…I WANTS TO SEES IT!
Click play to see it for yourself, and join me in a frothing countdown until 10pm on Halloween night to FINALLY see this adaptation hit our screens!
I am excited!
*Except Rubicon.
Unfortunately, due to being so busy between moving and my birthday, I missed sharing this batch with you before they sold out (my apologies). Â Revealed on Wednesday’s episode of G4’s Attack of the Show and then quickly sold on Thursday, the latest grouping of prints was the second in the series of Bounty Hunter designs. This time, they featured burn victim Dengar, buggy lookin' 3PO 4LOM, and everybody’s favorite clone child, Boba Fett.
Designed again by Ken Taylor, all 425 of these screen printed sets sold out fast, but damn are they cool to look at!
I can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeve next!
Source:Â Mondo: The Blog.
Taking ten of their favorite films, the team at Moxy has designed a minimalist poster for each one, using only key or trademark costuming from each film, and it’s surprisingly effective and evocative of each flick.
Whether it’s the clear plastic coat and axe from American Psycho, Shaun’s shirt with a stain of red from Shaun of the Dead or the colorful bow ties from Dumb and Dumber, each movie is wonderfully represented by just minor pieces of clothing. Amazing how key that can be, isn’t it?
If you like these prints, each are available for purchase at the link below.
Source:Â Moxy Creative House.
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Artist Steve Thomas has put together an absolutely amazing series of posters mixing 1980’s cartoons including He-Man, Voltron and Mask and reinterpreting them as bands, making each one their own tour poster.
I’ve included a gallery of the posters below, but if you (like me) are absolutely in love with these posters, you can obtain prints of them at Steve’s Zazzle store, where he’s even made a t-shirt of the Thundercats crest he designed!
Check them out!
Source:Â Steve Thomas [Illustration].
[gallery link=“file” order=“DESC”]
There’s been some slight rumor and scuttlebutt about there being issues with the script or actors, but if this latest batch of concept art is any indication, I think we might all just be OK if the movie is one, giant 2 hour Daft Punk video without dialogue, plot or purpose. Â God DAMN this looks cool!
Tron Legacy hits theaters on December 18th.
Source:Â Bleeding Cool.
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I’m pretty sure that Guillermo Del Toro is recession proof.
No sooner than he quits his gig as director of The Hobbit, he signs on to direct his dream project At the Mountains of Madness, and now he’s got a huge gig with Dreamworks Animation, including writing and directing a project of his own - Trollhunters!
Based on a young-adult novella he will be publishing, Trollhunters is the first of many projects for Del Toro under the Dreamworks Animation wing. Â He already has been said to have some input on this November’s Megamind, and will serve as executive producer for both Kung Fu Panda 2 and Shrek spin-off Puss in Boots.
This continues Dreamworks Animation’s unique period of growth, which seems to have started with 2008’s Kung Fu Panda and continued with this year’s How to Train a Dragon. Â I almost wonder if so many critics (including myself) constantly describing Dreamworks as a semi-perminent #2 behind Pixar on the animation front made them step up and reach out to unique talents such as Del Toro, but whatever the case, I’m excited to see the end results of this collaboration.
Whatever gets more Guillermo films in my life makes me happy, so thanks a bunch, Dreamworks!
Source:Â The Hollywood Reporter.
Fresh off the web, we now have our first full look at the opening animation for the Japanese animated adaptation of Iron Man!
My thoughts? Generally, it looks nice and slick, and sort of exactly what you’d expect, but I have some concerns in the second half, like…
Did they make Pepper a brunette?
Is Rhodey suddenly a white dude?
And what happened to Warren Ellis writing these?
Sure, it all looks very slick, but I also can’t help but feel it looks bad compared to the original teaser trailer shown at San Diego Comic Con 2009.
No matter what, we’ll soon be able to make our full thoughts known, as the series premieres this month in Japan, and airs on G4 next year.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
You ever have those projects that on paper sound great, but would probably never really happen?
One such project was Trent Reznor taking the world he created in 2005’s nine inch nails concept album Year Zero, and turning it into a mini-series, TV show or film.
Painting a picture of a dark world where art is banned (and the leader is similar to a certain president who may or may not have been in charge at the time of the recording), Reznor grabbed the worlds imagination with not just the album, but an extensive ARG campaign. Simply put, people wanted to see more of the world of Year Zero. But the idea of it sounded like a pipe dream.
Five years later, Reznor, with the help of BBC Worldwide Productions and HBO, is making that dream into a reality.
Working alongside Carnivale creator Daniel Knauf, Reznor is currently working on the series bible (the documentation which the writing of the series is built upon), and then the more traditional phases of production will begin.
Creating a television show can be a marathon, and while this is only the first step ran, it’s a great way to start, with two creative partners who are known to let their talent run wild.
Keep your eye on Year Zero, it could be great!
Source: Hero Complex — Los Angeles Times.
I don’t routinely share humorous internet videos on here, but in the case of this compliation of ads for Panda Cheese, I couldn’t say no.
One part angry panda, one part innocent bystanders, all parts awesome, you’ll be chuckling your head off. Click play and enjoy!
Source:Â Serious Eats.
Based on the revered mini-series by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely, All Star Superman is the next direct to DVD DC Animated feature.
Reducing the twelve issue series to an 80 minute film is no easy task, but with a voice cast including Anthony LaPaglia as Superman and (hubba-hubba) Christina Hendricks as Lois Lane, they’re off to a good start. Â My one complaint so far is that the art style isn’t really grabbing the Quitely look, but that’d probably be very expensive to correctly emulate.
All Star Superman hits store shelves on February 22, 2011.
Source: Superhero Hype.
It’s really jarring to compare Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows to where it all started, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
But yet, here we are, nearly 10 years later, and the fantastical tale of a boy in a magical school has grown into a grim and gritty, exciting action adventure, at least that’s how the latest trailer for the next film plays it out.
Honestly, I’m not a hardcore Potter head, but goddamn I am getting excited for the next movie! And this is only going to be HALF of it!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 hits theaters on November 19th.
Source: Yahoo! Movies.
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With less than a month until the premiere of AMC’s adaptation of The Walking Dead, they are doing their best to get all the last details out, and hype drawn before show time.
The latest is the official poster for the series, unveiled earlier today.
Showing lead character Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) riding his horse into a desolate city, it evokes just the right mood for the series. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it re-purposed for the DVD/Blu-Ray release down the line.
The Walking Dead premieres on Halloween Night, October 31st, at 9pm.
As My Chemical Romance has built their musical empire over the past decade, I cannot say I’ve ever found myself a fan.
Sure, my comicing cohort Nick Borkowicz has been singing their praises for as long as I’ve known him, but they never grabbed my interest.
Until now.
I had already been converted to the creative talents of their lead singer, Gerard Way, ever since he wrote two of the best miniseries to come out of comics in the past few years, The Umbrella Academy, and now with the promotional short film/trailer for their next album, titled The True Lives of The Fabulous Killjoys, I think I might just be interested to see what’s next.
Titled Art is a Weapon (embedded at the top of this post), the bright costumes and almost European feel to the short make me want to see a full length adventure with these characters. It doesn’t hurt that comics god Grant Morrison appears as the villain, either.
Now, here’s the interesting twist. At San Diego Comic Con 2009, Way announced his next comics project after Umbrella Academy, with one of my favorite artists, Becky Cloonan. The title of that project? Killjoys. Due in 2010.
The plot, it thickens!
I forsee this being some crazy comic, movie, album extravaganza, and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together this November!
You’re basically ensuring that if/when I become an eccentric millionaire, I will devote my life to buying your posters.
The latest way to drain nerd wallets dry is with the next set of Star Wars, a Trio of Bounty Hunters.
Set to go on sale on Tuesday, September 21st, this set of three 12x36" screenprints are limited to a run of 425 pieces, at $85 per set.
What makes buying them even more special, is that as this is the first set of prints, when the second grouping goes on sale, people who bought the first set have first crack at the new ones!
So if you know already, you want all of these prints, jump on early.
And how could you not? Drawn by Ken Taylor, Bossk, Zuckus and IG-88 have never looked better.
Really, you’re only left with one question - can you afford them?
If so, keep an eye on Mondo’s site on Tuesday.
Source: OMG Posters!.
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Already well known for her “Scottamari” piece, as found on the back cover of the Scott Pilgrim Full Color Odds & Ends release, she has now taken Ramona, Scott and the Seven Evil Exes and turned them on their heads, and swapped all their genders!
This is an amazing and really unique collection of fanart, and as a hardcore Pilgrimite, I absolutely love it. I especially enjoy the Female version of Gideon and the lady version of the Katayanagi Twins.
Click through below for more of Jemma’s great art, and check out the gallery of all the gender swaps at the bottom of this post!
Source: eatfun/deviantART.
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I feel weird saying it, but the movie I’m most excited for this fall (right now, at least) is The Social Network.
I know, I know, it’s “the Facebook movie”, but with the astonishing teaser trailers released so far, David Fincher behind the camera, and an Aaron Sorkin script, I’ve been on edge for it’s release.
And now, with the first tastes of Trent Reznor’s score for the film, the picture becomes a bit clearer of how unique a film this will be.
Alongside the announcement of pre-orders for the soundtrack in CD, MP3, Vinyl and 5.1 Blu-Ray format, Trent Reznor released a 5-track EP from the score for free, which can be yours with the oh-so-easy submission of your e-mail address.
It should come as no surprise that this is a quieter, more sparse score, but it’s definitely Reznor work, and I look forward to taking it in as a whole.
Source: The Social Network Soundtrack.
Considering his comic properties Wanted and Kick-Ass have become popular films and Nemesis is on it’s way to being one (as is Superior, if rumors are true), it should come as little surprise that comic author Mark Millar is going to be directing a film of his own.
What may be surprising? He’s already working on it.
In an exclusive scoop to IGN UK, Mark Millar released the first details for his directorial debut, titled Miracle Park.
The overall reveal was not very enlightening, but here was the first official statement on the film:
Set in contemporary Scotland, this dark, unique superhero story focuses on a group of animal rights activists who break into a low-level research laboratory to find a mile-long underground base owned and facilitated by the US government.
Described as The X-Men meets Trainspotting, Miracle Park breaks all the taboos of superhero cinema and offers a completely new take on the genre.
The movie is shot entirely on a hand-held camera, establishing a tone more consistent with Paranormal Activity or The Last Exorcism than a traditional superhero release.
Miracle Park is chilling, violent and a totally new experience in cinema. Miracle Park starts where other superhero movies draw the line.
Principal photography finishes at the end of October and Millar expects to be in post-production until January when the teaser trailer will be released. Not surprisingly, Millar picks up where he left off in comics by pushing the envelope. Considering he has no studios to listen to, or editors to please, it should be interesting to see the filmic version of Millar at his best and worst, definitively unleashed.
Keep your eyes on Miracle Park, it could be damned interesting. As soon as more info is available, I’ll be sure to share it.
Source: IGN UK.
One such detail were the charts of the different bands Sex Bob-omb was facing on their way toward success, as “drawn” by bandleader Stephen Stills.
In reality, Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O’Malley made the charts for Crash ‘N The Boys and the dastardly Katayanagi Twins, and he’s been kind enough to upload them onto his personal Flickr account, and now I’ve brought them here to Blast-O-Rama for you!
If you were squinting your eyes in the theater to get all the little details, worry not - you can click through the gallery below for every blow by blow of every band member!
Source: Scott Pilgrim Band Sketches - a set on Flickr.
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This time, it’s “Dawn of Tatooine” from artist Shan Jiang.
Limited to only 410 prints, this one was revealed and sold out this morning.
But g’damn, isn’t it beautiful?
Source: Mondo.
Hey, remember when I was trying to be the shining voice of optimism of the US remake of Let The Right One In, titled Let Me In?
Sure those early images and teasers were nice but, now that we have this terrible new poster (above) and the horrible new TV spot (below)
Yeah, I’m starting to worry again.
It’s like they’re starting to market this to the lowest common denominator, painting it as a generic horror film, where before it retained the dark, spooky feel of the Swedish original.
Sure, it’s easy to blame this on the marketing - I mean, I’m not sure if you paid attention to the trailers for George Clooney’s contemplative hitman movie, The American, but they quickly went from quiet tension to bold actioner…could be the same thing here.
Let’s hope this is just an instance of poor marketing, and not a terrible remake. Let Me In hits theaters October 1.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
The topic of this post, the stunning poster for Moon created by artist extraordinaire Kevin Tong, is another prime example of this theory of mine.
An Oversized 24x36 print, this poster is part of AllCity Media’s Redrawn series, where different artists present their takes on films that AllCity Media (a marketing firm) worked on. As Moon is one of my favorite movies, currently, I’m understandably attracted to this print.
If you think this is a poster that you’d be interested, keep an eye on Kevin Tong’s website, as the poster will be going on sale sometime tomorrow after 12pm PST for $45, which I think is a steal.
Click through below to see Kevin’s full post on the poster, which includes a rad graphic showing the poster from conception to realization!
Source:Â TRAGIC SUNSHINE.
Hard to believe it’s been three long years since Grindhouse hit theaters, and as Machete shined this weekend, another fake trailer is looking to become real as a homeless man hits the streets with a vengeance in…
Hobo With A Shotgun
Originally the winner of a Canadian contest to create a fake Grindhouse-style trailer, Hobo With A Shotgun is now a full, feature length film, and they even have Rutger Hauer as the titular hobo!
Be warned, the trailer is VERY NSFW, but goddamn, that looks like a great time in the theaters.
No set release date at this time, but MAN does this look like a blast!
Source: Ain’t It Cool News.
Unfortunately, that was the fate for Pixar’s next big original project, Newt.
Originally set for a summer 2012 release, Newt was to be the tale of the last two blue-footed newt’s in existance, destined to mate…who disliked each other, immensely.
Set in the mix of a busy schedule for Pixar which includes Cars 2, Brave and Monsters Inc. 2, Newt ended up drawing the short straw, and was shelved earlier this year.
Not all is lost, however, as Disney decided to release a large amount of production artwork this weekend on Facebook for fans to see and dream about what could’ve been.
Who knows, maybe this will rekindle interest in the film. The designs look unique enough to me, and after the 1-2 punch of Up and Wall-E, I would love to see more original Pixar films, less sequels, but I guess that’s the way the cookie crumbled.
You can browse the full gallery below.
Source: Disney/Pixar’s Facebook.
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And if an artist has mixed comics and mod art better than Rogan Josh, I’ve yet to see it.
As a part of his modHero series, Josh has taken dozens of heroes, from the well known to the obscure, and turned them into brilliant mod art pieces, each perfectly encapsulating the hero featured.
I’ve included a gallery of some of my favorites below, but you really could lose hours pouring over his full archive, which I’ve linked below. Josh does sell prints on occasion (follow his tumblr or facebook for more), and you better believe - next time he does, I’ll be buying a few!
Source: modHero.
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Everyone’s favorite talk show set between two fake plants has returned, for an interview with Academy Award winning actor Sean Penn.
Unfortunately, the normal host, Zach Galifinakis, was unavailable for hosting this time around, but he found a rather suitable replacement.
Click play for all the awkward fun.
Source: Funny Or Die.
Knowing that he was in a room full of important part’s of comics present, past and future, he decided to take the time to make what I feel is a very important speech, one on the state of comics moving forward, as we embrace the digital future.
I’m not usually one for posting people’s comments wholesale, but as a fan of comics, I feel this is a speech which needs to be read by both fans and creators, and while I have but a limited influence here on my blog, I think this is worth reading for any/all eyes which come across it.
In full, thanks to Comic Book Resources, here is his speech.
What most people don’t realize about copyright is that it was originally conceived to protect not artists but the public domain–to ensure that artists and writers and their heirs couldn’t have perpetual ownership of their work until the end of time because, at some point, the sentiment went, you ought to have to give back to culture the same way you, I, and all artists draw from it. Certainly, you should benefit from your work, and you should have legal protection, but I find it interesting that the original intent was to deliver ides back into the public domain.
Then, three hundred years ago exactly this year, publishers co-opted the copyright concept to create what are the foundation of today’s copyright laws–but even then, they existed not to protect creative folks but, rather, publishers and printers. Copyright was about making sure no one could bootleg the printed work and compete with legitimate, licensed printers. It was about protecting distribution. Public domain was still seen as important, however, because no one then or now can argue that Western civilization would be better if Shakespeare’s heirs still controlled his works and they couldn’t be read in schools without payment, or if you had to pay a fee every time you wanted to even look at a Degas. Culture is more important than copyright.
That copyright system, however imperfect, worked for centuries. It was a decent balance of copyright and culture–you were allowed to profit from your work during your lifetime, your heirs even got many years' grace period afterwards, and then it all went back into the pool of public domain at some point long after you were dead. But for the past several decades, megacorporations have turned copyright into a perpetual revenue machine for them that will never end and never expire. That’s great for individual copyright holders who draft off of that momentum, but it’s lousy for culture. Worse, it’s led to a mindset among creators that the only acceptable reward for creativity is dollars and cents…
…but that leaves culture and public domain out in the cold, and again, culture is more important than copyright. No one’s saying we shouldn’t be compensated for our work, but we are obliged to give back at some point. Moreover–and I know that in hard economic times like these, it’s very hard to remember this–I would also offer that being able to contribute to culture, having the satisfaction of knowing that we’ve done work that is embraced by others, watching our ideas spread and seed new ideas–if you’re calculating overall job compensation, that is not without value.
“Yes, Professor Waid, you hippie freak, sharing is all well and good, but how does that pay my bills?“
I know. I know. We all still should be financially compensated for hard work so we can keep doing this and make a decent living. No argument. And that brings us back around to filesharing. If you’re genuinely morally indignant about this issue, I understand and respect that. But I worry that a lot of the moral indignation I hear over filesharing is just a way of trying to mask our panic over how our ability to make a living with our art is quickly eroding under the current business models. And I understand that fear. I really, truly do.
Look, if you are in comics just to make money, I can respect that. Honestly, no sarcasm. But if you are here to create a sustainable living for yourself while at the same time finding some way to give back to the world, then filesharing is not a problem…it’s an opportunity.
Like it or not, downloading is here. Torrents and filesharing are here. That’s not going away. I’m not here to attack it or defend it–I’m not going to change anyone’s mind either way, and everyone in America at this point has anecdotal evidence “proving” how it hurts or helps the medium–but I am here to say it isn’t going away–and fear of it, fear of filesharing, fear of illegal downloading, fear of how the internet changes publishing in the 21st century, that’s a legitimate fear, because we’re all worried about putting food on the table and leaving a legacy for our children, but we’re using our energy on something we can’t stop, because filesharing is not going away.
And I’ll tell you why. It’s not because people “like stealing.“ It’s because the greatest societal change in the last five years is that we are entering an era of sharing. Twitter and YouTube and Facebook–they’re all about sharing. Sharing links, sharing photographs, sending some video of some cat doing something stupid–that’s the era we’re entering. And whether or not you’re sharing things that technically aren’t yours to share, whether or not you’re angry because you see this as a “generation of entitlement,“ that’s not the issue–the issue is, it’s happening, and the internet’s ability to reward sharing has reignited this concept that the public domain has cultural value. And I understand if you are morally outraged about it and you believe to your core that an entire generation is criminal and they’re taking food off your table, I respect that.
But moral outrage is often how we deal with fear. It’s a false sense of empowerment in the face of fear. And I’m here to tell you, that if at core you’re reacting not out of moral outrage but out of fear of the internet and the whole way publishing seems to be headed–that’s good news. Because that’s something we can fix.
We are the smartest, most creative medium in America. We put out ideas on a periodical basis bam, bam, bam. We don’t put out a screenplay every three years. We don’t invent a TV show every ten years. There are more ideas in one Wednesday in one comic shop than in three years of Hollywood. We’re notoriously bad businessmen, but we are unmatched for creativity and inventiveness, and there are ways to make filesharing work for us rather than cower in fear that it’s going to destroy us.
I’m going to be rolling out some ideas in the next few weeks on how I personally want to make torrents work for me, not take away from me, and how I plan to shift the paradigm. Lots of you already have similar ideas or will, as well. I’m not saying that to plug anything I’m doing; I just want to go on record that I’m willing to walk the walk. My ideas may work. They may not work. But I’m going to share them. And if they don’t work, I’m going to keep trying. And I’m going to set up forums by which we can share our ideas on this, and I invite us all to throw them around. I really want us to keep that dialogue open. But we can define the terms of 21st century publishing and not have them defined for us.
I don’t want to be afraid. I don’t want to enter my third decade of my career terrified that publishing’s going down the tubes when we have the power to affect it. In fact, we have the advantage of being able to watch how other media have mismanaged their attempts at digital for ten years and learn from their mistakes. We can–and we will–find ways to make the internet work for us and for the enrichment of culture. Source: Comic Book Resources.
An uncanny re-creation of the actor and character, it’s only appropriate that the second figure in the line is just as great, and of a character just as important to the film - Christoph Waltz as Col. Hans Landa.
Arguably one of the greatest film villains of this century, Landa is re-created with an almost eerie eye to detail, and of course, Hot Toys' typically well laid out mixture of appropriate accessories (INCLUDING HIS PIPE!) and well-crafted costuming.
Really, the only things that seperate you from action figure perfection are about $200, and the ability to be OK with having a Nazi on your shelf, even one as well-acted as Hans Landa.
This figure should be available late this year.
Source: ToyNewsI.com.
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Earlier this month, one of my favorite musicians, Mr. Ted Leo (he of “and the Pharmacists” fame) added fuel to the fire of his apparent eminent retirement.
Rumors had run fast and furious across the web that he would be leaving the music industry, and according to a very lengthy blog on his website, he would be leaving the world of music…and entering the world of music theater.
It turned out to be a gag (of course), as it was viral promotion for his latest music video. For the great track “Bottled In Cork” off his new album The Brutalist Bricks, this video includes cameos from a number of great comedians (including Paul F. Tompkins and John Hodgman), and in general, is a hilarious and great video for a downright great song.
Click play and show it some love, won’t you?
Source: Funny Or Die.
You may be familar with the talented team at 2 Player Productions from their amazing work on the Penny Arcade TV series (seriously, how awesome is the end montage of the season finale?).
But before they were filming the exploits of the world’s largest webcomic, 2 Player Productions were put on the map with their groundbreaking documentary of the NYC Chiptune music scene, Reformat The Planet.
For those unaware, chiptune music is 8-bit style music composed using hacked NESs, GameBoys and other classic gaming systems, and is a world populated by such great artists as Bit Shifter and Anamanaguchi.
Reformat The Planet documents the chiptune scene around the time of the 2006 Blip Festival, and after doing the festival circuit, the DVD has been officially released thanks to the fine folks at Fangamer.
Here’s the trailer:
The DVD is available in a number of awesome packages including prints, posters, pins and t-shirts, but let’s be honest, it just looks like an awesome doc, no matter the package you buy. Personally, I’d like the shirt/DVD combo myself, as it’s a rad shirt, but more than anything, I’d love to see the birth of the growing world of Chiptune music.
Reformat the Planet is currently available via Fangamer. Source: Joystiq.
JUST Announced by AMC - their Frank Darabont-helmed adaptation of the super-popular comic series The Walking Dead will be hitting TV screens on Halloween Night, Sunday October 31st at 10pm.
The premiere episode will be an extra long 90 minute episode.
If that wasn’t enough, they finally released a high-quality version of the San Diego Comic Con trailer (embedded above), which can also be viewed in glorious, full-screen HD.
In short - the coolest series of the fall is going to be following up Mad Men in the Sunday, 10pm slot. Sorry HBO, you just lost Sunday nights.
Too excited.
Source: AMC.
By far my most anticipated bit of television this fall is AMC’s adaptation of The Walking Dead.
Set to debut in October, fans all around the web (including myself) have been raving about how well the comic seems to have made the transition from the panels to the small screen, and with each piece of new media, I continue to get more and more excited.
The latest release is of a new grouping of stills, featuring looks at more undead and the lead (Rick) having a not-so great encounter with a bunch of walkers.
I’m bummed AMC still haven’t released a high-quality version of the trailer showcased at San Diego Comic Con, but I still think this series will join Mad Men and Breaking Bad as the third jewel in AMC’s original programming crown.
Source:Â /Film.
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I’m always a big fan of unique LEGO builds, but this one is just jawdropping. And it doesn’t help that it’s based on one of my favorite flicks of the summer.
Created by flickr user “Profound Whatever”, aka Alex Eylar, this amazing Inception based hallway is just a beautiful piece of work, and is dead on to the source material.
Seems Mr. Eylar isn’t a newbie when it comes to great pop-culture based LEGO creations, as he’s even made homages to Pushing Daisies, television color bars, Doctor Who and even that infamous Zombie Playground painting.
But seriously, you should check out all of his work, it’s brilliant - and just a click away below!
Thanks to Samtaters for the heads up!
Source: Flickr: Profound Whatever’s Photostream.
It’s been almost 15 years since Independence Day relaunched the alien invasion genre, and honestly, I think it’s time that the genre needs a shot in the arm. I mean, what was the last mainstream project based around alien invasions? ABC’s terrible V remake?
I think that’s what they’re aiming for with Skyline.
Skyline was one of the movies that made a quiet impact at San Diego Comic Con last month, and the first teaser trailer hit the web last week. While it gives you very little of the plot, the final shot of the trailer is one of equal parts majestic beauty and abject horror, a mix I’ve always felt was important for movies of the flying saucer persuasion.
As cool as that looks though, I’m a bit worried about how the full movie will fare. Directed by the Brothers Strause who’s other major credit is Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, I don’t really have too much faith in the project…let alone when your biggest star is Donald Faison of Scrubs and Clueless fame.
Maybe they blew all their creative juices on this major shot in the trailer…but I’d love to be wrong.
I guess we’ll find out when Skyline hits theaters on November 12, 2010.
I swear, there are just some things that make me think I’m on the wrong coast. Sure, I love being so close to DC, Philadelphia and New York, and the great opportunities for arts, music, performances and film that my location allows, but some days, I really wish I were in California.
Today, it’s once again due to the amazing art shows showcased at Gallery 1988. Fresh off of the amazing Crazy 4 Cult 4, they’re teaming up with the Autumn Society for The 3G Show.
What’s the 3G about? Why the three eighties staples - Gremlins, Ghostbusters and Goonies!
There is going to be a ton of great art to be showcased at this event, and there’s really no other way to showcase it than by letting you see it. So I’ve included probably the biggest gallery ever in this post. Go forth after the break and enjoy!
What’s my personal favorite of the show? That “Mogwai” LP is amazing, hands down. Although, Ghostbusters street sign is super classy. I think I’d want a tin version of that for my wall.
The show opens on September 3rd in LA, and goes through September 22nd.
Source: /Film.
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You’re probably tired of hearing me go at length about how much I love the Alamo Drafthouse, and hope to one day go there.
I think what really draws me to them is they make every movie an experience, and at the same time, have found great ways to celebrate movies - the most successful of which have been their series of custom posters for different films under their “Mondo” merchandising wing.
I’ve featured their work in the past, but they’ve done posters for movies like Iron Man 2 and Inglorious Basterds, cult classics like Zombie, and even have created poster series for Star Wars & Star Trek. I even own their amazing poster for Blade Runner.
Their latest creation is decidedly in my wheelhouse. As you can see above, it’s for this Friday’s release of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Designed by Martin Ansin, it’s absolutely awesome. As with all of the posters, it will be a limited edition run, but you should be able to get it from their site soon enough.  Personally, I’d be getting it, but I just got this awesome SDCC exclusive Sex Bob-omb poster from rock poster designer Kevin Tong, so my wall is taken…but I just had to feature this poster.
Source:Â Mondo: The Blog.
Some recent ideas following this train of thought…
What if Superman Lost? Megamind.
What if Reese’s were inverted? Reese’s Inside Out.
What if Batman were a c*nt? Mark Millar’s Nemesis.
The latest universal inversion comes to us with deviantART user gotbob’s look at an alternate GI Joe universe, where the Joes are Cobra and Cobra are Joes.
You can click the image above for bigger - personally, I think “Snake” and “Sgt. McCullen” are the best of the inversions. I’d love to see some more realistic takes on this concept…you hear that internet? TAKE THE CHALLENGE.
Source:Â deviantART.
We’ve seen chicken sandwiches where the chicken is the bread, hamburgers where grilled cheese served as the bun, burgers where mashed potatoes were the topping…and now…this.
Denny’s has just announced the latest sandwich to keep professional dietitians in business, the Fried Cheese Melt.
Placing four mozzarella sticks in a grilled cheese sandwich, I’m fairly sure that if you eat one, you will die. But hey, it’s just $4.
Of course, someone is probably reading this, and now figuring out how to make it even more extreme.
My heart, or more accurately, the valves there of, hurt to write this post.
Thanks for the heads up, Katherine!
Source: The Consumerist.
The movie’s filmed, the last volume is released, I’ve already reviewed the flick, we’re pretty much done with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, yes?
Wrong.
In an amazing deluge of well timed marketing, this week is just an absolute flood of Scott Pilgrim related content.
With the interest of keeping everything in one place, here’s everything awesome you need to see from this week.
Remember late last year when Adidas announced their Star Wars Spring/Summer collection, and despite how awesome they were, I thought it was a kind of hokey deal to move sneakers?
Either I was wrong, or Adidas wants to see how many eggs this golden goose will lay, as the adidas Originals x Star Wars Fall/Winter 2010 Collection has officially been announced!
What’s new for this collection?
Some Han Solo in carbonite sneaks, fur lined Chewbacca boots, some AWESOME C3PO & R2D2 half-and-half shoes, some well worn Boba Fett hi-tops, a pair of appropriately green and boil covered Jabba the Hutt shoes, and some ugly Death Star Stormtrooper shoes complete with an equally as ugly varsity-styled jacket.
Personally, the only pair I’d consider myself are the C3PO & R2D2’s, but I think we all know that the collectors will snatch these up first.
Click through below for a full gallery of the apparel announced so far.
Source: TOYSREVIL.
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After seeing his creator owned titles Kick-Ass and Wanted become successful Hollywood films, it should come as no surprise that Mark Millar has sold the rights to his latest comic, Nemesis.
What should be a surprise, is that the rights have been sold to 20th Century Fox before the third issue even hits stands.
Co-created with Civil War artist Steve McNiven, Nemesis is best summarized as what would happen if Batman weren’t on the side of good, but rather a crazed villain - or, as Millar puts it in his trademark way: “What if Batman was a cunt?”
Taking a Batman style genius and turning him into a wildly intelligent terrorist, the comic really pushes the limits of the superhero genre to say the least, but it should make for an interesting film.
Attached to the film as director is Tony Scott, brother of Ridley, best known for directing True Romance, Enemy of the State and Man on Fire, amongst many others.
Here’s hoping the adaptation of Nemesis, like Kick-Ass, takes what works best about the comics, and filters out Millar’s propensity to shock just to be shocking.
There is no set release date for Nemesis at this time. The question now? How quickly will Millar’s next book, Superior be optioned?
Source: Deadline.com.
One of my few issues with the Edgar Wright adaptation of Scott Pilgrim (if you can call it an “issue”) is how much of the source material had to be cut out to fit a two hour film.
It seems I wasn’t the only one with this issue, as late this Wednesday/early this Thursday, August 12th at midnight, [adult swim] will feature a short Scott Pilgrim animation, set during Scott’s time in high school, showcasing how he met Kim Pine, complete an appearance from Lisa Miller, who does not appear in the film.
The short runs 4 minutes in length, and even has Michael Cera voicing Scott. The look is very adherent to O’Malley’s original work, and has me wishing that the books get re-released colored at some point.
30 seconds of the short have been released as a tease, and I’ve embedded that below.
May this be on the eventual DVD/blu-ray release.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
Taking the comic series that kept me interested in mainstream comics and turning it into an animated series under the supervision of it’s creative lead and writer, Brian Michael Bendis already sounds like a grand idea. But it seems that Marvel Entertainment is dead set on making this series absolutely perfect.
The first major nab was the team from Man at Action, a group of former comic book writers Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle, who after leaving the comic industry broke ground in action based cartoons with their series' Ben 10 and Generator Rex.
Now? Possibly the ultimate coup. Paul Dini. The head of arguably the greatest American animated series of all time, Batman: The Animated Series, this now makes the forces behind Ultimate Spider-Man not just the best at writing the character, but the best at taking comics and properly translating them to the animated format.
Sure, I was bummed to see the unusually good Spectacular Spider-Man series meet its end, but with a team like this, I’m very excited to see the next form my all time favorite character takes.
Ultimate Spider-Man is set to debut on the DisneyXD network in Fall 2011.
Source: Blog@Newsarama.
You know, I was willing to give this Yogi Bear movie the benefit of the doubt.
Sure, I’m the anger filled nerd ranting and raving about childhood being raped. Essentially proving the old adage about movie geeks on the internet being true.
But when Warner Bros releases a new poster like this, with that double entendre ridden of a tagline, YOU tell me I’m crazy.
Am I crazy? Am I really?
You thought wrong.
And that’d be an appropriate transition, as today I have the pleasure of featuring a series of movie posters that you’d only see for seconds within Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
See, Ramona’s second evil-ex, Lucas Lee (Chris Evans) is an actor. And apparently, he’s wildly popular. With films such as You Just Don’t Exist, Let’s Hope There’s a Heaven and my personal favorite, Action Doctor, Lee has made himself a huge star in the world of Scott Pilgrim. And to commemorate his stunning acting resume, the art team behind Scott Pilgrim vs. the World really outdid themselves with each poster.
Chris Evans looks pitch perfect, and the posters are so well done that you’d think these movies were actually real.
Click through the gallery below for each poster, and get ready to head to chuckletown when it comes to the tag lines. EXCELLENT work.
Source: CHUD.
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Sure, I’m obviously with CoCo, but my favorite talk show going is the always awkward Between Two Ferns, hosted by alt-comedy god Zack Galifinakis.
For this latest episode, he’s joined by his Dinner With Schmucks co-star Steve Carell, and apparently, Carell had watched prior episodes.
Click play to see the full vid. It gets ugly.
A movie I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about these past few months is Monsters, written and directed by Gareth Edwards.
Said to be a super realistic take on the giant monster genre, the comparisons to District 9 have been coming pretty steady, but there’s one major difference. Where District 9 was made for a “paltry” $8 Million, Monsters was made for $15,000! I could afford that, if I were so crazy.
The official synopsis is as follows, and I’ve embeded a trailer (from IGN) below.
What do you think, dear readers?
The latest to look like it may actually be good is this November’s Megamind. The tale of Will Ferrell as the titular supervillain, it turns the standard Superman mythos on it’s head, and as this trailer reveals, asks the question - what happens when the villain wins?
Normally, I’d be worried that they’re revealing so much footage so early, but aside from the rather terrible soundtrack choices, Megamind really is starting to look great. I love the idea of Ferrell, David Cross, Tina Fey and Jonah Hill playing off each other, and the Marlon Brando impression right at the end tells me that the creative team really “gets” what they’re doing.
So yes, Megamind, I think I will be seeing you. I won’t be paying to see you in 3D, though.
Source: Bleeding Cool.
As I’ve touched upon in the past here at Blast-O-Rama, my history here on the web includes that of creating comics. When I started writing comics in 2006, I had been out of the world of comics for a number of years. Between getting older, having a real job and the craziness of life, I just didn’t have the time for weekly trips to my local comic store. I fell out of it all. But knowing that I was officially throwing myself into the mix, I knew that I had to get up to date.
Browsing across the web, I figured I’d try dabbling in some independent comics. Something off kilter, something away from the mainstream. I remembered Oni Comics from their publishing of a few Kevin Smith titles (and was thinking maybe one day I’d pitch a title to them), so they were my first stop.
Upon my visit to their site I started reading up on this comic called Scott Pilgrim. The tales of the titular lead in Canada, the art looked nice, and the stories sounded interesting. The third volume had just come out, so with the best intentions, I went ahead and ordered them, sight (mostly) unseen.
Just about a week later (oh, the days before Amazon Prime!) the books arrived. I opened the cover of the first volume, Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life and to risk hyperbole, my life hasn’t been the same since. Written and drawn by Bryan Lee O’Malley, Precious Little Life (and the two volumes which followed it, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Scott Pilgrim & The Infinite Sadness) was a shock to my system. Set in the world of the Canadian music scene with a thickheaded lead who was a hopeless romantic, I immediately felt a parallel both good and bad with Scott, as at that time in my life, I was far more into the Baltimore music scene. Then, stacked upon this relatable tale was an unbelievably adept mixture of video game homages, subversions of manga tropes and the true power of romance and rock and roll. I was flabbergasted. This book was the first that truly encompassed my feelings of the world, my interests…it was a work that spoke to me in a way few have since and few may moving forward. Scott Pilgrim was a series of books which came into my life at a perfect moment. Sure, I wasn’t in Canada, but I knew that world, I knew those feelings, and the exaggerated world presented was one which my imagination wanted to live in.
So here we are, four years and three volumes later. Last week, the final volume, Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour hit shelves, ending the saga of Scott Pilgrim with a pitch perfect mixture of comedic violence, romance and closure. And last night I had the honor and pleasure of viewing the final cut of the film adaptation, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, co-written and directed by one of my all-time favorites, Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz). How was it? In a word - tremendous.
I’m the first to admit that my bias for this film was set from day one, but how could it not be? In his BBC series Spaced (co-created with frequent collaborator Simon Pegg and Jessica Stevenson), Wright made it very clear that he had the chops to frame O’Malley’s tale. Best described as a post-modern version of the sitcom, Spaced took what could have been a blase premise of “two twenty somethings acting as a couple to keep a flat in London” and turned it into the definitive snapshot of a generation. Mixing some of the most well realized and thought out characters on television with an absolute torrent of pop-culture references, Wright and company hit the proverbial nail on the head of the “adult nerd” experience. And I’m pleased to say he’s set the tone perfectly for my generation as well.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is very simply the story of boy meeting girl. But with many, many twists. Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) is in a perpetual state of arrested development (pardon the pun). He shares a flat and bed with his gay roommate Wallace Wells (a scene stealing Kieran Culkin), his band Sex Bob-omb isn’t very good, and he’s dating a high schooler named Knives Chau (an adorable star-making performance by Ellen Wong). But that all changes the day he meets Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Ramona, an American from New York, has just moved to Canada and serves as a delivery girl for Amazon.ca, and she might just be the girl of Scott’s dreams - both literally and figuratively, as she appears in his dreams before they even meet. But meet they do, first in a disastrous party conversation and then when Scott orders a load of CDs from Amazon (via Wallace’s credit card, of course), she finally relents and decides to go out with him.
So, from there it’s pretty much all roses, correct? Not really, as Ramona has baggage, and a lot of it - seven evil exes, to be accurate, all of whom Scott has to defeat in battle to win over Ramona’s heart. And did I mention that Sex Bob-omb also is entered in a Battle of the Bands for a record contract? Oh, and that he sorta forgot to break up with Knives along the way? Yeah, the title is pretty accurate, as things come at Scott from all sides.
But Edgar Wright’s direction is the perfect thing for a movie this frantically paced. Full of fast cuts, music video style direction, aspect ratio changes, on-screen bars and meters like a video game, and the greatest revision of the Universal logo ever seen, Wright knows his audience and accurately keeps the action moving on screen, even giving the slower moments the appropriate visual flourish.  Sound effects appear on screen, cartoon interludes are used for flashbacks and important notes on different characters are presented to keep the audience informed and entertained, and you never feel like you’re a step behind the supercharged action.
Matching the intensity of the film-making is the skill of the cast. Simply put, this may be one of the greatest top to bottom ensembles ever put together. From Scott’s Sex Bob-omb bandmates to all seven of the evil exes, each actor is perfectly matched to their character, sure to have fans of the comics very pleased. In particular, I was impressed by both Brandon Routh and Chris Evans who seem to love chewing up scenery as evil exes Todd Ingram and Lucas Lee respectively, and yet, despite playing hysterically pompous characters, you don’t feel like you’re seeing the same characters twice. Oddly enough, the only exes who you don’t feel connected to are Kyle and Ken Katayanagi. Played by Keita and Shota Saito, they serve ultimately as the catalyst to one of the more amazing action sequences, but are not really fleshed out in any way, shape or form, which left me a bit disappointed. Another performance worth noting is Aubrey Plaza’s Julie Powers, who feels like she just walked right out of the comic. In a movie full of great performances, she seemed to nail the tone of the character the best. And in case the haters were wondering - Michael Cera simply is Scott Pilgrim. He has the right mixture of humorous nerd and total creep making for one of his greatest roles to date.
Sadly, it’s when compared directly to the comic that Scott Pilgrim falters the most. If you’re looking for a perfect, direct to screen translation, you’re going to be somewhat disappointed.  Simply put, 1000+ pages of comics cannot be put into a two hour movie without some major cuts. Purists will cry foul, but given the extensive level of compression necessary, this movie is an absolutely stunning and faithful adaptation of the original comics. For a better analogy, if the O’Malley volumes are a bands discography, Wright’s film is the greatest hits. You may not get the peaks and valleys, but you do get two hours of of front to back kick-ass action.
But what if you’re coming into Scott Pilgrim clean, with no knowledge of the comics proceeding it? You’re going to love the hell out of it. Grabbing a hold of audiences from the word go with kinetic battles and hilarious dialogue, the movie simply doesn’t let up until the credits roll. The fights are fantastically crafted, and a special tip of the hat to the choreographers for making sure no two action sequences feel the same. The action ramps up appropriately throughout the film, culminating in a great one on one sword battle full of unexpected twists and turns. I do have to say this, for general audiences: I’m worried about how the movie will be received. In terms of innovation and revision of filmmaking rules, the only movie close to this prior is 2008’s critically divisive Speed Racer. Depending on who you ask, that film was either an astonishing breath of fresh air, or a terrible mess, and I can’t help but feel older audiences (and critics) may feel the same way here.
Worries aside, the bottom line is this: as a long term fan and borderline obsessive of the works of both Bryan Lee O’Malley and Edgar Wright, I was grinning from the first frame to the last. Many people have spoken of how the Summer of 2010 has been lack-luster, but between Inception and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, I can say it’s delivered me two of my favorite films of all time.
Highest possible recommendation. See it on a date, see it with your pals, see it by yourself - what ever you do, see Scott Pilgrim vs. the World!
I’ve already gone on file as saying that I’m fairly sure that the Yogi Bear movie is a terrible, horrible no good idea.
But then Yahoo! had to go and unveil the poster on a slow news day.
What a horrid mess this looks like.
Sure, I know, the designers behind this movie (just as the teams behind Alvin & The Chipmunks and The Smurfs) have to take cartoon designs and meld them with a real world aesthetic, but I’ll be damned if the “real” Yogi and Boo Boo don’t look like something that will haunt small children in their sleep.
With their dead eyes, I can’t help but think of deactivated Chuck E. Cheese animatronic characters…and that’s probably not a good sign.
Oh, and just a heads up, logo team? Having Yogi’s mouth in the title there? I know you’re aiming for “he eats!”, but it really looks like the worst fleshlight ever created by man.
Yogi Bear scars children for life and makes more money than I’ll ever see in my lifetime on December 17th.
Source: Yahoo!.
EDIT: Because we both seem to be masochists, here is the trailer for this horror-fest.
Seemingly a mix of Burn After Reading and dozens of assassins movies, Red is looking like it could be the sleeper action hit of the summer.
Mixing the surreal cast of Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Richard Dreyfuss and Helen Miren with over the top action isn’t quite what I figured as a box office success, but with each new trailer, I’m getting more and more excited. The latest one is no different (I love Malkovich in this trailer!) and I’ve embedded it above.
What say you, dear readers?
Red hits theaters on October 15th.
More Machete Videos
Thanks to the fine folks at IGN, we once again have a new trailer for the Robert Rodriguez action/exploitation opus Machete.
What makes this trailer special?
It’s full of blood, guts, language and boobs! And it is some seriously ridiculous violence on display here. Decidedly not safe for work, you’re gonna want to watch this at home.
Machete hits theaters on September 3rd.
The sequel to what I feel is one of the greatest video games of this generation, LittleBigPlanet 2, is finally set and dated.
The PS3 sequel, which as demonstrated in the launch trailer, takes the amazing customization controls from the first title and expands them from platforming games to oh, every game type ever, will hit shelves on November 16th, just in time for the holiday season.
Do you have a big Sackboy fan on your Christmas list? Or maybe you really love the game? Don’t worry, Sony has you covered with a super extensive collectors edition, perhaps the first worth the money. For just $80 bucks, you get a copy of the game, a 7-inch Sackboy plush, LittleBigPlanet styled bookends, plus the following costumes:
Source: Joystiq.
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Hinted at with hushed tones and a t-shirt giveaway at SDCC 2009, Zack Snyder’s next film Sucker Punch had been, to this date, a relatively secretive project.
Well, now we have the first character banners for the film, and while it doesn’t help us with grasping the plot of the film, described as follows:
In these posters, depicting Emily Browning as Baby Doll, Vanessa Hudgens as Blondie, Abbie Cornish as Sweetpea, Jamie Chung as Amber, Jena Malone as Rocket and Carla Gugino as Madam Gorski, it’s made clear that at least the fantasy side of the film is some crazed bastard child of 50’s pinup art, and the surreal art deco feel of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.
Either way, it gets my nerd juices flowing. Add Jon Hamm to the cast (really, he’s in it too!), and I’m sold!
Sucker Punch hits theaters on March 25, 2011.
Source: /Film.
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Chances are, if you’re a fan of movies, you’ve seen the work of master painter Drew Struzan.
Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Harry Potter, dozens of others, if you named it, chances are, he painted the poster for it. But Struzan doesn’t do as many posters as he used to. His most recent work? Frank Darabont’s adaptation of The Mist.
So it should come as little surprise that Darabont worked his magic and got an AMAZING promotional poster painted up for the upcoming TV adaptation of The Walking Dead.
This is apparently the first time Struzan’s ever painted zombies, and good lord, did he ever do a great job.
Source: Ain’t It Cool News.
Just in time for the game’s demo at San Diego Comic Con, Capcom has announced a whopping SIX new characters for Marvel Vs. Capcom 3.
Well, actually, make that four…Marvel.com kinda screwed up and announced the back two.
As you can see in the trailer above, the four new characters officially announced were Doctor Doom and Super Skrull for Marvel, and then on Capcom’s side of things, we get the additions of Chun Li and Trish (from Devil May Cry). Four great additions, who look great rendered in the game style, wouldn’t you agree?
I guess if anything the excitement over the four new fighters got Marvel all excited, as they accidentally released images of the next two…Amaterasu from Okami for Capcom, and the Mighty Thor for Marvel! Don’t believe it? The leaked screenshots are included in a full gallery below, including higher rez images of all of the new character art.
Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 is due next spring.
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I almost forgot - The Goon is coming to SDCC!
The CGI animated adaptation of Eric Powell’s zombie fightin' comic, produced by David Fincher, seems to have been in the works for…you know, forever.
But at San Diego Comic Con, we get our first reveal during a Friday night panel hosted by David Fincher and Paul Giamatti (who is the voice of Frankie).
To get people excited, they’ve released 30 seconds of footage, from a longer teaser to be shown this Friday night. Consider it a teaser of a teaser, and it looks awesome.
Source: MTV.
It seemed pretty much inevitable.
With amazing figures of the Mark IV armor, Whiplash, War Machine and others through the past, it was pretty much a given that the amazing artisans at Hot Toys would produce a figure of the Iron Man Mark VI armor.
What you probably didn’t expect, however, was how good, and how feature filled it would be.
Featuring interchangeable battle damaged armor, a (currently unfinished) Tony Stark head sculpt, picture perfect articulation and LED lighting, it’s an absolutely stunning piece of art.
Of course, art so awesome comes with a cost, as this figure is currently rumored with a $190 price tag. But I’ll be damned if it doesn’t look worth it.
Source: TOMOPOP.
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So, today we had the release of the much anticipated (and very good) final chapter of the Scott Pilgrim comic series, Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour.
And of course, in just about 3 weeks, we’re going to have the release of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World in theaters.
But when will we see Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game?!
Worry not, dear citizens! In addition to releasing a new trailer (above) Ubisoft has announced the release date for the very anticipated 2D side scroller.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World will hit PSN on August 10th (coinciding with the movie’s soundtrack) and XBox Live Arcade on August 25th! It’ll just be $15.
While I’d love to be one of the first to play it, I think I’ll wait for the XBox release, if just for gamerscore purposes.
So what about you, dear reader? When do you think YOU will pick it up?
Folks, it was just over two years ago that I decided to start up Blast-O-Rama.
Honestly, it was just a silly lark…I’d always been the type to tell my friends about the latest movies, music, comics or games to pique my interest, and honestly, I thought that I’d spare them the torture a bit, and spread it across the web.
Little did I know what it would lead to.
Since it’s inception, Blast-O-Rama has been nominated for awards, shared the love of nerdy content, and even received a few cease and desist notices.
But all along, it was about sharing the enjoyment of nerdy things with people who have the same interest.
Apparently, it impressed some people out there.
What am I getting at? It’s simple…you’re about to see a lot more of me blogging. In fact, probably twice as much.
Starting next week, your ol' pal Marty will be moving to a new pasture, as I’ll be blogging it up for the Baltimore Sun’s new offshoot, Charm City Current.
Under the title BMore Nerdy, I’ll be bringing you more of what I find, dig and nerd out about across the web.
But don’t worry, I’m not abandoning Blast-O-Rama, in fact, you’ll be seeing posts on there directing users back here, and from here telling you to check out BMore Nerdy.
We’re about to become a shinier, happier family, and I can’t wait to take it on.
Next week, join me at Charm City Current, as we learn how we all can Bmore Nerdy.
A lot of people have been wondering ever since The Social Network has been announced - “Why a Facebook Movie?”
With the first full length trailer for the David Fincher directed, Aaron Sorkin scripted, Trent Reznor scored, Jesse Eisenberg starring flick released via Yahoo!, I think we now have our answers.
I’ve always thought it took a bizarre, damaged sort to want to create a site like Facebook, and by god, if this movie is even half true, I think it did.
The Social Network opens on October 1st.
Source:Â The Film Stage.
What can I say, as a long time fan of the comic, this looks perfect. They were even smart enough to desaturate the colors enough to give a slight black and white feel. The Walking Dead is already set to be one of the darlings of SDCC (footage is to be premiered at it’s own panel on Friday, July 23rd), and they’re making all the right moves in terms of keeping the series' profile high leading into the event. If that room isn’t packed, I’ll be shocked.
The Walking Dead is set to premiere in October on AMC.
Source: io9.
2 years ago it was Watchmen, last year was Iron Man 2, and this year they give us our first glimpse of Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern.
First things first, the good news - it’s not as bad as the crappy airbrushed image we saw last month. And it’s also noticeably Green Lantern.
However….
It looks SUPER CG (which makes sense, as that’s what it is), and I’m not sure how I feel about the organic look of the suit. It kinda makes him look like someone stripped him of his flesh and painted it green.
But who knows, maybe it’ll look better in motion. I have a hunch we’ll see footage coming out of SDCC next week.
Green Lantern is due to hit theaters on June 17, 2011.
EDIT: Here’s a SUPER GIGANTIC higher-resolution version of the cover! Click for really big.
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Source:Â Superhero Hype.
Honestly, with the combination of Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifinakis as leads, Due Date had me interested from the word go.
But today, the teaser trailer has hit Yahoo!, and it looks like a blast of a watch. The setup is simple - Downey has to get to his wife’s birth, and Zach is the guy taking him there. But of course, as this is a Todd Phillips comedy, things go horribly awry.
There are little touches in the trailer (Zach’s Lilith Fair tee?) that tells me that Zach gets to go wild, but I have a hunch that there is one heck of a red band trailer in the worlds.
Due Date hits theaters on November 5th.
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I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by this news, but I somewhat am, and I’m quite bothered.
Like 95% of the major action movies hitting theaters this year, Marvel Studios has announced that Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger will be converted in post to 3D.
sigh
Haven’t we learned from The Last Airbender, Alice In Wonderland and Clash of the Titans?! Post converted 3D makes 3D look like shit. The only movies to make 3D TRULY work are those which are SHOT in 3D (Avatar) or completely CG films, where the models have depth ALREADY DESIGNED making conversion easy and seem as if it WERE shot in 3D.
Sure, the rest of the article goes into explaining how at San Diego Comic Con they’ll be taking the time to convince fans like myself that the post-conversion process will be handled with white gloves, a nicer touch compared to what we’ve seen before, but let’s be honest…if you take a dump in your stew, extra simmering isn’t going to improve it.
The other newsworthy bit is the new still from Thor, which gives us our first glimpses at Loki and Odin (who looks wayyyy to excited to be there), but this 3D news bums me out so much that I can’t even get excited over it.
Yes, I know, 2D versions will be available, but 3D technology can be GREAT when done properly. Why does no one want to handle it properly?
Source: Los Angeles Times.
With just two days until Inception finally hits theaters, we’re getting a unique glimpse into the films world.
A 19 page comic has been placed online to Yahoo! titled Inception: The Cobol Job. Written and drawn by the amazing team at UDON, this comic can be viewed in a flash player in a really cool guided view mode (think comics on the iPad), or you can download a PDF for future offline viewing.
Personally, I love it, and it just takes my already fever pitched anticipation, and raises it up even higher! Click below to read it.
Inception hits theaters on Friday.
Source: Yahoo! Movies
You go away for a weekend to share your craft with the world, and all hell breaks loose.
The hell that broke loose? The state of The Avengers.
With Joss Whedon set to direct, and filming due to begin early next year, Marvel Studios is dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s for their big superhero crossover movie. And one of these things was apparently to not bring back Ed Norton as Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk. Downey was signed for Iron Man, Helmsworth for Thor, Evans for Cap, but there’d be a new guy with purple pants.
The rumor began on Friday, with HitFix.com posting a rumor that Edward Norton was out, and the search for a replacement Hulk was a-go.
It didn’t take long for Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige to allow this rumor to become reality, as they responded with a fast, and somewhat terse statement to, again, HitFix.com.
Enter Ed Norton’s agent, Brian Swardstrom of WME, who issued his own statement:
We know a lot of fans have voiced their public disappointment with this result, but this is no excuse for Feige’s mean spirited, accusatory comments. Counter to what Kevin implies here, Edward was looking forward to the opportunity to work with Joss and the other actors in the Avengers cast, many of whom are personal friends of his. Feige’s statement is unprofessional, disingenuous and clearly defamatory. Mr. Norton talent, tireless work ethic and professional integrity deserve more respect, and so do Marvel’s fans.
Brian Swardstrom WME OH SHIT! THIS JUST GOT REAL! SCREW THE AVENGERS! THE REAL FIGHT TO SEE IS MARVEL STUDIOS VERSUS EDWARD NORTON!
Whatcha got to say about THAT, Ed? Why don’t you take to your Facebook and fight the man!
Sincerely,
Edward Norton And that right there, is why Ed Norton is a class act. Sure, he hints that it may have been a financial issue (he says Marvel extended the offer), but in one statement, he address the problem, and extinguishes the flames of angry fandom.
Look, I’ll be honest - I really dug Norton as Hulk. But considering The Incredible Hulk made “only” $267 mil versus the miserable Ang Lee Hulk making $243 mil, maybe I was alone in this. Sure, $267 million is WAY more money than any of us will ever see in our lives, but when Iron Man made $585 Mil that same summer, it tells Marvel Studios that something isn’t quite right in their movie universe. And if Norton looks to make the process more difficult, they have the financial proof that audiences may not really miss him when he’s gone.
Either way, it’s already been a strange journey into production for The Avengers, and I’m pretty sure that we’ll know after SDCC who the new Hulk will be. Some names are already being passed around, like a Mark Ruffalo and a Joaquin Phoenix, but damnit…I still will wish it was Ed Norton up there on the big screen.
Even when it was said to be in production, I thought for sure that we would never actually see a full release of Machete.
Now that Robert Rodriguez’s homage to 80’s actioners is filmed and set for release this September, I’m finally allowing myself to get excited.
And with the first trailer from the real film (as opposed to the Grindhouse trailer) being released to IGN, this is a movie I will HAVE to see when it hits theaters on September 3rd.
Hot lookin' Jessica Alba, Trejo wreckin' shit, eye-patched Michelle Rodriguez and a GOD DAMNED Luchadore! The ticket is already paid for! Now lets hope that Robert DeNiro and Lindsay Lohan don’t clunk it up.
Source: IGN.
We are one week away from San Diego Comic Con (or as some douchey media-types love to call it, Nerd-Prom), and one of the belles of the ball is sure to be the premiere of additional media from this December’s long awaited Tron sequel - Tron Legacy.
In order to stoke the flames of fandom, Disney just released 5 new images from the film, most notably the super bad-ass image of Jeff Bridges, with his glowy hooded jacket. Maybe this movie will finally give the Oscar winning actor a chance to grow out of the “IN A CAVE WITH SCRAPS” meme with the fanboy-base.
Either way, I can’t wait to see what they premiere, and more so, share it with you when it hits.
Source: Empire Magazine.
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The story of two battling groups of assassins, it’s called Operation: Endgame. From the basic description, the trailer, and even the poster art, you’d be hard pressed to not think it’s just another rip of of Smoking Aces.
But look at the cast:
-Zach Galifinakis -Bob Odenkirk -Adam Scott -Jeffrey Tambor -Maggie Q -Emile de Ravin -Ving Rhames
Sure, it’s straight to DVD, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate quality these days. God help me, I want to SEE this movie! And you may want to as well, after watching the redband (read: NSFW) trailer below.
Source: /Film.
With exactly one month until Scott Pilgrim vs. the World hits theaters and rocks everyone’s socks clean off, the hard sell approach is finally upon us.
And with this, the 4th (and final?) trailer, we get more dialogue, plus discussions with Edgar Wright, Michael Cera and (mmm…) Mary Elizabeth Winstead about the flick.
It’s all tied up in a neat lil' 2.5 minute bow.
BUT CAN WE JUST GET THE DAMN MOVIE ALREADY!?!
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World hits theaters on August 13th.
With just over a month to go until Edgar Wright’s latest, the adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim comic series, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, fans around the world, including myself, are waiting with bated breath.
Ergo, we’ll take any piece of media or content we can.
Today’s reveal? The latest poster for the film. I’m not sure if this is the final poster (given that it was unveiled by Empire Magazine, it may be a UK-Only one), but that there is a rad image.
You’ve got everything you need to promote the flick, and it keeps the eyeballs glued. Well done, poster makers!
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World hits theaters in the US on August 13th, and UK on August 25th.
Source: Empire Online.
This week, I think it’s safe to say my favorite t-shirt site outdid themselves with 2 shirts that combine two of my favorite things - sweets and pop culture references!
The first shirt, “Something Strange, In Your Beverage…" by David Staffel, depicts a hot cup of Cocoa, just BUSTIN' full of Marshmellows!
The second, “Cookies” by Tang Yongfa, mixes a video game classic, the best children’s show ever, and delicious cookies, for another great tee.
Any way you look at it, they’re two shirts I’d love to have in my wardrobe. Â And if you click the images for each, you can pick them up yourself!
A burning Hogwarts, with a simple HP7 and the dates for the final two parts of this amazing fantasy film franchise, it’s a poster that gets the job done with very little effort.
But what most fans may not notice, is how this poster brings the series full circle.
Remember the teaser poster for the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? If you don’t, here it is.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 hits theaters in November 2010.
Last month, the first official image from the reboot of the Conan the Barbarian series was released, and to say the least, it looked terrible.
Now, two additional images of Jason Momoa of the titular barbarian have been unleashed, and while yes, he’s certainly looking more angry and fighty…it still looks like a piece of shit Syfy original picture.
Maybe a trailer will impress? I doubt it.
Conan is due to hit theaters next year.
With the release of Christopher Nolan’s Inception just over a week away, the final push is on to get audiences in theaters.
In a unique twist on the traditional building ads in New York City, these two ads warp the visual image of the building upon which they’re displayed, making the dreamy realities seen within Inception come to life.
These are some great visual tricks, and hopefully are enough to grab some additional eyes, and in turn, audiences in seats on July 16th.
Source:Â /Film.
As you’ve probably gathered, I’m quite the LEGO fan.
While I don’t indulge in building custom creations anymore, I can still lose hours looking at some of the amazing builds of different creators all across the web.
This, however, may be the most amazing custom build I’ve ever seen.
Put together by Flickr user “Pepa Quin”, they went well above and beyond the call of duty, creating every major building from the Futurama series, mini-figures of every major character, and pieced it together in a jawdroppingly detailed diorama of New New York.
I’ve embedded a slideshow of the city above, but there are individual galleries for each building that underline how meticulous the build really is.
As a LEGO nerd and a Futurama fan, I cannot begin to describe how giddy looking at this makes me feel. Â Maybe someone at LEGO is seeing this, and we’ll see the real deal one day. I’ll buy it!
Source:Â ComicsAlliance.
For the fourth year in a row, Gallery 1988 will be home to Crazy 4 Cult, an artistic celebration of cult classic films and general theatrical nerdity.
Scheduled to open on July 9th and be on display through July 30th, Crazy 4 Cult 4 should be the best one yet, a stunning complation of the work of over 100 artists.
These are just a few of my favorites of what’s on display, but you can click through to the original /Film article for dozens of other pieces, or if you’re lucky enough to be near Los Angeles through the end of this month, I highly recommend taking it in for yourself.
Here my favs:
Glen Brogan - Pee-Wee Herman
As announced by the Sony Pictures twitter literally minutes ago, the new Spider-Man is…
Andrew Garfield!
A relative unknown, Garfield is best known for his supporting role in The Imaginairum of Dr. Parnissus. Significantly older than some of the other names suggested (he’s 26 going on 27), I’m somewhat surprised by the choice, but by his looks alone, I can see why they picked him.
The Spider-Man reboot, directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) and to be shot in 3D, is due to hit theaters on July 3, 2012.
The much debated American remake of the brilliant Swedish horror film Let the Right One In, titled Let Me In has finally had a trailer released, as embedded above.
As a big fan of the original, how do I feel? Â Shy of the bombastic trailer music, which doesn’t work with the odd, quiet feel of the original film, this really feels…right!
I’m a little bothered that they’re so straight forward with the vampire reveal, as in Let the Right One In, it was a smidgen more subtle, but I guess that’s to be expected these days.
Considering I wasn’t 100% sold on the remake before, I must say, I’m feeling a lot more confident at this point.
Let Me In, starring Chloe Moretz (Kick Ass) and directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield) is due to hit theaters this October.
Coming hot off the heels of the live-show revival, Pee Wee Herman continues to regain his much needed modern relevance, with a brand new motion picture…
…to be produced by comedy super-producer Judd Apatow.
Set to be scripted Pee-Wee himself, Paul Reubens, along side actor/writer Paul Rust (I Love You Beth Cooper), this third Pee-Wee adventure is once again set on the road. Apatow will not be directing the flick, only producing, but with his touch, it’s sure to be another modern-day classic.
Little more is known about the movie at this time, but as an 80’s kid, I cannot wait to see Pee Wee on the big screen again. I’ll be leading the Tequila dance into the theater.
Source:Â Variety.
As part of the big push for this year’s issue 600 of Wonder Woman, spearheaded by comic and screen scribe J. Michael Straczynski, DC Comics is pulling out all the stops, a new status quo, a major storyline, and of course - everyone’s favorite: a new costume.
Designed by DC Entertainment creative head Jim Lee, it’s a nice thought, but let’s be honest - this new look feels like it came straight out of a comic from the 90s. Â Which I suppose makes sense, given that Lee’s prime era was the 1990s…but seriously, this looks stupid.
I know that DC wants to push Wonder Woman as the third part of their “Trinity”, made up of her, Batman and Superman…but the character really doesn’t have the weight to be the third part of these heavy hitters.  Her origins aren’t as clear, the character not as relatable…and while I understand their want for a strong female role model, is one who was originally designed as an S&M fantasy really the positive choice?
Either way, we’ll soon know if it works for DC, as this story is all over the web, letting you know that JMS’s run on Wonder Woman begins with issue #600, hitting stores tomorrow.
Source: Â ComicsAlliance.
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I know, I say there’s going to be a LEGO movie, and the first thought is all the cruddy adaptations of popular kids toys or cartoons rushed to the screen these days.
But what if I told you it was being done by Phil Lord and Chris Miller?
Names not ringing a bell?
What if I told you they were the team that made Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, which should’ve been terrible, so damn fun? What if I told you they took How I Met Your Mother, which should’ve been another waste of a CBS sitcom, and made it what it is today, arguably the first sitcom for the 21st century set? And most importantly, what if I told you they were the architects behind the most underrated cartoon ever, MTV’s Clone High?!
Excited? DAMN RIGHT I AM.
Taking one of my all time favorite toys as a child, and throwing them into a film which is supposed to be a mixture of live action and animation, this LEGO movie may just work out.
Sure, this is the same planet where writers from The State are responsible for the dull as dishwater Night at the Museum series, but I hold faith for Lord & Miller.
Honestly, when did LEGO let you down?
Source:Â HeatVision Blog.
With a script from Aaron Sorkin and direction from David Fincher, The Social Network was a sold ticket for me, regardless of it’s subject matter.
Now that the darker side of Facebook seems to be revealed more and more each day, it’s only appropriate that a film is soon to be released that truly highlights the blood, sweat and tears that made up the early days of the world’s biggest social networking site.
Sony Pictures has released the first trailer for the film, embedded above, and this teaser trailer (emphasis on tease) has set just the perfect tone for a surprise Fall drama.
I’ll be there in October, The Social Network, I’ll be there.
What do you think?
Sure, they throw around terms like “worldwide phenomenon” and “greatest motion picture event of the generation”, but if this, the latest trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows is ANY indication, Warner Bros has pulled out all the stops to make these final two films live up to those phrases.
Honestly, I haven’t read the 7th and final book of the Harry Potter series since it’s release a few years back, so my recollection of the sequences displayed are spotty at best, but having revisited the 6 prior films recently, I could not be more excited for these final two films to hit the screen.
As usual, however, as this is a post-production 3D film, I’m gonna plan on seeing this in 2D.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 1 hits theaters on November 19th, 2010, with Part 2 following on July 15th, 2011 - ending nearly 10 years of movie magic.
Artist Alex Varanese really out did himself here, and I’m not going to lie, I’d buy a “Pocket HiFi” now.
Click through to see all his work, it’s really stunning, beautiful stuff.
Source:Â The Behance Network.
Ever since the official reveal of Predators at SXSW earlier this year, I’ve been interested in seeing the so called “rebirth” of the alien hunter franchise.
And now that this new international trailer for the flick has been released, giving us a better taste of the characters, action and setting, I can say I am a total go for July 9th.
While Robert Rodriguez is only the producer, this definitely feels like the type of rip-roaring actioner he’d direct himself, and combining that with a franchise that is, in all honesty, one of my first filmic memories, you have a very excited blogger.
I think I might just need to midnight this one!
Source: /Film.
Wow, Red was a movie which was COMPLETELY off of my radar, shy of knowing that it was based on a graphic novel written by Warren Ellis, but after this new trailer released exclusively by Yahoo, I think I’m totally in.
You’ve got a pervy Morgan Freeman, a crazy John Malkovich, a bored Bruce Willis, a nice lookin' Mary-Louise Parker, and a MURDERING HELEN MIRREN.
All and all it sounds like a flick worth AT LEAST a matinee when it hits theaters on October 15th.
Color me there, Red!
Source: Â Yahoo! Movies.
Just launched yesterday, the Scott Pilgrim Avatar Creator allows you to create a version of yourself in the style of artist Bryan Lee O’Malley. My only issues, if you can call them that, are the lack of a proper beard option (or at least one more applicable to me) and the ability to rank self as less than “Awesome”.
What are you waiting for - get to making yourself!
Source: Scott Pilgrim Avatar Creator!.
I’m sure you fine readers are getting sick of my Inception talk, probably just as much as my Scott Pilgrim talk. But as this is a pretty weak summer, and these two movies look so great, it’s all I have to nerd about right now.
And with the latest video promoting Inception, it’s hard for that excitement to not grow.
A profile of the characters you’ll be seeing in Christopher Nolan’s latest, this new “trailer” takes the movie beyond the epic imagery we’ve seen so far, and gives us a taste of the actors and characters we’ll be connecting to in this bizarre journey through dreams.
Given Chris Nolan’s track record, I’m trying to NOT over hype myself about this movie (I don’t want to have too high of expectations), but with every piece of media I get more excited, and realize how little we still know about the film.
Besides, when a guy travels around the Warner Bros Studios in his own tumbler styled golf cart…
It seems that every day there is news about the next possible Marvel franchise, and one of the first names mentioned is Doctor Strange.
If Doctor Strange is going to be the next character to hit the silver screen, Marvel Studios & Disney are certainly setting up his next steps, by hiring screenwriters to produce a new draft of a Doctor Strange film.
The scribes of Conan (heh, funny timing) Thomas Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer were given the gig today, but they are no strangers to the Marvel Studios family, as they did the first draft on Cowboys and Aliens, Jon Favreau’s next project.
No other details are known at this time, but considering he’s no longer tied up with The Hobbit, I’d love to see Guillermo Del Toro direct this. Granted, I’d see the man direct an empty room, but I think his mixture of fantastical fantasy and gloomy horror would be great for the adventures of Stephen Strange.
Source: Deadline.com.
Fresh of the internet presses comes our first look at the new Conan, from the relaunched film franchise starring everyone’s favorite barbarian.
I hate to be the guy to crap on things early two posts in a row, but this first image of Jason Momoa as Conan is a TERRIBLE first impression for the flick.
Where’s the blood? Where’s the guts? WHERE IS THE ANGRY SON OF CROM?
All I see is some weird, tanned not-quite Tarzan, who hasn’t fought a day in his life. He doesn’t look like a wild barbarian - he looks like a porn star.
Conan is due to hit theaters sometime in 2011.
Source: Screen Rant.
And it seems, if this trailer is any indication, the same can be said for creative people and films.
When the Green Hornet movie was first announced, my eyes rolled. Set as a superhero film to be written/directed by Kevin Smith, my brain recalled the cheesy TV show, and pretty much figured it a wash.
Then, major changes struck the project…
The lead role and writing duties? Taken by Seth Rogen.
The director? Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Be Kind Rewind).
The main villain? Christoph Waltz (Inglorious Basterds).
The lead female interest? Cameron Diaz. …ok, so it’s not completely awesome, but I’ll deal.
And then the rumors came that the studio disliked the film. My thoughts at the time were that of thinking the heads at Sony were just thrown off by the film being created by an innovative director in Gondry.
Then…the movie got pushed into January, which is never good.
And today, the trailer was released.
What a bland looking movie. Not good, not bad, but BLAND. Where is the Gondry feel? Where is Rogen’s charisma? More so - why does a trailer designed to make a film look good, actively bore me?
Either this is a poorly put together trailer…or Sony has good reason for pushing Green Hornet into January 2011.
Guess we’ll find out.
Source: Yahoo! Movies.
The Green Hornet has had quite the storied journey to the screen, but the push for the flick is finally about to start in earnest, and it starts with these two stills.
Based on the classic serial and radio show, this new interpretation of The Green Hornet is directed by Michele Gondry with Seth Rogen as the namesake hero alongside Jay Chou as his sidekick/driver Kato.
There has been a lot of talk about the possible troubled state of this flick, but that hasn’t stopped Sony from putting their money behind it and making it a big 3D release…the fact that it’s set for January, though, where movies go to die…that is something to worry about.
Either way, we’ll soon have more than these stills to think about, as the first official trailer is supposed to hit at midnight.
Let’s see what Gondry and Rogen have cooked up.
The Green Hornet is due to hit theaters on January 14, 2011.
Source: Yahoo! Movies.
Sure, I’m already counting the days to July 16th (Inception) and August 13th (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), but now I can add July 25th to the dates worth noting…as it’s the date of the premiere for Mad Men Season 4!
And what better way to announce it than with a new poster?
Sure, the image is nowhere near as evocative of last year’s Don Draper trying to literally keep his head above water, but it underlines how this is truly a clean slate for Don, in all ways.
No wife, a new company, a new world…but why is he looking out that window?
I guess we’ll find out in just 33 days.
Source: Entertainment Weekly.
Full of songs by Beck (as Sex Bob-Omb), Broken Social Scene (as themselves and Crash & the Boys) and Metric, who’s “Black Sheep” I featured a few months back, it’s absolutely going to be getting TONS of play on my iPod once it’s released.
It even has the Plumtree song from which the comic got it’s name!
Here’s the full tracklist.
Source: Pitchfork.
One of my favorite parts of seeing a Pixar film is knowing that not only you would be getting a great movie, but also a really fun ~10 minute short before the flick. A throwback to the days of newsreels and cartoons before feature, it makes the theatrical experience feel a little more complete. This is one of the many reasons why I loved Grindhouse in full…but that’s a post for another day.
It seems I’m not the only one who loves this format for seeing flicks, as Warner Bros is looking to add new Looney Tunes to their movies (as I reported), and in what could be an amazing feature for future superhero films….
Marvel Studios is looking to do the same.
As the rumor goes, Marvel is looking to raise the profile of a number of B and C level heroes by giving them 10 minute shorts in front of the bigger named characters. There is no set start date for these live-action superhero shorts, but some of the names being tossed around are Black Panther, Luke Cage and Dr. Strange, amongst others.
For one, I am COMPLETELY behind this idea, and if I can get a Luke Cage and Iron Fist short before Avengers, that makes for a goddamn amazing day at the theater. Let’s do this, Disney/Marvel!
Source:Â Latino Review.
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One of the more interesting movies set for release later this year is David Fincher’s adaptation of the novel The Social Network.
Due this fall, the film is the story of how everyone’s favorite (or least favorite) social network, Facebook, came to be. Starring Zombieland’s Jesse Eisenberg as Marc Zuckerberg, the founder of the infamous site full of everyone’s life info, it sounds pretty intriguing, especially with Fincher directing and a script from Aaron Sorkin. Shortly put, it’s going to have my butt in a seat, no matter what the topic was.
But how will they get other folks into the theaters? If this poster is any indication, a rather unique marketing plan.
I absolutely love this first poster. Kinda unsettling, kinda creepy and putting Eisenberg’s face right up front, you already get a feel for the flick.
I do wonder if Facebook is going to sue over that sidebar though…
The Social Network hits theaters on October 1st.
Source: /Film.
So, last week, I posted about Geoff Johns telling the world via the twitters that a Blue Beetle TV series was being passed around in Hollywood, and that there was test footage, to possibly be showcased at San Diego Comic Con.
Now, while this may still be in the books, Johns kinda decided to rain on his own parade (or, more likely, continue to build hype) by releasing a series of stills from the aforementioned test footage.
Never wanting to keep things to myself, I’ve made a gallery of those images here.
What do I think? For images that are mostly unclear and not completely finished, it looks like a great live action version of the modern Beetle.
Let’s say we see that in motion, yes?
Source: DC Universe: The Source.
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Over at the awesome comics rumor blog Bleeding Cool they have the first look at an apparent image of Ryan Reynolds as Green Lantern from the movie of the same title, as seen above.
This photo was apparently taken at the Warner Bros lot, so you’d have to think it’s about as official as it’s going to get.
But honestly, doesn’t it look like it’d fit in a lot better here?
Green Lantern is due to hit theaters in December 2011.
EDIT: To clarify - I have no idea of the images legitimacy, aside from Bleeding Cool usually being a great source. Personally, I hope it’s not real, as it looks like shit.
But I did realize what exactly it reminded me of! Bootleg movie art, airbrushed on the side of fairground rides!
Sorta like this sweet (read: not sweet) Matrix portrait, from a legit fairground ride.
Source:Â Bleeding Cool.
Much like lords of the Sith, when it comes to Scott Pilgrim trailers today, there are two.
Released to commemorate the first public showing of the game at E3, this new trailer for the PS3/360 downloadable title showcases more awesome gameplay, more great Paul Robertson sprite work, some of the great cutscenes, 4-player co-op and hell yes! the Anamanaguchi soundtrack.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World - The Game hits PS3 on August 10th, with a 360 release on a date to be announced.
Source:Â Joystiq.
Just when I thought I’d seen enough, just when I thought my level of anticipation for Edgar Wright’s adaptation of the Bryan Lee O’Malley Comic Scott Pilgrim could not have been higher…
…the international trailer is released.
Full of more action, more fighting, more exes, more Knives, more of everything that makes Scotty P so great, it’s showcased here.
Stop reading these words! Click play! Enjoy!
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World hits theaters August 13th. Can I camp out now?
Source: Edgar Wright Here.
Take one part Spider-Man, one part Iron Man and you’ll have the latest revamp of The Wizard of Oz!
Director Sam Raimi, best known for his work on the Spider-Man and Evil Dead franchises, has freshly signed on to head Oz: The Great & Powerful.
The latest in a seemingly non-stop trend of “reimagined” classic stories, Robert Downey Jr. will star as the titular character, in a story that takes him from being a circus wrangler to the mystical world of Oz, to becoming the so called “great wizard” who Dorothy meets in the classic tale.
I can’t say I’m entirely sold on the project, but if there is anyone who can play an enjoyable huckster, con-man or flim-flammer, it’s certainly Downey. Giving the movie the nice touch of Raimi behind the camera only adds to my intrigue, as this has to be something out of the ordinary to attract both.
Source: Deadline.com.
Man, USA Today is getting all the exclusives these days!
Today, we have the first official still from the 3D CG/Live Action theatrical version of The Smurfs.
This technically isn’t our first look at the movie, as a horrifying image of Hank Azaria as Gargamel hit the web a bit ago, but it is the first official still of the flick released combining the CG Smurfs (who look pretty much like they did in the ‘toon) with a live action locale.
The initial teaser trailer is supposed to hit the web tomorrow, with it being attached to Toy Story 3 in theaters this weekend.
Personally, I never enjoyed The Smurfs growing up, so I can’t say that I’m looking forward to this (at all), but considering the mixture of talent they gathered together to star in this (Neil Patrick Harris, John Oliver, BJ Novak, etc.) the script has to be decent…right?
The Smurfs is due to hit theaters August 3, 2011.
Source: USA Today.
Another title to make a big splash at Nintendo’s press conference today, Metroid: Other M was showcased for the second E3 in a row, but this time it had gameplay to show and a release date - August 31st.
Sooner to come than the new Zelda, I have a feeling many a gamer can’t wait to get their hands back on Samus this Fall.
Arguably the best looking Wii title at Nintendo’s Press Conference this morning, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword made an immediate impression with it’s MotionPlus based gameplay and great looking graphics.
Due in 2011, it’s a long year before we can play it, but at least this trailer gives us gamers a taste of what Link’ll be up to.
Fresh from Capcom come three videos of glorious glorious gameplay from Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
The 3-on-3 crazy tag action is just as you remember it, and the HD shine makes the game sparkle all the more. If your system can support it, I highly advise watching these videos in HD. They look GREAT.
The latest update from the production of AMC’s TV adaptation of The Walking Dead is one that I know fans have been waiting for - our first look at actor Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, the lead of the Robert Kirkman penned zombie tale.
This is obviously from very early on in the series, as well, Rick isn’t all beat up yet, but they have him nailed perfectly.
In fact, I think this same shot, or one very similar was in the comic. Doesn’t the open highway just creep you out a bit?
The Walking Dead premieres on AMC in October.
Source: AMC.
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For the past two gaming generations, Sony was king. With their PlayStation and PlayStation 2, they dominated the charts, and the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide.
This generation, however, has been a tough road. Their PlayStation 3, perhaps too powerful and too advanced for its time, lost key marketshare to the XBox 360 and the surprise market leader, the Nintendo Wii. Their attempts to break into the portable realm haven’t been too great, with two itterations of the PSP thus far, neither really breaking Nintendo’s stranglehold on the market.
This year at E3, they arrive on the mend, with a revised PS3 which is starting to attack the 360 (finally), and their attempt at motion control, the Move, ready to launch.
What will Sony be giving to gamers this year? We found out.
Here’s what was shown at this afternoon’s press conference:
What excited me? PS3 having the superior version of Portal 2 is interesting (especially as someone whose PC cannot run the game) and as a PS2 platforming stalwart, Heroes on the Move is exciting. And while it’s nice to see Sony giving it back to the first-gen PlayStation fans with a new Twisted Metal, the originals weren’t my bag, and this remains the same.
Overall, I don’t see my PS3 being more than the dust collector it currently is. Sorry, Sony.
[caption id=“attachment_3804” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Image Courtesy of Kotaku.com”][/caption]
Yesterday, the Electronic Entertainment Expo was kicked off with the Microsoft Press Conference, which saw them reveal a new version of the XBox 360 and strike a direct hit against Nintendo with their new motion-control system, the Kinect.
Today, Nintendo started the morning with their press conference, amongst rumors flying about a 3D successor to the wildly popular Nintendo DS and a new Zelda game for the Wii. As the most successful of the 3 consoles currently, Nintendo had nothing to gain, but EVERYTHING to lose this year. What innovations would they show? How do they plan to fight back against the Kinect and Sony’s Move controller?
Here’s a quick rundown of how Nintendo addressed those questions and so many more.
With amazing looking new games from existing properties (Zelda, Goldeneye, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Metroid), innovative new titles like Epic Mickey, and the possible game changer in the 3DS, unless Sony has some MAJOR surprises on deck, I’d say Nintendo has won E3. My only regret? No release date for the 3DS. You lured me in, but you didn’t go for the kill - why?
One of the bigger movie surprises this year (so far) was how great the trailer for Predators looked.
Directed by Nimrod Antal and produced by Robert Rodriguez, the flick is a “heavy-R” throwback to the original Predator, placing a group of abducted humans on a “hunting sanctuary” planet to be the pray for the aforementioned Predators. Essentially, it’s one giant theatrical apology for the Aliens vs. Predator series.
The buzz on the flick so far has been VERY good, and has me counting down the days until it’s release. To add fuel to the hype flame, a grouping of new stills has been released, which not only showcase the titular creatures (who were mostly hidden in the trailer), but also how badass Adrien Brody is looking in this movie. Which, previously, I thought impossible.
Click through the gallery below for all the images, and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Predators hits theaters on July 9th.
Source:Â io9.
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The idea of Real Steel is somewhat simple. A Futuristic Rocky tale, it stars Hugh Jackman as an unemployed fighter who reconnects with his estranged son when they work together to groom a junkyard robot named Atom as a champion in the World Robot Boxing league.
Or, in short, it’s Rock ‘Em Sock’Em Robots: The Movie.
Directed by Shawn Levy (Date Night), it’s produced by Steven Spielberg, who pushed for a mix of practical robots and CG for the fighting bots. That right there is the bit that should get you excited, as there’s nothing quite like real robots on screen, no matter how great the CGI is.
It’s supposed to be one of the more anticipated flicks for next year, as let’s face it - there is nothing cooler than robots beating the shit out of each other.
Real Steel is scheduled to hit theaters on November 18th, 2011.
Source:Â USA Today.
First, you have the catchy rocker “Ready to Start”, posted over at The Hype Machine. The second track released today can be found at We All Want Someone, the piano driven, uplifting “We Used To Wait”. It seems that the songs on The Suburbs are an exercise in limitations by the Canadian rockers, as opposed to their typical full, orchestral, lush sound, but they make it work.
Due on August 2nd, The Suburbs is really shaping up to be something special, putting it right in line with the other two great releases by Arcade Fire to date. I can’t wait to hear it in full.
Source: Stereogum.
One of my favorite albums of 2010 has to be Gorillaz' Plastic Beach album, and if I had to name a favorite track, it’s definitely “On Melancholy Hill”.
With a totally addictive beat, and catchy vocals, it’s one of those songs that just boars into your brain and makes itself at home. So of course, seeing that the sweet animated video had been released, I HAD to share it with you!
The video itself explains how the Gorillaz wound up at the titular Plastic Beach island, and is totally worth a watch.
Should you like a copy of your own, the “On Melancholy Hill” video will be available for sale on iTunes tomorrow.
Source: Some Kind of Awesome.
In case my lack of overall excitement towards modern shooters wasn’t apparent in my coverage of the Microsoft Press Conference, I’m starting to feel like all the FPS and shooting games hitting the consoles is starting to feel quite a bit samey.
Dark brown/gray graphics, get from point A to point B. Shoot shoot shoot. Shoot your friends. Shoot shoot shoot. Boring.
And lo, there came the trailer for Bulletstorm.
Developed by Epic Games alongside People Can Fly, this looks to be the game that takes modern FPS’s out of the humdrum, stale status quo they’ve made for themselves.
The game seems to have a silly sense of humor, over the top action, and holy crap, look at those GRAPHICS! Stylized and full of color, it’s like they realized how brilliant an HD image can be!
…and it doesn’t hurt that the trailer is scored with a classic Nine Inch Nails tune.
Bulletstorm hits PS3 and 360 on February 22nd, 2011.
Source: Joystiq.
File this under a “whoops” for IGN.
Apparently, this video wasn’t supposed to be seen until tomorrow’s smaller Activision press conference during E3, but, someone hit the upload button too early, someone else saved it, and here we are.
As Prince would inaccurately say, it’s time to party like it’s 1997, as the Nintendo Wii is getting a port of the multiplayer favorite - Goldeneye!
But not just any port - due to some licensing issues, you’ll be playing as Daniel Craig’s version of James Bond, but aside from that, it appears to have the same look and feel of the original.
I can’t speak for how well the gameplay will hold up after all of these years, but, the fact is - I saw this, and I got downright giddy.
No further details exist, but I’m sure we’ll know everything about Goldeneye Wii tomorrow.
EDIT: June 15th - 2:31pm Updated with the real trailer.
First DC Entertainment’s Geoff Johns dropped big news on Twitter, now it’s musician and all around awesome guy Ben Folds.
Folds took to the tweets today to formally announce his new album, a collaboration with celebrated author Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a Boy).
Titled Lonely Avenue, the album is due to hit stores on September 28th, and features Ben Folds creating songs using the lyrics written by Nick Hornby.
As a fan of both, I cannot wait to hear how the two combine. When I saw Ben earlier this year, he played a track or two off the new release, and I can already forsee “Levi Johnson’s Blues” becoming quite the cult favorite.
With a 250GB hard drive, a redesigned power supply, a port designed JUST for the Kinect, built in Wi-Fi, and enough changes to show up on a Jenny Jones episode to show the Wii and PS3 whatfor, I’d imagine this revision of the system will fly off the shelves when it hits stores later this week.
For just $300, this new system can be in your entertainment unit.
Source:Â Joystiq.
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It seems way back in the hollowed year of 2006, Cartoon Network moved forward with a pilot for a possible Plastic Man cartoon.
Up until this past year, it had never been seen. Hidden on the 2009 DVD release of the 70’s Plastic Man cartoon is this proof of concept episode, with Tom Kenny as Plastic.
Just think - this could be on Cartoon Network. Instead of live action programming.
Quick, grab the nearest nerd. Your most easily available comic geek.
OK, now tell him the following.
-There’s a Deadpool film in development.
-Ryan Reynolds is supposed to star, and he says he’s making sure it’s faithful to the comics.
-The writers behind Zombieland are behind the script.
He’s excited, right? And thus far, all true, all in order.
Now, blow his mind with this rumor.
-Directing? Robert Rodriguez. Robert “Sin City” Rodriguez. Robert “Grindhouse” Rodriguez. Robert “Desperado” Rodriguez.
He pumped?! Too pumped?! Is there a mess? Yeah…sorry about that.
But if the rumors are true, this combination is going to be hitting the big screen, if all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed.
Personally, the man has shown he can do great action, and great comic adaptations, so I have zero reason to believe that this would be anything but awesome.
May this rumor be true, and may the Deadpool movie blow us all away.
Source:Â /Film.
Straight from Microsoft’s E3 press conference comes the trailer that well, impressed me the most…METAL GEAR SOLID: Rising
Taking the Raiden character from the MGS franchise and placing him into a Ninja Gaiden-esq sword slashing action game, you make for a combination that has me VERY excited.
Metal Gear Solid: Rising is due to hit the PS3 and 360 sometime in the near future.
Source:Â GameTrailers.com.
I can thank my buddy Dern for passing this one on to me.
At the time of this writing, there is a pretty fun Easter Egg on Newsweek.com.
Typically the site appears as it does above, however, enter the trusty Konami Code on your keyboard (Up Arrow, Up Arrow, Down Arrow, Down Arrow, Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Left Arrow, Right Arrow, B, A and Enter), and you get…
Awesome, isn’t it?
I’ve included a full gallery of the change in the homepage below. Unfortunately, the articles don’t lead anywhere, but if you click the Search Term of “Zombies”, you get a pretty great gag…
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[caption id=“attachment_3718” align=“aligncenter” width=“580” caption=“Image courtesy Joystiq.com”][/caption]
Starting at 10:30am Local Time, Microsoft took the stage in Los Angeles to unveil their overall package for gaming in the rest of 2010, 2011 and beyond to kick off the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Here’s what went down.
The Kinect looks OK, the number of titles which feel like Wii-rehashes aren’t boding too well for the future of the controller-less controller, and not having a price tag sure does hurt it. The new 360 slim looks REALLY nice, and the surprise announcement of it hitting this week sure surprised me. That ESPN deal was a surprise, but considering Hulu was rumored, was somewhat underwhelming.
However, at the end of the day, it comes down to the games, and there really weren’t any surprises. Established franchises, mostly known titles…no real E3 shockers. Microsoft may be making a play for the living room, but they didn’t really bring out anything to please the audience which has filled their pockets thus far.
We’ll see how Sony & Nintendo do tomorrow.
USA Today leaked the first list of games and details; there was a super secret bizarre sounding demonstration last night for the gaming press; and in just about a half hour, Microsoft plans to unveil the Kinect to the world as part of their big E3 conference.
We saw an early version of the “controller” (camera?) last year at E3 when it was unveiled as Project Natal, but we now have a real, true, glossy press image of the thing above.
What do you guys think? Too embarassing for your TV stand? Nice and sexy? Still not sold on it?
Either way, Microsoft seems to be hedging their bets on this new motion format as their way to take the top spot in gaming away from Nintendo, but we’ll see if it’s too little too late…and when the hell is this thing hitting stores, anyway? And for how much? Hopefully these questions and more will be handled by MS in just about 30 minutes.
EDIT: 1:16pm - Here’s a first look video from ABCNews of the controller-free controller, and if XBox.com is true (why wouldn’t it be?), we should be seeing the Kinect in November of this year. I guess it’s going to be an arm flailing Christmas for gamers!
Source:Â Joystiq.
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I’m going to go on record and say that the third Resident Evil film, Resident Evil: Extinction was one of the worst, in-theater movie experiences I’ve ever had.
Terrible movie, made all the worse by the super distracting CG work done on Mila Jovovich’s face in closeups, as if to airbrush her in motion. (They used the same effect in the ULTRA terrible Ultraviolet as well).
So to know that they’re doing a FOURTH movie, Resident Evil: Afterlife, and it’ll be in 3D (of course) sent me into a slight conniption fit this morning.
I guess it’s not completely terrible, as they actually bothered to shoot this movie in native 3D (a major difference, kids!), but seriously, is anyone HOUNDING for a fourth Resident Evil movie?
Like - why hasn’t this series hit the reboot phase? I’d love for a new series where each movie is based on each game. But nope, more tired CG’d Jovovich action. And the truly strange way they mention the camera system just feels WRONG in a theatrical trailer.
If it floats your boat, Resident Evil: Afterlife is due to hit theaters on September 10th.
You know the internet has really changed when the source for breaking news isn’t the Associated Press, or Reuters, but instead - someone’s twitter account.
The someone in this instance? DC Entertainment (still sounds douchey, like when WWF became the WWE) creative head Geoff Johns.
The news? Blue Beetle might be hitting the small screen.
Yesterday, Geoff started getting fans salivated with this first tweet.
Sure, Smallville is long in the tooth and apparently won’t die, but I’m not sure if Beetle has the name to really grab new fans. You hear the name, it sounds like a bad Spider-Man rip off, and it’s not like his book has been a huge seller. I will say that DC has done a great job of making the character seem like a big player (given his integration into Brave & The Bold), but I feel like a lengthy TV show would be a better fit for something like Green Lantern - sure, there’s the movie coming, but what about a Green Lantern Corps TV show, mixing equal parts Stargate and anthology program, each episode spotlighting a different GL in a different world or universe.
But that’s just my dream…and I’m sure that for someone, somewhere, this Blue Beetle news is VERY exciting.
Source:Â ComicsAlliance.
Since I had a hunch I’ll be doing a lot of posts about E3 these next few days, look for E3 in the title. I suppose I could retroactively update the past few game trailer posts, but…eh.
One of the big trailers for E3 this year is for the latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed series, the multiplayer based Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood. While I showcased some early screenshots a bit back, this trailer is the first “footage” of the game, although it’s more a CG cinema than anything else. What it does establish, however, is that this is a game which will be putting teams of assassin’s together to generally, well…wreck shit.
I’d dare say this trailer is totally effective…then that awkward ass Gamestop ad comes in at the end. Really guys?
Either way, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood will be hitting the PS3, 360 and PC on November 16th.
It’s Monday, which means new tees from Threadless!
And my favorite of this week is “Z-A”, designed by Jaco Haasbroek.
Sending you backwards through the alphabet with some of the best movie characters of all time, this shirt showcases adorable interpretations of cult favorite characters.
How many of them can you name? I’m stuck on a few (O? K? X?), but aside from that, I’m pretty surprised by how many movies are touched upon with this shirt.
If you buy it fast (i.e. before 5pm CST today), you can even get it for $10, instead of the normal $18! Click through and check it out!
Source: Threadless.
[caption id=“attachment_3693” align=“aligncenter” width=“490” caption=“RIVER RUSH, one of the KINECT ADVENTURES games”][/caption]
Last week we had a few GREAT trailers hit, but today we start with the heavy hitters.
At E3 2009, Microsoft blew everyone away with their reveal of Project Natal, a controller-less motion system for playing games and interacting with your XBox 360. As many predicted, we will see a near final version of Natal at the Microsoft presser tomorrow, along with it’s title - the Microsoft Kinect.
As unveiled by USA Today, the controller-system is multi purpose, allowing you to control your system via facial recognition (to login to your XBox Live account) and physical gestures (to navigate menus, and sign into things such as your Netflix account), but the key thing is that you’ll be using the Kinect to control games.
The initial roster of games has been announced, and is as follows:
Amazing pixel graphics from Paul Robertson.
Awesome 8-bit rock outs from Anamanaguchi.
One of my favorite comics of all time.
They all come together in this 2 minute gameplay trailer for UbiSoft Montreal’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, due to hit PSN on August 10th, and XBLA sometime thereafter.
I EXCITE!
Source: GameTrailers.com.
Pardon the childish joke above, but the latest trailer for Marvel vs. Capcom 3 has just been released and it has me all giddy. Like with boobs.
In addition to officially unveiling Deadpool and Dante from Devil May Cry as characters within the game, it also showcases the really awesome, cel-shaded but not style of the graphics.
Oh, and what’s that tease at the end? Hmmmmmm.
Click play to enjoy!
Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is hitting the PS3 and 360 in 2011.
Source:Â GameTrailers.com.
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Infact, I thought I was as stoked as someone could be about all things Futurama related. Then my buddy and all around internet man about town, Ross Nover forwarded me an amazing piece of fan art.
One so awesome that it makes up for all the creepy fanslash in this world.
Taking the Peanut Butter of Futurama and jamming into the chocolate of the X-Men, you get this amazing piece by DeviantArt user gottabecarl.
Every inch of this piece is full of great mixups of the Futurama cast with X-Men characters. Zapp as Magneto, Morbo as Sabertooth, Nixon as Juggernaut, hell - HYPNO TOAD AS HAVOK! It’s all awesome, all the time!
If my nerdbrain were a dog, this image is scratching it’s belly. So, so rad.
Source: DeviantArt User ~gottabecarl.
After yesterday’s full reveal of Rock Band 3 in all it’s keyboarded glory, today we have some fresh media showcasing each of the brand new controllers! Created by Harmonix alongside joystick mavens Mad Katz, these represent the cross-roads of quality and durability.
First we have the much looked forward to Keyboard. The controller can both be played sitting down and standing up for those looking forward to some sweet Keytar action.
Next, the above box may not look like much, but for true musicians, it’s quite exciting. The Rock Band 3 MIDI Pro Adapter allows you to connect your MIDI keyboard or MIDI drumset to your 360 (or PS3 or Wii, I presume) and play with your favorite “real” instruments.
Last, but far from least is the Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang Pro guitar, with six strings and 102(!) buttons, it’s designed to take advantage of the new Pro mode, teaching gamers real chords to possibly, one day take their gaming skills out of the basement and on stage. Maybe.
All and all you have 3 great new controllers ready to help you rock the world. Rock Band 3 is due out later this year.
Source: Kotaku.
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We’re just under 2 months away from the premiere of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, and the Edgar Wright directed film has just got a new batch of posters, pictured above.
These posters, six in total, each feature one (or in the case of the Twins, two) of Ramona Flower’s evil exes, a great way of establishing the characters for the movie audience.
The UK URL at the bottom tells me that these posters are (unfortunately) a European exclusive thus far, but they are SUPER effective.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World hits theaters on August 13th!
UPDATE - 11:24am Thanks to JoBlo.com, I now have high-rez versions of all SIX posters! Check them out in the gallery below!
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Yeah, that was a bummer.
But hey, two days later, we have the first details on a BRAND NEW MK coming to PlayStation 3 and XBox 360 in 2011!
Announced today by Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment, the new Mortal Kombat will take the game back to it’s 2D roots (a’la Street Fighter IV), returns the title to it’s M rated state after that Teen rated DC game, and includes Online gameplay, tag-team fighting, and even co-op storyline modes!
Not exciting enough? Here’s the BRAND NEW trailer for the game! The bizarre x-ray shots are an interesting addition to the game, but my god - it’s Mortal Kombat! Inner 11 year old is PSYCHED.
Hit the jump for the full press release. As usual, we should expect more at E3 next week.
For PlayStation®3 Computer Entertainment System and Xbox 360® Videogame and Entertainment System from Microsoft
BURBANK, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announces Mortal Kombat, the most brutal installment of the landmark fighting game to date for release on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in 2011. Mortal Kombat is being developed by the newly re-named NetherRealm Studios, led by Mortal Kombat creator and creative director Ed Boon.
“Re-establishing the brand with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Mortal Kombat innovates on past games while staying true to the brand’s legendary characters and fighting style.“
The newest chapter of the iconic fight franchise marks a triumphant return to the series’ mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2D fighting mechanic. Driven by an all new graphics engine, the fan favorite Fatality is back and presented in more gory detail than ever before. In addition, Mortal Kombat introduces a number of new game-play features including tag team and the deepest story mode of any fighting game. Players can choose from an extensive lineup of the game’s iconic warriors and challenge their friends in traditional 1 vs. 1 matches, or take on several new game modes.
“We are bringing the Mortal Kombat franchise back to gamers with the talented NetherRealm Studios team creating the game fans long to play,“ said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “Re-establishing the brand with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Mortal Kombat innovates on past games while staying true to the brand’s legendary characters and fighting style.“
“We can’t wait for players to get their hands on Mortal Kombat,“ said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios. “This game really is a response to what players have been demanding: mature presentation, reinvented 2D fighting mechanic and the best, most gruesome fatalities ever!“
Mortal Kombat introduces a number of new game modes as well as the most extensive online experience ever seen in a fighting game. Up to 4 players can battle “tag-team"- 2 players can team up in the new “Co-op Arcade Mode" or compete against another team online.
For more information about Mortal Kombat, please visit www.themortalkombat.com.
About NetherRealm Studios
NetherRealm Studios, wholly owned by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, is a leader in the development of interactive entertainment as the creator of the billion dollar Mortal Kombat franchise. Mortal Kombat has spawned two theatrical films, multiple television series, and has sold over 28 million games to date. Located in Chicago, Illinois the award-winning NetherRealm team has been working and creating games together since 1992. Additional information about NetherRealm Studios can be found at www.netherrealm.com.
The keyboard in question is a 25-key MIDI keyboard, and is integrated into full game play via charts like those seen in the screenshot above.
If you thought that was enough expansion for the 3rd game, you thought wrong! Rock Band 3 is also expanding to what they call “Pro Mode”, which replaces the typical color charts with real chords to get players acclimated to actually playing real instruments. To take advantage of that, there will be (surprise!) new controllers, including a Fender Stratocaster and Fender Mustang Pro with REAL STRINGS!
Not enough to get excited about? Rock Band 3 includes 83 songs on disc (not including all the hundreds available as downloadable content), and an initial list of tracks has been revealed (RILO KILEY! METRIC! SPACEHOG! QUEEN!), which I’ve included below.
1990s Been Caught Stealing — Jane’s Addiction In the Meantime — Spacehog Plush — Stone Temple Pilots Walkin' on the Sun — Smash Mouth
1980s Crazy Train — Ozzy Osbourne Here I Go Again — Whitesnake I Love Rock and Roll — Joan Jett Just Like Heaven — The Cure Rainbow in the Dark — Dio The Power of Love — Huey Lewis and the News Sister Christian — Night Ranger
1960s-1970s Bohemian Rhapsody — Queen Break On Through — The Doors Crosstown Traffic — Jimi Hendrix There is no set release date for Rock Band 3 yet, but with E3 coming next week, I have a hunch we’ll know very shortly when to expect the game. I’d imagine this Fall.
Sources: Kotaku & USA Today
Yesterday afternoon, the above Mortal Kombat video appeared on YouTube, on the account of “MortalKombatRebirth”, and ever since, the web went APESHIT.
People were speculating up a storm - is it a trailer for a new movie? A teaser for a new game? What’s the idea?!
Well, thanks to Latino Review (who’s full reveal can be read below), an illuminating light has been shone upon this Seven-esq MK video.
It’s a proof of concept short, put together to convince Warner Brothers to fund a new Mortal Kombat film. Featuring Michael Jai White as “Jacks” and Jeri Ryan as Sonya Blade, director Kevin Tancharoen (Fame) seems to already have his cast in mind.
Personally, it looks interesting, but at the same time, feels a bit too removed from the source material. I’m all for realistic takes on existing properties (and post-Black Dynamite, I’m a BIG Jai White fan), but really? We’re going to serious up one of the most fun/goofy fighting game series ever? It smells a lil' fan fictiony. Speak of the gore all you want, but MK was built on goofy blood and Friendships and other silly stuff.
Considering the INTENSE amount of webhype though? I wouldn’t be surprised to see this new Mortal Kombat film fast-tracked for a 2011-2012 release.
Source:Â Latino Review.
It’s funny, over the 2 years I’ve been running Blast-O-Rama, we’ve gone through phases.
It was all Dark Knight all the time, all Kick-Ass all the time, and now, we’re looking at all Scott Pilgrim all the time.
Hopefully you’ll forgive this transgression, as today the SUPER awesome Scott Pilgrim vs. The World related news is the first hands-on report of the video game, provided by Game Informer.
If you missed the details so far, here’s what we knew: the game was a 2D game with art from Paul Robeson (creator of amazing 8-bit animated films across the web), music by amazing chiptune artists Anamanaguchi, and was being developed by Ubisoft.
Now, we can add even more awesome and exciting details.
Source:Â GameInformer.com.
Freshly ripped from the MTV Movie Awards, here’s an extended clip from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World featuring Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) battling evil ex Lucas Lee (Chris Evans).
Simply put, the scene hits the right tone and feel, and just adds to my excitement as I wait for the movie to hit theaters on August 13th.
Love Wallace’s interjections, by the by.
Source: MTV.
As I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise, between the 6th Volume of the comic series and the film adaptation in August, a lot of Scott Pilgrim merchandise is about to hit the market.
Personally, I’m looking forward to the soundtrack (that Metric song is killer!), any possible stylish tee-shirts, and now that I’ve seen them - the above adorable plushies from Mezco!
Due out in July, there are plushies of both Scott and Ramona, and honestly, don’t you just want to hug them now?
Pricing isn’t available yet, but I know that like with most things Pilgrim, I’ll have my credit card ready!
Source: ComicsAlliance.
The unofficial Marvel Studios week here at Blast-O-Rama continues with a long rumored casting finally taking shape!
Since about last Thanksgiving, rumors have been flying fast and furious that The Hurt Locker’s Jeremy Renner would be donning the purple cowl and sweet arrows of Hawkeye for 2012’s The Avengers, and word is, he’s finally signing on!
Renner really made his name in The Hurt Locker, and he showcased a bizarre leadership alongside the skill to play a man who is completely reckless, with no regard for himself. Putting those skills together with some awesome archery would make for a great Hawkeye, and I hope it all comes together!
The Avengers, directed by Joss Whedon, hits theaters in Summer 2012.
Source: THR’S Heat Vision Blog.
While fans have been divided about how good of a flick it is, generally, I think everyone enjoyed it. (I know I did.)
Perhaps you enjoyed it. And perhaps, you really really want to share this fact via your feet.
Well, if that describes you, look no further than the custom Iron Man and War Machine Nikes as designed by Diversitile!
Done up in custom Iron Man and War Machine colors, complete with light up arc reactors, there is no better way to tell the world via your feet that you love Iron Man so much that each step must be lead with a bit o' Stark!
Granted, these same shoes may tell the world that you have more money than sense, but I’m not judging.
Source:Â Diversitile Custom Clothing.
File this under “things I want on my walls”.
The above piece is an amazing art nouveau tribute to everyone’s favorite post-modern Pac-Man, Katamari Damacy, and honestly, artist Kate Elizabeth could not have done a better job with it.
I only wish I could purchase a copy of my own.
If you’d like to see how it was made, you can view the original sketch here, and a process animation here.
Keep on rollin', Kate Elizabeth! The King of All Cosmos would be pleased with this work. Very pleased.
Source:Â Boing Boing.
Not even 24 hours after concept art from Captain America: The First Avenger leaks, another Marvel hero has been revealed with this great look at concept art of Chris Hemsworth as Thor!
Posted exclusively by Collider.com, these images match up both to the first official Thor still from last month, but also match the style seen in the Chris Evans/Captain America images, so I have little reason to doubt their crediblity.
Once again, we see a costume which is quite similar to the Ultimates interpretation of the character, and I REALLY like the glow of Mjolnir. Fans may note the lack of a helmet, but for whatever reason, I have a hunch we’ll see one in a final battle sequence.
You can click the images below for a full resolution version. Thor hits theaters on May 6, 2011.
Source: Collider.
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OK, I promise, I won’t post ALL of these (unless there’s a 3rd full trailer), but last night during that show with all the kids who sing, a TV spot for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World premiered!
Why, in a world where TV spots are typically just edited trailers, is this important? Easy! This TV spot includes a better, albeit brief look at Mae Whitman as Roxy Richter, and more importantly, includes 2 of the more memorable back and forth’s from the comic, namely the “You had a SEXY phase?” and “Bread makes you fat?!” convos.
Click play for 30 seconds of awesome.
Yesterday, the internet was all a flutter with JoBlo.com’s post with a verbal description of Chris Evans' costume as Captain America.
Today, Ain’t It Cool News has come out with 4 images of the concept art, depicting at least one of the costumes to be warn by the so called “First Avenger”. Just confirmed as the exact images seen by the folks at JoBlo, these are our first look at how Evans would look as Captain America.
Now, granted, these are just drawings, but if the real life version looks anywhere near this, we’re in for a good looking suit.
Taking all of the trademark elements of the existing suit, dropping the goofy ones (see ya, head wings!), and generally feeling a lot like the suit from The Ultimates, this costume looks GREAT.
Captain America: The First Avenger starts filming in London this Summer, for a July 22, 2011 release.
Source: Ain’t It Cool News.
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After years of rumors about movies and other reinterpretations, ThunderCats is officially coming back.
Set to return to the place that birthed it, TV, this new Thundercats series will be spearheaded by Warner Brothers Animation to air on Cartoon Network, with a decidedly Japanese flair.
Featuring animation from Studio4°C, who handled The Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knight, and produced by talent who handled Batman: The Brave and the Bold and Avatar: The Last Airbender, this “21st Century Reinvention” of Lion-O and the gang is starting off on the right foot.
Now, where’s my Sword of Omens? It’s time to celebrate!
Source: MTV.
Based on the amazing zombie comic by Robert Kirkman (also responsible for Invincible) and adapted by Frank Darabont (The Mist), The Walking Dead is set to premiere on AMC this October.
With a near flawless track record of original programing including Mad Men and Breaking Bad, AMC is stepping into the difficult realm of comic adaptation and horror with their latest series, but these first stills, all of the “Walkers” (what the undead are called in the series) give me hope.
As tweeted out just moments ago by Kirkman himself, these images showcase some stunning makeup work, underlining that they are sparing no expense. They even got the Tony Moore blood splatters right!
Now, let’s see some stills of the heroes, yes?
Source: AMC.
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After months and months of hit or miss shirts (in my humble opinion), Threadless really has been hitting it out of the park as of late with their pop culture related designs.
The latest? “Bustin' Made Them Feel Good”, as designed by Riccardo Bucchioni.
This shirt design takes the 1980’s film classic Ghostbusters and throws it back 100 years, with a decidedly more 1880’s styled version of Billy Murray and the crew. I especially love the ghost catching gramophone.
The perfect design for the Ghostbusters geek/steampunk fan in your life, you can pick it up by clicking the above image or the source link. Up to you, really.
Source: Threadless.
Released this morning after the Facebook fan page for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World hit 100,000 fans, the new second trailer for the Edgar Wright flick has hit my eyeballs many, many times, and I can’t get enough of it!
This new trailer, about twice the length of the first, gives a bit more details to the film, gives us our first real looks at Wallace Wells and Kim Pine, and gives a look at some of the amazing CG sweetness applied to give the film a comic feel. (I love the gun noises for Kim)
The more and more footage I see, the more excited I get for the adaptation (even with my admitted bias), and by god, I think Cera really is going to pull it off!
The flick hits August 13th, and I honestly cannot wait!
Ever since it’s surprise reveal earlier this year, people all over the web (myself included) have been waiting on pins and needles for the next bit of information on Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
Capcom’s decided to satiate us for the time being with the release of some absolutely stunning, high-rez screenshots from the game. I’m really digging the look of the game so far (although part of me still wishes for BlazBlue-esq HD pixel animations), and I can’t wait to see which characters are revealed next.
With E3 next month, I figure the first hands on impressions (and new character reveals) are on the way, but until then, let’s all look at these screens and drool over the whatifs.
Source:Â Capcom Unity Blog.
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Over the past few years, there has been a decided love for retro-styled pixel graphics, even though our current video game systems can provide images of a much higher quality.
Documentarian Simon Coffee has decided to take a look at the history of Pixel art in his online short-form documentary, Pixel. Click play above, it’s a great use of 11 minutes.
Source: Kottke.
Not just any comics though…alternate universe ones.
For those who don’t follow the series, Fringe frequently features a timeline alternate to our own, and this nice background Easter Egg gave comic nerds a glimpse at a universe where Batman died in the 90’s, Supergirl lived through Crisis, and Green Lantern and Green Arrow were decidedly different.
I’ve included a full gallery of these unique covers below, and you can click through the link to get the full story as to how they were made. Can you identify the originals?
Source: DC Universe: The Source.
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When I first heard about Megamind, I was kinda worried.
Dreamworks has never been good at following the leader in Pixar (see Antz, for example), and the concept sounded like their take on The Incredibles, although from the villains perspective.
With the first trailer released, however, I have to say - this actually looks fun!
The voice cast is pretty great (Will Farrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey), and the animation design looks solid enough (I really love the look of Megamind’s fish headed sidekick). They even didn’t give away a major plot twist which the official synopsis has!
I’m going to proceed with caution here, but hopefully this is more of a Kung Fu Panda/How to Train A Dragon surprise, and less a Shrek/Madagascar level failure.
We’ll know for sure this November.
Source: /Film.
Sure, there have been some AMAZING DVD sets released compiling all of the toons, but at least my generation even had Tiny Toon Adventures and Taz-Mania to keep the new WB classics coming. Unfortunately for today’s youth, the best they’ve had is…Loonatics. And the less said about that ugly, angsty trainwreck, the better.
This changes now, with two 2 initiatives pushed by Warner Bros. First, Cartoon Network will be receiving a new series, titled The Looney Tunes Show, putting Bugs and Daffy back on TV as wacky roommates living together. Sounds fun enough, but what has me SUPER excited is the other big push.
Brand new, 3D-animated shorts before Warner Brothers films.
Say what you will about the push for 3D (the above still from the first, starring Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner looks good enough), there’s something truly great about a short animated feature before a film. It’s another nice touch which adds to the theatrical experience which only Pixar has used in recent memory.
The bad part for WB though? The first short premieres in front of the miserably green-lit 3D sequel to Cats & Dogs.
Here’s hoping they succeed anyway. I want today’s kids to know how truly great WB can be!
Source: NYTimes.com.
Over the 20 years that Mega Man (aka Rockman, in Japan) has been invading the public consciousness via his amazing series of video games, there has been merchandising.
But for all the toys and related model kits, I don’t think there has been a figure which so perfectly captured the character until this one.
Created by the sculpting and figure experts at Kotobukiya, this super articulated Mega Man features all sorts of great accessories, including snap on power blasts (charged and uncharged), an exchangeable face, and even an E tank!
The figure is due out in September, and is currently available for about $24 at the link below. I think I might just nab one myself!
Source: AmiAmi
One of the coolest, and most popular shirts from T-shirt retailer Threadless has to be their Tron Hoodie, titled “My Other Ride Is A Light Cycle”.
The shirt hasn’t been out very long, and has already gone through 3 reprints (unheard of in the limited run world of Threadless), and today they released a very special variant of the hoodie.
As you can see, the Tron Hoodie has gone evil, with a dark asphalt and orange take on the Villanous SARK!
And yes, just as before - IT GLOWS IN THE DARK! You can click the image above to buy.
Order now, and be ready for Tron Legacy in December.
Download the demo on XBox Live, play through it, and once you’ve completed your trial of the game, you see the above image.
That’s right - ROCK BAND 3 is gonna have PIANOS, sucka! I’d imagine we’ll see much more about this at next month’s E3 conference, but this already is enough to have me super excited.
My first hope for a piano based song? “Party Hard” by Andrew WK.
What do you want to see?
Source: Kotaku.
Depending on how you view it, PIXAR story artist Josh Cooley is either a genius, or a sick, sick man.
Personally, I’m thinking the former. Why, you ask?
Over on his really awesome blog, Cooley has been producing a series of images from decidedly R-rated films, drawn in the classic, Golden Books style, which I’m fairly sure all readers of this site grew up with.
Due to the immense popularity of these images, he’s going to be going to print for a full book this summer, titled Movies R Fun!
He’s supposed to be offering this collection at San Diego Comic Con, as well as on his blog, and personally, I think I’ll have to pick one up…if only to eventually warp my poor, poor spawn.
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I guess the shortcut to be posted on here these days is pretty simple.
Be posters, be related to Christopher Nolan, and be related to Inception.
Ergo, you shouldn’t be TOO surprised to see this amazing set of Inception character posters from all around the web today. There are seven posters in all, each showcasing a different character, and their place in the world of this summer’s mind-bending flick.
I swear, with each piece of released media, the more excited I get, and these posters are no exception!
Inception hits theaters on July 16th.
Source: /Film.
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A. The SuburbsAA. Month of May
With the one-two punch of their first two full-lengths (Funeral and Neon Bible respectively), The Arcade Fire set themselves apart from the pack and launched themselves into indie rock superstardom.
But it’s been quite a few years since we’ve heard new material from the band, but that silence should end very soon with the release of a new 12" single called “The Suburbs”. Complete with a b-side titled “Month of May”, Amazon.com believes it to be available come June 1st, but to tantalize and tease the internet, the Canadian rock group has released the above flash toy, which you can interact with to hear about 10 seconds of each song.
What’s really cool is it act likes a real record, should you choose to want to demonstrate your DJ skills here at Blast-O-Rama.
Source:Â Stereogum.
Argue the pros and cons of whether it’s worth doing a joke people aren’t in on if you must, but the fact is, 99 times out of 100, Improv Everywhere delivers the funny.
And their latest gag, an attempt to bring Ghostbusters to life in New York’s beautiful Public Library is a great example of how what they do not just brings joy, but brings it to great places.
Click play above to view the video, it’s a hoot and a half.
Source:Â Improv Everywhere.
This Sunday, May 23rd brings the final episode of Lost, and with that, the internet (only slightly more so than usual) is all a-twitter about the finale.
Ergo, there have been some very interesting bits of new hitting the web in relation to this Sunday’s farewell.
First, as a part of a live event last Thursday, Lost co-creators’s Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse read a letter sent to them by Star Wars mastermind/beard enthusiast George Lucas. One line in particular should make readers of this site crack up.
The letter read as follows:
In six seasons, you’ve managed to span both time and space, and I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I never saw what was around the corner. Now that it’s all coming to an end, it’s impressive to see how much was planned out in advance and how neatly you’ve wrapped up everything. You’ve created something really special. I’m sad that the series is ending, but I look forward to seeing what you two are going to do next. Next, everyone’s favorite T-Shirt website Threadless sent Lost off in their own way this week with a great, well designed tee combining the mystery island series with everyone’s favorite 80’s ghost movie.
You can click the above image to buy.
Personally, I have 3 episodes of Lost on the DVR (with another airing tonight) to get through before Sunday’s finale, so I haven’t yet fever-pitch yet, but I’m still sad to see the series go. Love it or hate it, Lost had a fanbase unlike anything else on TV today, and I’m not sure what is going to fill the void. Maybe nothing ever will.
Many times during the process of interviewing for press, cast members of films tend to say all sorts of crazy shit. (Remember when Gary Oldman said Batman 3 would start filming this year at SDCC?) So, take this all with a grain of salt.
While promoting Iron Man 2, Samuel L. Jackson did an interview with RadioBigBoy (linked below), and apparently, Sammy L was feeling a bit chatty, as he started to discuss not just IM2, but the plans for Iron Man 3 (uh-huh), The Avengers (yep), and…A S.H.I.E.L.D. movie?! (Cue Marvel Studio’s Kevin Feige blowing a gasket).
Thus far, there has been no official word about a film about the Strategic Hazard Intervention, Espionage Logistics Directorate (formerly known as the Supreme Headquarters, International Espionage, Law-Enforcement Division), but it would stand to reason that one of the dangling carrots to get Jackson to sign on to NINE movies as Nick Fury would be his own starring flick.
I’m a bit concerned however, at the possibilities.
Here’s what bugs me, even if it’s going to happen…
…or it could be totally off base, and Jackson’s having fun with the fans. Either way, I hate typing all those periods in S.H.I.E.L.D.
What say you, reader?
Source: RadioBigBoy.
As forwarded to me by the ever rad Samtaters, graphic designer Michael Meyers has created a really great looking series of art deco, minimalist posters featuring classic DC Comics characters.
While I really like the designs (the Robin one I’ve highlighted above reminds me of Dyna Moe’s Mad Men work, for example), I can’t help but feel the series would be far more striking minus the text of each character’s name.
But maybe I’m wrong? Feel free to check out the full series (and let me know how wrong I am) via the link to the complete collection below.
Source:Â Behance Network.
Years of speculation, hopes and dreams have finally come to fruition as today is the day that popular PC gaming portal Steam is available on Macs!
As a proud Mac owner, this is a day I’ve long been waiting for, and while the first day selection isn’t necessarily everything I’d hope for (mostly some bundles of software already available on Macs), a free copy of 2007’s first-person puzzle hit, Portal certainly salves all wounds. They’re even giving it away to PC owners!
Either way, click the link below and get ready to install and play. Personally, I’m still at work for a few more hours, so I can’t wait to get some Steam action going on!
Source:Â Welcome to Steam.
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What’s the theme? Why the Alphabet of course!
Called The Wolverine ABCs, each sketch features Logan teaming up with other Marvel heroes, with the art relating to each letter of the alphabet.
I’ve chosen M to highlight above (as it’s the first letter of my name afterall), and he’s put a Weapon X era-Wolvie teaming up with Sabertooth and Maverick.
This is really great stuff, and I recommend checking out the full set here.
I only have one question - Where was this alphabet when I was a kid?
Ah, who am I kidding, Wolverine’s claws probably would’ve scared me when I was a lil' nerd.
Source: Project : Rooftop.
One of my favorite comics of all time is Jeff Smith’s stunning opus, Bone.
I remember reading about it in the pages of Wizard back in the early 90s, and it was my first exposure to the world of indie comics as a wee lad. I collected every issue fervently, bought the one volume tome (which I frequently lend out to new fans), and I’m currently wrapping up my collection of the new beautifully colored volumes printed by Scholastic. Simply put, I love it.
Way back when, it was scheduled to be a hand-drawn animated film by Nickelodeon, but the rights reverted after many starts and stops. According to Smith himself, the movie is back in production, but despite his own hopes and dreams, will be a CG animated film.
Sure, I’m still excited about the eventuality of a feature length Bone adventure, but the child in me still wishes it were animated like a Disney classic.
That’s where talented flash animator Andrew Kaiko comes in.
Using audio from the Bone PC game from Telltale Games, he animated the above short clip, which gives fans (and probably Jeff himself) the closest we’ll come to a hand drawn flick.
Check it out, it’s really beautifully done. Consider my inner child absolutely joyful.
Source: Cartoon Brew.
Fresh off the gaming presses is the announcement for the not-quite sequel to Assassin’s Creed II - Assassins' Creed: Brotherhood.
Sort of an Assassin’s Creed 2.5, the game continues the story of Ezio, the protagonist of the second Assassin’s Creed (which was a STUNNING game, if you missed it), and plops him into Rome for a 15-hour single player adventure.
If that sounds diminutive, you’re kinda right, as the games real push is the multiplayer side of things. Featuring a variety of character classes, you’ll be able to sneak up behind your friends online and stab them in the neck, as you’ve always wanted to!
Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is set for a Holiday 2010 release. Expect to see more on it at E3 next month…as with every other game this year.
Source: Joystiq.
The target of much discussion and speculation over the past week, the trailer for the new JJ Abrams directed film Super 8 has finally hit the web thanks to Apple.
You can click through the link above for high-quality downloadable Quicktime versions, but this same copy has been uploaded to YouTube, thanks to a fine user on everyone’s favorite video site.
I wanted to wait until a non-cam version of the trailer hit the web before writing up this post, as I wanted a clear version of it, so no inaccurate speculation can be had.
Here’s what we know about Super 8 so far.
I suppose it’s about aliens, and I guess one is escaping at the end of the trailer, but what’s the deal with the dude in the truck?
JJ Abrams has hit the very rare level where just his name on a project connected to a trailer with next to no substance has people excited. People were talking about this trailer being the next 1-18-08/Cloverfield (myself included), but that trailer set a definite tone and you immediately knew what the film would be (a first person POV version of a Godzilla film)…in the case of this trailer, the mystery remains.
I, of course, will be keeping an eye on this project, but I’m hoping this isn’t a bunch of hype for nothing.
Sure, we kinda knew that everyone across the web loved them some Conan O’Brien. I mean, the huge Facebook outpouring of support should’ve been enough.
But today, we’ve learned that the masters of the internet love CoCo too!
Over the weekend, Conan visited Google and did a 48 minute Q & A with them, which even included a guest appearance from Andy Richter. It was a really fun, funny talk, and because Google can, the whole shebang is available on YouTube…even in HD!
If that wasn’t enough, our dear friends at Threadless have done it again, with another great pop-culture skewing tee.
The concept this time? “Late Night Barbarian”. If the topic of this post didn’t already give away the gag, the art certainly does, and if you’re so inclined to purchase the shirt, just click the image.
No confirmation as to if it gives you the “Conan Wave”, as the models are sporting on their heads.
As I get older, it’s harder and harder for me to play video games. It seems for me to really get into a title these days, it either has to be quirky/interesting, or speak directly to my inner child.
Super Street Fighter IV and Batman: Arkham Asylum surely handled the latter, but it’s rare when a game does both. One such title to balance these parts of my brain was 2008’s masterpiece of a game, Little Big Planet.  With beautifully designed characters and damn-near-perfect platforming, it was an absolute joy to play. The real, long lasting quality of the game, however, was the fact that players could create their own levels, extending the life of the game well beyond what the developers could provide.
Two million levels later, how are developers Media Molecule supposed to follow up with a sequel?
Answer: You let the fans create WHOLE GAMES within Little Big Planet.
The first trailer for Little Big Planet 2 hit the web today, and to say the scope of this sequel boarders on ridiculous is an understatement. Media Molecule is using their Sony cash just right, and taking everything that was great about the original, and dialing it to 11…nay, 12! You can create platformers, racing games, action adventure games, shooters, even create narratives to flow through the titles…even design characters! This is going to be the Lego of digital entertainment if played right!
I also love the “we”, “our” tone of the trailer. Far too many games feel like it’s you versus the world…with Little Big Planet, we define a collective world, and gaming is better for it.
More details on Little Big Planet 2 should hit at E3 next month. Until then, I’ll keep hitting replay and drooling.
Source: ArsTechnica.
Well, I’m guessing the backlash train has already struck Mr. Reeves pretty hard, as just a few days later, he is already giving an exclusive interview (plus an exclusive still, seen above) to the LA Times - asking the dedicated fans of the Swedish cult-fave to just give him a chance.
The interview goes into his reverence for the project, and in one section in particular, tells me that he might just get it after all!
Source: LA Times.
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In the mainstream world of Marvel and DC comics, one of the best books hitting the racks these days has to be Matt Fraction’s run on Invincible Iron Man.
Launched in 2008 as the Iron Man series for the new comic fans to jump on, it’s been an absolute joy to read. The book touches on the continuity of the Marvel U without being a bear to follow, and with the stunning art of Salvadore Larocca, the comic has an intense, widescreen feeling - making it feel as if these comics could be adapted directly to screen.
This week, issue #25 hit the shelves, and in addition to being a great starting point for the new Iron Man 2 fans, as it sets the stage for the next big arc of the series, Tony Stark unveils his new Iron Man armor, seen above.
I first reported back in January that this sleeker armor would be appearing in issue 25, but to celebrate the armor’s official debut, CBR has an interview with it’s designer, Ryan Meinerding.
The name may not ring a bell, but Meinerding’s been a concept artist on dozens of Hollywood productions, including both Iron Man films, and the great interview doesn’t just give you his insights into the creation, it shows you them, chock full of breakdowns of each revision of the armor.
All and all, while I was iffy on it last January, I do dig the new look, and we can thank Ryan for making it happen. What do you think of Shellheads new look?
Source:Â Comic Book Resources.
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The tale of a lonely boy in Sweden who befriends the only person who doesn’t torment or bully him, a girl his age - who just so happens to be a vampire, it’s an absolutely beautifully shot and well put together film.
However, it’s entirely in Swedish, so many folks wouldn’t give it the time of day.
Now, in a move that is either a positive or a negative, a US remake is set for release on October 1st, titled Let Me In.
Little has been released from the film to date, but today the first still of Chloe Moretz (Hit Girl from Kick Ass) as the vampire girl Abby has been released. And it’s the right vibe of creepy without releasing too much.
Sure, the names and locations have been changed, but under the direction of Cloverfield’s Matt Reeves, I have the hopes that this remake will hit all the right notes that made the original an absolute blowaway piece of cinema.
If you haven’t seen the original, last I checked, it was available on Netflix streaming. Get on it.
Source: Cinematical.
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Last night, one of the most anticipated reveals for the midnight show of Iron Man 2, aside from the film itself…and that secret JJ Abrams trailer for Super 8 (which I’ll post once a HQ version comes out), was the full length trailer for Inception, Christopher Nolan’s mind crime heist thriller.
Well, of course, my theater didn’t show it.
HOWEVER! A high quality version of the trailer has hit the web thanks to a user on DailyMotion, and it goes great with today’s reveal of the super trippy IMAX poster (seen above).
Click play to watch it.
What do you think so far? This looks to me to be an absolutely stunning, mind-eff of a film, and Warner Bros seems to be sparing NO expense to make Nolan’s vision come to life, between an a-list cast and stunning sets. I cannot wait until July 16th.
Inception, I LONG FOR YOU!
EDIT: Monday, May 10th - 3:03pm - The DailyMotion link died over the weekend, so here’s one from TrailerAddict!
So if you follow this site, you know that…
Here’s what you’ll see.
BOUT 2: The Debuting Zach Weiner (Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal) defeated Chris Impink (Sledgebunny).
BOUT 3: Jami “Angry Zen Master" Noguchi (Yellow Peril) defeated Tak Toyoshima (Secret Asian Man)
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The passes for this preview screening were once again supplied by our good friends at b.
It’s hard to believe now, but when Iron Man was released in May 2008, it was anything but a safe bet. You had a b-list Marvel hero in Iron Man, a comic company overseeing and funding a film of their own creation for the first time, a star who while admired for his acting prowess was considered a risk at best, and a director who’s biggest film involved Will Farrell screaming in an elf costume. It was set to fail. And yet once the theater went dark and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark took the screen, his charismatic performance and the well paced, well plotted film both stole our hearts and blew audiences away.
So here we are, 2 years later, 2 years older and with 2 years of additional Marvel film continuity (with 3 more films to come) and Iron Man 2 is taking flight. Building off of the first film’s surprise endings, we’re now seeing how Tony Stark deals with the reality of being Iron Man (ending #1) and the genesis of the Avengers project, which will achieve culmination in a Joss Whedon-helmed adaptation in 2012 (ending #2, which was after the credits, a trick employed here again…so stay in your seats!).
Set six months after the first Shellhead adventure, we’re thrust into the celebration to end all celebrations, as Tony Stark has relaunched the Stark Expo, a sort of world’s fair last put together by his father Howard Stark in 1974. A look towards the future of technology, it’s little more than a coming out party for Tony as Iron Man, who is celebrating his establishment of supposed world peace.
Peaceful, however, is NOT how to describe Tony’s life at this time. The US Government, or more particularly Senator Stern (Gary Shandling at his prickish best), wants him to hand over the Iron Man “weapon”; Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) is trying to keep Stark Industries afloat while Tony galavants as a superhero; James “Rhodey” Rhodes (now played by Don Cheadle) is being made to testify against Tony in the government trials; and the arc reactor in Tony’s chest, the one thing keeping him alive, is slowly poisoning him. If that wasn’t enough, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke), the son of a colleague of Howard Stark is aiming to murder Tony as the villanous Whiplash, and Stark Industries is dealing with a competitor in the weapons game - Hammer Industries - ran by a rather inept, fake tanned counterpart to Tony Stark, Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell). And if that all wasn’t enough, S.H.I.E.L.D., lead by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), is keeping tabs on Tony to decide if he’s the right man to head the Avengers.
Sound like a lot going on at once? Well, yeah, it really is. But some way, some how, Favreau is able to balance it all. The movie retains the proper amount of human interest in this superheroic tale, keeping you intrigued in the people behind the masks, in the suits or under the eyepatch (depending on the character). The movie drags slightly towards the middle with some strange pacing, but the performances from each actor is enough to keep you enthralled while the water gets a bit choppy.
And oh, how the performances rule! RDJ remains his quippy best as Stark and ads solid gravitas to the scenes where he deals with his own mortality and the memories of his father. The supporting cast steps up as well. Favreau absolutely rules with extended scenes as Happy Hogan, Scarlett Johannson is equal parts sultry siren and bad-ass secret agent as Black Widow, Samuel L. Jackson is absolutely loving being Nick Fury (and it shows), and Don Cheadle does a nice job replacing Terrance Howard as Rhodes. Mad Men’s John Slattery even does some great work as Howard Stark, even though he only appears in archival footage. The absolute peak of the cast, however, is Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer. He literally steals every scene he’s in, and I could watch he and Downey go back and forth arguing for hours. There are some chinks in the armor, however, as Rourke is somewhat of a lame duck villain as Whiplash, and Paltrow doesn’t quite have the same chemistry with Downey as she did in the first.
The true highlight of the film has to be the stunning action sequences. While there are only 3 major set pieces within the film, they are absolutely stunning. The first appearance of Whiplash is a great mix of out of control violence and frantic humor, as Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts get thrown into the mix, and a party time brawl between Tony and Rhodes (in suits) is quite the spectacle…even if the soundtrack to it bothered me slightly. The true highlight is the final battle, mixing Iron Man, War Machine, dozens of drones and Whiplash. With action sequences storyboarded by Samurai Jack’s Genndy Tartakofsky, this is the one which feels the most anime-centric, and is 20 minutes of pure robot on robot violence. Stunning work.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t note one point. The film does do some major legwork to setup The Avengers, and while I could see non-fans rolling their eyes at points, the chemistry between Downey and Sam Jackson is fantastic, and I look forward to them bickering on the battlefield.
At the end of the day, you could pick apart the flaws of the film and argue how a tighter edit would improve the film, and yes, the first might be the superior film…but Iron Man 2 is a great continuation of the world created in the first film. Leaving the cinema, I couldn’t wait to watch it again…and if that isn’t a high compliment, I’m not sure what is. Color me ready for a third.
He spearheaded the mystery island drama Lost, he kept his Trek reboot under wraps even with a 6 month delay of release, and if you remember back to the Summer of 2007, he stole the spotlight of Transformers blew us all away with a trailer for a film no one knew about, and everyone wanted to see.
That film was, at the time, just known as 1-18-08, based on it’s release date, but soon became known as the first-person kaiju homage Cloverfield.
At the time, this was absolutely stunning. How could such a high profile filmmaker be behind a film that NO ONE knew about? How could people be SO excited behind a film with NO title?
Well, get ready to do it all again.
Thursday night is the midnight show of Iron Man 2. In a reveal exclusive to HitFix.com, there will be a trailer attached to a surprise JJ Abrams project, which is either titled or codenamed Super 8. What is it? We have no idea.
Here’s what we do know.
It may or may not be Cloverfield related.
It is not the Abrams/Spielberg collaboration.
Whatever it is, it’s under lock and key for even the theater operators until Thursday afternoon.
I’m lucky enough to see Iron Man 2 tonight, but I will also be going to a midnight show on Thursday…I can’t wait to see what this is all about.
Source: HitFix.com.
While we have no title, plot or date, we do have the crucial details on the 3rd Christopher Nolan Batman film.
Yes, Nolan is returning.
Yes, he and David Goyer are working on the story.
And yes, we have a release date. It will be hitting theaters on July 20, 2012.
This puts the 3rd Batman in the midst of an amazing nerd summer, which is currently scheduled to see The Avengers, the Marc Webb directed Spider-Man reboot and the 2nd installment of the new Star Trek series.
Not a bad way to end existence, if the Mayans are right.
Source: THR’s Heat Vision Blog.
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We’re just about two months away from the release of Christopher Nolan’s Inception, and while we have a vague idea of the plot (“a heist film about stealing dreams” seems to be the best description), we’re continued to be teased by surreal imagery.
The latest poster for the film, the 3rd and possibly final one, is no exception. Presenting a world turning literally on itself, along with shots of the rather awesome cast Nolan’s pulled together, it’s a very evocative image.
Now, will all the secrecy pan out? We’ll find out soon enough. Inception messes with your head on July 16th.
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With the release of Iron Man 2 this Friday, Marvel Studios isn’t letting up and resting on the laurels of ol' Shellhead.
Why, it’s time to already start the NEXT round of hype! This time, for the Kenneth Brannaugh directed adaptation of Thor!
And now, courtesy of Yahoo!, we have the first official still of Chris Hemsworth as Thor.
Truly, the Odinson looks bothered in this strangely close up still, and it establishes a darker tone from the onset for this Marvel adaptation. The costume looks solid, from what we can see, but noticeable from it’s absence are both the trademark helmet and hammer. I can understand the lack of helmet, as honestly, it can look cheesy (Adventures in Babysitting, anyone?), but where’s Mjolnir? Either way, there’s not a hint of Papa Kirk in him, and just a world weary thundergod.
…oh yeah…
Thor is set to bring thunder and lightning to theaters Summer 2011.
If you’ve been a long time reader here at blast-o-rama, you know I’m fanatical about movie posters, especially ones with striking design.
So, it always pains me when there are terrible ones, like this new official (and apparently final?) poster for Jonah Hex, revealed today at Yahoo!
I have no idea how Hex is holding that gun, the logo is ugly, they’re hiding Hex’s trademark scare, the characters are just thrown together, John Malkovich’s character appears to holding a Dragonball…
Infact, that’s it! The damn post reminds me of the one for the oh-so-terrible Dragonball Evolution!
It’s bad enough you’re underhyping this release by tossing it’s release date around before pushing it out the door early (it was originally set for an August release), but now you’re marketing it poorly too?
The trailer is due to hit the internet nearly this week, so we’ll see if Jonah Hex looks as bad this poster does. I’m not holding out hope for excitement.
As a child of the 80s, one of the things I love most about the internet is being able to remember all the commercials I saw for toys as a kid, and then being able to look them up immediately.
Remember Lots-O'-Huggin Bear? The cute, adorable pink bear who all the girls wanted?
No…?
Not even after the commercial above?
How about after seeing the Japanese commercial?
Still no?
Perfect. Because it’s not real. Both of these commercials are pitch perfect fakes created by the team at Pixar as part of a promotional push for Toy Story 3.
See, Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear is a part of the new movie (you may remember having seen him briefly in Up), and to add to the past of the character, they made these fake, aged, VHS transfer-looking ads for use on YouTube.
We’ll have to see if they do any others, but gosh, these are cool.
Toy Story 3 hits theaters on June 18th.
For a team as talented as the crew at Pixar, you’d think they can rest on their laurels and release films at their casual leisure.
You’d be wrong, however. Continuing their trend of releasing at least one film a year, Pixar will be doubling up with not just one, but two releases for 2012.
The first film for 2012 will bow (pardon the pun) on June 15, 2012 - a movie titled Brave.
Formerly titled The Bear and the Bow, Brave is the first Pixar film to feature a female heroine. Set in Scotland, it’s the tale of Merida (Reese Witherspoon), a princess who longs to instead become a master archer. The film sounds to be a medieval fantasy tale, a first for the amazing CG studio.
For the Fall of 2012? It’s a big one - Monsters Inc. 2.
Details are VERY sketchy on this, but the sequel to the John Goodman/Billy Crystal voiced hit will be released on November 16, 2012, just over eleven years since the release of the original Monsters Inc.. Pixar isn’t typically sequel friendly unless there’s a story to tell, so this should be special.
Pixar fans may also be interested to know that 2012 will feature the live-action directoral debut of Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall-E), as his adaptation of John Carter of Mars hits theaters that year as well.
Source: /Film.
But this one is even more worrying than the post-production change for The Last Airbender.
This time, the film going 3D is the Seth Rogen/Michele Gondry adaptation of The Green Hornet.
Just announced by Sony, the adaptation of the 60’s TV series, radio serial, comic, etc. will be heading to theaters as a 3D film, as most tentpole releases are these days, but again - this is not a film that was shot for 3D - this is a retro fitting. I can’t underline this enough.
What makes it even more worrysome? To allow for the proper “enhancements”, Sony Pictures has pushed the film back 3 weeks, placing it directly in the dark month of Hollywood - January.
Now, I don’t want to start ruminating early, as I love both Rogen and Gondry, but nine times out of ten, January is the dumping grounds for films that the studios regret releasing - it’s truly the wasteland of film. Mix the out-of-left field decision to go 3D, and the rumors that Sony thought the footage shot was “too campy”, and one begins to worry about the prospects for the film.
Sony has already started to fan the flames of fanboy worry, by stating with the 3D release of Tron Legacy in December 2010, the January release is necessary to allow for open theaters, but where there’s smoke, there’s fire - and this feels like a bad sign for the seemingly cursed Green Hornet production.
Between change of directors, stars, scripts and more, The Green Hornet has had far from an easy road from concept to screen, and hopefully this isn’t a tale that ends badly.
Either way, we’ll know for sure when The Green Hornet hits theaters on the new date of January 14, 2011.
Source: Deadline.com.
No, not the Jim Cameron film.
The M. Night Shammy one, The Last Airbender.
In what shouldn’t come as a surprise these days, Paramount Pictures has made the late-in-the-game call to convert the adaptation of the popular Nickelodeon cartoon to 3D, long after production has wrapped.
Taking away the general controversy behind the production thus far (see any Last Airbender post by my dear friend Jami Noguchi for more on that), they’re going to do ANOTHER faux 3D movie?
I thought Clash of the Titans was torn up enough in reviews to send a signal to studios and audiences that if a flick isn’t SHOT in 3D, it’s not worth seeing in post-production, poorly converted 3D. I thought wrong.
Either way, I will hold to my vow - unless it’s shot in 3D, or is 100% CG allowing for a proper conversion, I’m not seeing it in 3D.
The Last Airbender hits theaters in real 2D and faux 3D on July 2nd, 2010.
Source:Â Deadline.com.
Ever since the Halo franchise became such a cash cow for Microsoft and Bungie, they’ve found ways to pack extraneous merchandise with the sequels.
Halo 2? Came in both standard and limited edition flavors. The (not-so) limited edition came with an extras disc, and was in a snazzy steelbook case.
Halo 3? Came in three separate editions. Standard, of course, was just the game. The Limited Edition (which I own) came in a metal case, with a fancy dan artbook and an extras disc. This was trumped by the “Legendary Edition”, which came with 3 discs, exclusive bonus video content and the infamous “Cat Helmet”, a giant plastic Master Chief helmet which housed the whole shebang.
Halo: ODST? Had kind of a lame Special Edition which just came with a controller. Maybe that’s why it didn’t sell too well?
Any way you slice it, Halo: Reach, the final Bungie title in the Halo saga is aiming to be one of the biggest games for Fall 2010, and Bungie is once again pulling out all of the stops to maximize profitsmark the occassion.
What versions will you see in stores when it releases this Fall?
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First, we have the plain and simple standard edition. $60 gets you the game. Period.
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For those with a little extra cash and more love for Halo? Dropping $80 gets you the Limited Edition release, which comes in special ONI black box packaging, along with an exclusive multiplayer in-game Elite armor and an “artifact bag” containing “Dr. Halsey’s personal journal and other classified documents and effects that unravel long held secrets from the Halo universe.”
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Not enough? Ready to blow $150 goddamn dollars on a game you’ll be bored with after a few months? Great! ‘Cause Bungie is ready for you to bend over and accept the Legendary Edition release, which comes with everything you get with the Limited Edition, exclusive USNC packaging, a 10 POUND hand painted and numbered “Noble Team” statue from McFarlane Toys, plus a very special multiplayer effect for your Spartan armor - your god damn head is on fire.
Of course it would be, as you just spent $150 on the game. Bra-vo.
So, readers…what version are you buying?
Source: Joystiq.
More than the #1 Thing I want to see restored in the Special-Special-Special Edition of Return of the Jedi, the Ewok song from the end of the film might just be one of the greatest musical moments ever captured on film.
But if you’ve wanted to sing it with your drunken friends at a Karaoke night, you never had the option…UNTIL NOW.
HIT IT, INTERNET!
Source:Â Nerdist & Samtaters
But Marvel’s in this for the long haul…so how do they intend to keep the gravy train a-rollin'?
Can you say by thinking smaller?
If the scoop exclusively picked up by CHUD is true, Marvel Studios is now plotting out a series of films to feature, well, their B-list heroes. The catch - these movies will be budgeted in the range of $20-40 mil, versus the ~$100 mil budgets of the A-list pics.
The characters rumored to be featured in such flicks? Dr. Strange, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Dazzler, Ka-Zar and yes, even everyone’s favorite pre-teen superheroes - Power Pack.
While some of these movies are absolutely ripe for film interpretation (Iron Fist in particular is perfect, and has me drooling), I can’t help but wonder if there’s a state of burnout which has yet to be reached with comic based films which we’ll eventually encounter.
If Marvel Studios has their way - it won’t happen. But I remain skeptical.
Source:Â CHUD.
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I was wrong. We got another today, a really nice poster featuring the Mark V/Suitcase Suit armor, this time for the IMAX release of the film.
Maybe I’m crazy, but I love the look of this poster.
Iron Man 2 hits theaters in both standard and IMAX on May 7th. Be there or don’t!
Source:Â Superhero Hype!.
Earlier today Cartoon Network, alongside Warner Brothers Animation confirmed plans to produce a series based on the younger version of the Justice League of America, and the first official promotional image was released above.
Here’s what Cartoon Network had to say in their official press release on the series:
No set premiere date was announced.
Source: DC Universe: The Source
*As pointed out to me by my good friend Kevin, Miss Martian is actually an existing DCU character. Whoops!
And while I enjoyed playing the re-release on XBLA, and playing Tatsunoko vs. Capcom on my Wii, nothing has made me as excited as yesterday’s announcement that Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is making it’s way to the XBox 360 and PS3 in 2011.
Set to feature 30+ characters, stunning graphics and - in a first - three on three gameplay, Capcom is going all out to make this game one for the ages.
So why am I still blabbing? Click play below for the reveal trailer!
More on this as it follows!
Source: Joystiq.
Hold on to your butts, Mad Men fans!
If Mad Men creator Zach Weiner holds to what he said this week at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas, the show will be wrapping up at six seasons total.
While I, and I’m sure other fans, are somewhat disappointed that there is a set date in mind for the end of the show, I feel this may be the best decision, as it allows the creative team to write toward a definitive end of the series.
Either way, the end begins on July 25th, as Mad Men Season 4 premieres on that date. I can’t wait to see what happens in the new world of Sterling Cooper Draper Price.
Source: The Weekly Blend.
If you follow me on Twitter, you’ve already seen me drooling about this, but seriously, this is the coolest Threadless shirt in a while.
The issue (aside from it already selling out twice this week) - if you wear it at the Tron Legacy premiere, will your seat buddies be irritated by your glow in the dark threads? Food for thought.
Honestly though, if they keep churning out the level of work they have, with the premium pricing at the same level (about $180 a figure), I have no issue featuring EVERYTHING they do.
The latest figures to join the list of things I want but sensibly will never have? Their figures of the Iron Man Mark IV armor, and the new big bad for Iron Man 2, Mickey Rourke as Whiplash.
Once again, each figure features the amazing sculpts, jaw-dropping detail and life like articulation you’ve come to expect from Hot Toys, and just looking through the photos, they alone should count as some sort of nerd porn.
Personally, I love the Mark IV figure, but I can’t wait to see what Hot Toys does with the Mark V (Suitcase) and Mark VI armors. You know they’re coming.
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Unfortunately, in the modern era, these sort of images or documentation have been reduced to the pages of “Official Universe Guides”, or ignored entirely.
It seems I’m not the only one who poured hours over looking at these images, as there’s now an entire blog dedicated to them, entitled Comic Book Cartography.
There’s only 3 pages worth of content so far, but it’s still enough to kill an afternoon, and if updates remain steady, it’ll be a great resource for fans, artists and writers alike. Well done, mystery blogger!
Source:Â Comic Book Cartography - A Collection of Maps and Diagrams.
In addition to being the design team behind the layout of the first 3 volumes of the awesome comics anthology Popgun, the fine folks (folk?) at Fonografiks have done a stunning series of minimalist comic covers, in the style of old school dime-store novellas.
These covers are stunning, and really only underline how much the comics world is missing by not aiming for “understated” for most comics work. But maybe I’m wrong.  Either way, you can view the whole series of covers at their DeviantArt page.
Source:Â FONOGRAFIKS.
Just announced over the past 24 hours, the super awesome super fantastic very rad live art competition Super Art Fight which I have the honor and pleasure of both MCing and handling the behind the scenes rangling for, will be making it’s Boston debut at the end of the month!
Where, you may ask? At the biggest gathering of all things internet, ROFLCon II at MIT! Our show is on Saturday, May 1, but the event itself runs both Friday April 30th and that Saturday.
This is a tremendous honor and pleasure, and we cannot wait to make a big splash at what is one of the biggest opportunities we’ve had to date.
If you’re in the Boston area, be sure to come out - it’s going to be a heck of a great time!
The Summer of 2010 is a bit less anticipated by me than say, the Summer of 2009 or 2008 (especially ‘08), but it still has some interesting movies worth seeing.
This here is my personal schedule of films worth checking out - if there are any movies you think I’m missing, or others which you are anticipating, let me know about it in the comments!
With Monday’s announcement that Conan O’Brien is starting his post-NBC career at TBS instead of FOX, it’s easy to start wondering what might’ve been.
And the apparent details of what exactly would’ve been have started to leak.
First and foremost, it was starting to look unlikely that Conan would’ve been able to host a show on FOX proper, as many FOX affiliates were unwilling to let go of their financially solvent 11pm syndicated programming hour.
But, a secondary offer came from FOX, which included the following:
Conan O’Brien’s new show is scheduled to premiere on TBS in November.
Source: What Would’ve Been: Emmy Hosting, Super Bowl Show for O’Brien as Part of an FX Deal — Deadline.com.
This trend was continued with a surprise appearance by Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark in The Incredible Hulk.
With 3 more major Marvel films still to come, it stands to reason that Iron Man 2 will continue the trend, yes?
Apparently, according to Italian film website BadTaste.it, the trend continues.
SPOILERS FOLLOW FROM HERE (vague ones, but still, don’t read if you don’t want to know)
According to an english translation of BadTaste’s scoop, here’s the deal with the Iron Man 2 post-credits easter egg…
Source: Iron Man 2 Easter Egg Scene Revealed? | /Film.
Based out of Kansas, from Something to Write Home About forward, their sound defined my personal tastes. Whether it was their side projects in The New Amsterdams and Reggie and the Full Effect; their fellow Kansas bands in The Anniversary, The Appleseed Cast or Ultimate Fakebook (amongst others); or even through their various reinventions in sound, they’ve always been a pleasure.
And then when they decided to part ways back in 2005, I saw them on 3 separate occasions on their farewell tour - including their farewell show in Kansas City. It was a shame to see a band I enjoyed close a chapter of their lives, and I suppose it closed one of mine as well.
However, this past year, the band decided to get back together, and now have started to record new material.
Their first new release, part one of a series of 3 EPs, entitled Secret Science came out today, and let me tell you - it’s pretty damn great.
While only 4 songs in length, the EP picks up where they left off on Guilt Show, mixing electronic melancholy with solid rock guitar licks, and it doesn’t sound like the band missed a day together in the studio.
Sure, they’re now a bit older, a bit fatter and a bit balder - but the “Kids” sure have a lot more gas in the tank.
Check it out, it’s even available on iTunes right now for less than $4. It’s completely worth it.
Ask anyone on the street who Jack Kirby is, and unfortunately, they probably can’t tell you who he is.
Show someone a piece of Jack Kirby art, however, and they’ll immediately recognize it as a crucial part of 60’s and 70’s comic history. In his lifetime, Kirby drew literally hundreds of comics for both DC and Marvel and single handedly defined the style for comics like Fantastic Four and the New Gods, two name just two of DOZENS of comics he had a hand in.
Unfortunately, like most artists of the day, he never really had ownership of his timeless characters or designed. This lead to him doing work well into old age, including design work for entire series of cartoons which never saw the light of day, until today.
Back in the 1980s, Kirby designed a number of animated series for Ruby-Spears Productions, who were behind pretty much any notable licensed cartoon back in the day. However, when Ruby-Spears Productions were purchased and became part of Hanna Barbera, none of the Kirby designed series ever hit production.
This art was recently discovered, and now Joe Ruby and Ken Spears are working along side kids TV pioneers Sid and Marty Krofft to make these long lost series a reality.
The New York Times has a closer look at the design for these series, but each feels like a time capsule to an alternate reality where these cartoons were childhood favorites alongside He-Man, Transformers and GI Joe. Click through below to read the full article, and check out some of the eyeball popping designs, they’re totally rad.
Maybe future generations will now get to appreciate Jack Kirby as mine did.
Source: Jack Kirby of Marvel Comics Left Some Ideas Behind - NYTimes.com.
The long-planned and anticipated release of The Avengers combines Marvel film heroes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) as a squad of superheroes under the supervision of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). The culmination of literally 5 summers of anticipation, there is a lot riding on the film being successful.
And honestly, I’m not too sure that Whedon is “the guy”. Sure, as much as we can talk his geek credentials with Buffy, Firefly, Dollhouse and Dr. Horrible alongside his comic credentials with Astonishing X-Men and Runaways, there’s nothing about Whedon that screams “director to entrust huge project to”, aside from making fans happy.
Sure, I love his work, but when his biggest attempt at directing so far (Serenity) made only $38 mil, and in some ways was just a TV episode gone big, I’m left to worry. But then again, maybe the appeal of the heroes combined in one film means that even a monkey could direct it to a few hundred mil.
I can’t say I’m as enthused as others about this choice for direction (I’d prefer Jon Favreau), but I’d love to be proven wrong. We’ll see how this goes.
Source: Whedon To Direct Marvel’s The Avengers’ — Deadline.com.
Worry not though, kids, as Disney announced today an official animated adaptation of Ultimate Spider-Man to air on their Disney XD network starting in Fall 2011. As far as I know, this is the first official project by Disney & Marvel combined, and aiming at such a high profile project for Marvel fans is certainly hitting the ground running.
Ultimate Spider-Man, created by comic author extraordinaire Brian Michael Bendis was a “continuity-less” relaunch of the Spider-Man comics, and ran for 133 issues from 2000-2009 before relaunching as Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man earlier this year. Simply put, Ultimate Spidey is one of my favorite comics of all time, and to see it adapted to animated form has me BEYOND excited.
My biggest worry, however, is this - if the cartoon is a direct adaptation of the comic, and the Marc Webb directed reboot of the Spider-Man film series in 2012 is an indirect adaptation of the Bendis series - might we be getting a little too much of the same story?
Fanboys may say what they will, but adaptations of a comic are always best when each version takes advantage of their relative formats, be it an alteration for TV, film, etc. I just worry that we may hear the stories of nerdy Peter Parker one too many times in too short a period.
Either way though, the DVR is preemptively set.
Source:Â ICv2 - ‘Ultimate Spider-Man’ Animated Series.
As a long time member of Team Coco (complete with tickets to his June show in DC), this newsbit has been one I’ve been waiting to write since he went off the air in January. Although, the resolution isn’t one ANY of us had expected.
This November, Conan O’Brien will be returning to television, hosting an original talk show once again…on TBS.
Confused? I was too, but given a few hours to let the thought sit, I became quite excited.
Simply put, TBS is getting Conan to have Conan. Not to fight Leno, not to fight Letterman, not to fight Kimmel, but to get a quality show hosted by one of the true greats on television. And he’s going to get paid handsomely to do so. Also, I’m sure the pressure for ratings will be lower, allowing O’Brien to experiment as he likes with the boundaries of talk show TV.
The super class move in all of this? Given that George Lopez hosts Lopez Tonight on TBS as is, Conan didn’t want to bump a fellow host. Lopez himself then called Conan and talked him into it!
I’ll be watching day one, and DVRing it every night. I cannot wait.
Source: Conan O’Brien is moving to TBS - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety.
In a similar vein, I just discovered the super great website 5 Minute Marvels, wherein an adult and a child (or children) draw their interpretations of classic comic book characters.
I’ve included an example above, but you could seriously lose hours to this site. I know I did.
Source: 5 Minute Marvels.
However, with the first teaser trailer, The Other Guys has gone from a “maybe I’ll rent it” to “Heck yes!” kinda flick.
…and is that Michael Keaton?!
The Other Guys will hit theaters on August 6th, 2010.
Source: The Other Guys Teaser Trailer | /Film.
Based on the comic created by writer Mark Millar (Wanted), Kick-Ass is far from your standard superhero film. If anything, it takes the tropes which we’ve seen in similar films over the past decade, and turns them directly on their head.
The tale of teenager Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), a comic reading geek who decides one day to do the unthinkable and actually become a superhero, is a Spider-Man style tale of a nerdy everybody who tries to become a hero. Unlike Peter Parker, however, Dave fails. Constantly. After an ill-fated run-in with neighborhood thugs, Lizewski’s antics become a YouTube sensation, quickly mixing him up in a world of other like minded superhero wannabees, and putting him on the wrong side of the mob.
Directed by Matthew Vaughn (Stardust), Kick-Ass is an absolute blast of a film, mixing elements of Spider-Man, Superbad and Kill Bill vol. 1 with gleeful, gory abandon. The true highlights of the film are Big Daddy (a hammy Nic Cage channeling Adam West) and Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz, best known as the Yoda-esq little sister in 500 Days of Summer), a Batman style vigilante and his 11 year old daughter/katana wielding sidekick - they steal every scene they’re in, and ultimately, I wished the movie was focused more on them. Honestly, if you’re not blown away when you see Hit Girl take out dozens of nameless thugs, you need to check your pulse - you may be dead. And as much as I liked his role, as the Red Mist or not, Christopher Mintz-Plasse can’t avoid being McLovin, even in spandex. Special credit goes to Clark Duke, starring as one of Dave’s fellow comic nerds, who almost always delivers a great line when he appears on screen.
If you’re a big fan of the source material, I can certainly see where one would take issue, as there are some notable changes from panel to screen, but the adaptation is mostly faithful. Some of the changes are for the better, but there are other times where you feel the Hollywood touch, so to say.
Any way you cut it, Kick-Ass lives up to it’s title and provides one heck of an evening at the cinema. Here in Maryland, it’s been feeling like summer, and Kick-Ass is the perfect movie for this not-quite-Summer season. Get into the theaters this Friday, strap in, and get ready for a blast.
In fact, some never wanted to take on rebel scum.
This image from flickr user “lunchbreath” showcases just a few of the best. Personally, I love SPAT-AT. He’s a real gentleman.
Source: Flickr.
This is sort of a surprise. In a day and age where more and more movies either are sequels to existing franchises or are remakes of long lost favorites, Warner Brothers has gone ahead and dropped a lot of money on a new property - $3 Million, to be exact.
What’s worth $3 mil? The adaptation of a Japanese Sci-Fi novel titled All You Need Is Kill.
While I have little doubt that the title will be changed for the US audience before it hits theaters, the plot sounds REALLY cool.
As stated by the scoopers at Deadline.com:
The storyline puts a Groundhog Day plot device into a futuristic alien invasion storyline. A raw recruit, pressed into battle against an alien species, gets killed in action. But he is reborn each day to suffer the same fate. Eventually, he notices that he is becoming a better warrior and that other circumstances are changing, which might be the key to altering the outcome.
Apparently the deal involves an “aggressive production schedule”, so we could see this movie on screens in just about a year! Either way, I might just have to check out the novel.
Next stop: movie studios putting out this sort of cash for new and ORIGINAL ideas by untested writers!
Source:Â Warners Makes 7-Figure Spec Deal For Japanese Novel All You Need Is Kill’ — Deadline.com.
The crazy man behind RedLetterMedia made himself internet infamous for taking on the much maligned first Star Wars prequel…
…and now he’s back to take on Episode 2: Attack of the Clones.
With a whopping 88 minutes of destruction used to tear this film apart, grab a snack, and click play on part one.
With Scott Pilgrim hitting theaters this August, up next in the “Marty’s favorite comics get filmed” list is an adaptation of Bryan K. Vaughan’s Runaways.
Runaways, a story about what happens when a group of teens discover that their parents are a group of supervillans, has long been a favorite comic of mine, and they’re starting right at the top with a quality director.
The question is - which scoop is right?
The main one, which I’m running with, is that Peter Sollett, best known for directing Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist will be helming the film. I think he’s an inspired choice, who’d nail the proper tone for the film.
This hasn’t stopped a second scoop from appearing, however, stating that Runaways will be handled by a comic fan favorite, who even did some writing on the comic in the past…Joss Whedon.
Either way, I’m excited. We’ll find out which is right soon enough, I’m sure.
Source: Marvel Taps Sollett For `Runaways’ — Deadline.com.
If this pans out, this sure as hell is some inspired casting for the Marc Webb helmed Spidey reboot.
IESB reports in an exclusive scoop that currently in talks to replace JK Simmons in the new Spider-Man trilogy, is none other than House himself -Â Hugh Laurie!
While I’ve been commenting to friends in private that I’d love for Simmons to reprise his role as Jameson, this would be an amazing coup for the 2012 relaunch.
Source: Who Will Play J. Jonah Jameson In Spider-Man Reboot?.
While I felt that Clash of the Titans was anything but good, one thing I can say for sure is that I absolutely loved the new trailer for this summer’s film adaptation of The A-Team.
The first trailer for the remake of the 80’s television classic left me cold, but this second trailer makes it look like an absolute fun, silly, over the top action film - and while before I had little interest in seeing this over the Summer, it’s now in my must see list.
What do you think?
Look, to hype this movie, all I need to do is give you the names….
Sylvester Stalone. Jason Statham. Jet Li. Terry Crews. Eric Roberts. Steve Austin. Randy Couture. Mickey Rourke. Dolph Lundgren. Danny Trejo.
…and two cameos which the trailer completely gives away, but I’ll leave it up to you if you want to see them before you see the flick.
Simply put, it’s a gigantic testosterone fest.
The Expendables hits theaters on August 13th…which makes it a great pairing with Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, if you were looking for a day out at the cineplex.
Source:Â ‘The Expendables’ Trailer is Like a Planet Hollywood Reunion With Explosions - Cinematical.
Oh, those folks at CollegeHumor.com never stop, do they?
The latest viral video clip from the venerable workhorse of the web takes the modern hit “Empire State of Mind”, by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys, and gives it a Star Wars twist.
The end result is “Galactic Empire State of Mind”, and it’s done well enough that I had to share it with ya’ll.
I’m not really sure when the shift came from these fairs to individual Expos, but in Iron Man 2 we’re going to get a taste of what was, and how it would be today with the 2010 version of the Stark Expo.
To give viewers some footing into the fictional world, the marketing team behind the latest shellhead flick has decided to create a fake website promoting the Stark Expo, complete with commercials and galleries for “this year’s” expo.
If that wasn’t enough, the site also gives a look back to Stark Expo 1974, including an old-timey style TV commercial. What makes this commercial really special is that it’s our first glimpse at Mad Men’s John Slattery as Howard Stark, Tony’s father.
Click through below to check it out! …and be quickly annoyed by the bombastic music embedded into the website.
Source:Â Stark Expo 2010 : Better Living Through Technology.
So according to this story, which I stumbled upon via the fine folks at The Onion’s A.V. Club, Fox is planning on making a movie, built around the BABIES from the E*TRADE COMMERCIALS.
I…
Ugh.
There are THOUSANDS, if not MILLIONS of people at ANY GIVEN MOMENT who want to CREATE A FILM. And their stories DESERVE TO BE TOLD.
INSTEAD, YOU THINK, “THOSE BABIES FROM THE 30 SECOND COMMERICALS SURE CAN ANCHOR A FILM!”?!
Because, as we ALL SAW with the TWO EPISODE LONG run of the Geico Cavemen sitcom, THIS IS A BRILLIANT IDEA.
Fuck you, Fox.
Source:Â Oh dear Lord: Fox planning movie based on those awful fucking E-Trade talking baby commercials | Film | Newswire | The A.V. Club.
It’s a shame that after the REALLY great teaser poster that there haven’t been other posters which have been just as stunning/iconic, but I suppose not every movie can be The Dark Knight.
Let’s be honest though, the poster could be a piece of cardboard with I-EARN MAYUHN TOO written on it in poop, and we’d still pack theaters on May 7th. Maybe a great, memorable poster is now a thing of the past.
Source:Â Iron Man 2 Domestic Poster: Where’s Mickey? | /Film.
I’m a big fan of Rachel Weisz, especially after her turns in The Brothers Bloom and The Fountain. I’m also a huge fan of the Daniel Craig starring James Bond reboot series.
So with this rumor, it sounds like I’m going to get a movie combination of Reese’s cup style awesome.
As the rumor goes, the third James Bond film in this latest series will feature 007 finally taking on the evil group known as Quantum. And we’ll find out who has been putting the screws to Bond his entire career. The twist? It’s going to be a strong, domineering woman - played by Rachel Weisz.
Honestly, I think it’d be brilliant casting with an actress who can more than live up to the role. What better way to subvert the decades of James Bond style sexism than by having the new villain be a woman herself?
I’m all for it - should the rumor pans out. But as MGM is currently seeking a buyer, any Bond rumors are just that…rumors. So we shall see if in 2012 it’s Weisz vs. Craig.
Source: Rachel Weisz Could Be James Bond’s Next Villain.
In what may be a first, AMC announced today that they have picked up the Walking Dead TV series…without a single frame filmed.
It was just last week that word came that AMC had greenlit the TV pilot, and I guess the script was so good that they wanted to make the series count, and count quick, as the first 6 episodes of the series will be the crown jewel of this October’s Fearfest event.
As a long time Robert Kirkman and Walking Dead fan, all I can say is this - I am so there.
Source: Official: “Walking Dead” Picked Up By AMC - Comic Book Resources.
As the Superhero boom starts to meet its eventual end (after all, how many A-list heroes remain to have films made?), Hollywood needs to stay ahead of the trends, and figure out where the next source for quality event films is.
Of course, one would go “young, hungry screenwriters?!”, but you’d be wrong. The next source to be tapped dry? Japan!
Much how the comics world saw their fandom shift to anime and then manga (and then back to comics?), film is now looking toward Japan with some stunning looking projects, two of whom were announced over the weekend.
The one which is farthest ahead is an adaptation of the 70’s giant robot series Gaiking. The filmmakers who are behind it intend to use a mixture of CGI and practical effects to make the film happen, and they unleashed a teaser to the web, which appears below - it’s VERY cool, VERY exciting stuff.
If that wasn’t enough, we’re now going to see yet ANOTHER American attempt at adapting Godzilla, this time coming from Warner Brothers. The full press release is as follows:
Burbank, CA — March 29, 2010 — Legendary Pictures announced today that they will develop and produce a new film based on Toho Company’s famed GODZILLA character. Through the terms of the agreement, Legendary Pictures has acquired the rights to produce a movie inspired by Toho’s Godzilla, a franchise the Japanese company created and has nurtured for over fifty years.
Toho’s GODZILLA franchise boasts one of the most widely recognized film creatures worldwide, resulting in a series of books, television programs, video games and more than 25 films worldwide. Legendary intends to approach the film and its characters in the most authentic manner possible. The company will, in the near future, announce a filmmaker to helm the film for an intended 2012 release. The film will fall under the company’s co-production and co-financing deal with Warner Bros. Toho will distribute the film in Japan.
“Godzilla is one of the world’s most powerful pop culture icons, and we at Legendary are thrilled to be able to create a modern epic based on this long-loved Toho franchise,“ said Thomas Tull, Chairman and CEO of Legendary. “Our plans are to produce the Godzilla that we, as fans, would want to see. We intend to do justice to those essential elements that have allowed this character to remain as pop-culturally relevant for as long as it has.“
“Godzilla is a signature Japanese character which we have nurtured over the years. It is a great honor to reach an agreement with Legendary Pictures, the parent to many a blockbuster film, and we are delighted in rebooting the character together to realize its much anticipated return by fans from all over the world,“ comments Hideyuki Takai, President of Toho Co., Ltd. “We are anxious to find out where Godzilla’s new stomping will take us.“
“Godzilla is emblematic of the kind of branded, event films for which Warner Bros. and our partners at Legendary are best known. We have enjoyed a great deal of success together to date and this newest opportunity represents yet another chance for us to collaborate on a property that is very clearly in their wheelhouse,“ said Jeff Robinov, President, Warner Bros. Pictures Group.
In addition to Legendary, producers on the new film will be Dan Lin, Roy Lee and Brian Rogers. Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira and Doug Davison will Executive Produce.
Personally, I don’t care the source, so long as the films are good, but again I ask aloud - where are the ORIGINAL ideas?
Let us hope these movies aren’t just a cash-in, and the money from these films go toward some original projects.
Do you like 60’s style title credits, a’la the amazing Saul Bass?
Are you like me, a nerd for both Lost and Tron?
Then these amazing videos from Vimeo user ‘Hexagonall’ are right up your alley!
Just click play and enjoy! They’re amazingly well done, and again, left me in awe of my lack of talent.
Tron:
Lost:
Source: Hexagonall on Vimeo.
Hah. See what I did there?
With just about 40 days to go until Iron Man 2 hits screens all across the country, the excitement is hitting a fever pitch, and the marketers are making sure to remind us of the film on the regular, with new media and products hitting daily.
Then, a new trailer appeared! But on the Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards of all places. What’s really interesting, though, is that this is the first trailer with ANY dialogue from the Black Widow, and yet Whiplash isn’t seen at all. Is it because of the 30 second limitation - or are kids scared of Whiplash?
While most people I know aren’t fans of the Mission: Impossible franchise, I’ve loved all 3 films, Crazy McScientologist in the lead role or not.
And as JJ Abrams and Tom Cruise are working on putting together the 4th film in the spy franchise, they’re looking to, once again, put a unique director behind the camera.
Having set the bar pretty high with Brian DiPalma, John Woo and Abrams as the directors for the first 3 films respectively, Cruise and Co are aiming to find someone to bring a fresh feel to to the films. The short list? Zombieland’s Ruben Fleischer, my boy Edgar Wright and…What the FUCK?! BRAD BIRD?!
That’s right. The man behind the Iron Giant, The Incredibles and Ratatouille is currently in the running to helm M:I 4.
Bird has yet to direct a live action film, although he’s been working on 1906 for years now, but as anyone who has seen his animated work can tell you, Bird has a knack for directing amazing action set pieces.
Mission: Impossible IV is currently set for a May 27, 2011 release, so whoever they pick, they better pick soon…time is TICKING!
Source: The Hollywood Reporter | Heat Vision | Comics | Movie News:‘Incredibles’ helmer on ‘Mission: Impossible IV’ list exclusive.
Then the freaking Alvin & The Chipmunks movies happened, taking in a combined $800 Million, not including the future 3rd, 3D installment…
And now I find out a Marmaduke movie is happening.
Sure, I kinda knew that it was going to happen with the giant yellow fire hydrant setup at my local movie theatre (Why yellow? ‘Cause that’s the color of PEE!), but now that there’s a trailer, I know the movie is completely real.
Et tu, Owen Wilson, et tu?
Just forwarded to me friend to all animals Ross Nover, this alphabetical collection of astounding images combines two of my loves, alteration and nerdy things. Titled “The A to Z of Awesomeness”, by artist Neill Cameron, this is just great freaking work.
I’ve included my favorite image above, but this really is beyond amazingly well done. You can even buy poster prints of your favorites!
Check out all 26 images at the link below.
Source:Â Neil’s A to Z of Awesomeness.
It’s time for your seemingly daily Scott Pilgrim post here at Blast-O-Rama, and honestly, it doesn’t really get much bigger than this…
Universal Pictures has released the teaser trailer for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and it’s everything I could dream of.
I know that the haters are already going to come out of the woodwork to say “Eh, Cera seems like Cera here..”, but even with that, Edgar Wright is pushing comic book filmmaking forward. This is the type of film that Speed Racer promised would happen, and I can’t wait to see every minute of it this August.
August 13th! COUNT IT DOWN!
The ongoing rumor mill regarding who would carry the mantle of Captain America on film came to a screeching halt this week as it became very apparent, very quickly that Marvel Films had their man.
The choice to wear the A on his forehead?
Chris Evans.
Yes. Chris “Human Torch” Evans.
Honestly, it’s neither the best, nor worst choice that they could’ve made, but it’s an odd one to say the least.
I really like Evans, I thought he did a great job as the Torch, I loved his lead role in Sunshine, and he did his best to keep Push watchable, but is he the guy worth building such a big franchise around?
I’m really not sure. But Marvel apparently is, as rumors state his deal will lock Evans up for not just a Captain America picture, but possible sequels, appearances in other Marvel films, and yes, the big Avengers movie.
Let’s hope he rocks as Cap.
Source:Â The Hollywood Reporter | Heat Vision | Comics | Movie News:Chris Evans accepts ‘Captain America’ mantle (exclusive).
Thing that isn’t surprising:
After over $1 Billion in worldwide ticket sales, the Transformers film franchise is getting a third, unnecessary, sure to be shit installment.
Thing that is surprising:
Who they talked into appearing in it.
I’m not sure if Michael Bay really loved Burn After Reading (and I can’t blame him, it’s a heck of a fun movie), but he has somehow talked John Malkovich and Frances McDormand to join the cast of the third robot battling flick.
Malkovich is supposed to be Skippy LaBeef’s first boss, and McDormand will be the head of National Intelligence, but really…how the hell did they get talked into this?
Also added to the cast this week, Ken Jeong, who while I love, really is saying “yes” to too many films as of late. Oh well.
Transformers 3 leaves Paramount Pictures laughing all the way to the bank in Summer 2011.
Source:Â Malkovich/McDormand In Transformers 3"² — Deadline.com.
Lovingly ripped from Comedy Central’s video player, a kind soul has posted the teaser trailer for the new season of Futurama hitting your TV screen this summer.
It’s only 30 seconds long, but what a great 30 seconds it is.
It’s Futurama, and yes - it’s truly back.
It goes without saying that I’m super excited for the summer of Scott Pilgrim which is about to be upon us.
I’ve blogged at length about Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour, plus the film adaptation from Edgar Wright, but what if you have no idea who or what this Scott Pilgrim is?
Why not let some smooth beats and sweet rhymes catch you up to speed?
Coming from Adam WarRock and the Infinity Watch (an appropriately nerdy rapper name if there ever was one), their track “I Gotta Believe! (The Scott Pilgrim Recap)” isn’t just sweet as hell, but it also accurately recaps the first five volumes of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s opus.
Click the link, hit play, enjoy and get caught up.
You might be able to say you dug Scott Pilgrim before everyone else.
Source:Â Adam WarRock and The Infinity Watch » TrackLog 33 — I Gotta Believe! The Scott Pilgrim Recap.
Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour.
July 20, 2010. 248 Pages of awesome for $12.
The cover is above. So excited!
Source:Â onipress.com :: news.
Sure, he didn’t do the best job with Planet of the Apes, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, and I haven’t seen his more action-y take on Alice in Wonderland, but he did great work with Batman, Pee Wee Herman, Mars Attacks! and Sweeney Todd.
So it should come as little surprise that Burton’s overseeing another adaptation of a classic property.
This time - it’s going to be a 3D, stop motion take on The Addams Family. This version won’t be based on the classic TV series or the successful 90s films, but instead the original cartoons, putting it even more so in Burton’s wheelhouse.
Honestly, I don’t think there’s a better man for the job - but really, when are we going to get the next great Burton original? Or is that a long lost pipedream?
EDIT - March 19, 11:50am - Sayeth MTV’s Movie Blog, Burton isn’t doing Addams Family. Boo.
Source:Â Tim Burton Next 3D Animated Film? Da Da Da, Da, Snap Snap, `The Addams Family’ — Deadline.com.
But what they are is the culimination of a boyhood dream. Imagine, if there were Lego Transformers when I was a kid, I probably would have been even more of an anti-social nerd than I am today!
But these great Transformers uh…building blocks, called “Diablocks” will be hitting Japan in April, and are available for pre-order in Optimus Prime and Bumblebee flavors for $34 and $28 each, roughly.
Get your credit cards ready and live out a nerdy dream - building blocks that transform into vehicles which transform into freakin' robots!
Source: These Transformers Animated Diablocks are definitely more than meets the eye - TOMOPOP.
This past weekend gave us the first sneak peak at Predators, and now, thanks to IGN, we have the full length trailer.
It’s a well cut, well paced trailer giving us just content to get excited, and keeps enough things hazy that you don’t feel like you know how the whole move is going to play out.
So enough babbling from me - click play and get hyped for July 7th!
Source: IGN Video: Predators Movie Trailer.
Take one of my favorite websites (Onion’s AV Club), pair them with one of my favorite bands (Ted Leo & The Pharmacists), and then make that band play one of my favorite songs of the 1980s, and honestly, it was a lock that I had to post about it here.
But what makes this project, titled Uncovered, so cool is that this is the first of 25 videos, wherein different bands will choose from a list of songs selected by the Onion team, and then perform them for the interweb!
There should be new videos every week, so I think I have a brand new addiction.
Source: Ted Leo And The Pharmacists cover Tears For Fears | Undercover | The A.V. Club.
As you can see above, at Showest this week, Universal Pictures unveiled the first teaser poster for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and they were kind enough to not only release a high-rez version on their website, but yes, even wallpapers, too! (It’s totally my background right now.)
What makes this poster even better, however, is that it’s ripped straight from the title page for the first volume of the comic! Check out the image below. And heck, you have to love that tagline.
As announced today, this coming Friday, March 19th, he will reveal the title, release date and yes, the cover image of Scott Pilgrim Volume 6. To add to the hype, he also released the below mosaic’d image of the cover.
Either way, this is a great time to be a fan, and I can’t wait to see what comes out of the Scott Pilgrim world next!
It’s the return of the most awkward talk show on the internet as Zach Galifianakis takes on Ben Stiller in this ultra confrontational episode of Between Two Ferns. You thought the Conan/Leno Wars made for awkward TV? Zach is back to remind us how uncomfortable a talk show can be.
I’d say more, but it’d spoil the fun, so just click play and enjoy!
Source: Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Ben Stiller from Between Two Ferns, Zach Galifianakis, Comedy Deathray, and Ben Stiller - Video.
The latest figure to grab the geeky spotlight? Their interpretation of War Machine from this May’s Iron Man 2.
The armor is stunningly detailed, the figure super articulated, the accessories numerous, and sure, the open mask sculpt of Don Cheadle isn’t quite right, but I’m sure they’ll fix that before production.
Either way, look through the gallery below and get to drooling. It’s truly a work of nerdy art.
[gallery link=“file”]
Batman.
Fighting a Shark.
With a Lightsaber.
If you don’t have a raging nerd boner looking at this painting, you may need to check your pulse.
Source: The Most Self-Explanatory Painting In Human History - Batman - io9.
This past weekend’s SNL hosted by Jude Law was a mixed bag, especially following up the amazing episode hosted by Zach Galfinakis.
However, what this episode DID have, was the official video for “Boombox”, one of my favorite tracks off of The Lonely Island’s Incredibad album (which is, believe it or not, a year old now).
Sure, the video just translates the lyrics into visuals, but it’s done really well - especially if you haven’t heard the song before. Click play and ENJOY!
Source: The Lonely Island & Julian Casablancas — “Boombox" Video | Stereogum.
Folks, I’ve never been much of a sports fan. Sure, I love watching Caps games, and I follow enough to understand what’s occurring, but I’m anything but a major sports fan.
However, I am super excited for the return of my second favorite sports video game of all time* - NBA JAM!
Currently announced only for the Wii, EA Sports would be silly to not release this for the PS3 and 360 as well, but as a console-agnostic gamer, I’m excited for this revamp of a childhood favorite. Even if I’m not sure if that’s Dick Vitale doing the commentary.
Click play to watch the trailer, and get hyped.
Source: The Return of NBA Jam, in All Its Catchphrase Glory - NBA Jam - Kotaku.
*#1 favorite - NHL ‘94 for the Sega Genesis
You know, there was part of me which hoped that Predators would turn out pretty bad ass, but given the poor history of the franchise in recent memory, I thought that it was kind of a crap shoot.
Today, however, the official website launched, and crowds at SXSW got the first look at a sneak-peak at the film, which I’ve embedded above.
Thus far, it feels like a gritty, 80’s style actioner, which is the exact feel you’d want.
The full trailer will be hitting the web on March 18th, with the movie hitting theaters on July 7th, and I can say - I am very hyped!
Source: Watch This: First Sneak Peek at Robert Rodriguez' Predators « FirstShowing.net.
Since my first listen to it, I’ve been telling anyone who will listen that they need to check out the standup album Death of the Party from Kyle Kinane.
He has a very dark, subversive style of humor, and honestly, I love every minute of it. It’s fearless, brilliant stuff.
Now, thanks to the magic of internet, someone has animated a bit from the album (“Bunnies”), and you too can join the cult of Kinane fans.
If you dig it, his album can be purchased from ASTRecords.com, or off of iTunes! Be warned, the language is sorta kinda very NSFW.
Source: YouTube - Kyle Kinane - Bunnies.
As the search continues to find who will play the first Avenger, Captain America in The First Avenger: Captain America, Marvel Studios is still making moves to cast their movie. And the latest is a goddamn’d master stroke.
Wearing the red skull of the Red Skull will be non other than go-to awesome villain actor Hugo Weaving.
I can’t say a single bad thing about this casting. It rules SUPER hard, and I can’t wait to see Weaving chew up scenery in this film. He’s built quite the nerd friendly resume with The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, V for Vendetta and this past February’s remake of The Wolfman, and now Weaving will make his mark in the world of Marvel.
It should rule. Hard.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter | Heat Vision | Comics | Movie News:Hugo Weaving in talks to play ‘Cap Am’ villain Red Skull (exclusive).
While the full article is completely worth the time, I thought I’d give you a few of the highlights.
-How did Nolan end up heading up a new Superman project? It was all David Goyer’s fault: “He basically told me, I have this thought about how you would approach Superman,’“ Nolan recalled. “I immediately got it, loved it and thought: That is a way of approaching the story I’ve never seen before that makes it incredibly exciting. I wanted to get Emma and I involved in shepherding the project right away and getting it to the studio and getting it going in an exciting way.“
-Nolan will not be directing this new Superman film.
-Superman and Batman will be in separate film universes, which throws out my theory that these films (along with Green Lantern and Flash) would make up a DC Film Universe to counter Marvel Studios.
-The status of Batman 3? Jonathan Nolan is writing the script, and it wraps up the series: “Without getting into specifics, the key thing that makes the third film a great possibility for us is that we want to finish our story,“ he said. “And in viewing it as the finishing of a story rather than infinitely blowing up the balloon and expanding the story.“
-Whoever the villain in the third film is, it won’t be Mr. Freeze.
Click through below to read the full article, it’s a heck of a read.
Source:Â Christopher Nolan takes flight with Superman: ‘We have a fantastic story’ [UPDATED] | Hero Complex | Los Angeles Times.
One of my geek shames is that I haven’t made the time to finish watching Battlestar Galactica. I watched the first season, loved it, have the second season on DVD, and…didn’t follow up. Whoops.
Either way, I’m now working on fixing that. And now that I’ve seen this amazing mashup of Battlestar Galactica footage cut to the Beastie Boys “Sabotage”, I really really want to watch more.
Galactica fans, Beasties fans, people who just liked the ‘Sabotage" video, get ready to break bread. This is really well done.
Source: YouTube - Galactica: Sabotage.
This brand new season of episodes, featuring the full cast of voice actors, will hit screens on June 24th, 2010.
If that wasn’t awesome enough, this will be the first season animated in full HD widescreen.
I cannot wait.
Source: Can’t get enough Futurama: Futurama News.
Stan Lee’s Oscar Campaign from Stan Lee
Ever since the modern series of Marvel Comics films started hitting the screen, a very great tradition began - the cameo appearances of one Stan Lee.
And if you ask Stan, his is an art which has been ignored for far too long. So watch, if you will, as Mr. Lee makes his play for the first ever Oscar for cameo appearances.
I for one, completely support this measure. I mean, really, how many movies has Stan truly made great? The answer - countless.
Source: Stan Lee’s Oscar Campaign from Stan Lee, chad_carter, and FOD Team - Video.
Despite what the director, lead actor and (especially) the trailers may make you believe, Green Zone is anything but the 4th Bourne film. In fact, if it’s part of any series, it’s part of the seemingly never ending line of political thrillers revolving around the ongoing conflict in Iraq. Soldiers are just pawns in a game put together by the fat cats in Washington, the public doesn’t know the truth, and honestly, you’ve seen this story told a thousand times before.
You’d think that with a great cast including Matt Damon, Brendan Gleeson, and Amy Ryan, you could at least count on Oscar quality performances, but no, Green Zone’s cast seems to sleepwalk through performances as basic and predictable as the script. The only bright point seems to be Greg Kinnear, who chews scenery as Clark Poundstone, a member of Pentagon Special Intellegence. His character is a cut throat political player, and Kinnear seems to revel in every minute he’s on screen.
But the real issues of the film come down to an awkward, action-heavy third act, which seems tacked on to please audiences who need a resolution to a real-life conflict that has yet to have one, and the heavy handed direction of Paul Greengrass. Look, I loved the shaky feel of the Bourne films too, but not every single scene needs to rock back and forth like they’re at sea.
It all comes down to this - if you’re looking for a great film set against the backdrop of the Iraq conflict this weekend - don’t go see Green Zone. Redbox a copy of The Hurt Locker instead. At least Kathryn Bigelow knows how to set a camera steady.
With nine long, laborious months until Tron Legacy hits 3D and IMAX theaters, Walt Disney Pictures has decided to make the 25 year wait for a Tron sequel even harder with this amazing trailer.
Stunning effects, amazing suits, the first taste of Daft Punk’s score, and some beautifully shot footage are what you’ll see over the next 2 minutes and 20 seconds, but more than anything, you’ll want to pay to see it come this December.
Press play, watch it in HD if you can, and get ready to get excited. A new Tron is finally here!
It is very awesome, yes.
Visit it now, please?
See what I did there?
Source:Â Godzilla Haiku.
OK, that first Iron Man 2 trailer ruled all kinds of hard.
But the new one? Possibly cooler.
You’ve got Scarlett Johannson looking all sorts of hot (AND DOING A FLYING HEADSCISSORS!~), Sam Rockwell ready and willing to chew up scenery, the first look at the Iron Drones, Mickey Rourke’s Whiplash looking badass with a GREAT bit of villainous dialogue, the awesome bit where IM and War Machine look calm while the leaves fall, and most importantly…
SUITCASE SUIT! SUITCASE SUIT! SUITCASE SUIT!!!!!
Raising myself out of a vicodin induced stupor, I have come once again to drop knowledge on the appropriate things in the world of geek to buy this week.
That’s right…it’s time once again for….AWESOME-O-RAMA!
Ponyo As I write this article, I actually have this on in the background. While the intended audience for the latest Studio Ghibli film to hit the US shores is decidedly younger than in the past, this reinterpretation of the classic Little Mermaid tale is never the less a must see. With stunning as usual animation (made even more jaw-dropping on the blu-ray) plus a super dub, you have little to no reason to not want to see this. As with anything with the Ghibli name on it, you can just dive in and enjoy. Recommended as always.
Where The Wild Things Are When Spike Jonze’s artsy adaptation of the classic children’s novel hit theaters last fall, it didn’t always arrive in front of it’s intended audience. Less a film for children than it is for adults who remember what it was to be a child, this moody, dark and overall engrossing film is more a journey through the id and ego of a child. Beautifully shot, wonderfully put together, and an emotional rollercoaster, it was one of the best films to hit the screen last year, and I can’t wait to revisit it again at home.
Mega Man 10 Available this week for download on the Nintendo Wii, and then in the future for both the XBox 360 and Playstation 3, this throwback title picks up where last year’s Mega Man 9 left off, providing more old school fun for those of us who remember the hours of frustration spent in front of the NES with the original Mega Man games. Now with a built in easy mode for those of us who couldn’t get through the first level of the super hard 9, it’s even more a relaxing journey through one of the best games of years past. And hey, who can’t get excited about the new boss character SHEEP MAN?!
Invincible Iron Man Omnibus, Vol. 1 In the flurry following the theatrical release of Iron Man, Marvel set a brilliant plan in motion to have a comic series perfectly written and designed to be eaten up by the new fans from the flick. The result was Invincible Iron Man, and with beautiful art from Salvador Larocca combined with great stories penned by Matt Fraction (writer of the super underrated Immortal Iron Fist), it was the closest thing to a monthly movie featuring everyone’s favorite shellhead. One of my favorite monthly titles coming out of Marvel right now, you can get the first 19 issues in one delicious digestable chunk. I can’t recommend it enough.
Until next week, that’s been this week’s Awesome-O-Rama!
Let’s be honest, if these images don’t basically give away that the popular gaming platform Steam is coming to Apple computers, I’ll eat another McGangbang.
And as a proud Mac owner - HOLY SHIT I’M EXCITED.
Yes, I own Left 4 Dead, Portal, Team Fortress 2 and Half Life for my XBox…but I would SO QUICKLY repurchase them all for my MacBook, that people’s heads would spin.
Let the obvious answer be the true one, Valve -Â you’ve got my money coming!
Source: Valve’s Mac Teasers Just Made Me Change My Pants - Steam - Gizmodo.
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Back in the early 2000’s, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright made their name in the US with their classic flick Shaun of the Dead. In fact, they made such an impact, it’s somewhat hard to remember a time before they were popular over here too.
But before they were, they, and the lovely Jessica Hynes created a brilliant TV show called Spaced. I’ve gone on record for my love of the show before, but a rather dark piece of Spaced history found it’s way onto the internet today.
In the post Shaun period, it seems Fox attempted to put together a US remake of Spaced, and because of the nature of their TV contract, there was nothing Pegg, Frost or Hynes could do about it.
Luckily, the internet bitched loud enough and early enough that the remake was canned before the pilot went to order. And it seemed that was that.
Until today, wherein Pegg himself tweeted a link to a YouTube clip of the US remake. It’s amazing how the clip not only seems to grab the proper aesthetic of the show, but holds zero of the heart or intrigue. I guess, considering it was produced by McG, we shouldn’t be that surprised.
Source: Watch This: A Peek at the Doomed ‘Spaced’ Remake - Cinematical.
OK, I’m not going to submit to the normal level of nerd rage here, because as an adult, I completely understand - Marvel is a gigantic, publicly owned company, and they’re more about the dollar than the quality when it comes to licensing their properties.
But I cannot see the appeal for the audience here, with this new line of Marvel approved High Definition Television sets.
Created by RTC23 (have you heard of them? I sure as hell haven’t), these sets come between the sizes of 22 and 55 inches in both LCD and LED flavors, and not just feature comic designs on the outside case, but also a custom character related image appearing on screen for 8 seconds when you turn the television on.
So let me get this straight - it’s an HDTV of a lesser quality, with ugly case designs, a shitty image whenever you turn the TV on, and you’re paying a premium over a quality Samsung or Vizio HDTV? And they’re online sales ONLY?
Who the fuck is the market for this, REALLY?
Source: You Can Now Get Officially Licensed Marvel Comics TVs…Wait! What? - Marvel hdtvs - Gizmodo.
If I weren’t psyched enough about Edgar Wright’s adaptation of my favorite comic series ever, Scott Pilgrim, with the release of the film 5 scant months away, the hype and anticipation is starting to ramp up with more media coming from official sources.
Early on in the production of the film, it was revealed that popular Canadian indie rock bands would have their song’s standing in as the music for the bands in the film, appropriate, as they’re indie bands in Canada.
One such band is Metric, serving as the musical interpretation of the villainous Clash at Demonhead. The song appearing in the film is titled “Black Sheep”, and it first appeared on Metric’s Facebook fan page, but now it’s been uploaded to YouTube for all to listen.
So check it out, and get psyched like I am!
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is scheduled to hit theaters on August 13th.
Source: Metric Unveil Black Sheep, Our First Listen to the Scott Pilgrim Soundtrack | /Film.
Samurai from Phil Shoebottom on Vimeo.
Just stumbled upon this super sweet video - seems an FX team in the UK worked on this in their spare time over a few months.
Hard to believe work of this quality is being churned out by 5 people for free these days. Really stunning stuff.
Click play and enjoy, it’s just a minute out of your day!
But finally, some amazing artists have stepped up to the plate and shown us how the merger may affect some long time favorites, in a stunning photoshop contest from Worth1000.com.
The concept? Hybrid versions of Marvel & Disney characters.
I’ve chosen one of my favorites to feature above, but really, it’s only the tip of the iceberg - I highly recommend you check out the full list of entries!
Source: Marvel/Disney Hybrids - Worth1000 Contests.
I think it’s safe to say that in the world of comics, it’s been a dead heat for years.
But when it comes to the world of movies, Marvel has had the leg up this decade. Sure, DC and it’s parent Warner Brothers have the most successful comic book movie of all time in 2008’s The Dark Knight, but Marvel has consistently won audiences over since 2002’s Spider-Man, and won even more favor with the launch of Marvel Studios and Iron Man, building a consistent universe across multiple films.
Now that Disney owns Marvel, and is continuing to build their film universe with sequels to Iron Man, the debut of Captain America and Thor, and of course the forthcoming Avengers film, it should come as no surprise that Warner Bros and DC Entertainment are working to counteract Marvel’s silver screen successes with a series of films of their own.
Much like Marvel Studios, the first true test of this new film universe will start with a second stringer character, as Ryan Reynolds stars as Green Lantern, but this past week has sent some rumors across the web which indicates he won’t be alone for long.
Major rumor number one has attached a director to the long anticipated film adaptation of The Flash. Intended to helm the film? Greg Berlanti. If his name doesn’t ring a bell, it will soon, as in addition to handling the directing for the Flash, he wrote the script for Green Lantern. Taking a page out of Marvel’s book by having creative talent involved in multiple films (see Jon Favreau’s involvement in the Avengers films).
If that wasn’t enough, it seems we have some movement on the Superman front, as rumor not only puts the script in the hands of Batman Begins and Dark Knight scribe David S. Goyer, but the new film (titled The Man of Steel) is apparently going to be the directoral debut of Jonah Nolan, brother of Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan, who co-wrote The Dark Knight with Goyer.
I’ve got to say, I’ve never been a huge DC fan, but if these moves do pan out, it’s going to make for quite the series of movies. But of course, only time will tell if it all pans out. Me - I’m very excited.
As I write this, I am currently healing after the discovery of not one, but two kidney stones. I am currently scheduled to meet with a urologist on Monday morning for discussion of my available treatment options.
As I’d figure you’ve gathered by now, this will reduce the amount of updates in the near future, although there are many stories I’d love to discuss.
The moment I can, I will return to blogging normally. Until then, thank you for your understanding.
Talk to you soon!
Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No wait, it’s this week’s awesome nerdy things worth buying, in your weekly installment of Awesome-O-Rama!
As always, all products are selected by me, and if you see something you dig, click the name, as it will take you right to the product’s related listing at Amazon.com. Any products purchased there give me a lil' kickback, which keep my recommendations coming - ya dig?
Great, now let’s do this!
The Informant! A strange, sometimes dark, and overall surreal film (based on a true story, no less), it should come as no surprise that audiences didn’t know what to do with The Informant! when it hit theaters this past fall. I finally got the chance to see it for myself this week, and in a word, I found it to be pretty darn great, if slightly uneven. The flick mixes an unreliable narrator with surreal bits of monologue over very serious moments of dialogue, making the tale of a man who made himself the whistleblower for his own company come off even stranger than the real story was. Add a series of recognizable comedic actors (Patton Oswalt, Andy Daly, Joel McHale) giving unusually serious turns, and director Steven Soderburgh is definitely screwing with your expectations. I give this the recommendation to rent, but if you dig it as much as I did, pick it the heck up.
Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths After the mis-step of Superman: Doomsday, the team behind the DC Universe Animated Film series has been producing nothing but stunning direct to video releases. Justice League: The New Frontier, Green Lantern: First Flight, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and others have been worthwhile additions to your nerd shelf, and this latest Justice League tale might just be the best. Adapting the classic Earth 2 Crime Syndicate story with the best animation seen on any of their releases so far along with great voicework (James Woods as Owlman is FANTASTIC), it’s downright amazing. Add an exclusive, Steve Niles-written Spectre short, and you have a must have disc. Too rad.
Heavy Rain Long touted as the must have, killer app for the mature game enjoying Playstation 3 owner, Heavy Rain has had years of development and rumors to live up to, and if the reviews are true, it has. Mixing a well plotted, Law & Order style story with jawdropping graphics and an innovative, immersive control scheme, Rain has all the tools to grab the eyes of hardcore gamers - but can it help the PS3 grab the casuals? Or is it just too “different?” Time will tell, and the game, as always, is in the hands of the player. I, for one, can’t wait to check it out.
Popgun Vol. 4 As I think I’ve underlined on this site before, I love the Flight series of graphic novels. Love, love, love them. But what I love them even more for is reintroducing the art of the comic anthology to the mainstream. The best of these ongoing anthology series? Hands down - Popgun. With the release of the 4th volume this week, they continue a great legacy of innovative, beautiful comics wrapped in a stunning cover, and if the tales in the prior 3 volumes are any indications, I long for the moment where this book is in my grubby mitts. Highest recommendation.
In an exclusive scoop to Deadline.com today, the apparent list of actors to be screen tested as the classic Marvel hero has leaked…the biggest name being The Office’s John Krasinski.
While his name value isn’t huge, the fact that John has been pretty much typecast as a Jim Halpert type since his breakout role on the NBC adaptation of the UK series, makes his appearance on the list even more jarring. Furthermore, his lovely fiance, Ms. Emily Blunt, was originally cast as Black Widow in Iron Man 2, before having to drop out.
The rest of the list? Relative unknowns: Chace Crawford (CW’s Gossip Girl), Scott Porter (NBC’s Friday Night Lights), Mike Vogel (Cloverfield), Michael Cassidy (CW’s Privileged), and Patrick Flueger (Brothers).
Other details leaked are the salary (roughly $300,000 for the first film) and details on the contract, which gives Marvel Studios the option for nine more films. Jesus.
All I can say is this - if Krasinski gets the role, I think I know the perfect Red Skull…
Source: EXCLUSIVE: Who Will Be Captain America? — Deadline.com.
To celebrate the 5 nominees for the 2009 British Academy of Film and Television Arts “Best Film” award, artist Tavis Coburn was commissioned to do a series of posters.
The results? An amazing series of retro styled prints which are jaw-droppingly great.
I’ve posted the image for Up in the Air above, but the full gallery (below) also includes An Education, The Hurt Locker, Precious, and, of course…Avatar.
Source: Tavis Coburn’s Gorgeous BAFTA ‘Best Film’ Retro Poster Series « FirstShowing.net.
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It’s hard to believe now, but the early 80’s were a dark period for Disney.
After a series of animated flops, their feature animation department was in shambles. And in a miraculous turn of events, their crew worked harder than ever before.
The films produced after the bust period? Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The Lion King. Aladdin. The Little Mermaid. Beauty & The Beast. All of them? Classics -and the work of a super talented team of animators.
Finally, the story of these incredible professionals is being told.
In the new documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty, you get to see the journey of the Walt Disney Animation team through their own archival films - giving a unique perspective on what some call the greatest comeback of all time.
I’ve embedded the trailer above, and the flick is supposed to roll out to theaters starting March 26th. It reminds me a lot of the stellar Pixar Story doc, and I can’t wait to see it myself.
Current rumors whirling around Hollywood and general nerddom place that a documentary about the fans who make up the attendees at San Diego Comic Con is in the works.
If said rumors are true, the documentary is being headed by both fanboy favorite Joss Whedon alongside Super Size Me director Morgan Spurlock.
Speculation states that the doc would follow fans in the months leading toward Comic Con, and then follow their experiences over the 5 days of what’s been dubbed “Nerd Prom”.
I think if anything, Whedon and Spurlock would be perfect to head such a project, if only because Whedon’s career has been defined by the SDCC crowd and Spurlock had documented them so well in his recent Simpsons documentary.
Now let’s just hope everyone gets framed fairly, and not as anti-social weirdos.
Source:Â Joss Whedon: Looking for Comic-Con Superfans - E! Online.
With your weekly round up of awesome nerdy things to blow your cash on, it’s this week’s Awesome-O-Rama!
Black Dynamite I first really heard about this movie thanks to my buddy Jami, but when I saw the full length trailer attached to the Zombieland blu-ray, I knew that I needed some Black Dynamite in my life. A very faithful, but very comical interpretation of the classic 1970’s Blacksploitation films, this film doesn’t just mock the tropes of those films, but also treats it with a level of reverence. Had the Grindhouse experiment had paid out how it really should’ve, Black Dynamite would’ve been the first part of an amazing double feature. And while it may not reach that level of notoriety, Black Dynamite absolutely deserves to be the #1 pick in your Netflix queue this week, if not have a place on your shelves.
Halo Legends I can’t say for sure what inspired Warner Bros to do a continuing series of compilation films for well known properties as handled by Japanese animation studios, but they started an amazing trend with The Animatrix, continued it with Batman: Gotham Knight, and now they’ve taken on the Halo gaming franchise with Halo Legends. I’m not the biggest Halo fan, nor the biggest anime fan any more, but as I enjoy the games, and I enjoy quality animation, this is definitely getting a watch. Can’t wait to pop it in the player.
The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom A downloadable title for the XBox 360, this game was completely off my radar until I saw it on a recent episode of Co-Op. A surreal platformer in the style of Summer ‘08 hit Braid, P.B. Winterbottom is a game with a character who can clone himself…and then use those clones to solve puzzles. What makes the game REALLY cool is it’s unique, 1920’s style silent film aesthetic. The gameplay seems solid, but the visual appeal is amazing. Definitely check it out.
That’s all for this week, we’ll see you next week here for more Awesome-O-Rama!
I’ve covered Defendor in the past here at Blast-O-Rama, the tale of a possibly psychotic man who decides to become a vigilante, taking his cues from superheroes, and now the full trailer has been released.
I have to be honest, this actually looks far better than I anticipated, and underlines Woody Harrelson as an actor to keep an eye on. Between this and last year’s Zombieland, he’s becoming one of my favorite actors.
What do you guys think?
Source: Official Defendor Movie Trailer | /Film.
One of Summer 2008’s bigger surprises was the Jason Siegel starring, Judd Apatow produced Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Aside from showing us Jason’s peen and being one of the funnier films in years, it served as the American break out role for Russell Brand, who played the infamous Aldous Snow.
So, it stands to reason that Aldous Snow will be returning to the screen, and it’ll happen this Summer with Get Him To The Greek.
The film revolves around Jonah Hill’s character (not the same as the one he portrayed in Sarah Marshall), who is a record company intern assigned with the job of taking Snow out of England and getting him to his comeback show at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.
As can be expected, as it’s a film after all, shenanigans ensue.
The trailer looks like a lot of fun, allowing Brand to completely envelop the screen with his style of insanity.
Get Him to the Greek hits theaters June 4, 2010.
Dead Rising 2, the sequel to the massive zombie fighting game from Capcom which arguably sold some of the first XBox 360’s, will be hitting shelves on August 31st.
Get ready to wreck some zombies this fall!
X10: Dead Rising 2 in US Aug. 31; shambles to Japan and Europe later that week.
With literally months remaining until Toy Story 3 hits theaters, it comes as no surprise that Disney is ramping up the excitement by unleashing the full “story” trailer today.
The past trailers have been mere hints towards the story, more a refresher course on the characters we’ve come to love over the past 2 installments, but now the story is laid out for us all, including that we will be introduced to a whole slue of new characters.
The one that has me most excited?
Toy Story 3 hits theaters in 3D!~ on June 18th.
So now that they’ve announced that they’re pairing up with Marvel, not only am I excited to see the results, but I absolutely adore the way they combined their unique style with classic Marvel characters.
The full line of merchandise is scheduled to be released February 25th, but before that happens, they’ve released images of the shirts, hoodies and cap they intend to release, showcased in the gallery below.
I may actually be inclined to nab a shirt or two myself, depending on the final pricing, but I can’t deny, this stuff is awesome! Although really - I could go for a line of vinyl figures in this style.
Source: TOYSREVILs I LIKE TOYS: tokidoki x Marvel Apparels Unleashes February 25th.
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The ongoing saga of Sony’s reboot of the Spider-Man film franchise continued today as Sony officially announced that the next film will be shot in 3D!
It’s a big step for director Marc Webb, who if he didn’t have enough pressure having his first major studio film be the latest Spider-Man film, now has to shoot it in 3D.
Will it work out? We’ll know in just over 2 years, as Sony also announced the release date for the untitled Spidey film - July 3rd, 2012.
Source: It’s Official! Spider-Man’ Reboot Will Be 3D — Deadline.com.
Between the whitewashed casting, fans themselves being unimpressed, and now, this full trailer feeling kind of wooden, I’m still not seeing this as a big success.
Honestly, click play on the just released full trailer above, and tell me you aren’t getting odd flashbacks to the Kangaroo kung fu film Warriors of Virtue. Just make Aang a kangaroo, and there we go…
Source: The Last Airbender Movie Trailer | /Film.
Fresh from the snowy tundras of Charm City, comes the latest collection of awesome things you should add to your nerdy collections!
Unfortunately, if you’re feeling the effects of Snowpocalypse, it’s probably going to be pretty difficult to get out there to pick them up. Luckily, each item is linked to their respective Amazon.com listing, so they can come to you! Once mail service starts again, that is…
Zombieland I’ve had the pleasure of watching (and rewatching) this film several times on blu-ray over the past few days, and I think it’s safe to say that this truly is Woody Harrelson’s best role, but if you want a really hysterical way to watch this film, watch it back to back with Adventureland. Act as if Zombieland is it’s sequel (given that Jesse Eisenberg gives similar performances in both), and it makes for an interesting pairing. Loved this movie, the best “post-zombie” film since Shaun of the Dead. Check it out now.
Bioshock 2 Back when I first got my XBox 360, Bioshock was THE game which sold me on this generation of systems. Amazing art direction, solid gameplay and a stunning story, there was, and truly has yet to be, anything else like it on the market. This week, the long awaited sequel hits shelves, and instead of reinventing the wheel, the developers made the smart move of not attempting to top the story, but instead add nuance to the world of Rapture. Plus, for the hardcore gamers, they added the sweet touch of some well paced multiplayer gaming. All and all you have what people are calling the Game of the Year…this month.
Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. - Ultimate Collection Back in the year of our lord 2006, Marvel published one of the greatest comics ever. Written by Warren Ellis and drawn by Stuart Immonen, the superhero team book slaying Nextwave was simply put, one of the most fun reads to come out of Marvel in years, and even to date. Unfortunately, it was more a cult hit than anything else, and ran only 12 issues. But now, Marvel has collected all 12 issues into one solid trade. So if you’ve never read it before, your excuses are minimal now. With a cover price of $35, and an Amazon price of just about $23, it’s worth literally every single penny. Go get it.
Until next time, from the world of endless white death, that’s the latest edition of….Awesome-O-Rama!
I’m not going to like, I am loving the YouTube based resurgence of The Muppets.
And apparently, the creators of these new shorts love the internet too.
Without giving anything away, this video explores how well they know the new world of YouTube, and has a great song.
I give you - “Beaker’s Ballad”.
Source:Â YouTube - The Muppets: Beaker’s Ballad.
Here in Baltimore, we’re dealing with record breaking snowfall, so I’ve been somewhat stir crazy.
So I read this story today and…it kinda hurt my head.
And I re read it. And I re read it.
And eventually, it was like sniffing glue, the idea was so awesome.
I’ll break it down to the simple idea.
Universal Pictures wants to remake Jaws.
In 3D.
With Tracy Morgan as the lead.
AWESOME.
I’ll see it 32 times!
Source: Universal Planning A 3D Remake Of Jaws With Tracy Morgan?.
Hey folks - Valentine’s Day is this Sunday, and I know that if you’re reading this, you’re of the nerdy type. And you’re probably dating someone nerdy too, as we date within our own.
So the fine folks at io9.com have whipped up a bunch of Valentine’s perfect for the nerdy love in your life. Head over there, check them out, and print a few out for your dude or lady!
Source:Â To Get No Valentines . . . Would Be A Disaster!!! - valentine cards - io9.
Christopher Nolan, probably the most important director in Warner Bros' roster since he directed the record breaking Batman sequel The Dark Knight, is now looking to be guiding the hopes and dreams of another DC character.
In surprise news coming out of Hollywood, now that Nolan is working on post production for his Summer release Inception, he not only is working on a script for a 3rd Batman movie, but he is also going to be “mentoring” the development of the next Superman film.
While I’m not sure that Nolan is the best person for the Superman style or aesthetic, I think he has a great knack for translating a comic book to the theatrical world, giving fantastical tales an element of necessary realism.
I’m pleased that he’s not the director for the Superman film, but I certainly think this is a risk taking and eyebrow raising move from Warner Bros.
Will it pan out? We’ll find out soon enough - Warner Bros has to be working on a new Superman film by 2011.
Source: It’s A Bird! It’s A Plane! It’s Chris Nolan! He’ll Mentor Superman 3.0 And Prep 3rd Batman — Deadline.com.
The fine folks promoting the new novel Horns by Joe Hill have offered me 2 copies of the book to give to my readers, and well, it’s super easy to enter. Just drop your name in the comments (and be sure to leave an e-mail), and I’ll pick 2 random folks to give books to!
Not sure what Horns is? It’s the latest release by author Joe Hill, due to hit shelves on February 16th.
Here’s the synopsis:
“We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell.“ —— Oscar Wilde
Proceed with caution. HORNS dead ahead.
Ignatius Martin Perrish spent the night drunk and doing terrible things. He woke the next morning with a headache, put his hands to his temples, and felt something unfamiliar, a pair of knobby pointed protuberances. He was so ill——wet-eyed and weak——he didn’t think anything of it at first, was too hung-over for thinking or worry. But when he was swaying above the toilet, he glanced at himself in the mirror over the sink and saw he had grown horns while he slept.He lurched in surprise, and for the second time in twelve hours he pissed on his feet.
So begins a twisted, terrifying new novel of psychological, supernatural suspense called HORNS (William Morrow; On Sale February 16; 2010; Hardcover; $25.99; ISBN: 978-0-06-114795-1), from Joe Hill, the bestselling author of Heart-Shaped Box.
The second son of a renowned musician and doting mother, and the younger brother of a late-night TV star, Ig Perrish had a privileged life and expectations of a bright future with his childhood sweetheart, Merrin Williams. But his seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected and horribly dark turn when Merrin is brutally murdered and suspicion falls hard on Ig.
A year passes, but Ig is nowhere near over his grief or his rage——feelings that come to a head in a lost evening of drinking and hate. When he awakes the next morning he discovers that he has undergone a surreal transformation, and is in possession of an incredible power. Everyone he encounters has the uncontrollable urge to tell him things about their innermost desires and intentions, and whenever Ig touches someone, he instantly knows their darkest secrets. It isn’t long before he turns his terrible new abilities towards vengeance. Unfortunately Ig is about to learn that when it comes to revenge, the devil is in the details …
HORNS is one of the most original and deliciously frightening novels of the supernatural anyone is bound to read this year.
Sounds like a heck of a read, yes? All you need to do to get a copy, just leave a comment on this post, and come Monday, February 15th, I’ll choose 2 winners. Feel free to enter as many times as you like! US Residents only, please!
Good luck!
Give it up for our contest winners: Barb Fischer & Daine Birch! Barb, Daine - Check your inboxes!
Everyone else: Thank you for entering!
So it stands to reason that these two great tastes would taste great together.
Ergo, it isn’t a major surprise that Travelers Tale Games, who created all of the Lego games thus far, have announced a 3rd Lego Star Wars game for this Fall.
Titled Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars, the game will take the super fun Lego Star Wars world and combine it with the beloved Cartoon Network CGI series. Personally, I’ve loved all of the Lego Star Wars games thus far, along with Lego Batman, so I think this will be an absolute blast of a game. Here’s hoping it isn’t just a rehash of the first two games in the series however - I mean, are there really any worlds/sequences that haven’t been covered?
We’ll find out when Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars hits the 360, Wii, PS3, DS and PSP this fall.
Source: Lego Star Wars III: The Clone Wars marching to multiple platforms this fall.
The first video game system I owned as a kid was an Atari 2600, with about 13 games, which my parents bought at a flea market.
So when I came upon this blog from Penney Design, who have designed a series of fake 2600 game boxes for modern licensed properties, I totally nerded out.
The above Lost cover is but one of the many great designs on the blog. They’ve created boxes for other properties such as Wall-E, The Dark Knight, Avatar and Cloverfield, amongst others.
Go check them out, they are SUPER well done!
Source: Penney Design.
It’s been quite a few months since that announcement, but we finally have more details, and yes, a release date.
The release will include all five seasons of the series, plus the two full length movies, and hit shelves on May 11, 2010.
The extras have been details as well, as thus:
-Pilot - Sealed With a Kick -Music Video: Mystik Spiral Music Video “Freakin' Friends” -Daria Day Intros -Top Ten Video Countdown Hosted by Daria & Jane -Cast & Crew Interviews -Never Before-Seen Mystik Sprial spin-off script
I know a lot of people are as excited to see this as I was to see DVDs of The State, so hopefully this news has some of you ecstatic on this very snowy Monday.
Source:Â Daria DVD news: Announcement for Daria - The Complete Animated Series | TVShowsOnDVD.com.
Filming is scheduled to start in mid-March, with Joel Edgerton (Kinky Boots, Smoking Aces) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Live Free or Die Hard) as the leads, but honestly - is there an audience for this?
I know that the film is a beloved cult classic, but the Carpenter original bombed at the box office back in the 80s. It seems more and more to me that studios are wanting to take less risks on new films, and instead retrofit new ideas to known titles - and that worries me.
Source: Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton to Star in The Thing | /Film.
In an interview with the UK publication The Daily Mail, Bill Murray dropped a pretty big bombshell regarding his role in Ghostbusters 3.
Not only will Murray be returning, but…it’ll be in a rather unique way.
Here’s how he says it:
I said to them, ‘I’ll do it if you kill me off in the first reel.’ So now they are going to have me as a ghost in the film.
So there you go - Bill’ll be in Ghostbusters 3…but he’ll be a ghost.
Works for me!
Source: Bill Murray: ‘Actors get high salaries for the travel and trouble of being well known’ | Mail Online.
Man, the floodgate is just opening on info for the forthcoming The First Avenger: Captain America. I swear, we don’t already know this much about Thor, and that’s already started shooting!
The latest info is that the Avengers flick won’t be the first time we see Captain America as a team, as his solo film will also feature The Invaders.
For those unawares, The Invaders are a group of international heroes, sort of a pre-Avengers set in World War II, with characters such as the original Human Torch, the UK’s Union Jack and even Namor the Sub Mariner.
They’ve yet to announce who will be making up The Invaders, but I’d imagine it’ll be more of the b-listers than say, Torch and Namor, but it’s another example of Marvel Studios playing proper fanservice, which is a very exciting move.
My biggest worry - might this be just too much for one film?
Source: CAPTAIN AMERICA’S INTERNATIONAL CO-STARS: THE INVADERS.
This past weekend, the press junket for the modern remake of The Wolfman occurred. And while I (and others) are excited for it, the press was ready to pounce - not to talk to director Joe Johnston not about the werewolf flick, but instead, his next project The First Avenger: Captain America.
The details he revealed were minor, but have gone out across the web, so I thought I’d gather them for you.
-The main villain will be Red Skull.
-The film will start in the 1940’s during World War II.
-Cap will be portrayed by an actor between the ages of 23-32 (Chuck’s Ryan “Captain Awesome” McPartlin said he tried out for the role), and the casting will be complete by March 1.
-Cap’s costume will start as an outfit for a USO performance, but according to the details leaked by Johnston: In the first USO sequences, the frustrated patriot will be wearing a version that is closer to the classic Jack Kirby-designed costume, but then later as the super-soldier hits the war zone he will be wearing a sturdier, more muted version that he makes himself that is more like battle togs. The stripes across his mid-section, for instance, will be straps, not colored fabric.
Captain America will hit screens Summer 2011.
Source: Captain America will be a USO performer in the movie, director says | Hero Complex | Los Angeles Times.
Sure, we haven’t cured AIDS, Cancer or the common cold, or even figured out how to properly dispose of 3 feet of snow (no, not bitter), but we’ve finally solved one of the problems which I’ve never known was one - THE KETCHUP PACKET!
Coming soon to a restaurant near you is the latest innovation from the fine folks at Heinz, a brand new Ketchup packet, which not only holds more ketchup than the standard foil packet, but also allows you to both dip or squeeze the ketchup from two separate openings!
These packets should start to get rolled out by the Summer, with a full roll out in the fall. What a magical world we live in.
Source: Heinz Ketchup Packets Get a Makeover - Slashfood.
I’ve already gone on record as stating that I get a little too much of a Gladiator vibe from the media shared so far, and this teaser…really doesn’t make me think otherwise.
Maybe adds a tinge of Braveheart to the proceedings, but it certainly doesn’t feel like a Robin Hood movie. But that’s off of 45 seconds of footage.
Let’s hope they make a stronger case in future trailers!
Source: The Super Bowl Ad For Ridley Scott’s ROBIN HOOD… – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
So when the first trailer for Cop Out hit the web, I was really bummed.
Directed by Kevin Smith, who I grew up loving, and featuring star performances from Bruce Willis, Sean William Scott and Tracy Morgan, who I really enjoy, it seemed like a can’t miss.
And then the trailer really missed. Quite a bit.
But part of me thought that it had to be due to the green band general audiences nature of the trailer. With Smith directing, the movie had to be a level of filthy, yes?
So now we have the red band trailer, and while I enjoy it far more than the first trailer, I still feel like it hasn’t entirely gelled for me yet.
I think I’ll still be seeing Cop Out when it hits theaters on February 26th, but I don’t have the greatest feeling about it. And that worries me.
Source: Cop Out Red Band Movie Trailer | /Film.
But one of the things that really put the film over were the amazing props and effects created for the film. While we aren’t getting a replica of the amazing mech suit used in the film, Weta has just announced plans to release full scale replicas of the two alien weapons from the film, the Arc Generator (the white gun) and the Gas Projector (the black weapon).
With a limited release of 100 replicas for the Arc Generator and 200 replicas for the Gas Projector, it’s safe to say that while these guns will be lusted over by nerds, they will only be owned by a select few.
Both guns are currently on pre-order for a cool $500 each.
Source:Â Cool Stuff: District 9 Full Scale Prop Replicas | /Film.
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So, we already know that (500) Days of Summer’s Marc Webb will be helming the 2012 reboot of the Spider-Man film franchise, but what if Sony went in another direction - say - indie favorite director Wes Anderson?
That’s the idea behind this latest YouTube hit, and I’m a little ashamed to say, I’d like to see it in a full, feature length format.
Alas, what could’ve been.
Source: VOTD: Wes Anderson’s Spider-Man | /Film.
With just hours to go until the Super Bowl, people are making their final picks, and nerds like me are getting excited for the different commericals to make their debut.
On Friday, one of the movie trailers we’ll be seeing during the game made it’s debut, the above first look at M. Night Shaymalan’s film version of the Nicktoon Avatar, The Last Airbender. Like the teaser before it, I was left somewhat cold, as the trailer gave me, a non-fan no real reason to be excited.
Let’s see what a true Avatar fan has to say, like my good buddy Jami “Angry Zen Master” Noguchi!
I will not pay real money to see this thing, ever. I will not rent it, I will not put it on my Netflix queue, I will not watch it when it comes on broadcast or HBO or Showtime or the airplane. Gauging the initial reactions to this trailer, it appears that this thing will be enough of a financial success for them to make more and that makes me a sad panda, but they will do so without my financial support. Much like Alan Moore, I spit venom all over this thing.
…
…
Oh sweet god. You’re fucked, Paramount.
Source: Here’s The Super Bowl Ad For M. Night’s LAST AIRBENDER… – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
Earlier in the week we had our first peek at Young Justice League, but now from a licensing fair in Hong Kong, the above flyer appeared, showcasing not only the existing Superhero Squad cartoon, but the first appearance of the key art for the brand new Avengers animated series due for sometime in 2011-2012.
I’d guess the above image is of the final lineup, with Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Wasp and Ant Man - but is it too much of a stretch to ask if this also hints toward the movie lineup?
Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man and Thor are pretty much givens due to their movie apperances (along with Black Widow), but I could go for a live action interpretation of Black Panther along with everyone’s favorite dysfunctional superhero couple, Wasp and Ant Man.
Source: Bleeding Cool Comic Book News and Rumors » Avengers Animation Gives Clues To Movie Lineup?.
Straight from the sexy decade known as the swingin' 70’s comes this Japanese Television commerical for canned tuna (called “Sea Chicken” from Hagomoro Foods.
In no way, shape or form are they stealing characters and concepts from Star Wars to help sell their tuna.
Oh no. It’s 100% original concepts for this sci-fi themed tuna ad.
Source:Â Video: ‘Star Wars’-Themed Sea Chicken Commercial from Japan (1978) | Serious Eats.
I don’t often like to use this as just a link blog, but today I found a Q&A with writer/comedian/my personal hero Patton Oswalt which simply knocked me on my ass.
He’s long been someone who’s thoughts on comedy have intrigued and influenced my own, and I think this interview with GQ Magazine is a prime example of how eloquent and forward thinking Oswalt is.
So, by all means, click through to read about his opinions on the future of the comedic art form, how internet has changed the future of comedy, and even his thoughts on the NBC Thursday Night line up (echoing my thoughts on the series on right now).
And if that wasn’t enough, there’s a really cool poster of his featured (seen above), which I’d love to own a copy of!
Click through, take 20 minutes, and really enjoy. It’s a heck of a read.
Source:Â A Brief Conversation With Someone Smarter Than Us: The Q: GQ.
Sometimes there are no words. And this is one of those times.
Wow.
Source:Â Sonic Harry Potter Barack Obama Backpack Yes! | Best Week Ever.
The question is though: with the triumphant Star Wars Trilogy, and the less than beloved Prequel Trilogy, is it possible that Lucas represents both the highest highs and lowest lows of modern filmmaking?
That’s the question that the new documentary The People vs. George Lucas attempts to answer, and with it’s debut at SXSW next month coming ever so closer, the filmmakers have released a new trailer for the film, embedded below.
I, for one, think this will be a great take on a very much discussed and argued topic, and can’t wait to check it out for myself. Let me know what you think, in the comments section.
Source:Â New Teaser Trailer: The People vs. George Lucas | /Film.
After a decade of darkness, including a number of games that were hated by the gaming fanbase proper, it looks like it’s time to get excited for some proper Sonic the Hedgehog action.
Just announced for a Summer 2010 release from SEGA is Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, the first in a series of downloadable 2d Sonic games, hearkening back to the original series (which explains why it continues the numbering standard from the Genesis days).
Set to be available for the PSN, XBox Live Arcade and WiiWare marketplaces, if you’re a gamer, you won’t have an excuse to not be excited. Seriously, watch the teaser below and tell me you aren’t geeked.
I’m a 25 year old adult, and my inner 6 year old can’t wait to spin attack my way through this game. Make me proud, SEGA.
Source:Â Project Needlemouse Is… Sonic 4, Episode I - Top - Kotaku.
It was if a million nerds facepalmed, all at once.
Fresh off the newswire from my favorite comic news and rumors site, Bleeding Cool, comes word that the unfilmable comic which had a film, Watchmen, may soon be the unsequelable comic with many, many sequels.
Sound like comic creation heresy? You’re not far off base.
Alan Moore, the writer/co-creator of Watchmen, has wanted nothing to do with a sequel or continuation of the comic. Dave Gibbons, the artist/co-creator? Again - wanted nothing to do with a sequel. And DC President Paul Levitz had personally banned any sequel or continuation of arguably the greatest graphic novel of all time.
So of course, now that Paul Levitz has walked away from his role of DC president, DC Comics Senior VP/Exec Editor Dan DiDio has decided “if it’s fixed, break it!” as he is looking into putting together a series of prequels and ongoing series, spinning off of Watchmen.
While I don’t doubt that there would be a huge influx of sales initially for this project - it still cheapens the original. And apparently possible creators have been standoffish about taking on the project - but you know there are some who will take it on regardless.
Get ready for another classic to be ruined.
Source: Bleeding Cool Comic Book News and Rumors » Get Ready For Watchmen 2.
More of a cult classic since it’s release, Tron never really blew up the box office or had a huge following - but if the hype surrounding Tron Legacy is any indication, that’s about to change, and fast.
But the hype train leading to the Christmas 2010 release of the 3D film rolls on, with this latest still, of Jeff Bridges reprising his role as Kevin Flynn. But the still appears to be within the Tron world - so is he Clu?
We’ll know more as the release of Tron Legacy gets closer, but in the meantime, you could click for a super large version of the image - perhaps clues are hidden within!
Source: First Photo of Jeff Bridges in Tron Legacy | /Film.
2010 already seems to be a huge year for artistic hybrid concept albums.
I’ve already posted at length about the new Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach, the latest release from the cartoon band/musical project, so what about the other mainstream hybrid concept album - Coheed & Cambria’s new album, the final chapter in their ongoing musical/graphic novel saga, titled Year of the Black Rainbow?
Well, we are getting our first glimpses and information on the album this week, with a teaser video (posted above), plus the official release date and track list.
Per the press release issued on their website, the tracklisting is as follows:
The album is due to hit on April 13, 2010, in both regular and deluxe flavors. Regular is of course, the disc with music, but if you’re a Co&Ca super fan, the deluxe version is perfect for you, containing quote -
* 352-page Year of the Black Rainbow novel, penned by Claudio Sanchez and author Peter David
All and all, it sounds like a sweet package for longtime fans, but the question is - will it live up to the hype? We’ll know in April (if not beforehand. Thanks, piracy!)
Source: YEAR OF THE BLACK RAINBOW - COMING APRIL 13th 2010 | The Official Coheed & Cambria Site.
Hey there tech geeks and gadget nerds!
Do you have an ANDROID Phone?
Do you love it? Like really love it?
Great! Because now you can get collectable vinyl figurines of the Android mascot!
In possibly one of the strangest tie-in products I’ve ever seen, Dyzplastic has put together a series of blind-boxed figures of the Android mascot. There will be 12 figures in the first series (coming in a box of 16), and as you can see, the series is full of variants of the cute lil' green guy. I like the one in the shirt and tie the most, myself.
The question now: When does someone anthropomorphize the iPhone or iPad into a series of collectible figures?
Source: Dyzplastic Production Blog: Android mini collectibles.
I suppose in the world where Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead have revamped what we think of zombie films, and Pixar and Dreamworks have ruled the box office with their CG animated sagas, it was only time before someone in Hollywood had the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup moment and put their undead in their CG movie.
And the result? A.D..
Produced by one of the folks that brought you 300, the above teaser is more the proof of concept for an eventual full film. The teaser started making its rounds across the web yesterday, and got many a film geek excited, myself included.
So let us hope it gets picked up, yes?
Source: YouTube - “A.D.” teaser (ZOMBIE ANIMATION).
Apparently, I’m about to get my wish, in animated form.
Accidently leaked by voice actress Stephanie Lemelin (in a blog post now removed), a new animated series titled Young Justice League will be premiering shortly, featuring - you guessed it, a younger version of the Justice League. Lemelin will be playing Arrowette (character design seen above), and she’s very excited about it. Or at least was until she probably got an earful for telling her blog followers about it.
The crack team at comic news & rumor site Bleeding Cool not only got a hold of the post, but got some inside info on the series. Young Justice League will apparently feature the team of Martian Girl, Aqualad, Nightwing, Impulse, Arrowette, and Connor Kent (Superboy) and will be properly revealed at San Diego Comic Con this summer.
Considering how great Batman: The Brave & The Bold has been, and how great the direct to video DC animated films are, I think this may be another great installment in the great DC cartoon legacy started with the Batman series wayyyy back in ‘92. Color me excited.
Source: Bleeding Cool Comic Book News and Rumors » New DC Animated Series: Young Justice League UPDATED.
Taking one part Final Fantasy VII soundtrack and another part of some of the greatest MCs going today, and you have this STUNNING mashup album - Vinyl Fantasy 7.
This album is using the Radiohead “Pay As You Like” format if you want a copy, and if you like the mix provided by the super talented Team Teamwork, give their Zelda meets hip hop album, the appropriately titled The Ocarina Of Rhyme a download as well.
Source: Vinyl Fantasy 7 is the freshest thing you’ll hear today.
I guess the Green Lantern movie art we saw about a week ago may be real, as we’re seeing even more art leak out from the next big DC Comics flick.
Today’s batch brings us a look at the Guardians of the Universe (the blue headed guys) and Sinestro as a Green Lantern, before his villainous fall from grace.
At this rate, I think it will keep in touch with the classic comic look, but update it in a classic and sleek way - if this concept art is real, that is.
What do you think so far?
Source: Green Lantern’s New Concept Art Has Blue Aliens We’re Actually Scared Of - green lantern - io9.
However, sometimes the transition to the real world makes these character designs look stellar, and others - they look downright creepy.
Which brings us to the above supposed design for the blue characters from The Smurfs film.
Yeah, I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight.
Source: The Smurfs Movie Character Design - Exclusive First Look - The Smurfs - UGO.com.
What can I say, I love them. Great designs, last long, and they add a touch of nerd to my decor.
So it’s with that said, that I admit that I watch for every series of Slurpee cups, to see what will be added to the mix. I’m ashamed to say I was never able to find Domo cups, but this February, I’ll be damned if I won’t be adding these awesome God of War III Slurpee Cups to my collection!
Based on the amazing Playstation game series (and, more importantly, timed to the release of the Playstation 3 sequel), all 4 cups come with images of Kratos, as well as codes for downloadable in game content.
If that wasn’t enough, 7-Eleven has dug up a new flavor of slurpee, called “Kratos' Fury”. What does fury taste like? Blackberries and lime apparently. Delicious, berry flavored fury. Can’t wait.
Source: God of War III Slurpee tastes like Kratos' fury; it’s delicious.
Name doesn’t ring a bell? He’s the co-creator of Flight of the Conchords - and if he does for the Muppets what he did for the 4th best folk duo from New Zealand, the new Muppet film might have what it takes to be a hit.
Imagine if you will, the surreal asides and artsy music video interludes from FotC mixed with singing, dancing muppets. Excited? If you aren’t, you should check to see if you have a soul.
This assignment isn’t 100% confirmed yet, as Bobin is apparently mulling over other offers, but if this goes through, I would be a very happy nerdy blogger.
Source: GeekTyrant - News - Flight of the Concords Co-Creator James Bobin Directing the New Muppet Movie?.
Folks, I’m terribly sorry, I’ve been an unworthy blogger as of late.
With all the work heading to Super Art Fight 6 (and then all of the post show work, including nightly blog posts on the site), Blast-O-Rama was decidedly a #2 on the priority list.
Ergo, I missed out on TWO WEEKS of Awesome-O-Rama!
Don’t worry though, I kept a list of what was awesome, and while it was sort of weak on the movie side of things, it was very high on the gaming radness quotient. Let’s take a look, shall we?
The Invention of Lying Perhaps the first fully realized American film created by Ricky Gervais, The Invention of Lying puts together a very unique world for it’s backdrop, one where people are 100% honest, 100% of the time. It’s one that is mined to pitch perfect comedic perfection - to a point. Without going into too much detail, the movie takes a left turn for the serious, in looking into what is considered by some as the biggest lie of all time - a very gutsy move. But then, perhaps to appease the studio or the audience -the movie swerves back into the traditional romantic comedy ending. Despite a stellar cast and a truly astonishing world for the film to take place, it’s these abrupt moves which could leave you cold…which is why this is a highly recommended rental.
Whip It You know, I had a hunch I would enjoy this. But even with that said, when I sat down to watch it, it wound up as a pleasant surprise. The directorial debut of Drew Barrymore with Ellen Page in the lead role, is possibly the best commercial for roller derby ever made, painting the sport as one full of eccentric and strong women, but it wisely uses the sport as the backdrop for a smartly written coming of age tale. It’s a really fun flick, with a really stellar cast, and I enjoyed every minute. Check it out.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom Hi kids! Need a reason to turn on your Wii other than New Super Mario Bros? Did you love Marvel Vs. Capcom? (If your answer was no - WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?) Do you love esoteric, surreal Japanese characters you may or may not be familiar with? If you answered yes to one or all of these questions, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom may be the game for you! A frantically paced fever dream of a fighting game, this may be the craziest game ever to come to the Wii, and up until recently was THE reason to mod your system to import. But now the game is released in the Americas, so there’s but one question left to ask - what’s your excuse?
Mass Effect 2 I never played Mass Effect 1. But the hype surrounding that game and it’s follow up is enough to make me declare ME2 as simply awesome. With an amazing cast of characters, stunningly realized worlds and alien races, and a superb decision making engine, Mass Effect 2 may be a game that you don’t simply play - it’s one you experience. Now only if I could find the time to clear on my schedule to play though both of them…
Hope you enjoyed this look at the past two weeks of Awesome, and be sure to look here on Tuesday, as I look at this week’s awesome.
You end up with a sad wallet, as Hot Toys has done it again with this absolutely stunning 1/6th scale figure of Brad Pitt as Lt. Aldo Raine from Inglourious Basterds.
Seriously, this is some stunning stunning work. As usual with these sorts of things, I’ve included a full gallery below - get ready to drool, fellow nerds!
Source: Cool Stuff: Hot Toys Lt. Aldo Raine Collectible Figure | /Film.
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Credit to this one goes to my boy Rosscott.
Taking one band I absolutely love, and mix them with the group I’ve dubbed the hip hop equivelent of the X-Men, and you have this - one of the craziest mashups ever released.
It’s Wu Tang vs. the Beatles - Enter The Magical Mystery Chambers, and some way, some how, it works REALLY well.
I blame the excellent mixing from Tom Caruana, who really did a bang up job on these tracks. This is one mashup that can sit on the quality shelf next to The Grey Album and Yoshimi vs. The Hip Hop Robots. Amazing, catchy, stuff.
Source: Tea Sea Records - wuvsbeatles.
Considering it’s scheduled to start filming any day now, you can count this post as the beginning of the leaks of Green Lantern related content.
I can’t affirm the validity of this concept art, as the sources aren’t your typical outlets, but if the GL movie holds up to this artistic style, alongside a fun Ryan Reynolds performance and solid direction by Martin Campbell, Green Lantern could be an amazing flick.
First, here’s a look at concept art of Abin Sur and Toma-Re.
Source:Â Green Lantern Concept Art | /Film.
I still wonder - can Shyamalan helm a film of this scale or size? We’ll find out this summer, when The Last Airbender hits theaters.
Original Post:Â New Airbender Banners and Trailer News | /Film.
In this post Avatar world, you had to know that George Lucas wasn’t going to stay dormant for long.
And he’s raring back, determined to take back Lucasfilm’s crown as the king of the CGI action adventure film with -
re-reads story
a….a CGI musical? About fairies?!
What the HELL, George?!
Not much is really known about the project, aside from it’s being directed by Kevin Monroe (TMNT) and written by the man who wrote Elf - but seriously, what in the Sam Hill is this all about?
Stay tuned to Blast-O-Rama for my eventual fanboyish devotion, love, and positive review of the Untitled George Lucas Fairy Musical as it rushes towards breaking the worldwide cinema box office record.
Source:Â Â The Hollywood Reporter | Heat Vision | Comics | Movie News: George Lucas producing a CGI musical! Featuring … fairies?.
To get the major shill out of the way first, our next show, appropriately titled “Super Art Fight 6” is tomorrow night, January 23rd, at the Ottobar in downtown Baltimore. Doors are at 8, show starts at 9, and tickets are just $10.
And honestly, this is the most excited I’ve ever been for one of these shows. I’ve had the honor and pleasure to be a part of these events from their genesis almost 2 years ago, and to not just be a major part of what occurs behind the scenes, but also to be one half of the commentary/hosting team (along side my brother from another mother, Ross Nover), is possibly the most fulfilling project I’ve ever worked on.
What makes this show really special for me, however? It’s probably the best mix of talent and matchups we’ve ever had.
One of the many jobs I serve behind the scenes is that of the matchmaker for the cards. I’m the one who once we have a finalized list of talent, pairs talent together for the hopes of the best overall show. Sometimes we’ve had some pairings who clashed artistically, sometimes the winners a bit too obvious (someone wildly popular versus someone just getting their footing), but I think this card, is beyond the shadow of a doubt, one of the strongest we’ve ever had the pleasure to present.
And how do I know it’s going to be good? Honestly, for as much as I enjoy the excitement and stress of serving as one of our hosts, this card - more than any that came before it - I long to experience it as an audience member. I honestly cannot say for sure who will win any of them, and that, my friends, is exciting.
I’m not going to leave you with a hard sell. I’m just going to say this.
Tomorrow night, if you’re in the Baltimore area, and you are looking for something to do, head down to the Ottobar and check out Super Art Fight. We’re going to have some great artists on tap, probably the most interesting musical act we’ve ever booked in The Dirty Marmaduke Flute Squad, and no matter what happens during the show, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll leave with a smile on your face.
See you all tomorrow night.
As I’ve discussed previously on here, their new album Plastic Beach will be released this year, and we have the first single (“Stylo”, feat. Mos Def & Bobby Womack), the release date, the real tracklist and what I believe is the album art (Pitchfork didn’t elaborate).
First, the album cover, which you see at the top of the post, literally, a plastic beach.
Second, here’s the full tracklisting, dramatically different from the one I posted earlier in the month:
01 Orchestral Intro (ft. Sinfonia ViVA) 02 Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach (ft. Snoop Dogg and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble) 03 White Flag (ft. Kano, Bashy, and the National Orchestra for Arabic Music) 04 Rhinestone Eyes 05 Stylo (ft. Bobby Womack and Mos Def) 06 Superfast Jellyfish (ft. Gruff Rhys and De La Soul) 07 Empire Ants (ft. Little Dragon) 08 Glitter Freeze (ft. Mark E Smith) 09 Some Kind Of Nature (ft. Lou Reed) 10 On Melancholy Hill 11 Broken 12 Sweepstakes (ft. Mos Def and Hypnotic Brass Ensemble) 13 Plastic Beach (ft. Mick Jones and Paul Simonon) 14 To Binge (ft. Little Dragon) 15 Cloud of Unknowing (ft. Bobby Womack and Sinfonia ViVA) 16 Pirate Jet
Last, but not least, why you’re really here - “Stylo”.
The song can’t be embedded, but you can check it out on YouTube here.
It’s a strange, almost 80’s electro clash type of song. I can’t say I dig it (yet), but I guess we’ll see how the whole album goes.
Plastic Beach hits shelves on March 9th.
Source:Â Pitchfork: Gorillaz Reveal Full Album Details.
For as long as there has been Saturday Night Live, there have been the movie spin-offs of Saturday Night Live.
And while some have been terrible (Stuart Saves His Family, It’s Pat), some have been freaking fantastic (Wayne’s World, The Blues Brothers).
Sure, you’d think taking a one note silly sketch like MacGruber and extending it to a full length film would be an idea bent on pure horror, but if this red band trailer is any indication, the early buzz that this film goes on the side of great may just be true.
The Lonely Island crew took a go nowhere concept before and raised it to heights of amazing absurdity before with Hot Rod, and I think they may have the magic once again. We’ll find out when MacGruber hits theaters on April 23rd.
Of note, the trailer is age restricted, but feel free to say you’re 110. I won’t judge.
EDIT: Hey! We got the green-band trailer too! Check it out and compare the differences!
Source:Â MacGruber Red Band Trailer - Trailer Addict.
The first big announcement came late last week, as Sony announced that Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire were being removed from the film as director and star respectively, pushing the release date of the next webswinging flick from May 2011 to Summer 2012. The new plan - a reboot, taking the character back to his roots.
Why would Sony want to make such a dramatic change?
Tensions with Raimi.
After the high grosses (but critical lashing) of Spider-Man 3, Raimi and Maguire were hesitant to pull the trigger on a fourth Spider-Man film, unless the script was up to par. Sony, seeing how much money Spidey 3 made, and having a deal with Marvel over the character rights similar to the Fox-Marvel deal (i.e. you have the rights, you have to make a film in x years), wanted to strike while the iron was at least still warm.
But, Sony, realizing the connection that Raimi had with the fanbase, wanted to proceed with the flick.
His vision for the film? If rumors are to be believed, he wanted to take Avatar on directly, pushing the CGI in the next Spidey flick to the next level and shoot it in 3D. Considering the third film cost a reported $258 Mil, Sony had to be a bit nervous about the prospects of the cost of the next Spider-Man, let alone bringing back Raimi and Maguire for it.
What made Sony execs even more nervous was Raimi’s envisioned storyline:
Peter Parker gets over MJ, finds a new girl, falls in love. But: Peter also discovers her father is actually the Vulture, a naughty green guy with wings to be played by John Malkovich. Peter is torn between the love of his new lady and taking down the Vulture. Being a Spandex tight-ass, he decides to take down the Vulture, and kills him. This patricide goes down poorly with Peter’s new fiancÁ©e, and she rejects him. Despondent, Peter decides to abandon his superpowers, and Movie No. 4 ends with Peter Parker throwing away his Spider-Man mask, and audiences wondering if they are watching Superman II.
Pretty grim, yes? It doesn’t help that the script, 3 writers deep, was being described as a “schizophrenic mess”
So it’s easy to see why the progress on the Fourth film was being delayed, and it was eventually killed last week.
After a week of rumor and scuttlebutt, we can finally put some details to rest about the relaunch of Spider-Man, set to come in 2012.
Officially announced today by Sony (as I rumored last week), director Marc Webb will be helming the project. With only one theatrical feature under his belt ((500) Days of Summer), it’s a risky move, but I think he can pull it off.
Furthermore, in the interest of starting fresh, it’s being reported today that the film will take it’s notes from the Brian Michael Bendis helmed Ultimate Spider-Man series. This is a great move from the creative team, especially as in my book, that’s the greatest Spidey comic of the past 10 years.
Webb thus far is not signed on for a full trilogy, but one last bit worth noting…the budget for Spidey 2012? “Just” $80 mil. Could this be the “indie” styled comic book movie nerds have dreamed of? Or will the production values falter under an inexperienced director with little budget?
Either way, all eyes are on Marc Webb as the next step in the Spider-Man film legacy is being taken. And you know I’ll report every moment of it. Color me tentatively excited.
Alluded to in the headline, the concept behind the blog is different classic comic book cover images reintrpreted in ways that are either near identical or dramatically different from the original.
Get ready to have a new RSS feed in your subscriptions! I know I do.
Source: Covered.
This is the weirdest licensed thing I’ve ever seen: it’s Hellboy Slots!
A game with 5 reels and 20 lines, gambling acts nationwide will be assaulting the lever with their right hand of doom later this year.
But honestly - what’s next: Usagi Yojimbo Video Poker?
Source: YouTube - Hellboy Slots from Microgaming - Game Preview.
Honestly, between now and whenever I see the film, I’m not quite sure what to say. But, the marketing team at Lionsgate is so good, they keep releasing new content that I can’t help but post.
The latest? The above, absolutely stunning poster. I thought they did great work with the individual character posters, or the full character banner, but this is truly great. I hope the DVD/Blu-Ray gets this striking image as it’s cover.
Source: Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Big Daddy take no prisoners in poster debut - HitFix.com.
When you put together a film designed to juxtapose the guiding light of religion and faith with the bleak world of a post apocalyptic society, the last thing you’d wager a filmmaker would want to leave the audience with is a feeling of indifference. Unfortunately, with it’s paper thin characters, miscast actors and plot cobbled together from dozens of films that came before it, The Book of Eli takes these elements and reduces them to a grey-brown mixture of ineffectiveness, much like the color palate of the film.
The movie starts off strong enough, casting Denzel Washington as Eli, a man wandering through a world reduced to a sun-bleached pile of rubble. It’s in these opening moments that the film is strongest - shot wonderfully on the digital camera of the day, the Red One camera, with a beautiful Nine Inch Nails circa Ghosts I-IV style score by Atticus Ross. It places Eli almost as a wasteland equivalent of the classic wandering samurai, moving from location to location, fighting those who stand in his way and incur his wrath. Honestly, I could’ve gone for two hours of just this.
Shortly after a gory and brutal fight sequence, Eli arrives in one of the few settlements remaining in this desolate world, a town lead by Carnegie (Gary Oldman), a corrupt mayor with a taste for books. It’s here that the film starts to sputter out, just inches away from the starting line. Carnegie is after the last remaining copy of the Bible, a book which Eli so happens to have - something Carnegie doesn’t know. But after Eli gets into another scuffle, this time with Carnegie’s men, Carnegie decides he wants Eli to be part of his “crew”, an understandable thought given that Eli just murdered 90% of his men. And Carnegie, being the paper thin corrupt leader stereotype which Gary Oldman is trying to breathe life into, tempts Eli with everything he can. Food, water, and even his own “stepdaughter”, Solara (a painfully miscast Mila Kunis). But Eli is a man of faith! He must continue on his trail to the “West”. These temptations do not stop him. And even at the threat of personal harm, Eli continues on.
Of course, this isn’t without a few hitches, the first of which being Solara. Solara, now playing the role of the sidekick that won’t leave the hero alone, continues to follow Eli, despite his warnings that the world isn’t safe for a pretty lil' girl like her. Which brings me to my biggest problem with Kunis in this role. Mila Kunis can do great work - when given the right script. I thought she was the heart and soul of Forgetting Sarah Marshall! But with her perfect looks, nary a hair-out-of-place style, and general lack of grime (compared to the other characters), she stands out like a sore thumb in this bleak future.
As I’m sure you can imagine - with Eli leaving his town with the Bible (and with Solara in tow), Carnegie and his men follow them West, into a clunky third act. Strangely enough, this is where the movies most effective scenes (minus the stunning opening) lie, but by juxtaposing a rather humorous sequence with two older residents of a farm alongside a wonderfully shot shootout sequence which had me recalling the best moments of Children of Men, the effectiveness of both scenes is rendered null and void.
And it’s from here that the movie rushes to wrap up every loose end, combining a sequence lifted directly from Children of Men (rowboat with important cargo), a twist ending which feels tacked on (and I doubt would hold up on a second viewing), and a hamfisted hint towards a sequel - or trilogy, given that studios love them these days - leaving me feel cold. You’d think a film which is based in faith and religion would leave you fired up, but instead, none of the passion of Eli for his beliefs, or Carnegie for his…uh…want to run more cities? (it’s barely addressed), or Solara’s want to…uh…do…something(?)can be felt at any time during the film. It’s a zero sum game.
It’s a shame when you can tell that the crew of a film worked so hard to bring their A-Game to a project, but The Book of Eli proves beyond a shadow of a doubt, no matter how many great actors you pair together, no matter how many great films you crib from, at the end of the day, it can be rendered ineffective if the passion never makes it to the screen.
Back once again like a bad habit, Awesome-O-Rama is here to tell you what’s worth picking up in the world of media this week.
And unlike the past few, this is a huge week. I kinda wonder, looking at the next few weeks, couldn’t some of these releases have been spread out through the month? I make an alright wage, and admittingly spend more than most on movies/music/etc., and this even had ME wanting to tap out. Come on studios - think through the whole month!
Either way, let’s do this thing!
Moon A movie so fantastic and underrated that even it’s own studio is neglecting it for Oscars. This “hard sci-fi” film from first-time director Duncan Jones is a one-man acting tour-de-force by Sam Rockwell, and is one of the most intriguing and enthralling movies I’ve seen in years. If you liked Sunshine, you’re sure to love this, as it falls into the realm of ‘possible’ sci-fi realities - but Moon doesn’t have the weak ending which tends to split opinion on Sunshine. If I can recommend any one release in particular this week - it’d be this one. Trust me.
The Brothers Bloom Written and directed by Rian Johnson, the creator of the underappreciated Brick, The Brothers Bloom is another film who’s release fell under people’s radars this past summer. Heck, even I, who had really wanted to see it, forgot all about it. But that’s what home video is for! Bloom is an absolute blast of a heist comedy, shot beautifully with an amazing script. And fellas, if you don’t walk away from this with a Rachel Weisz crush, check your pulse - you may be dead.
The Hurt Locker Confession time! I haven’t seen The Hurt Locker yet. And considering it’s getting all the Oscar hype this year, I think I need to rectify that. The tale of a bomb detonation team in Iraq, this film is grim, gritty, tense, and is said to be possibly one of the best and most realistic depictions of military life in the modern age. I’ll have to see it for myself to judge - but it’s worth asking out loud: How interesting would it be if Kathryn Bigelow (who directed The Hurt Locker) is pitted against her ex-husband, James Cameron come Oscar time?
Big Fan Here’s my clear and noticable bias showing - this flick is the dramatic lead debut for Patton Oswalt. But don’t let my bias stop you, all inclinations is Patton brought it in this one. Starring my favorite stand up comedian as an obsessed football fan, the film delves into what happens when your passions turn against you, and you’re forced to decide between your hobbies and the real world. An interesting flick in concept, made even more believable as Patton (like any true nerd) understands nerdly obsession. Question to the studio - why is this only available in standard def?
That’s it for this week! See you next week with a list of more media worth checking out!
We’re just mere days removed from the announcement that Sony will be moving forward with a relaunch of the Spider-Man franchise in 2012.
However, that hasn’t stopped Sony from making moves. Apparently, the script for the reboot was written months ago (as it was to be the framework for Spidey 5 & 6), so now they’re going through the difficult process of finding a director.
Looks like they already have one in mind - Marc Webb.
I know, you’re already wondering who the hell that is. Let me tell you!
Marc Webb was primarily known for directing music videos, but made a big splash last year with his directoral debut, one of my favorite movies of 2009, (500) Days of Summer.
Webb has shown with (500) Days that he is more than capable of handling the pathos of Peter Parker, but can he handle the action, and keep Pete from feeling like a whiny asshole? We’ll see if he officially gets the gig. At least he already has the perfect last name for the job.
Also of note - in what shouldn’t come as a surprise in this post Avatar world, Sony is looking for Spidey 2012 to be in 3D. Personally, I could go for some 3D web swinging sequences. I just hope they’re focusing on making the movie worthwhile first, before they work in shinies like 3D.
Source: Will Sony Spin Spidey Reboot With Webb? — Deadline.com.
As the weeks count down until the Ryan Reynolds starring adaptation of Green Lantern starts filming in Australia, all the big announcements are starting to get made.
And the latest - the identity of the main villain.
In the case of this film, it seems they’re going the Batman Begins route of starting the franchise with a B-list villain, by not using Sinestro, but instead the lesser known Dr. Hector Hammond, a character so obscure that I don’t even know who that is!
Dr. Hammond, a character given psychic powers by a meteor dropped when dying GL Abin Sur comes to Earth to give Hal Jordan his ring, fits heavily into the latest revision of the Green Lantern origin in the comics, which explains his appearance here.
The actor rumored to be playing Hammond? Why, Peter Sarsgaard, of course!
Sarsgaard has long been one of my favorite actors, and it’ll be nice to see him in a tentpole summer flick like Green Lantern.
Source: Peter Sarsgaard May Fight Green Lantern | /Film.
After rumors that included Anne Hathaway as the Black Cat and John Malkovich as the Vulture (which was actually ‘confirmed’ earlier today), Sony Pictures has officially announced that all work on Spider-Man 4 has been scrapped.
Further more, Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire have been dropped from the project, ditto Kirsten Dunst, and Sony is now fast tracking a relaunch of the Spider-Man franchise to hit theaters in 2012.
This is a major surprise announcement, especially considering the film was to begin shooting later this year, but given the rumors surrounding the project, I can’t say I’m completely shocked. Word was Raimi was once again battling Sony over control of the picture (he wanted the Vulture, they didn’t), and as history shows, making Raimi do something he has no interest in makes for a bad film. In case you don’t know what I’m referencing - Raimi was “asked” to add Venom to the 3rd Spider-Man film. You can do the rest of the math here.
Honestly though, I’m quite excited for this reboot. Fans everywhere are starting to worry about the “high school” part of the plan, as mentioned in the press release (full text of which is after the cut), but I truly doubt that they’re going to Twilight up the Spider-Man franchise. Sony is too smart for that.
After Spider-Man 3’s critical (but not financial) failure, I’ve mentioned to darn near anyone who would listen to me (good thing I have a blog now, eh?) that what the franchise truly needed was a James Bond-esq refreshing. Tobey & Kirsten looked bored as hell to be playing Spidey and MJ, and honestly, if Raimi felt so embattled against Sony Pictures, it’s best for all parties if he does leave.
Sure, not every reboot is successful, but I hold out that we could see a JJ Abrams-Trek/Nolan Batman style refresh of the Spider-Man film series that’s better for everyone. And if they go high school? They only need to look at Brian Michael Bendis' amazing run on Ultimate Spider-Man to find stories to pilfer from.
So who do I think should fill in the tights? Of today’s Hollywood, Anton Yelchin, Joseph-Gordon Levitt, James McAvoy and Jake Gyllenhaal come to mind, but honestly - I want a left field selection. Maybe even Jesse Eisenberg?
Any way you cut it, this could be a very exciting new lease for the Spider-Man movie franchise. Strap in and get ready - it’s going to get interesting.
Source: EXCLUSIVE: SPIDER-MAN 4"² SCRAPPED; SAM RAIMI & TOBEY MAGUIRE & CAST OUT; FRANCHISE REBOOT FOR 2012 — Deadline.com.
Here’s the full Press Release: Culver City, CA (January 11, 2010) – Peter Parker is going back to high school when the next Spider-Man hits theaters in the summer of 2012. Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios announced today they are moving forward with a film based on a script by James Vanderbilt that focuses on a teenager grappling with both contemporary human problems and amazing super-human crises.
The new chapter in the Spider-Man franchise produced by Columbia, Marvel Studios and Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin, will have a new cast and filmmaking team. Spider-Man 4 was to have been released in 2011, but had not yet gone into production.
“A decade ago we set out on this journey with Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire and together we made three Spider-Man films that set a new bar for the genre. When we began, no one ever imagined that we would make history at the box-office and now we have a rare opportunity to make history once again with this franchise. Peter Parker as an ordinary young adult grappling with extraordinary powers has always been the foundation that has made this character so timeless and compelling for generations of fans. We’re very excited about the creative possibilities that come from returning to Peter’s roots and we look forward to working once again with Marvel Studios, Avi Arad and Laura Ziskin on this new beginning,“ said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
“Working on the Spider-Man movies was the experience of a lifetime for me. While we were looking forward to doing a fourth one together, the studio and Marvel have a unique opportunity to take the franchise in a new direction, and I know they will do a terrific job,“ said Sam Raimi.
“We have had a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration and friendship with Sam and Tobey and they have given us their best for the better part of the last decade.This is a bittersweet moment for us because while it is hard to imagine Spider-Man in anyone else’s hands, I know that this was a day that was inevitable,“ said Matt Tolmach, president of Columbia Pictures, who has served as the studio’s chief production executive since the beginning of the franchise. “Now everything begins anew, and that’s got us all tremendously excited about what comes next. Under the continuing supervision of Avi and Laura, we have a clear vision for the future of Spider-Man and can’t wait to share this exciting new direction with audiences in 2012.“
“Spider-Man will always be an important franchise for Sony Pictures and a fresh start like this is a responsibility that we all take very seriously,” said Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures. “We have always believed that story comes first and story guides the direction of these films and as we move onto the next chapter, we will stay true to that principle and will do so with the highest respect for the source material and the fans and moviegoers who deserve nothing but the best when it comes to bringing these stories and characters to life on the big screen.”
The studio will have more news about Spider-Man in 2012 in the coming weeks as it prepares for production of the film.
Thundering across the interweb, the first official trailer for The A-Team has hit many a website (including now this one), and honestly - it’s pretty underwhelming.
While I was and am somewhat excited for the diverse cast, with Bradley Cooper, Liam Neeson, Sharlto Copley and MMA fighter “Rampage” Jackson, this trailer has absolutely zero sense of fun, taking what could’ve been a tongue in cheek trailer, reprising the classic voiceover and making it a super serious, kinda bland mess.
Hopefully this isn’t true of the final film, which is due to hit theaters on June 11, 2010.
Source: A-Team movie trailer Boing Boing.
Set for release on June 29, 2012, Star Trek 2 (or whatever they call it) thus far has yet to have JJ Abrams attached to it, but most if not all of the cast is attached for at least two more films.
So at the least, we’ll get Chris Pine and Zach Quinto helming Star Trek into the possible end of time.
Source: It was announced today that the STAR TREK sequel will come out before the Mayan calendar expires! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
This is the first I’ve heard of Jackbooks On Whitehall, but considering the rather unique way the flick was put together, I have to say I’m all sorts of intrigued.
First and foremost, it’s an alternative reality version of World War II.
Namely, one where “which the Nazis hatch a plan to invade England by drilling under the English Channel and into the heart of London. But with the entire British army stuck in Dunkirk, the whole country must band together to prevent a full-on invasion.”
Here’s the very interesting part though - the entire movie appears to have been shot using 1970’s style GI Joe’s or something!
The voice cast sounds pretty excellent, including Ewan McGregor, Tom Wilkinson, Rosamund Pike, & Alan Cumming, but overall, the unique way this has been put together is what has me drooling.
I’ve included a full gallery of stills below.
Source:Â First Look: World War II Claymation Film ‘Jackboots on Whitehall’ « FirstShowing.net.
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Much like Knight, Kick-Ass has had it’s name across the web early and often. Between comic con appearances, slow leaking of media like web exclusive trailers and posters, and it’s now culminated in the release of the above full trailer for the flick.
It’s hard to believe this is the first time we’ve seen the story laid out properly, but the trailer is SUPER effective at selling the flick. I personally cannot wait.
While the official release date is on April 16th, it’s worth noting that Kick-Ass will be kicking off the theatrical portion of SXSW this year. A show, which one day, I will go to. I swear it.
Source:Â ‘Kick-Ass’ releases a new trailer - Pop Candy: Unwrapping pop culture’s hip and hidden treasures.
I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Iron Man goes through new suits of armor like I seem to go through iPods, but Tony Stark’s about to start rocking a new suit of armor, starting in the pages of April’s Invincible Iron Man #25.
Designed by writer Matt Fraction and Iron Man movie designer Ryan Meindering, the armor change is most likely part of Marvel’s plan to keep the character high profile in the Marvel U on the road to the theatrical release of Iron Man 2, but I must say, it is kinda striking.
My one thought however - while streamlining the look certainly reflects the changes in technology over the past few years, the bright yellow and red look doesn’t really reflect what you see in modern gadgets.
Sure, it’s the Iron Man trademark, but I don’t think you’d see it if such a character were designed today. Unless Tony Stark’s a major hulkamaniac.
Source:Â Marvel unveils Iron Man’s new armor | Robot 6 @ Comic Book Resources — Covering Comic Book News and Entertainment.
Honest to God, before this week, I had no idea who Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick were, but they seem to be making all of the right moves to insure that changes.
You’re probably wondering who they are too, so let me refresh you.
Reese & Wernick burst onto the scene this past fall with the super awesome genre hit (and BoR Best of ‘09 winner) Zombieland.
Then, earlier this week, it was announced that they were going to be writing the much anticipated/dreaded (in equal amounts) film adaptation of the ever popular Deadpool character.
Now, today, comes word that they’ll be tag-teaming the script for the sequel to GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, this past summer’s not so great adaptation of the classic toy line/80’s toon.
Personally, I didn’t think much of the Joe flick aside from a few key moments (the Cobra Commander reveal was awesome), but apparently I’m wrong, as it grossed over $300 Mil worldwide.
My big worry - Reese & Wernick are obviously talented dudes, but are they stretching themselves too thin? Between a possible Zombieland 2 in 3D, the Deadpool flick and GI Joe 2, that’s a LOT of work, even for two people working together. Maybe the schedules don’t overlap as tightly as I’d think.
Source:Â IESB Exclusive: It’s Going to Take Two Writers to Bring the G.I. JOE Sequel to Life.
Since the debut of the Damon Albarn/Jamie Hewlett project Gorillaz in 2001, I’ve been a devout fan.
I love the Hewlett artwork, I love the virtual band concept, I love the ongoing backstory for the fake bandmates, but most importantly, I love the music.
What’s hard to believe, though, is that there have only been two albums released over the 9 year existence of the band. Not counting the two b-side collections of course.
In any case, both Demon Days and their self titled debuts are some of the best albums of the past decade, and now that the release of “their” third album titled Plastic Beach is impending in 2010, I’m starting to get excited. And luckily, Gorillaz are placating this excitement.
First and foremost, we have the above image, the first from the Plastic Beach era of the band, with an older and seemingly war-ready version of Noodles.
Next, we have the supposed tracklisting for the album, which includes some eyebrow raising guest appearances.
Bruce Willis? Ozzy? Barry Fucking Gibb?
Sounds like Plastic Beach sure is going to be interesting to listen to, if nothing else, when it hit shelves this Spring.
As a regular reader of Blast-O-Rama, you’re probably aware that I love many things.
Three of them are The Daily Show, George Lucas and HD content.
But Tuesday night, when George Lucas was a guest on this, the inaugural week of The Daily Show airing in beautiful HD, I was pretty excited.
And honestly, the interview was even more fun than imagined, as Jon Stewart gives Lucas crap over the prequels, and gets more life out of George than I’ve seen in years.
Click play and get ready to enjoy.
Source:Â Video: George Lucas | The Daily Show | Comedy Central.
The Third & The Seventh from Alex Roman on Vimeo.
See the video above? Go ahead. Click play. And if your comp can handle it, hit the HD switch and watch it right on Vimeo.
I’ll wait.
Pretty awesome, right?
Here’s the stunning part - it’s 100% CG. What’s the over under on Mr. Alex Roman getting an amazing Hollywood deal by the end of the month?
If there’s any fairness in this world - he already has been picked up by the time of this writing.
And in case you’re wondering how he did it, don’t worry, he created a behind the scenes video, too.
Compositing Breakdown (T&S) from Alex Roman on Vimeo.
Source: The Third & The Seventh on Vimeo.
While the first image, above, is the same one Edgar Wright took a photo of in the Universal Studios lobby (and I featured a photoshop cleaned up version of), the second image, below, is brand spanking new, and features a segment not even from the comic series!
The one question I can answer for sure: Is it awesome? Hell yes.
Now - bring on the trailer, Edgar!
Source: First Official Photos: Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World | /Film.
After the terrible initial on-screen version of the Merc with a Mouth seen in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, despite the pitch perfect casting of Ryan Reynolds, fans everywhere would be understood to be dreading the in-progress production of the Deadpool film.
Luckily, they just tapped some writers who may just be the fix the doctor ordered.
Announced just yesterday by Fox, the script for Deadpool will be handled by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Names don’t ring a bell? They’re the writing duo behind this past fall’s Zombieland.
Having flawlessly mixed humor and violence to a beautiful degree on Zombieland, I see little to no reason to believe that Reese & Wernick won’t be a great writing team for Deadpool. However, you need only look at the Star Trek relaunch and Transformers 2 to realize that two scripts by the same writers can go off in wildly different directions.
Hopefully this doesn’t stall the newly green-lit sequel to Zombieland, or cause one (or both) films to be harmed writing wise.
Source:Â Fox taps ‘Deadpool’ writers - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety.
With the first real week of 2010 coming at you, so begin the first major retail releases of the year.
It’s still sort of quiet post the holidays, but there are 3 major releases worth checking out, and I’m featuring them in this weeks…Awesome-O-Rama.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs Hey wait! Come back! I know, I know. You’re already thinking that I’ve lost it. Just a few instances of A-o-R later, and I’ve gone mad just linking things for the Amazon referral cash. NOT TRUE. At least in this case. While I, and many others, figured Cloudy to be just another quick CGI cash in, the cast and writing team took the work to another level. On the voice side, you have Bill Hader as lead, plus hilarious supporting turns from Andy Sandberg, Neil Patrick Harris, Mr. T and Bruce Campbell. On the writing side, you have Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Names aren’t ringing a bell? Well, these days they’re producers on How I Met Your Mother, but more importantly - they created CLONE HIGH. THE GREATEST ONE SEASON CARTOON EVER. I admittingly checked Cloudy out as an illegal download earlier tonight, and now I’m convinced - I’m gonna need the blu.
Chuck: The Complete Second Season Way back in the year of our lord Two Thousand and Seven, a show called Chuck premiered on NBC in the then super-crucial-to-me “pre-Heroes” slot. A show about a nerd who has government secrets downloaded to his brain, produced by the guy behind The OC and his buddy who directed Sugar Ray videos and failed his way up into ruining the Terminator franchise, I should’ve hated it. But holy crap, did I enjoy every minute of the first season. And then, Season 2 premiered in the Fall of ‘08, and every awkward moment of the show clicked instead into moments of pure awesome. It rests in a very small pantheon of TV shows that I must watch live, NEVER on DVR. Only this and Mad Men have the “honor”. Trust me on this - if you never saw Chuck before, pick up this season. It’s written for new viewers. Then check out Season 1. But most importantly, jump on Season 3. I really don’t want another Arrested Development scenario here.
Bayonetta One of my gaming guilty pleasures has long been the Devil May Cry series. Having started as a dumbed down, flashier version of the Resident Evil games, and grown into an even flashier, crazy ass shooter series, I love every game, even though they’re basically the same. Unfortunately for Capcom, a lot of the staff behind the series left them, and moved onto Sega. And their first title is this, Bayonetta. While you can look at it and go “Ooh, Devil May Cry with ladies and boobs”, the gameplay has been pushed forward, taking an insane run and gun shooter, and if you can believe it, making it crazier. The weapons are stranger, the action is wilder, and if the reviews are true, it’s the first great game of 2010. Click the name for 360, click here for a PS3 version.
That’s all for this week - next week looks even bigger, containing one of my favorite films of 2010, and what might just win the Oscar this year. See you then!
It’s been almost two years since I last featured his work here at Blast-O-Rama, last time showcasing his Gatchaman styled DC revamp designs. But one of his latest projects is just downright jawdropping.
He’s taken classic 1980’s album covers, and redesigned them with notable superheroes in key roles. You’ve got a Breakfast Club styled Teen Titans, Batgirl gone Purple Rain, and the most violent version of the Flashdance album cover ever. I’ve included images of both Cliff’s version and the originals for comparison.
Honest to God, I want copies of every one of these as high quality prints. Hook us up, Cliff!
Source: Batgirl Is Now Prince.
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I have only the vaguest recollection of this movie, and even less of watching it as a kid, but I’m quite sure I did.
Either way, the full movie is available on Hulu. So as the new Captain America film makes it’s way to the screen in 2011-2012, let us remember what passed as a Captain America film in 1990!
Source:Â Hulu - Captain America - Watch the full feature film now..
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Get it? Cause if you change a letter, it goes from Last Supper to Lost Supper…heh heh…heh…heh…
ANYWAY! As the hype continues to build to the premier of the final season of Lost next month, the fine folks at Casa de Abrams are teasing us each way they can.
The latest image, taken from the pages of Us Weekly, is an homage to a rather well known painting which you may’ve seen before.
While this isn’t the first time a nerd show has grabbed eyeballs using this holy meal as a way to promote their final season, you have to wonder if there’s any relevance to the final season, or if it’s just a provocative image. Unless Locke really is Christ.
Source:Â What Clues Are Hidden In The Lost Supper? - Lost - io9.
It seems almost every show from Gallery 1988 is getting it’s weight in press from the nerd blogs.
And their latest show, Under the Influence: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe is certainly no different.
Shamelessly devoting their unique eyes to one of the greatest and most iconic cartoons of the 1980s, this show features 100 different artist’s unique takes on the He-Man franchise.
The show runs Friday January 8th-Friday January 29th, and once again has left me wishing that I lived in LA. Between Gallery 1988 and the UCB Theater, my geek culture quotient would be through the roof - and hey, I’d leave the house more often.
I’ve included one of my favorite pieces above (a fantastic mashup of two great 80s icons) , but click here to visit Gallery 1988’s blog to see more!
Source:Â TOYSREVILs I LIKE TOYS: Under the Influence: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe @ Gallery1988 LA Jan 8-29.
Since then, the popularity of the 3-part mini series has grown and grown, including the merchandising opportunities. There was the DVD. Then the soundtrack (it was a musical after all). Then T-Shirts. And tie-in comics from Dark Horse!
But there has yet to be figures of any type.
Until now.
The fine folks at Quantum Mechanix have decided to continued their line of super stylish animated style maquettes, now with their interpretation of Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible. It looks pretty amazing, and is due for release in February, but I must warn…at $70, it’s not your standard figurine.
Source: Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Animated Maquette - Quantum Mechanix - Dr. Horribles Sing-Along Blog - Statues at Entertainment Earth.
Sketch Of The DeadAtom.com: Funny Videos | Atom Originals | Funny Animations
What happens when you mix one of my favorite actors from one of my favorite TV shows along with one of my favorite standup comedians, along with one of my favorite horror themes?
You get Rich Sommer (Mad Men) and Paul F. Tompkins as they attempt to make their way through a zombie apocalypse in the above fantastic video called Sketch of the Dead!
Like Shaun of the Dead, Sketch of the Dead explores what to do when your own friend becomes a zombie - but to hilarious consequences.
Click play, and enjoy.
Source: Shooting Your Best Friend’s Zombie: The Ultimate Dilemma (VIDEO).
As brought to my attention by my internet brother from another mother, Ross Nover, this may be the most bizarre, surreal and downright hilarious website I’ve ever seen.
The name is the concept, and the concept is golden.
People of the web, I give you - Nic Cage as Everyone.
Seriously, the image of Nicolas Cage as…well…everyone ever may be scarring, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t funny. I hope this makes your day.
Source: Nic Cage as Everyone.
I’m not really one to typically pontificate on the financial response of films, and I certainly not one to continue to report on this type of thing, but given that I wondered the entire time if the $300 Million risk of Avatar would be worthwhile, it’s surprising to be able to say this…
Just over two weeks since it’s release on December 18th, Avatar has officially made $1 Billion Worldwide.
There have been only FIVE films to reach this plateau, and director Jim Cameron already holds claim to one of them, with his 1997 film Titanic.
On a positive level, this may open up studios to being more friendly to working with visionary directors. While I do not necessary feel as if all movies should get budgets so high, I think it says something when a studio backs a creative person completely, and allows their vision to come to life, as Fox did with Cameron’s Avatar.
The next question - for whatever his next project is…does Cameron just get a blank check?
Source: Avatar’ reaches $1 billion worldwide - Movies- msnbc.com.
Just as with music, this list of movies is not ranked, but instead represents my 10 favorite films of the year.
And what a great year in film it was. There are literally dozens of films which I had to cut off the list, and there might be movies that I thought were “better”, but these are my favorites. Since I went at length about some of these movies in reviews on the site, I’m not going to “re-review” them…but here goes.
(500) Days of Summer
Adventureland
Avatar
District 9
Inglourious Basterds
Moon
Star Trek
Up
Up in the Air
Zombieland
So do yourself a favor…if there are any of these you haven’t seen yet…get on the ball. Check them out.
As I do every year, here’s a post containing a link to a download of my favorite individual tracks of 2009.
There are 31 (!) songs this go around, and the file size is 230MB, so it may take a bit to download.
…but trust me, it’s worth it.
The songs are, in artist alphabetical order…
“Isis Unveiled” by …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead “A Bright Light” by The Appleseed Cast “Is This Sound Okay?” by Coconut Records “I Was Once a Loyal Lover” by Death Cab for Cutie “The Rake’s Song” by The Decemberists “Fake IDs” by Deleted Scenes “Pieces” by Dinosaur Jr. “Temecula Sunrise” by Dirty Projectors “Osaka Loop Line” by Discovery “Kingdom Of Rust” by Doves “You Don’t Have To Be A Prostitute” by Flight Of The Conchords “Two Weeks” by Grizzly Bear “While You Wait For The Others (Feat. Michael McDonald)” by Grizzly Bear “All Is Love” by Karen O And The Kids “Recipe for Disaster” by Karmella’s Game “Santana DVX” by The Lonely Island “Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare” by Matt & Kim “Repeater Beater” by Mew “Satellite Skin” by Modest Mouse “Heavens To Purgatory” by The Most Serene Republic “Patternicity” by The Most Serene Republic “Little Secrets” by Passion Pit “Ninja-High Schooool” by Peelander-Z “1901” by Phoenix “Keep Quiet” by The Protomen “These Are My Twisted Words” by Radiohead “Growing Old Is Getting Old” by Silversun Pickups “Oh, The Devastation!” by So Many Dynamos “Hell” by Tegan And Sara “Circulation” by Workers “Take It In” by Wye Oak
Folks, I don’t claim to be someone with perfect taste. If anything - it’s imperfect.
But, you fine readers seem to dig hearing my opinion on the matters of media, ergo, I create these top 10 lists for your enjoyment.
Thusly, here’s the first of two lists - the 10 Best of 2009 in music. This year, I’m trying a new approach…no rankings, just a list of my favorites. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but choosing one over another sounds kinda silly, and has become increasingly difficult. I’d imagine that if I ranked these albums today, then were asked to re-rank them tomorrow, the order would be different, but never the less, they were my favorite. If you haven’t listen to them yet - do so. Heck, some’ll be in the Best Songs of ‘09 post, coming later tonight.
Sagarmatha by The Appleseed Cast Seven albums in (Eight, if you count the b-sides compliation Lost Songs), featuring a new drummer and bassist, and on their third label in as many albums, it would be easy to expect little from the latest release from The Appleseed Cast. But in creating Sagarmatha, which took as many turns away from their strong instrumental, post-rock sound as it did toward it, the band not only refined, but rejuvenated their sound. Just when the amazing peaks of their back to back releases of Mare Vitalis and Low Level Owl seemed to be long gone, The ‘Cast reminds you why you fell in love with their brand of dramatic and beautiful guitar work, with lush vocals lost in the sea of sound. Stunning stuff.
The Hazards of Love by The Decemberists Folk Rock Rock Opera. Doesn’t sound like something that would work out, let alone be quite listenable. As has become their trademark, The Decemberists rallied against expectation and somehow found their greatest success with what might be their most inaccessible work. But I’ll be damned if when guest vocalists Becky Stark and Shara Worden make their immense vocal presences known if it didn’t make the hair on my neck standup. Going into this album, I wondered if mainstream success would ruin the focus for Colin Meloy. With Hazards, he made it very clear - he’s going to continue to create the music he wants, just have a much larger audience for it.
Bitte Orca by Dirty Projectors You got your afrobeat in my math rock! You got your math rock in my R&B! The Reese’s peanut butter cup of awesome which is Dirty Projectors may not be what you’d expect as amazing, but there isn’t a single minute of Bitte Orca that didn’t have me hooked. I must admit, I originally avoided this album due to it’s Pitchfork seal of approval, thinking it another flash in a pan like say, The Black Kids, but as soon as I heard this album, I couldn’t stop listening to it. Any release that can feature the relaxed mellow rock of “Temecula Sunrise” alongside the should-be-#1-on-every-R&B-station “Stillness is the Move” on one album, and make it seem natural must be something special - and this release is flat out one of the best of ‘09. Grab it.
LP by Discovery You figure that taking a member of Ra Ra Riot and slapping him together with a member of Vampire Weekend would just be indie rock money in the bank, right? Now imagine that combo decides to do a techno pop album. In a year of surprising left turns (see the above two albums), this may have been the hardest left, but it made for a surprise summer release that I couldn’t keep off my iPod. Props for the best Jackson 5 cover ever, too - a single handed use of auto-tune which may argue in favor of everyone’s least favorite vocal editing tool.
…And the Ever Expanding Universe by The Most Serene Republic Lost in the mix of fellow Canadian chamber-pop bands Broken Social Scene and The Arcade Fire, it seems not many people are aware of The Most Serene Republic. But for the past few years, they’ve quietly been building a catalog of very solid albums - and with …And The Ever Expanding Universe, they had what might be their most realized to date. Mixing catchy pop hooks with beautiful instrumentation, and even a lengthy instrumental interlude, this album is a pleasure to listen to. Like a dewy spring morning, it’s a refreshing listen, and was just the right tone for this year.
Wolfgang Amadeus by Phoenix This album was everywhere in 2009, and I’m not going to act like I’m super special or unique for discovering it. However, what Wolfgang Amadeus had, which so few albums have had in this decade, was the “single factor”. Nearly any track from the album could be pulled out and released as a successful single. And where I come from, that’s what I call good work. If you haven’t already been inundated with releases like “1901” or “Fences”, grab this album, click play and enjoy. They really don’t make them like this any more. Not that that’s a bad thing.
Act II: The Father of Death by The Protomen It feels weird to put an album by people I actually know on a list of best ofs. That’s honestly why you don’t see Karmella’s Game’s new release in here (Seriously, You’ll Be Sorry is great stuff). But with the Protomen’s Act II, they rose above the label of being a ‘video game rock band’, and instead of releasing just a redux of their first album - which would’ve worked -they pushed forward and showed their chops as musicians, creating an album where half was a tribute to dark country songs, and the other half was a tribute to keyboard infused 80’s style arena rock. And I’ll be damned if they didn’t pull both off. For the sheer balls of being willing to alienate their audience with a new sound, when an easy rehash would do, The Protomen get a nod as one of 2009’s best.
The Loud Wars by So Many Dynamos Why the hell did Vagrant sit on this album? After many delays and pushes, The Loud Wars was released this past June, and it instantly melted faces. Strategic, intricate guitar lines, catchy keyboard riffs, it all came together in The Loud Wars, and blew me away every minute it was in my ears. It’s a shame they didn’t have a good time the last time they were in Baltimore, but maybe I can change that. People reading this - get up on So Many Dynamos, they’re beyond awesome. And if the gang at So Many Dynamos reads this - let’s talk a decent Baltimore show for you, eh?
Workers by Workers Once known as Your Black Star, this band of Kansas natives decided to get a fresh name to have a fresh start, and hopefully get a new record deal in the process. The album itself: absolutely stunning, career defining work, far exceeding their prior releases. The new record deal: as far as I know, yet to happen. Like So Many Dynamos above, Workers are an absolutely stunning band which far too many people have slept on. Maybe this album will change that. It’s for sure great enough.
The Knot by Wye Oak Alright folks: take my credibility card. Despite sharing the same city as this band, and even being served by Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner a time or two at Golden West, the first time I saw Wye Oak live was this past Sunday evening. Why the hell had I been sleeping on them so long? Taking the lush sound of their first release, If Children, and infusing it with a kick to the pants by way of some stellar steel guitar work, The Knot is an absolutely stellar piece of work. Jenn’s deep vocals add a dark tone to the proceedings, but the solid rocking she does with Andy Stack will leave you amazed that so much sound can come from a two piece. The White Stripes may’ve set the standard for a two piece boy/girl rock band, but Wye Oak tears it down and rebuilds it in their own image.
Stan Lee? Todd McFarlane? How about a kid from Illinois named Randy Schueller!
Way back in the 1980’s Marvel had a push for new ideas from untested writers. That’s when Randy sent his idea to Marvel.
What was his idea? Here it is, in his words…
I thought it would be cool if Spidey needed to upgrade his powers and his look, so I came up with this idea that Reed Richards had made a new costume for Spidey using the same unstable molecules that the FF costumes are made of. The unstable molecules would flow into Peter’s pores and allow him to cling to walls better. I think my original idea was to increase his sticking power by 25% or something like that.
For some lame reason, I had the Wasp involved since she was the resident fashion plate of the Marvel universe at the time. Remember when Jan would show up in every other issue of the Avengers sporting a cool new costume? I loved when they did that! So to me it made sense to have her design the new spider suit when she was over at the Baxter Building for cocktails or something. Anyway, I saw the new suit as a stealth version of the original costume - jet black so he could blend in with the shadows. At best, all you could see of him was the blood red spider emblem, emblazoned on his chest. (Yeah, in my design the spider was red, not white. I also gave him underarm webbing like in the original Ditko design.)
A few weeks later, he received the above letter, a note from then editor in chief Jim Shooter offering him $220 for the idea.
Two hundred and twenty cool dollars later, Randy had an idea bought, Marvel moved ahead with this black costume…and that costume became Venom.
Today, Mr. Schuller doesn’t want more money. He just wants credit. And who can blame him? His idea became a million dollar franchise, even making it to the silver screen for Spider-Man 3.
You have to wonder though, with Marvel making creators sign off on their creations in relation to the Disney deal…will Randy get more than $220? Stay tuned, true believers!
Source: GeekTyrant - News - The True Story Behind the guy who co-created VENOM.
The subject - Gallagher.
The interviewer? The fine folks at Onion’s A.V. Club.
And it goes off on some left turns, revealing the 63 year old comedian to be completely insane, totally out of touch, and well…kind of a prick.
Here’s a great example of the bewildering back and forth seen in this interview:
Gallagher: You can actually take a drink now during your show! You know, George Burns performed smoking a cigar, and never needed a drink of water on a stool. But now this has become a tradition in America. They more or less have a stool ready for you and ask, “What water ya want?“ To me, as a visual artist, everything that’s in the picture should have meaning—what does a stool and a bottle of water mean?
AVC: That the performer is thirsty?
Gallagher: I can’t get through the show without hydrating? How is that funny? It’s just more of the same mediocre, lackadaisical, lack of quality, acceptance of the average that goes on in America.
Trust me when I say…click the link, dig in, and get ready for THE most awkward interview of 2009. It’s an uncomfortable joy.
Source: Gallagher | DVD | Interview | The A.V. Club.
With the past week being the traditional holiday period, I figured it’d be a smart time to take some relaxing moments away from Blast-O-Rama. Never the less, we are back in full effect, as I bring you the combined awesome of a double-week’s worth of Awesome-O-Rama.
Featuring 2 weeks of awesome movie releases, here’s a batch of stuff you should nab with your crimmus gift cards.
(500) Days of Summer In many ways, the 3rd film in the playlist for dudes who just broke up, (500) Days takes its place along side High Fidelity and Swingers as the ultimate romantic comedies for men. In rewatching this, I was worried that the flick’s charms would be wasted on a second go, but I found that the follow-up viewing only underlined my love for the flick. Zooey plays her role perfectly, as a girl who many men (including myself) have encountered in life, and Joseph Gordon Levitt plays the man many of us wish we could be. Only if we were all so suave.
District 9 I’m not gonna lie, this flick singlehandedly made me wish there was more of a South African film industry. Famously shot for “only” $30 million, D9 was the big surprise sci-fi blast of the summer and it holds up even better on the second go around. Major props to Sharlto Copley for making Wikus such a relateable character (in both his positive and negative actions) and to the team at WETA Digital, for making creepy bugs so damned loveable.
Family Guy: Something Something Something Darkside Let’s be honest. From the word “Family Guy”, you’re gonna know immediately if you want it or not, and if you’re a fan of Seth McFarlane’s gross out comedy, you’re going to love this interpretation of Empire Strikes Back. While not quite as good as their A New Hope tribute Blue Harvest, Something Something Something Darkside is still a great hour of entertainment. Look for an interesting change in turn of phrase with the Han/Leia “I Love You” scene, and a weird moment from Empire is pointed out by Brian which I never noticed before.
9 The one release of note this week (imo), is the home video release of 9. Lost in the mix of fall films, the Shane Acker-helmed flick is an interesting action-adventure done in what the internet deemed “stitchpunk”. I have this on as I’m writing this post, and the animation is stunning, and there’s some great voicework from a surprising mixture of character actors.
We’ll be back to normal next week, in the meantime…what was your favorite gift from the holiday season? Let me know in the comments!
As seen attached to prints of Sherlock Holmes this past weekend, we finally have our first full look at Christopher Nolan’s Inception.
The above trailer is embeded courtesy of FirstShowing.Net, but for a super sweet HD version, click the link below for the original source, Apple’s trusty trailers page.
While again, the trailer gives us very little to go off of as to what we will actually see in the film, the glimpses of imagery (that amazing shot of a city being rolled up) and cast (oh snap! Ellen Page!) are enough to keep me frothing until the next media release.
Inception will hit theaters this summer.
Source: Apple - Movie Trailers - Inception.
There’s been much controversy over the Kevin Smith directed Bruce Willis/Tracy Morgan buddy cop film.
Originally titled A Couple of Dicks, Warner Bros gave in at the final hour to promotional and advertising whims and decided a change of title would be necessary to avoid the same issues Smith saw with Zach & Miri Make A Porno.
A shame, as this was getting a lot of press, as being the first film directed by Kevin Smith not written by him (described as a “step up” for him, he said you’d barely recognize it as one of his films), and the sorta dream pairing of Willis and Morgan.
Today the first trailer went online, featuring the films new title - Cop Out - and while it doesn’t look like a Smith film…it doesn’t look all that exciting, either. I’m guessing (hoping?) there’s a really awesome red-band trailer in the wings for the flick, but unfortunately, the only excitement I derived from the trailer was that Smith was working with Seann William Scott again.
Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it’ll be awesome. We’ll see when Cop Out hits theaters on February 26th.
Source:Â Kevin Smith’s Cop Out Movie Trailer: These Guys Really Are a Couple of Dicks | /Film.
But with the new poster appearing, seen above…I really think they’re laying it a bit thick.
Doesn’t it feel like a screenshot from the opening scene of Gladiator?
So weird.
Robin Hood’s wife and child will get murdered, and he’ll become a fighting slave, in theaters this Summer.
Source: Robin Hood Posters | /Film.
And apparently, Tarantino really liked it too.
According to an interview with Vulture, QT has written 40 pages of a prequel to Basterds. He gives no indication as to what direction the film would take, but I have a feeling it’d focus more on the titular basterds, considering they were really only about half of the original film.
Whatever the direction the prequel takes, it won’t be Tarantino’s next film, as he’s working on a “smaller, less epic” film. Which he won’t talk about, yet.
No matter what the film ends up being, I’m pretty sure I’ll be seeing it.
Source:Â Exclusive: Quentin Tarantino on the Basterds Prequel, Another Forthcoming Film, and Israeli Versus German Audiences – Vulture.
How many of them can you name?
Original Post: Flickr Photo Download: memes.
If you’re not a hardcore geek, the above video and headline is really meaningless to you. If you are, your head just exploded. Same if you’re Sony, Microsoft or Nintendo.
Let me break it down to you…
Gears of War? BioShock? Batman: Arkham Asylum?
What do they have in common? If you said “they’re all amazing games”, you’re half right.
They all run on an engine called “Unreal Engine 3”, a graphical engine made to make programming easier for developers, while at the same time, producing graphically stunning games.
And it can run on the most popular smartphone currently available.
Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll be seeing ports of all of these games to the iPhone, the available memory doesn’t allow it (yet). What it does mean, though, is games of a similar quality will soon be available for your freaking telephone.
Modern technology folks, it blows my mind.
Apparently we’ll be seeing the first instances of this tech on the iPhone in early 2010. Sure, the gameplay will have to match the graphics…but it’s freaking on.
Original Post:Â Behold, the End of the DS and PSP: Unreal Engine 3 Running on the iPhone 3GS - Unreal - Gizmodo.
Put together by animator Rodrigo Blass, the above animated short Alma will stick with you this holiday season.
Not only is it…y’know…good, but it’s a tale of christmas toys coming to life and attempting to STEAL A CHILD’S SOUL!
So, if you’re dealing with some particularly bratty kids at the family Christmas gathering this year, load up this video, click play, and get ready to mentally scar some youth. It’s worth it.
Original Post: GeekTyrant - News - Must Watch Fantastically Frightening Holiday Short Film, ALMA.
A brand spankin' new trailer for Kick-Ass has hit the web, and unlike most trailers, this doesn’t really focus on the story.
This focuses instead on one character. The character who, if you’ve been following my coverage on Kick-Ass so far, we’re all expecting to be the breakout hit - Hit Girl.
The trailer is all about her, and due to language and violence, is quite not safe for work, so wait to watch this at home. Your mind is gonna be blown.
Original Post:Â Kick Ass Red Band Hit Girl trailer | /Film.
Since the announcement of it’s arrival in the mid 90s, to the final killing of the project by 3D Realms last year, Duke Nukem Forever is a shining example of what not to do while building a video game, and now, the beloved tech mag Wired has written the definitive piece on where and how everything went wrong.
It’s a tale of never accepting anything less than perfection…and how chasing that goal never leads to completing anything at all. A very interesting read, I highly recommend you check it out.
Original Post:Â Learn to Let Go: How Success Killed Duke Nukem | Magazine.
After hosting art shows in honor of Stan Lee, various movies, the Beastie Boys, and with a forthcoming He-Man show on the way, they’ve earned their nerd cred.
So it stands to reason that when the creators of Lost wanted to put together an art show in honor of their final season, Gallery 1988 would be the place.
The show itself runs through Christmas Eve (sorry, I was late again!), but, the stunning pieces have all been collected on a blog linked below.
My personal favorite piece appears above, but there are dozens of other artsy interpretations of Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Locke and the gang. Click through to kill an afternoon!
Original Post:Â The LOST Underground Art Show.
Holy shit. Are the license holders for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles dead set on making pure crap?
I’m guessing considering the Nickelodeon deal is just a few months old that the big N had little to do with these, but oh fuck, the Shredder Hoodie has been topped.
First, we have a discovery by my good friend and yours, Ross Nover…
…The Krang Hoodie.
Ninja Turtle Snuggies
Either way, can we please stop slapping my childhood icons on such crap? Ugggggh.
Even though it’s been over 10 years since the Prequel Trilogy launched, and almost 5 since it ended, people can’t stop debating the merits of the second Star Wars trilogy.
Was it good? Was it bad? Were we better off having just the original three?
These are things nerds debate for hours.
But there has never been an argument this lengthy nor well defined.
From YouTube user “RedLetterMedia” comes a 70 minute review of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.
Sound a bit over the top? It is, but some way, some how, you’ll be enthralled for over an hour of nerd criticism.
Once you can find the free time, I highly recommend the viewing. The first part is embedded above, the rest can be found here.
Original Post: YouTube - Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Review (Part 1 of 7).
It’s just been announced that Def Leppard has signed a deal with the media group Primary Wave to produce, amongst other things, a cartoon series and comic book.
As surreal as it is that a cartoon and comic are being made up of a British rock band who are pushing their 50’s, here’s what I want to know…
Original Post:Â Def Leppard Get Animated Spots, San Diego Here They Come | Bleeding Cool Comic News & Rumors.
Nerdiest web program ever? You know it.
Designed by Tom Scott, Star Wars Weather Forecast gives you the forecast for your city not using things like “temperature” or weather condition, but instead by comparing it to a planet from the legendary film saga.
What’s it like in Baltimore today? Well, with 20 inches of snow, there’s only one planet which is appropriate…
Fellow nerds and children of the 80s, I want you to picture something.
First, picture legendary Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle villain Shredder.
Now imagine, if on the near continuous nostalgia wave we’re riding on, someone decided to make a Shredder styled costume hoodie!
Sound pretty bad ass, right?
Here’s how it looks…
Original Post:Â TMNT Shredder Hooded Sweatshirt.
You know, when it comes down to it, 2009 has been a great year.
Stunning movies, awesome music, jaw droppingly great things in the world of nerd. And I’ve been very lucky to cover it here at Blast-O-Rama.
The above video from YouTube user ‘Zack1Young’ really underlines it, with clips from all the best movies of this year, to the tune of one of my favorite bands, the Arcade Fire.
So with this video, and with this post, I thought I’d take this time to announce what’s coming on the site.
On December 31st, you’ll be getting my top 10 movies of the year, my top 10 albums of the year, and my music mix for the year 2009. Get ready for good times.
Original Post: YouTube - 2009: At The Movies.
Played by Chloe Moretz (500 Days of Summer), Hit Girl is an adorable young lady trained by her dad, known as Big Daddy (played by Nicolas Cage) to fight crime.
And apparently, she does it quite well.
So, let’s make with the movie already!
Kick-Ass hits theaters April 16, 2010.
Original Post: Final Kick-Ass Character Poster Revealed: Hit-Girl | /Film.
Last weekend, the teaser trailer to the sequel for Batman: Arkham Asylum made it’s worldwide debut at Spike TV’s Video Game Awards.
It seemed a simple teaser, but as the above video from GameTrailers.com shows, there may be some very interesting hints toward what the Dark Knight’s next adventure will hold.
Can you say…Penguin?
Original Post:Â Batman: Arkham Asylum Sequel Video Game, GT Pop-Block: Spike VGA Debut Trailer | Game Trailers & Videos | GameTrailers.com.
It seems over the weekend that Toy Story 3 was the talk of the town.
As we’re getting closer and closer to the June release of this much anticipated Pixar sequel, more and more details are being revealed.
The next bit of news came in the form of a press release, as Pixar announced that Toy Story 3 will be their first ever IMAX release. Here’s what they had to say:
Commenting on the announcement Bob Chapek, president, Distribution, The Walt Disney Studios, said, “We’re very excited to once again unite Disney Digital 3D with The IMAX Experience, and to do it for the long-awaited release of Toy Story 3 is a real treat. A film like this is designed to take audiences on an exciting thrill-ride adventure, making it a perfect match for both 3D and IMAX.“
“We have always envisioned the Toy Story franchise as an ideal fit for The IMAX Experience and we’re very happy to finally turn that vision into a reality,“ said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. “This film also fits nicely into our 2010 lineup, ensuring that families will be able to start the summer holidays with a fun Disney release in IMAX.“
“Pixar’s beloved films have changed the way people go to the movies. IMAX is proud to be working with both Pixar and Disney, who like IMAX, strive to transport moviegoers to incredible places that people only dream about visiting,“ added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “In IMAX 3D and through the power of Randy Newman’s incomparable music, audiences will be able to see and hear Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the larger than life characters of Toy Story in a whole new way.“
Last, but far from least, was the reveal of a clip from the film, shown during an airing of The Incredibles on ABC Family. This showcases Andy packing up the toys before he leaves for college.
Toy Story 3 hits theaters in IMAX and 3D on June 18, 2010.
Based on a conversation with your buddy and mine, Mr. Ross Nover, we started hammering out the flicks that happen on or around Christmas, but aren’t actually about Christmas, persay.
With Christmas crashing into us a week from today, consider this a listing of movies worth marathoning this holiday season, once the non-stop combo of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story have sufficiently melted your brain.
The listing we generated is available after the cut, but feel free to leave your non traditional favorites in the comments.
Die Hard My personal favorite “non Christmas” Christmas film, Bruce Willis attempt to take out terrorists at the Nakatomi Building is set on Christmas.
Gremlins Gizmo was a christmas gift gone horribly wrong, so is there really a better way to celebrate the holiday than by watching monsters wreck a small town?
Die Hard 2: Die Harder The much unloved follow-up to Die Hard, changes the location to an airport, but retains the same date, giving you two classic McClaine adventures on one date.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang One of my favorite movies ever, it’s pretty easy to forget that Robert Downey’s character ends up in a mix of murder mystery drama and noir action in modern day Hollywood during the Christmas season. Seeing Michelle Monaghan in a skimpy Santa outfit though, kinda unforgettable.
Love Actually The modern romantic comedy classic, this Brit film also takes place over the Christmas season.
Batman Returns Tim Burton’s second Bat-adventure, despite being a huge summer tentpole the year it was released, was actually built around the holiday season. Those “baubles” Max Schreck spoke about? Christmas gifts for Gotham.
Lethal Weapon Riggs & Murtaugh’s classic first adventure, again, spent around the holiday season.
Go The film with the least to do with Christmas on this list, a Pulp Fiction-esq tale of kids doing drugs and partying around Hollywood, takes place on Christmas Eve.
Diner My Baltimore heritage makes me have to include this. Barry Levitson’s classic flick about a group of Baltimore guys getting together in 1959 to reminisce about their childhood is set over the holiday season, even if the flashbacks are scattered about.
Rocky III Arguably the most crucial and important installment in the Rocky series (for the Lundgren alone), Rocky III is so pumped about Christmas, it sets the Balboa/Drago grudgematch on December 25th. And isn’t that really what Christmas is all about?
The latest move from Disney to promote the 3D CG flick has been to release a billboard style image of a lightbike from the flick.
Much like the content released thus far, we have no real context for the image, but hey…it looks cool!
Hopefully, Disney capitalizes on the hype soon. A 3D trailer attached to March’s Alice in Wonderland release would be pretty sweet.
TRON: Legacy hits theaters at the end of 2010.
EDIT: Here’s a SUPER High-Rez version! Click for realllllllly big!
I know, at this point, the fact that there’s going to be another Ghibli film is kind of an inevitability, given their worldwide appeal, but much like the animated classics coming out of Pixar, I get all glee-filled knowing that they’re coming.
Their newest project, announced earlier this week, is an adaptation of Mary Norton’s series of books titled The Borrowers, about a family of miniature people who live beneath the floorboards.
The film is scheduled for a Summer 2010 release in Japan, and is currently titled The Borrower Arrietty. The official site is located here, and as a non Japanese speaker, I can’t really pull more information than that.
While I’ve yet to see Ghibli’s most recent releases (Ponyo and Tales From Earthsea), I’m still excited to see how The Borrower Arrietty is whenever it hits our shores.
Original Post:Â Studio Ghibli’s Next Film a New Adaptation of The Borrowers | /Film.
A few years back, a Simpsons poster was released, which was a guide to every character who had appeared on the show thus far.
Any geek worth his nerdom proudly had a copy of the poster up on his walls. I know I did.
With 2009 being the 20th anniversary of the classic Fox animated sitcom, evidently someone decided it was time to update the poster.
And holy hannah did they outdo themselves. You can click the above thumbnail for a high-rez copy, which will show you that literally every character from the Simpsons' entire 20 season plus run appears on it. I think my walls need an update.
Original Post: ‘Simpsons’ 20th anniversary poster (pic)–The Live Feed | THR.
A surprising announcement from a surprising source.
While the Avatar premiere was no doubt the talk of the Hollywood town last night, the big surprise is what was said on the red carpet.
In the midst of his interview with IGN, Bryan Singer let loose a surprising announcement. Apparently, once he finishes his next film, titled Jack the Giant Killer, Singer will be returning to the X-Men franchise to direct X-Men: First Class.
Set to tell the origins of the classic Marvel franchise, this will be Singer’s first X-Men film since X2: X-Men United. He was scheduled to direct X-Men 3, but he was most infamously removed from the project by Fox while he worked on Superman Returns, and the 3rd mutant film was given to Brett Ratner, which was fast tracked to go against Superman.
Who says you can’t kiss and make up in Hollywood?
Original Post: Bryan Singer is returning to helm X-MEN: FIRST CLASS!!! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
As I write this, it’s 11:11pm on Thursday, December 10th, 2009.
I’m about 40 minutes, and a dinner past getting out of Avatar, James Cameron’s latest opus.
It’s taken him 12 years to return to the big screen, having last blown away the entire cinematic world with Titanic. And if you’ve been following this site, you know that I’ve been watching this project, and been skeptical every step of the way.
I went to the “Avatar Day” showing, which was meant to wow…and was left underwhelmed.
Did Cameron still have it? Had Fox put out nearly $300 Million for nothing?
The answer is simple: James Cameron has done it again, with the massively scaled, revolutionary film Avatar.
When reviewing a project such as Avatar, it’s difficult to breakdown the film into the traditional review.
Is the plot surprising and interesting? Not quite. If you’ve watched the trailers, you’ve probably already figured it out. Boy becomes Na’vi. Boy as Na’vi is supposed to hang out with aliens for the military. Boy as Na’vi meets Na’vi girl. They fall in love. Military wants to destroy Na’vi to get access to a super rare mineral. Boy as Na’vi doesn’t like it and change sides. It’s broad strokes, no wheels are being reinvented here.
Is it the acting? Not really there, either. Sam Worthington is somewhat bland (albeit servicable) as Jake Sully, the parapalegic Marine who agrees to enter the Avatar project after his twin brother passes. Zoe Saldana, in a mostly motion capture role as Neytiri, a Na’vi warrior princess, is your typical strong tribal girl type. Michelle Rodriguez appears as…Michelle RodriguezTrudy Chacon, literally the same role she’s always been. Sure, Stephen Lang chews up scenery as Colonel Miles Quaritch, a sort of R. Lee Ermey, Giovanni Ribisi is fantastically sleezy as the leader of RDA, Parker Selfridge, and Sigourney Weaver plays a fantastic role as Dr. Grace Augustine, a pseudo Dian Fossey for the Na’vi people, but it’s not about the acting.
I’d even say some moments are cringeworthy, like the mineral being called Unobtanium (ugh.), and a really surreal Na’vi prayer sequence which reminds me far too much of the rave sequence from The Matrix Reloaded. I can already hear the detractors now.
So if it’s not the plot…and not the acting…and some of it is cringeworthy…what is so damned exciting?
Pandora.
Pandora, the planet which serves as the backdrop for the entire film, is one of the greatest creations in cinematic history. I know, that must be hyperbole. But honest to God, it’s not. A pure CG creation, you’ll find yourself in disbelief at how few of the settings are not traditional sets. I know much has been spoken of the quality of the Na’vi people, and the other creatures which populate Pandora, but my same qualms from “Avatar Day” remain in the final film. There are moments where the CG is flawless. You believe the Na’vi are real. You believe the creatures are real. But the plasticine sheen of the finest 3D graphics still rear their ugly head at moments, taking you out of the moment, even briefly.
Despite this, though, the feeling of a real Pandora never fades. The flora, the fauna, the bugs, the sheer atmosphere of it all. It remains completely real. There has literally been nothing like this on screen before. And it is this realistic feeling of the environment, the tangible quality of the setting of Avatar which raises the stakes and heightens the drama, making a standard plot and formidable at best acting feel like such a revolutionary film.
Was this by design? Perhaps. The film’s pacing would certainly lead you to believe so. The plot follows a rather linear pace, slowly revealing the world of the Na’vi to the viewer through Jake Sully’s eyes, showcasing their tribal world through almost small vignettes, as he acclimates himself not just to Pandora, but the Na’vi people. Heck, even the story, which I called predictable above, has properly inserted nuance and detail, making what would otherwise be a dull experience enthralling and interesting. But as the film goes on, you realize each element is key, and it all pays off in an absolutely stunning final battle. And oh what a battle it is.
If you believed from Titanic that Cameron has gone soft, he proves you wrong, with a stunning 20+ minute final war sequence between the Na’vi people and the ex-military mercenaries of the RDA, putting creatures against technology in an all out battle on a scale rarely seen on screen. The closest comparison I could think of was that of the final battle in Return of the King. The “King of the World” has come to reclaim his title as the best action director in Hollywood today, and I do believe he took it.
Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t speak of the 3D technology at play. After all, it’s what pushed this film forward. While there is never a moment where they play the “IT’S COMING AT YOUUUU” card, the 3D tech adds a level of depth to the world which underlines the alive feeling of Pandora. I can’t say it enough - this is something which has never been done on this scale before, and it just has blown everything else out of the water.
Simply put, Avatar may not have changed the story, but it has changed the way the story is told. A new watermark in the world of science fiction storytelling. Welcome back, Jim. May you take less than 12 years, next time.
Posters this. Stills that. Behind the scenes this. Casting that.
It’s been a lot of hype for Iron Man 2, and while this is really the start of the countdown to the film’s release in May, we finally have footage. And holy wow, it is looking TREMENDOUS.
Stop readin' my words. Click play and enjoy…it’s the freaking Iron Man 2 trailer.
Cracka-thoom! Cracka-Thoom!
Hear that? That was lightning striking twice. Or, in other words, the career so far of Jason Reitman.
Since breaking into the public consciousness with 2006’s Thank You For Smoking, and then moving into 2007’s Oscar darling Juno, Reitman has had a perfect record for producing high quality films.
Cracka-thoom!
With this year’s Up in the Air, Reitman has done the impossible. He’s made lightning strike thrice.
Like Thank You For Smoking, Up in the Air is at it’s core a story about a charismatic man who does a terrible job terribly well. But unlike Nick Naylor, George Clooney’s Ryan Bingham isn’t a man who defends the Tobacco Industry, his line of business is quite different. Ryan is hired by companies to let employees go, and in this economic climate, business is very good.
Bingham is a master of efficiency. Spending 322 days on the road, he flies from city to city, laying off dozens of workers from dozens of companies. But he has it down pat. You aren’t fired, you’re being let go. It’s not the end of the road, it’s the first step towards destiny. For every down he finds the up, and by God, you find that your life is better without this lousy job. ‘Cause who needs it…and who needs anything really? Ryan certainly doesn’t.
Living in hotel rooms, airports and out of suitcases, the only thing Ryan has tying him down is a small apartment near his office in Omaha, Nebraska. But that’s just for show. His life truly is the road. A master of frequent flyer and regular customer programs, he’s on his way to 10 Million Airline Miles. And it’s never been easier.
Until he slows down.
For all of his life, to paraphrase a Roots lyric, Ryan Bingham has been nose to the grindstone. He doesn’t need to belong, because he simply is. Life is easier for him unencumbered. No baggage. Little luggage. Family? Sure, they exist, but he pays them little mind. He moves forward and moves on. His life is all about solving the inefficiencies at companies, so his life has to remain a well oiled machine.
But it’s once two women enter his life, that, to finish the afformentioned lyric, his head goes into the stars.
The first is a fellow loner - an older, wiser, sexually forward woman named Alex, played wonderfully by Vera Farmiga. She lives her life just as Ryan does. A member of exclusive clubs, with no baggage, head on straight, life moving forward. The other, Natalie (the breakout performance of Anna Kendrick) intends to change his world entirely. A 23 year old hot-shot college student, she moves to make Ryan’s job more efficient. Why fly to each company when you can handle these firings by teleconferencing? What’s the purpose of the money and manpower in the air, when it all can be done from a centralized location? What does the human touch have to do with any of it?
That last is a question that Ryan himself uses to build barriers in his life, but he soon discovers may be the one thing in life he’s great at. In a last ditch effort to keep his life the way he likes it, Ryan takes Natalie on the road, to show her the ropes…and that’s where our story truly takes flight, to pardon the pun.
To explain the rest would be to spoil the film, but we fast learn what Ryan is truly made of…as does he.
As Ryan Bingham, George Clooney wears his trademark charisma and candor as a mask, to hide the true man beneath it all, and honestly, it’s the best role he’s ever played. Subverting his trademark style, Clooney digs deep, and while he has no true moment of catharsis on film (my one gripe toward the film) you feel the shifts in his life. And, just as importantly, you see how and why he’s so god damn good at his job.
And that brings me to the unsung performers of this film. While Kendrick, Farmiga and Clooney might be looking at Golden Globe and possible Oscar noms, the real life unemployed bring this film’s emotional core to the frontline. While putting together the film, Reitman did a casting call for actual unemployed people of all ages, races and genders, and not only asked them how they feel post firing, but did a mock firing with them, to get true responses out of them. These people were only told that it was for a film on “unemployment”, and it is their so called performances that bring an amazing realness to the difficulty of the job that Ryan Bingham has. These sequences are peppered with performances by great character actors like J.K. Simmons and Zach Galfinakis, who add their unique abilities to some of the most memorable firing sequences.
Of course, I’d be terrible to overlook the solid directing of Jason Reitman. He’s a man who’s flown many flights in his time, and obviously loves it as much as his lead character does, and it shows. The opening sequences are shot with an amazing fluidity, a funky rhythm which almost makes the art of checking in for your flight…sexy, as bizarre as it is to say. But as the film moves on, he opens up the shots, lets you breathe in the world…just as Ryan Bingham chooses to do the same.
Up in the Air pushes the importance of real, live interactions and connections in your life, and honestly, I can’t think of a better movie this Christmas for you to see with a loved one, based on that alone. Truly one of the year’s best films, it comes with my whole hearted recommendation. Bravo, Jason. You’re 3 for 3…and this may just be your best film yet.
If you’ve been to a major comic convention over the past few years, you’re most likely quite familiar with the work of Toon Tumblers.
A series of drinking glasses designed by PopFun Merchandising, they take your standard pint glass and throw classic comic imagery on it, adding a taste of nerd to your morning OJ, afternoon coke, or evening beer.
I’ve generally been able to maintain the strength to not purchase the glasses.
Then I saw the set they had lined up for release sometime this month…
YEP! LANTERN DRINKING GLASSES!
I want…nay…need these.
Not just to own a quality set of glasses, oh no, these also make a great party game, as you assign Lantern qualities to your friends!
Have someone who kirks out once they get a bit of booze in them? Give’m the Red Lantern glass!
Have someone who becomes a bit too touchy-feely with the hooch? Blue Lantern all the way!
And for those who seem to pass out immediately, revive them with a drink from the Black Lantern glass.
No idea on pricing yet, but they will be mine. Oh yes, they will be mine.
Original Post:Â PopfunMerchandising.COM.
From the response I’ve heard in real life and in the comments here, the Tim Burton remake of Alice in Wonderland is quite the point of contention.
Personally, I’ve been pretty intrigued to see how the flick goes, as I think Burton’s sense of visual style will make the film rise above the traditional remake blues.
Well, today, Disney has released a new trailer for the film, which will be seen in 3D, attached to Avatar this weekend. So, based on that, you can pretty much figure this trailer pushes the visuals as the main draw.
And oh man, are they ever amazing. Do yourself a favor, if your computer supports it, check this one out in HD. Stunning stunning stuff.
But can it make up for the pre-release backlash from fans? We’ll find out when Alice in Wonderland hits on March 5, 2010.
YouTube - Alice in Wonderland - New Official Full Trailer (HQ).
Yeah, I know, this is almost turning into a joke now.
Easy way to get into Blast-O-Rama: have Legos or Star Wars involved.
But I promise, this time it’s REALLY worthwhile! I swear!
Flickr user Avanaut has hands down, the coolest (pardon the pun) series of photos using Lego Star Wars figures, mostly focusing on the ice planet of Hoth. But, as you can see above, Avanaut isn’t tied down to just using characters from Star Wars…he goes for the full Lucasfilm universe!
So, by all means, click through to their photostream, and browse through for pure awesome. It’s photo series like these which makes me want to blow money on a better camera, a lightbox, and all those Lego sets I tell myself will just collect dust.
Original Post: Flickr: Avanaut’s Photostream.
To celebrate their win as Total Film’s “Comedy of the Decade”, Total Film gathered up Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in a special Shaun of the Dead “reunion” photo shoot.
While I think the idea of it being a “reunion” is a smidge ridiculous, as it’s only been 2 years since Hot Fuzz, Nick & Simon have just wrapped up Paul while Edgar worked on Scott Pilgrim, and the three are working toward the final installment of the “Cornetto Trilogy”; this is still a pretty kick ass photoshoot never the less.
Click the images in the gallery below for higher-rez.
Original Post: Film news Exclusive: See our Shaun Of The Dead photoshoot | TotalFilm.com.
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As Christopher Nolan’s official follow-up to The Dark Knight, it goes beyond saying that anticipation is high for Inception.
Unfortunately we know next to nothing about the movie. But steps have been put into place to make me think it’s about to change.
If you recall back when I posted the Inception trailer, the movie’s official site, InceptionMovie.com was just a spinning top. Nothing more, nothing less.
Well, that’s changed, and much like with The Dark Knight, we’ve started a viral game.
If you visit the site now, the top has stopped spinning. Clicking the top then brings you to a new website, YourMindIsTheSceneOfTheCrime.com.
Once there, you’re able to play a 3D maze game, called “Mind Crime”.
Finish that maze and….OH SNAP! IT’S THE POSTER FOR INCEPTION!
[caption id=“attachment_2477” align=“aligncenter” width=“500” caption=“Click for Big!"][/caption]
This is what I’d imagine to be the first of many viral teases to come for the Summer 2010 flick, and it’s perfectly timed, as if rumors are true, the first lengthy trailer for the Leonardo DiCaprio starring picture will be attached to Sherlock Holmes next week.
Original Post:Â Christopher Nolan’s Inception Movie Poster | /Film.
…but it did, however, have a whole bunch of sweet, comic book styled illustrations which were used to sell the flick.
That’s the concept behind the latest scoop over at comic industry watchdog Bleeding Cool, who noticed that many media outlets were claiming that this Christmas' Robert Downey Jr./Jude Law romp was based on a comic.
To brighten up the news (and why I’m posting this), however, they discovered that artist John Watkiss did do a series of absolutely stunning comic styled illustrations to get across the tone and feel of the film, as a part of the initial pitch packet. I’ve included all of these images in an awesome gallery below.
How accurate was their transition from sketch to screen? Not sure, yet. But we’ll all know when Sherlock Holmes hits theaters on Christmas Day.
Original Post:Â Editors? The Ritchie/Downey/Law Sherlock Holmes Movie Was Not Based On A Graphic Novel | Bleeding Cool Comic News & Rumors.
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Alright, it’s time to feel old.
Batman: The Animated Series is 17 years old. It’s been that long since Bruce Timm, Paul Dini and the gang changed the way superhero cartoons went about being made, and while the memory lives on in DVDs and reruns, it’s easy to lose focus on how innovative a series it was.
So let us go back to the beginning. 1990. 1 year since Tim Burton gave Batman a new lease in the world of pop culture, 2 years before airdate, the team behind the show had to plot their world in a Writer’s Bible.
And, thanks to the magic of the internet, it’s downloadable in PDF form. It’s an AWESOME read, and really gives you a look behind the scenes of a TV show, to see the work done before script #1 is even written. You’ll easily lose your afternoon or evening to this.
Click here for the file.
Or, if you prefer, I’ve uploaded it myself on my own hosting here: Batman Writer’s Bible.
Original Post:Â “This Is Batman, Not Jonathan Swift” - Batman - io9.
The continued rush towards 2010 in the movie industry continues, as we get our first look at Ridley Scott’s adaptation of Robin Hood.
With Russell Crowe in the lead role of the infamous thief who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, my initial feelings towards the project had me pretty excited, having just rewatched Gladiator recently. But watching the above trailer, with random metal added to the action…left kind of a bad taste in my mouth. Still, with a stellar cast (also featuring the always great Cate Blanchett) and steady direction, this may hold out. I hope.
Will the movie overcome the marketing? Or are they adding ice cream to a bag of manure? We’ll find out when Robin Hood hits theaters next year.
For a taste of the movie without AESOME METAL!!!!11, I’ve included the first stills from the flick below.
Original Post:Â Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood Movie Trailer and Photos | /Film.
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Iron Man 2. Kick-Ass. Inception.
Sure, I’m excited for those films. But there is none that I anticipate more than Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Combining my favorite graphic novel series with my favorite director (Edgar Wright), I’ve been sitting on pins and needles waiting for each piece of information and media on this flick.
Today, we got the first still from the film. Sort of.
Edgar Wright posted the above image today on his blog, which is a framed still from the flim. It’s a nice taste, but we need a better look. Riiiight? Right.
Luckily, the crew at /Film have faster access to Photoshop than I, and have already flattened out the image. So here you go, a better look at the cast!
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World makes my dreams come true sometime in 2010.
Original Post:Â December 14th, 2009 : Edgar Wright Here.
Telling you what’s worth buying each and every week, it’s Awesome-O-Rama!
We continue in a wash week from the world of gaming and comics, as all of the big gaming and comic collections have already snuck out, but in the world of movies, the blockbuster releases continue through December, with big releases this week, on the 22nd and the 29th (for those with niggling gift cards.)Â As always, click the title to buy it at our official awesome partner, Amazon.com.
The Hangover If you had told me at the beginning of the summer that this film would not only be wildly successful, but the MOST successful comedy of ALL time, I’d say you were a liar. But here we go with Zach Galfinakis, the surreal comedian being in one of the biggest movies of the year. The success wasn’t just on his shoulders, however, with great performances from Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms, plus Heather Graham as a hooker with a heart of gold. Click the title above for the blu release, here for the 2-disc DVD, and here for the standard 1-disc release.
Inglourious Basterds Quentin Tarantino’s return to the silver screen brought a tense Nazi tale that was all his own. Sure, it wasn’t the film that the ads promised (if anything, the Basterds make up, oh, 50% of the film), but it was a tense ride that I cannot wait to take again. And given it’s multiple Golden Globe noms this morning, I wasn’t the only one who loved every minute. Again, click the title for the blu, here for the 2-disc, and here for the single disc.
The Mel Brooks Collection I don’t know why, but it seems less and less people give the proper credit to Mel Brooks. Sure, he’s spent the better part of the last 10 years turning his legacy into a series of never ending musicals, but let us not forget what made his name - a series of amazing, rarely topped comedic gems. And this blu-ray set throws them all together, most of which have yet to be released in high def. I hope to check it out, but given the holiday season, it’s a bit pricey for me right now. But hey, if you know someone who’d dig it, or you yourself want it, click the name for it. Or here, for the DVD set released a few years back.
With just a week and change until Christmas, the shopping season is on. May these titles be apart of your cart this week. Until next Tuesday, this has been…Awesome-O-Rama.
God damnit, didn’t I just say this about Iron Man 2?
If you keep releasing posters, there’s not much more to say about the film aside from “this looks cool, it comes out on [date], click for big.”
I mean, they need to give us something substantial, like foota–
Oh, they did?
Oh snap! Click play below for an age-restricted (read: probably NWS) clip from Kick-Ass to go with the above character poster for Nicholas Cage as Big Daddy.
All blogger snark aside, the good word on Kick-Ass continues to grow after a very successful showing as part of Aint it Cool News' annual Butt Numb A Thon, and this clip adds to my hope that it’s going to be the first real surprise of 2010.
Kick-Ass hits theaters April 16, 2010.
Original Post: First Image of Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy in Kick-Ass: Movies: UGO.
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Ever since Left 4 Dead 2 was announced this past spring at E3, I’ve hoped that there would be a way for the original cast to get involved in the zombie-killin' fun of the sequel.
Well, the time has arrived. Or at least, will arrive in the Spring, with the first Left 4 Dead 2 downloadable content pack, titled The Passing.
Set after the last campaign from the original Left 4 Dead, and before the first campaign of Left 4 Dead 2, The Passing brings both casts together for a bout of undead fighthin' in a small town in rural Georgia.
If the return of Zoey, Bill, Francis and Louis wasn’t enough reason to get excited, the DLC pack will also bring a new weapon and a new zombie type to the game, which was already pretty stocked in both.
The Passing will be available for both 360 and PC users, with no announced price, yet.
Original Post:Â First Left 4 Dead 2 Add-on Brings Back Bill, Francis, Zoey & Louis - Left 4 Dead 2 - Kotaku.
Timed perfectly to go with today’s release on home video of The Hangover (more on that in today’s Awesome-O-Rama update), the interweb has brought us the first look at director Todd Phillips' next flick, Due Date.
I’m unsure of the source of this screenshot (looks like a magazine scan of some type), but it shows the flick’s two leads Zach Galfinakis and Robert Downey Jr. in the midst of some type of hijinx. Yeah, Galifinakis and Downey. All this movie needs is an extended appearance by Patton Oswalt, and I’d have a raging nerd boner all the way to the theater.
One thing the flick HAS done, however, is reunite Downey with his Kiss Kiss Bang Bang costar Michelle Monaghan. Which also makes me super happy, as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang would rank high on my best of the 00’s list.
Due Date, which has Zach as a wannabe actor escorting Downey cross-country to arrive at his child’s birth, is due to hit theaters sometime next year.
Original Post:Â First Look: Todd Phillips’ Due Date | /Film.
Unfortunately, it’s not real. Yet.
This stunning Windows 7 PC is a concept offering designed by Dave Schultze, and it’s absolutely beautiful, as silly as a comment as that is to say with a computer.
Mixing 50’s form with an almost steampunk function (check out those sweet keyboard keys), you have a computer that if it were real, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. Especially considering how much my Windows desktop is crapping out at home.
Either way, it’s not a real computer you can buy, but given the hype this design has seen across the web in the past 24 hours, hopefully someone hires this guy to make these dreams a reality.
For a deeper look at the “Philco PC”, click play on the video below.
Original Post:Â Philco PC Retro Re-design by SchultzeWORKS designstudio » Yanko Design.
Straight from the magic makers of Pixar is this latest still from 2010’s Toy Story 3.
This so called “full cast” shot shows the cast looking over their new ‘home’, the pre-school which Andy donates them to, as he’s headed to college.
One question though…where the heck is Bo-Peep?! AND WHAT HAPPENED TO MRS. POTATO HEAD’S EYE?!
All this and more will be answered when Toy Story 3 hits theaters on June 18th.
As always (if I have big enough, that is), click for high-rez.
Original Post: ‘Toy Story 3’ Photo Exclusive.
As a part of the continued interweb-based Muppets resurgence, the Muppets now present their interpretation of the classic “Ringing of the Bells”.
It’s Animal, Beaker and Swedish Chef action, ready for the holidays. Click play and dig it!
Original Post:Â YouTube - The Muppets: Ringing of the Bells.
As I was 5 then, the movie BLEW MY MIND, and ultimately probably made me who I am today. (Hear that, future ex-girlfriends, it’s Tim Burton’s fault!)
So, once I read that Toynami are making replicas of two of the most important “gadgets” from the film, Batman’s Cowl and trusty Grappling Hook.
These replicas are based on the Batman Returns cowl and hook, but they’re still awesome either way. No exact release date or price on these babies, but given that they’re limited to 500 pieces worldwide, I imagine it falls under the old rule of “if you have to ask, it’s too much.”
Either way, these are awesome. And leave my wallet crying.
Original Post:Â Batman Movie Replicas From Toynami - - ToyNewsI.com.
You know, with a 3rd poster release in under 2 weeks, I’m having a hard time writing new posts for each one.
So let’s go with the basics.
This is another poster for Iron Man 2. Unlike the last two, which featured Iron Man (with War Machine in the US teaser poster), we now have a look at Mickey Rourke as Whiplash. Based on the background of the poster, it seems he has a terrible obsession with one Mr. Tony Stark.
And based on the way posts here are going, you’re going to think I do too.
Can we just get a trailer now, gang?! Click the poster for big.
Original Post: New ‘Iron Man 2’ Poster: Whiplash! - Cinematical.
In an announcement that shouldn’t surprise many who followed the behind the scenes difficulties of the second season of the show, Flight of the Conchords have officially announced their HBO series will not be returning for a third season, and is effectively, canceled. Here’s how they announced it on their site:
Bret, Jemaine and James (co-creator/director) said “we’ve noticed the less we say about the future of the show, the more people want to talk about it, so in an effort to reverse this trend we are today announcing that we won’t be returning for a 3rd season. We’re very proud of the two seasons we made and we like the way the show ended. We’d like to thank everyone who helped make the show and also everyone who watched it. While the characters Bret and Jemaine will no longer be around, the real Bret and Jemaine will continue to exist.
It’s a total bummer, as the main issue when writing the second season was creating new songs for each episode, where as the first season was written around years-old, road tested material. I personally would’ve been fine with a song-less third season, focusing on the band as characters, but alas, Bret and Jemaine have decided to close the curtain.
Best of luck to the Conchords gang. I’m sure whatever they do next will be awesome. And hey, if you loved the show, the DVDs still exist!
Original Post: December 10th | Flight of the Conchords.
Yes, that’s right. Mega Man 10. Not Mega Man X, Mega Man 10.
Fresh off of the success of last year’s downloadable eight bit opus, Mega Man 9, Capcom has officially announced a 10th 2-D installment in the beloved shooter series.
What makes this one special? Well, for starters, Proto Man is selectable from the start, as one of two alternate character to play as other than the Blue Bomber himself. (The third character has yet to be revealed.) In addition, probably in response to everyone and their brother crying about the difficulty of MM9, a selectable “Easy Mode” will be available from the start.
What has me really excited, though? Possibly the wackiest boss so far. This time around, feel the terror of….Sheep Man!
Mega Man 10 will be downloadable on a system near you (with the AWESOME above art) in 2010.
Original Post: Mega Man 10 Revisits Retro, Or The Rise Of Sheep Man - Mega Man 10 - Kotaku.
Yeah, it’s Avatar’s fault.
I saw it last night, and I intend to review it in the moment. With a movie like that, you’d probably prefer it.
So, this evening has been spent writing my reaction.
Look for that post at 12:01am on Friday, December 18th. Regular posting resumes shortly. Dude needs to sleep and all.
Arguably one of the most important and prolific writers in the past 2 decades of comics, Grant Morrison has been turning all the conventions of the comic world on their head since he first broke in.
With legendary runs on Batman, All-Star Superman, JLA, New X-Men and Animal Man, plus his original titles like The Invisibles, it’s safe to say he’s part of why the comic world has matured into what it is today.
So now, of course, we’re going to get a look into the methods of his madness. With Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods, the team at Respect Films has crafted a documentary about this talented writer, and if the trailer is any indication, I cannot wait to see it.
Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods is due to premiere at San Diego Comic Con 2010.
Original Post:Â Blog@Newsarama » Blog Archive » Check out the trailer for Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods.
Way way back in the 1970’s, MEGO had basically every toy license possible. DC Comics. Marvel Comics. Star Trek. Shit, there were even C.H.I.P.s figures!
Then Star Wars happened, everyone realized how much money could be made in action figures, and the licenses got all sorts of split.
In a perfect world, one company would still have this type of universal license, and it would be LEGO. Don’t agree? I think these two awesome illustrations from Ulises Farinas should speak otherwise. The above piece, titled “Lego My Marvel”, shows a Marvel Universe in LEGO style. The piece below, titled “RISE!” is a mini-figure styled version of Blackest Night, the super rad DC v. Zombies crossover currently all over the comics.
Either way, I’ve been left wanting these mini figures. Sure, you can say that MegaBlocks has the Marvel license, and Art Asylum did MiniMates for both DC and Marvel..but god damnit, they ain’t LEGO!
I’m a grown adult, and if these sets were release for real, I’d buy them in a heartbeat. Kids need this.
Props to the illustration style as well. Mr. Farinas reminds me of Geoff Darrow’s hyper-detailed work, and considering he’s doing “simple” mini figures in this art, that’s a mighty hard task. Props to you, and for making my childhood dream come alive.
Original Post: Ulises Farinas draws..
I’m not sure if it was Disney’s idea to try to steal the thunder of another big CGI filled 3D sci-fi film by timing the release of these images as they have, but never the less, we have our first look at real media from Tron Legacy, the 2010 sequel to the 1982 seminal computer animation classic.
The details on the flick so far have been super sketchy, but now we have the first poster (above, click for hi-rez), the first still (below, which can be clicked for bigger), and the first synopsis:
TRON: LEGACY is a 3D high-tech adventure set in a digital world that’s unlike anything ever captured on the big screen. Sam Flynn (GARRETT HEDLUND), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (JEFF BRIDGES), looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the digital world of Tron where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant Quorra (OLIVIA WILDE), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey of escape across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous.
All and all, it’s enough to send nerds like me into a frothing rage of excitement!
Tron Legacy is set to hit theaters in December 2010.
Original Post: Check Out This TRON LEGACY Poster And Image!! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
Later tonight, the first reels of Avatar get shown for the critical press.
In one week and some hours, fans everywhere get to see it in IMAX 3D.
It’s the culmination of 15 years and $300 million of blood, sweat and tears. But even with that, the hype train must move forward as it comes into station.
And that brings us to this, the final poster for Avatar.
Featuring more a semblance of the movie’s world Pandora, along with the face of lead Sam Worthington…honestly, this should’ve been the image pushed, instead of the half face of a Na’vi.
Either way, we’ll see what happens. Avatar hits theaters on December 18th.
Original Post:Â IMAX Reveals One Final Poster for James Cameron’s Avatar | /Film.
I know George Lucas has never been one to shy away from merchandising the crap out of his golden calf, but the sheer breadth of Star Wars merchandise lately is a bit confusing.
We just past the 30th Anniversary…the 35th isn’t for another 2.5 years…and while the Clone Wars series is doing well, I don’t know if it’s doing so well that the popularity of the film series has surged but here we are. Following in the footsteps of Mark Echo, we now have an Adidas line of Star Wars clothing.
I’ve only chosen to highlight one piece from the collection above, a kickin' pair of Luke Skywalker kicks, but the full lineup is far more full featured, including shirts, hats and more. You can view the other pieces at the link below, but to give you a taste of what you’re going to see, here’s the official description from Adidas themselves.
Characters Pack This pack takes the most iconic moments and characters from the Star Wars saga and brings them to life across five sneakers, two short sleeve T-shirts and the Superstar Track Top.
Vehicles Pack For this pack, we have taken inspiration from the well known vehicles and crafts from the Star Wars saga and translated them to our five most iconic adidas Originals sneakers and two key adidas Originals apparel models. Across these models we have paid homage to the distinguished features of airborne crafts and land based vehicles from both sides of the Force and executed them to appeal to both adidas and Star Wars fans alike.
Direct Pack Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers appear in this pack as well as in the Characters pack. Also, the Women’s Game Mid silhouette that appears here is inspired by Princess Leia, featuring gold detailing paired with a modern high-top silhouette with matching apparel.
The Adidas Originals Star Wars Collection should hit shelves in January.
Original Post:Â StarWars.com | The adidas Originals Star Wars Collection for 2010.
Of all the nerdy bands to ever nerd, I don’t think any have come near touching the geek relevance of Coheed & Cambria.
I say that with love of course, as ever since Second Stage Turbine Blade entered my ears back in 2002, I’ve followed them intently. But when other bands who call themselves nerdy at best drop phrases like “Cassie Lang” and “Twitter” into their verses, Coheed has always gone the extra mile. All their albums thus far have been part of an overarching story, one which has been adapted into various media, including a number of successful graphic novels.
Freshly announced from the band is the release of their new album, with a planned release date of April 2010. The album, titled Year of the Black Rainbow, is set to be a prequel to the 4 albums which came before it, setting the stage for the storytelling which took place in their previous releases.
No further details like track titles are available at this time, but for the hardcore fans, they’ll be releasing a deluxe version of the album, which comes with a full 300 page novel, co-written by Coheed mastermind Claudio Sanchez, and well known comic writer Peter David. How rad is that?
Original Post:Â Punknews.org | Coheed & Cambria announce “Year of the Black Rainbow”.
Of all the rumors to surround the 4th Spider-Man film, I think this is my favorite.
Sure, I like the mental image of a Rachel McAdams or Anne Hathaway being poured into the Black Cat jumpsuit, but this is the first rumor to make me flat out hope to see the film.
The rumor as such, states that the main villain for Spider-Man 4 will be The Vulture. A great pick, given the characters classic rogue’s gallery status, coming from an era Sam Raimi prefers to pull from.
But then - the apparent choice of actor…
John Malkovich.
Honestly, who hasn’t seen Malkovich rant and rave and thought, “That man is a super-villain!". I’ll pay $10 right now just to see Johnny Boy yell at Tobey for making such embarrassing faces throughout the Spider-man series.
The downside of the rumor is that the Black Cat won’t be Black Cat in name, instead titled the “Vulturess”, but hey, let’s focus on the good here.
Malkovich. Spider-Man 4. Let’s do this, and let’s reveal it soon, Sony. You’re supposed to be filming in 2 months!
Original Post:Â ‘Spider-Man 4’ Update: John Malkovich to Play The Vulture!? - Cinematical.
Of all the items converted to modern art in this day and age, I never thought one of them would be the Nintendo Game Boy.
But, I’ve been rendered incorrect, as a group of French artists decided to create art using nothing but old Game Boy’s, as a side show to the Video Games Live! music show in Paris, France.
I honestly can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nintendo’s endearing brick of a system. Click play to start the slideshow!
Original Post:Â 20 ans GAME BOY - a set on Flickr.
Back once again with a weekly batch of goodies you should pick up, it’s Awesome-O-Rama.
Awesome-O-Rama is a weekly showcase of what’s worth buying in the realm of film, music, games and more each week. If you dig what you see, click the link, as it’ll take you to the related Amazon.com listing!
Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince What is there to say about this franchise which hasn’t been said before? Seven amazing novels, which so far have been turned into six stunning movies, and with Half Blood Prince, you may have the best yet. It’s hard to believe these are the same actors we’ve seen grow up since the age of 11, but the leads have grown into quite the formidable troupe of actors. You’d think after six films, we’d be ready to see them move on, but the characters and the world have remained fresh. I highly recommend picking this up, as it was one of my favorite films of the summer. The link above goes to the blu-ray+DVD combo, but you can also get the 2-disc DVD or single disc DVD flavors, depending on your preference.
Public Enemies Johnny Depp versus Christian Bale in 1920’s mob warfare. Sounds like an easy sell, doesn’t it? Well, in the case of Public Enemies, it proved not to be, as audiences had different issues with the film’s pacing, plotting and filming style (director Michael Mann used HD cameras, so it has a very “digital” feel). Personally, I dug the heck out of it, and I cannot wait to see how the digital to digital transfer comes across on home video. If you’re gonna nab the DVD, do so here (or here, for the one disc version)!
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks It’s not a great Christmas without an iconic Nintendo game, is it? Well, this year, the big N went all out, delivering a new Mario game for the Wii, and for those who prefer the portable power of the DS/DSi, we now have a new Zelda to play with. Based loosely on the Four Swords game from earlier in the decade, this handheld cel-shaded Link adventure replaces the much maligned boat/horse travel with a new way to get around - train. I’ve yet to read a full review of the title yet, but let’s be honest….it’s Nintendo. It’s Zelda. How the hell can you go wrong?
That does it for me this week. What are you looking forward to? Let me know in the comments.
Apparently, rumbling says that this week is going to be a busy one from DC Comics, as their blog “The Source” has promised new, major announcements all week long.
And they’ve certainly started with a bang with the new Earth One project. Set to launch later this year, Earth One is designed to get new readers involved in the DCU, with new, continuity light versions of iconic characters. Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s kind of the mission statement of the Marvel Ultimate Universe, which launched just about 10 years ago.
Never the less, DC is firing with all guns loaded, starting the series with their two most iconic characters, Superman and Batman respectively, and with great creative teams.
Superman: Earth One will be helmed by J. Michael Straczynski and artist Shane Davis. Batman: Earth One gets the superstar duo of Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. The first preview images released appear above, and you can click on them for larger versions.
What makes the Earth One titles particularly palatable is their release format. Each book will be in graphic novel format, telling a complete story, in presumably 100+ page installments. They’re going right for the trade market from day one.
Honestly, I think this is the wisest and most shrewd move from DC in ages, and I’m all for it. Let me know when I can pre-order, gang. I’ll be there at my comic store that Wednesday.
Newsarama.com : DC: EARTH ONE is Born As Ongoing Graphic Novels.
In this instance, it’s really easy to lose sight of how awesome Iron Man 1 was, even if it winds up being the X-Men to Iron Man 2’s X2: X-Men United. Reminding us of one of the best moments of the film is this latest 1:12 scale collectible (not doll) from the amazing team at Hot Toys.
Hot Toys, if you’ll recall, did the super amazing Batman and Joker figurines I featured in the past, and now having the IM license, have outdone themselves with their latest release, Mech Test Version Tony Stark.
Aside from featuring screen accurate costuming and accessories, they went the extra mile, including a lab backdrop for Tony, a flight stand, and what is super rad, a scaled version of JARVIS’s mechanical assist arm.
God only knows how much this will cost when it releases (the Batman and Joker figures referenced above cost about $200), but it sure is nice to look at, right? A full gallery is below.
Original Post:Â Mech Test Version Tony Stark 12" figure: The future of my shelving accessories - TOMOPOP - COLLECTIBLE TOY CULTURE - Vinyl toys, Papercraft, Garage kits, Gamer toys, Japanese toys, robots, movie toys, and more..
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I’ve got to give Lionsgate Pictures credit, they are really making me intrigued about Kick-Ass.
They’ve released a steady collection of media since obtaining the rights for the film in the fall, with a series of character posters, a teaser trailer, a poster for Kick-Ass, and now a stand alone poster for Red Mist, the teen vigilante played by Christopher Mintz-Plasse, which should finally get him out of the McLovin phase of his career. Released exclusively to the gang at Ain’t It Cool News, you can click the above image for a ridiculously large version. We’re talking 4k x 6k.
Having never read the actual comic yet (whoops!), I can’t help but get a Chris O’Donnell in Batman & Robin vibe from the Red Mist…is that intentional?
Guess we’ll find out in April, when Kick-Ass hits cinemas.
Original Post: First Look: Check out the new KICK-ASS character poster featuring McLovin as The Red Mist!!! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
And the award for the best interpretation of Admiral Ackbar goes to…
Currently running at Art Asylum Boston, this stunning art show entitled Art Strikes Back features some of the most unique interpretations of George Lucas' film saga I’ve ever seen.
Encompassing various styles and medium, 30 artists have showcased Star Wars in ways never seen before. It’s really hard to pick and choose favorites, but I imagine the above image should give you a taste of what the whole show has in-store. Grab a comfy chair, click the link below, and get ready to have your mind blown as you look through the art. Unfortunately, the show closed for live viewing this past Sunday, but hey, that’s what we have the internet for, right?
Original Post: Art Strikes Back.
If you’re a tech nerd like me, you probably pay a bit more attention than you should to the computer OS’s characters use within movies.
You end up noticing things like if Apple provides computers, all characters have them, except the villain. And sometimes you notice…wait a second…that’s not a real program at all!
And of course, there are people who are paid to design them. One such designer is Mark Coleran, and he’s been rad enough to share on his site designs for faux computer programs for dozens of movies, including The Bourne Identity (where the above image comes from), Tomb Raider and others.
Click through the link below and get ready to appreciate a side of movie creation which has had little appreciation shown to it before.
Original Post: Playback Graphics | Mark Coleran Visual Designer.
So earlier in the summer, David Cross announced he had shot a pilot for UK television network Channel 4 (where Spaced started, for those keeping track at home). The oddly titled project, The Increasingly Poor Decisions Of Todd Margaret was written by and stars David Cross, and up until now, we’d had no idea what the show is about.
Turns out the series is about Todd Margaret (surprise!), a temp played by David Cross, who finds his way into selling energy drinks in the UK. The issue - he has to sell THOUSANDS of drinks in a week.
The pilot episode aired in the UK last week (November 27th, to be exact), and the opening scene, also starring Will Arnett and Spike Jonze, has made it’s way to YouTube, setting up the plot for the series. It is hysterical, and ENTIRELY Not Safe For Work, on naughty language alone.
While the episode in full is on Channel 4’s On Demand website, it’s currently UK only. I now know how the overseas folks feel about Hulu.
Here’s hoping The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret makes it’s way back across the pond.
Original Post:Â Watch: Will Arnett, David Cross and Spike Jonze Sell Energy Drinks - Cinematical.
Just days after releasing the super awesome first teaser poster for Iron Man 2, which left me all kinds of tingly, Marvel Studios/Paramount have released the International poster to the awesome folks at Empire.
This poster, unlike the typical international posters which are a minor change from the US, actually takes a very different approach to pushing the flick.
No War Machine. No Helmet. Just Tony in the armor.
I wonder what, if anything that says about the American audiences tastes. Are we less excited about Downey and more hyped for twice the stuff blowing up courtesy of robot suits?
Either way, it’s another great poster, which is nice after the kinda lackluster posters for Iron Man 1. One last thing to note - the prominent Marvel Studios logo. I think we’re going to start to see that far more.
Original Post: Exclusive: New Iron Man 2 Poster.
This piece is beyond badass.
Drawn by DeviantART user Xiaobaosg, this image depicts a Samurai Styled version of Mario battling Bowser, done in the style of a Japanese woodcut print.
More than anything though, I’m left wanting more. If Nintendo is watching, I’d like to suggest the following…could we get a timeline spanning Mario game where he travels through alternate realities, each with a unique art style, and possibly modified gameplay?
I figure since we’ve gone from Mario Land to World to Galaxy, the only true next jump is into timelines, and this would be an amazing way to do it.
Balls in your court, big N.
Original Post: Samurai Mario Battling Bowser And Dinosaur - Geekologie.
Think of your favorite heroes from TV, movies, comics, etc.
What would make them more awesome?
You guessed it. Beards.
And that’s the focus of this amazing series of illustrations by talented artist Vanja Mrgan.
I can’t stop laughing at these, and hopefully you’ll love them too. I could see this becoming a great meme. I wonder if Vanja realizes what they’ve started…
Original Post: Vanjamrgan’s Gallery.
As a part of their 20th Anniversary celebration, super awesome UK based movie magazine Empire conducted the photoshoot to end all photoshoots.
Featuring some of the most important actors of their two decades of publishing, it features these actors in some of their most ironic roles.
I’ve included the image of Simon Pegg & Nick Frost above (for, of course, Shaun of the Dead), but the full gallery includes images with Sam Neill, Anthony Hopkins, Christian Bale, Mel Gibson, and yes, the Governator himself - Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Believe me when I tell you…you’re gonna want to click through for this.
Original Post:Â The 20th Birthday Portfolio.
When Zombieland hit screens this past October, I was pleasantly surprised.
After years of terrible zombie movies, or those which were half-assed rehashes of other zombie films, or good flicks that were technically not zombie movies (sorry, 28 Weeks Later), Zombieland was probably the first great zombie flick since Shaun of the Dead. And audiences agreed, making Zombieland the highest grossing zombie film of all time.
So between that, and knowing that there were literally dozens of ideas available, it shouldn’t come as too much a surprise that Zombieland 2 has officially been announced by Sony Pictures.
Here’s the catch, though. IT’S GONNA BE IN 3D!
That’s right, we’re gonna see Woody Harrelson beat the crap out of zombies in three glorious dimensions.
If you need some gross out goodness in 3D before ZL2’s thus far unannounced release date, don’t worry. MTV announced that filming on Jackass 3D starts on January 25th for a 2010 release. Fun.
Original Post: Bloody 3D sequels planned - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety.
Just a few weeks after it’s launch, it’s safe to say Left 4 Dead 2 is a hit.
The sequel to the super-popular zombie-shootin' co-op shooter hit shelves on November 17th, and according to the latest press release from Valve, it’s already sold a whopping TWO MILLION copies. Great for the gang in Washington, although I’m sure the amazing Black Friday deals (which priced the game down as low as $35 from it’s retail of $60) helped.
But buried in there is one very very key sentence to L4D fans, like myself. Let’s dig it up….
“Left 4 Dead 2 is off to a great start with strong support at retail and great reviews from the press,” said Doug Lombardi, VP of marketing at Valve. “Meanwhile the title has already been played by over 1 million Xbox LIVE Gold account holders, and news regarding L4D2 DLC 1 is coming very soon."
Awwwww yeah! I mean, I think we all knew it was coming, but to have confirmation, makes me very very happy.
Maybe it’ll have to do with a certain Southern-Fried Rock Band who like to play amusement parks?
Original Post:Â Left 4 Dead 2 Sells 2 Million In 2 Weeks - Left 4 Dead 2 - Kotaku.
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With the hype train kicking off for Iron Man 2 on this past Monday with the reveal of the super awesome teaser poster, Marvel/Paramount continues to make sure their name stays in the nerd press with the 4 above images from the flick (which you can click for high-rez!).
The images don’t really share too much with us. You have more of Tony working on things, the return of JARVIS (!!!), an un-cropped version of the Black Widow photo from earlier in the summer, and a look at Mickey Rourke as Whiplash, working on his creepy gear, but overall, no insight at the story.
I mean, there is a story, right?
Maybe not.
In a very impressive, career spanning interview with In Contention, Jeff Bridges (who played the awesome Obidiah Stane in IM1) gives a look into the creative process for the first flick, and it’s an eye opener.
“They had no script, man,“ Bridges exclaims. “They had an outline. We would show up for big scenes every day and we wouldn’t know what we were going to say. We would have to go into our trailer and work on this scene and call up writers on the phone, You got any ideas?’ Meanwhile the crew is tapping their foot on the stage waiting for us to come on.“
Bridges, director Jon Favreau and Robert Downey Jr. would literally act out sequences during primitive rehearsals, Downey taking on Bridges’s role and vice versa, to find and essentially improvise their way to full scenes, the actor recounts. Bridges says that the entire production was probably saved by the improv prowess of the film’s director and star.
Wow. So I guess it’s a good thing that Downey and Favreau are back for Iron Man 2, eh? Here’s hoping Justin Theroux provided a bit more than an outline in his screenplay…
It kinda figures, doesn’t it? As soon as Blu-Ray starts its growth in the world of media, we’re finally getting some of the most requested content on DVD.
In this case, it’s two classic MTV animated series, The Maxx and The Head. These cartoons were part of the popular “MTV Oddities” lineup from the mid 1990s, and as a kid growing up in that era, I hold both shows in high regard.
Now, if either series was actually good, I don’t recall. But it’s beyond awesome they’re coming to DVD, via Amazon’s “CreateSpace” DVD-R program, which gave us classic Nickelodeon series like Doug, and even the first printing of Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog. Honestly, with The State, Doug and now these MTV Oddities series, I’m not sure what classic show from my childhood isn’t available.
Here’s hoping for a Celebrity Deathmatch Retrospective Box Set, I guess.
The Maxx is available for pre-order now for $17.99 The Head can be yours for $24.95. Neither release date has been announced. Yet.
Awwwwwwwwwwwww shit!
My boy Tedadore Leo is back in the album making game, after 3 long years away, with his new album The Brutalist Bricks finally hitting shelves on March 9th, via his new label Matador. The cover art is above, and the first release from it, a track called “Even Heroes Have To Die”, can be downloaded right here.
Ted’s had a storied history with labels, and to see him signed to a label as awesome and historic as Matador is great, and honestly, you have one of my most wanted albums for 2010 right here. Just behind the new Los Campesinos.
Either way, I’m super excited, and I hope you enjoy the jam this lovely Tuesday.
Original Post: New Ted Leo - “Even Heroes Have To Die” - MP3 - Stereogum.
Back once gain to send you into financial ruin, it’s this weeks edition of Awesome-O-Rama dedicated to the nerdy things hitting the shelves this week.
Once again, publishers, developers and movie companies seem to have sat on their laurels this week, presuming that the Thanksgiving sales period pushed existing goods into the hands of consumers, necessitating a “week off”. Looking at the schedule through the end of the year, it doesn’t seem to let up, so let us wave goodbye to this slow week, and enjoy what little new there is.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: XVI [Limited Edition] Continuing their amazing compilation DVDs of the Comedy Central/SciFi classic series, Shout! Factory continues to out do the old Rhino sets, with individual artwork for each movie, better packaging, and in the case of this set, a Tom Servo figure to go with your CROOOOOOOOOW from the 20th Anniversary Set. The flicks contained in this set are The Corpse Vanishes, Warrior of the Lost World, Night of the Blood Beast, and the seasonal appropriate Santa Claus. I haven’t ordered this set yet myself (as I’ve yet to pickup XIV or XV yet, whoops!), but it would be appreciated under my tree, or under the tree of your local MST3K fan.
Paper Heart Is it a documentary? Is it scripted? Most folks weren’t able to figure out what exactly this Charlyne Yi/Michael Cera project was when it made it’s arthouse run over the summer, but now, with it released on video, you might be able to understand it better. Me, I’ll be renting it, but I know some of you might be interested in owning it, so by all means, click above for blu, or here for DVD.
Avatar: The Game The most amazing sci-fi movie of all time? Or a $300 Million boondoggle? That’s the question that will be answered on December 18th when Avatar finally hits theaters. Personally, I believe the answer lands somewhere in-between, but this week the video game hits shelves, and if early impressions are to be believed, it’s actually pretty kick ass. You can play as a solider OR the Na’vi, and the game’s story goes around the film, not through it, making it so you can see the movie relatively spoiler free. What’s super cool? This is the first game that has an option to be played in 3D. Granted, nothing supports it, yet, but THE OPTION IS THERE. The game is available this week for the 360 (linked above), PC, PS3, PSP, Wii and DS.
That’s this week of Awesome. Hope ya dig, and if there’s anything you’re excited about this week, feel free to leave it in the comments!
After a pretty sleepy few days in the world of nerd news (seriously, that’s why I’ve gone on radio silence. That, and the turkey.), Paramount Pictures has fired up the hype train today with the Yahoo! Exclusive reveal of the first poster of Iron Man 2!
Featuring the new Mark IV armor on Tony , and a peak at James Rhodes as War Machine, this teaser one sheet is in a word - awesome.
Now the big question is…when are we gonna see a trailer? Will it be attached to Avatar or Sherlock Holmes this holiday season? Or neither?! Either way, Iron Man 2 hits theaters on May 7th, 2010.
Click for a bigger version!
Original Post: ‘Iron Man 2’ Stills - Photo Gallery on Yahoo! Movies.
As this is written, we are hours away from Thanksgiving.
And with Thanksgiving comes Christmas.
And to get you into the Christmas spirit, comes an animated video set to a bit by Patton Oswalt about the most horrible holiday song of all time…“Christmas Shoes”.
If you’re working today, this most likely is your Friday, so click play, and chuckle away in your cube.
As a child, the first deaths I really remember effecting me were not that of a family member or friend, as those came later. Instead, it was the deaths of Jim Henson and Freddie Mercury that really made me understand loss.
In the case of Mercury, growing up with my parents influence of listening to Queen, seeing the spectacle of his memorial concert made me realize the impact one could have in passing. With Henson, having grown up watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, it was as if an entire part of my life had been shut off. Suffice to say, as a kid, it really sorta blew my mind.
So, yesterday, the 18th anniversary of Mercury’s death, a video was released onto YouTube which was absolutely transcendent.
One of the first videos appearing as a part of The Muppets new YouTube channel, possibly giving the internet generation their first taste of the classic characters, mixes “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the Muppets. And I think you can understand why I got goosebumps.
Click play, and enjoy.
Original Post: New Muppet Vid: Bohemian Rhapsody.
Say what you will about Family Guy’s output since their return from cancellation years ago, but their tribute to Star Wars: A New Hope, Blue Harvest was absolutely hysterical.
That said, I am very excited for their homage to The Empire Strikes Back, titled Something Something Something Darkside.
Due to hit blu-ray and DVD on December 22nd, and then airing on TV later, if this trailer is any indication, it should be as good as Blue Harvest. At least, I hope so, as they’ve already planned their Return of the Jedi spoof, to be titled We Have A Bad Feeling About This.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Original Post: YouTube - Family Guy - Something Something Something Darkside Full Trailer.
Without giving too much away, back on November 18th, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, I Love You Man, and How I Met Your Mother star Jason Segel performed a song live with The Swell Season (y’know, the band starring the musicans from the movie Once).
The video appears above, and I’ve included the lyrics in full behind the cut. Enjoy!
Original Post: VOTD: Jason Segel Performs Song with Once Musicans The Swell Season | /Film.
It don’t take long for this old man to form a habit and I know some of the things I do, they just ain’t right
So tell me would it be wrong for me to use my celebrity status to make love to a college girl tonight
1-315-329-6673 But only call it if you need me 315-329-6673 But only call it if you need me 315-329-6673 But only call it if you need me
Now I know you’re charmed by my lovely on screen persona yes sweet and humble that’s always been my carreer
But wouldn’t it be a shame for you to miss this one time offer to make love to Jason Segel freshman year
Please don’t be scared if you’ve got bicurious feelings I promise baby I won’t ever tell
So bring a friend to my swanky Manhattan hotel room I’ll be me, you can be Mila Kunis and Kristin Bell
Remember when I was in that show Freaks and Geeks Well there were no special effects No, no special effects So if you thought I was sweet well yeah I’m really that sweet
Remember when I showed my penis in Forgetting Sarah Marshall Well there were no special effects No, no special effects So if you liked what you saw well that’s really what I’m working with
1-315-329-6673 But only call it if you need me 315-329-6673 But only call if you’re disease free 315-329-6673 But only call it if you need me
Remember when I showed my penis in Forgetting Sarah Marshall Well there were no special effects No, no special effects So if you thought it was small if you thought it was small well then your boyfriend is probably not white.
Continuing their behind the scenes series look at some of the most unique videogames going today, the team at BoingBoing has now gone behind last fall’s PlayStation 3 (and this fall’s PSP) darling Little Big Planet.
Their post is full of high rez, absolutely stunning art from the creation of the game, and I couldn’t help but share it here. It’s stunning stuff. And made me totally giddy.
Click through for more!
Original Post:Â Everything but the Game: The Art Behind the Stitches of LittleBigPlanet - Boing Boing.
Back to make Tuesday’s difficult for your wallet, comes this week’s edition of Awesome-O-Rama.
Oddly enough, there are few major releases this week, or at least those I’ve deemed noteworthy, but with the Thanksgiving Holiday, and Black Friday spending coming up, it shouldn’t come as too much a surprise.
As always, though, I cannot recommend enough on doing your Black Friday shopping at your favorite and mine, Amazon.com. Their deals go live at 3am EST, and honestly, they’re matching or beating any deal you’d see at the stores…and you can shop from your comfy computer chair.
Never the less, let’s see what’s worthwhile in the world of nerd this week, shall we?
Funny People You know, a lot of people slagged Funny People when it hit theaters this past summer for not being the typical Judd Apatow flick. And honestly, it was never to be. Based in the world of standup comedy (a world I love to learn more about), there was always going to be a darker, sadder side to it, as that’s what standup comedy is built off of: pain and frustration. Sure, moments of this movie are hysterical, but like Adam Sandler’s Click, there’s a 3rd act turn which shows you that while the the clown is getting older, there are some tears underneath the makeup. The blu-ray is stacked full of extras too, including 45(!) minutes of deleted scenes, all sorts of behind the scenes material, and yes, those awesome Raaaaaaaaaaaaaanndy videos from earlier in the summer. I can’t wait to get my copy in. If you’re looking to nab the DVD, look here.
Powers: The Definitive Collection, Vol. 3 Easily one of the better comics of this decade, Powers burst onto the scene (and put it’s writer Brian Michael Bendis) on the map with a mix of stylized artwork from the talented pencil of Michael Avon Oeming and solid noir storytelling, showcasing two detectives following superhero homicides. For folks like me who really enjoy books in a high quality, collected hardcover format, it’s been a long time coming. The first collection hit shelves way back in February 2006, with the second hitting this past February. Now, personally, I plum forgot that the second book hit, but if the Diamond shipping list is to be believed, the third collection will hit this week! Guess I might need to grab ‘em both! Highly recommend you read this series if you haven’t. It’s really great.
Madden NFL Arcade Yeah, I know, you’re probably super confused by this one. Let me back up. I’m not a big sports fan by any stretch of the imagination, let alone sports video games. But I’ve always loved NFL Blitz. And, if the rumors are true, this XBox 360/PS3 downloadable title is the modern heir-apparent to the Blitz throne. Hopefully, whne the game release this week, that turns out to be true. So I give this a mild recommendation, while telling you to keep an eye out for reviews. Can someone do one of these for Hockey? We need a modern 2 On 2 Open Ice Challenge!
That does it for Awesome-O-Rama this week. Feel free to let me know what you think, and what you’re pickin’ up this week in the comments!
If you’ve been reading Blast-O-Rama long enough, you’d know that while I enjoy a ton of TV shows, only two of them are full on nerd obsessions.
Those being Mad Men and Chuck.
Mad Men, a critical and cable ratings darling, is doing great.
Chuck, however, has had a touch and go run. Their first season was cut short by the ratings strike, the second season aired in full but looked like it wasn’t going to return for a third…
…so I’m super happy to share that Chuck Season 3 Begins on January 1oth, as part of a two night Chuck event on NBC. It’ll be a 2 hour premier on January 10, then starting January 11 Chuck will run Mondays at 8pm, taking over the time slot of Heroes. Worry not, those of you who have stuck with Heroes, it’ll be moving to 9pm.
Chuck looks like a big show for NBC this season, with the official press release showcasing the amazing guest stars for this season. Check it out:
“Chuck” returns with guest stars galore in its third season. These include: Angie Harmon (NBC’s “Law & Order"), who will play Sydney, an enemy operative; Brandon Routh (“Superman Returns"), who is set to play CIA Agent Daniel Shaw; Robert Patrick (“Terminator 2: Judgment Day") will play Colonel Keller, a soldier and spy from Casey’s past; Kristin Kreuk (“Smallville"), who will portray Hannah – a potential love interest for Chuck; Armand Assante (“Judge Dredd") as dictator Premier Goya, who is the target of an assassin; Steve Austin (“WWE Smackdown!“) will portray Hugo Panzer, who becomes entangled in Chuck’s first solo mission; and Vinnie Jones (“Snatch") will play Carl Stromberg, an arms dealer.
The official season 3 preview appears below:
Original Post:Â CHUCK To Replace HEROES At 8 p.m. Mondays Starting Jan. 11!! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
So, a few months back, I wrote about the whereabouts of Genndy Tartakovsky.
At the time, he was storyboarding action sequences for Iron Man II.
Now, if that wasn’t cool enough, comes a post from the team at Frederator Films.
In an announcement, which can be read in full on the link below, they announce that a Samurai Jack film is go.
Not just any Samurai Jack film, oh no. One to be produced by…
…wait for it…
JJ Abrams.
Yep, that’s a thousand nerds screaming out in joy.
I’m excited.
Original Post: Frederator Studios Blogs | Frederator Films | Lunch with Genndy..
Hollywood is full of tales of films which get developed, but never make it to the screen.
If this early concept art is any indication, I’m hoping that The Looking Glass War isn’t one of them.
An alternate retelling of Alice in Wonderland, in a fantasy war setting, based on this art alone, could be an amazing film.
The art by Stephan Martiniere includes Alyss Hart (get it?!), the heroine of the film, plus soldiers of the Club, Diamond, Heart and Spade kingdoms.
May Tim Burton’s movie just well enough to allow this Charles Roven helmed flick green lit…but not do so well the studios think we’d be burnt out.
Original Post:Â The Looking Glass War Concept Art | /Film.
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Best known for his mind (and genre) bending animated films Paprika and Perfect Blue, director Satoshi Kon has revealed his latest project, titled The Dream Machine.
While details were still kinda hazy, Kon has announced that the flick will be a “road movie”, featuring an entirely robot cast.
The first few images from the flick have been revealed, and I’ve included them in a gallery below. Knowing Kon’s past flicks, I have no doubt this’ll be something to look for in 2010!
Original Post: Paprika Director Has Kid-Friendly Robotic Dreams.
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Let’s be honest. We’ve been saying for years that it was only a matter of time before Google went Skynet on us.
But honestly, I can say if they keep providing awesome ideas like this, I’m all for our new overlords.
The latest idea from the geniuses at Google is their first ever operating system, called Google Chrome OS.
Building off of their super badical web browser of the same name, Chrome OS is a very streamlined operating system for netbooks and similar low spec computers, allowing a user to operate “in the cloud”, i.e. with all storage online.
Google, being Google and owning YouTube and all, released the below video to showcase how the system will work. Should you want to test it out yourself, a VMWare image of the program is available for download here.
Original Post:Â First Glimpse at Google Chrome OS - Google Chrome OS - Lifehacker.
Hands down, one of my favorite albums this year was The Decemberists' The Hazards of Love.
A rather epic folk rock opera, with a story so tangled and twisted that I couldn’t really describe it without going on for pages, the album grabbed me both from an aural sense, but from a storytelling sense.
With that said, it really goes without saying that I am super excited to hear that Colin Meloy and the gang have given their thumbs up to an animated version of the album, to be titled Here Come the Waves: The Hazards of Love Visualized.
Due to premiere exclusively on iTunes on December 1, the film features segments animated by filmmakers Guilherme Marcondes, Julia Pott, Peter Sluszka and Santa Maria.
I’ve embedded the trailer above, but seriously, can’t we get a blu-ray of this?
Original Post: Pitchfork: Decemberists Turn The Hazards of Love Into Animated Film.
Oh internet, may you never cease to mong rumors.
As you may remember, it was just a few days ago that the internet was all a twitter about Rachel McAdams playing The Black Cat in Spider-Man 4.
Then the interweb was all like “Nah brah, It’s totally gonna be Julia Stiles”.
And now, again, the rumor has changed, as it looks like Anne Hathaway is going to be suiting up in the uh…catsuit?
Either way, it sounds win win to me, as I dig Hathaway, but I dunno if I can see her in the action role. The closest she’s come is Get Smart, and even then, she was more a pretty face.
I guess no matter what, we’re gonna have Black Cat in Spider-Man 4, now let’s just hope they can figure out who’s gonna play her before May 6, 2011.
Original Post:Â Anne Hathaway Up for ‘Spider-Man 4’ Role? - Cinematical.
Ok, I have to admit, that was a bit more mean of a headline that I should give this book, because it’s really cool looking.
Spiraling out of his recent exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art, the above hardcover tome The Art of Tim Burton collects literally hundreds of illustrations over 434 pages, covering his career from it’s beginning to the present day.
The book is available in both a standard format and super sexy special edition, and I’ve embedded a gallery of images from the book below.
Dig it!
Original Post:Cool Stuff: The Art of Tim Burton Book | /Film.
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One of my favorite internet video series has to be by far, Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifinakis.
Featuring the fantastically awkward bearded comedian as the host of his own talk show, these videos make for, by far and large, the most uncomfortable interviews of all time.
This latest installment, the seventh in the series, doesn’t let up as Zach welcomes Conan O’Brien to the stage located between two houseplants.
I won’t spoil any of the gags for you, but I can say…I want that red button. You’ll know what I mean when you see it.
For past installments of Between Two Ferns, click here!
I guess this is slowly becoming Left 4 Dead week here at Blast-O-Rama, but given the timing, who can blame?
I mean, Left 4 Dead 2 just launched yesterday, and were it not for some massive lag issues on XBox Live, I’d say it was a great launch.
So, you’re probably already wondering, especially if you’re a hardcore L4D player - what’s next?
Well, while Valve hasn’t said anything about say Left 4 Dead 3, independent programmer Eric Ruth has decided to take a step back. A step way back. A step into…an 8-Bit Styled Left 4 Dead. A video of the gameplay is embedded above, and looks pretty amazing. Mr. Ruth also did an interview with gaming site BigDownload.com, which can be read here, and gives insight into the developmental process so far.
8-Bit Left 4 Dead is scheduled to be available for PC download in January 2010.
As you can see above, available now at the Valve Store to celebrate the holiday season are Left 4 Dead themed greeting cards! ‘Cause I know nothing says the christmas season like corpses and the urge to shoot them in the face.
These awesome art-deco styled cards are illustrated by Alexandria Neonakis, and can be yours for just $15.95. If these aren’t quite your style, maybe Valve’s Team Fortress 2 or Left 4 Dead 2 cards tickle your fancy? With art by Neonakis as well, at the same price, no matter which you chose, you can make it a grand, nerdy Christmas.
You may remember a few weeks ago on this blog when I shared the super sweet illustration of an alternate reality version of Scooby Doo, wherein Velma is the lone survivor of a zombie apocalypse, killin' the undead with her trusty dog Scooby, raising hell in the van now retitled The Misery Machine.
Welp, it’s now a Threadless tee!
The shirt, titled " We’ve Got Some Work To Do", went on sale yesterday over at the internet’s favorite t-shirt retailer. Jump on it gang and head over to Threadless.com right now!
And someone find me the real life version of this Velma. Egads.
It’s an honor and a pleasure to announce a new feature here at Blast-O-Rama, one that I’ve been thinking of doing for sometime, but now I’m crazy enough to start doing every tuesday (or DIE TRYING).
As I’m sure you’ve noticed by now, I consume quite a bit of media, and I’m sure you’re probably what discs I’m spinnin', games I’m playin' or books I’m readin'.
So, the idea for Awesome-O-Rama is to give you, each week, my picks from the world of graphic novels, movies and gaming which are worth picking up, along with a break down of why.
Without further adieu, here are the first picks for Awesome-O-Rama: Week of November 15-21, 2009.
Star Trek (2009) As a non-Trek fan, JJ Abrams' reboot of the classic sci-fi franchise blew me away when it hit theaters this past May, and ever since I walked out of the IMAX screening that sunny summer day, I’ve been wondering when I’d be able to spin the disc at home. The time has finally arrived, and with reviewers saying this might be the most impressive blu-ray yet, packed with stunning features. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this disc under many a Christmas tree this fall. If you’re not rockin' the HD yet, the same extras are available in the 2-disc set.
Fight Club: 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-Ray Aside from making me feel quite old with the 10th Anniversary subtitle, this HD re-release of the David Fincher classic has me excited to revisit an old cinematic friend, albeit with better picture and sound. Early reviews have been great, even if the disc plays a fantastically mean prank on you when you pop it in…
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas Ah, It’s Always Sunny…, truly the little show that could. Ever since it premiered on FX in the Summer of 2005, it’s been keeping audiences entertained with the adventures of a cast made up of possibly the worst human beings ever. Despite that, the show is consistently one of the funniest on television (if not the funniest), and Fox has finally realized what a powerhouse they’ve kept hidden from the world the past few years, giving the Gang a full length DVD christmas special. The special leaked to the web last week, and I can say it is as great as any of the episodes of Sunny that proceeded it, and includes an incredible moment where Charlie meets Santa Claus. While it won’t end up in the rotation of most family’s Christmas classics (unless your family is kinda screwed up), it certainly makes for a great side for an “alternative” Christmas viewing list, alongside say…Die Hard. Of note, while there is a blu-ray release for this disc, it’s simply standard definition video up-converted, so save yourself the cash and grab the DVD.
Left 4 Dead 2 Left 4 Dead, truly a cruel mistress of video gaming. So many late night online gaming hours I’ve lost to it…and based on the demo released a few weeks back, Left 4 Dead 2 will leave me with just as many sleepless nights. Taking all of the awesome of the Valve original and upping it to 11 with new zombie types, melee weapons, new characters and five brand new locations to get your undead fix in, I can’t see how this will be anything but awesome. Let’s just hope that Valve remembered to make the L4D1 cast unlockable in this one… PC users, you’re gonna wanna get it at this link.
New Super Mario Bros Wii It’s a new Mario Bros game for the Wii, what more do you honestly need to know? Ok, you’re right. New Super Mario Bros Wii (or NSMBW for short) takes everything great about the Nintendo DS game from a few years back and amps it up for console use. With 4 player multiplayer and a unique new mode which allows gaming assist for areas you’re stuck on, this game is sure to be a HYOOOUGE hit, and I can’t wait to get my mitts on it. Special props to the big N for the sweet red case/sleeve for this title, looks really sharp.
Now, something you may have noticed is that each item is linked to their respective Amazon listing. Kinda shameless, I know, but if one of these things tickles your fancy, just click through and purchase, and Blast-O-Rama gets a lil' kick back. Â I appreciate your support here, and let me know what you think of Awesome-O-Rama!
Yeah I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but it’s time to get ready for the holiday season anyway!
And honestly, is there a better way to get excited for Christmas than with a standup comedy all-star cover of “Do They Know It’s Christmas”?
Featuring the talented Comedy Death-Ray team of Paul F. Tompkins, R.O. Manse, Tig Notaro, Rob Huebel, Patton Oswalt, Mike Phirman, Jimmy Pardo, Brian Posehn & Scott Aukerman, Garfunkel & Oates, Aimee Mann, Chris Hardwick, Paul Scheer & June Diane Raphael, Doug Benson, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Nick Thune, “Weird Al" Yankovic, Cracked Out, Dragon Boy Suede, Natasha Leggero, Thomas Lennon & Ed Helms, it’s a sight to behold…even if it isn’t the greatest thing in the world to listen to.
This amazing congregation of talent is only part of what you’ll hear if you pick up the Comedy Death-Ray Christmas CD, which comes for free with a Comedy Death-Ray 2010 calendar, available now from online standup comedy album mavens ASTRecords.com (owned by Matt Belknap, producer of Never Not Funny).
The full tracklisting of the Comedy Death-Ray Christmas Album is as follows:
The Comedy Death-Ray Xmas Nativity Choir (feat. Paul F. Tompkins, R.O. Manse, Tig Notaro, Rob Huebel, Patton Oswalt, Mike Phirman, Jimmy Pardo, Brian Posehn & Scott Aukerman, Garfunkel & Oates, Aimee Mann, Chris Hardwick, Paul Scheer & June Diane Raphael, Doug Benson, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Nick Thune, “Weird Al" Yankovic, Cracked Out, Dragon Boy Suede, Natasha Leggero, Thomas Lennon & Ed Helms) - Do They Know It’s Christmas?
Sarah Silverman - Give The Jew Girl Toys
Aziz Ansari - Jingle Bells
Matt Besser - Billy Braggart Sings People’s History Version Of Xmas Gospel
Reggie Watts — Christmass Is For Fuckin’
Scott Aukerman & BJ Porter - Grandma Got Run Over By A Hyundai
Duncan Trussell & Natasha Leggero — A Tea Bagger’s Christmas
Brent Weinbach - On Christmas
R.O. Manse - State Of Xmas Shock
Matt Besser - Bjork Sings Silent Night
Garfunkel & Oates - Present Face
Mike Phirman - Christmas Dinner
Dragon Boy Suede - Let’s Trap Santa & Make Him Watch
Scott Aukerman & Jimmy Pardo - Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy
Matt Besser - Neil Young Sings Frosty The Snowman
Paul Scheer & Brett Gelman - Twas The Night Before Xmas
Paul F. Tompkins - Xmas Ben
HIDDEN TRACK. Thomas Lennon — I Want Your Christmas (Live at CDR)
I think I know what album will be setting the scene for Christmas 2009 for me, and what calendar will be giving me my dates for 2010…
To date, there have been three stunning volumes, released in November 2007, July 2008 and April 2009 respectively, but considering I had heard nothing of a fourth volume, I was worried that the project had been ended.
I worry no longer.
Due to hit shelves on February 10, 2010, the Fourth Popgun volume features work from a whopping 91 creators across 512 pages of awesome comics, all wrapped up in a beautiful Ben Templesmith cover (seen above) for just 30 smackers.
Honest to God, Popgun is one of my favorite collections going, and I hope to see the self described “graphical mix-tape” continue on for dozens of collections to come. Don’t just take my word for it, though, click the link below and check out the previews for some of the stories contained in the 4th volume. You’ll be sold, I’m sure.
Original Post: P O P G U N // V O L.4
You know, I really sort of expected to write that I hated this book.
Let me give a bit of history here. Â While the talented decorating crew and baking staff at Charm City Cakes has been building a name for themselves nationally, here in Baltimore, there’s been a slowly boiling backlash towards them.
First, it was cute, that a local bakery was getting the spotlight. Â Then, the show grew into a part of the Food Network lineup, mixing the face of Duff with such near comical human beings as the bleach haired Guy Fieri and butter devote Paula Dean. Â Add the fact that a simple bakery in the middle of Baltimore’s Remmington neighborhood has become somewhat of a tourist magnet, it didn’t take long before Charm City’s citizen’s got a little sick of the so-called Ace of Cakes.
So it was with massive trepidation I cracked the cover of Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes. Â What on Earth had they done to earn a BOOK? What interesting stories would be found within it’s pages? Would this feel like another ghostwritten fluff piece like the biographies of other so called “celebrities” that stuff the shelves (and ultimately bargain bins) of your local Barnes & Nobles?
I’m very shocked, and surprised to say that…it’s actually a hell of a great book.
As someone who quickly grew tired of the Ace of Cakes show proper, I realize that I wasn’t quite the target audience, but the book actually won me over.
Presented more as a catch-all scrapbook, the book contains Duff’s life story up through building the Charm City Cakes empire, written in a very relaxed, informal style. Â Never once does he seem to have an air of self importance, if anything, he seems as confused as I was that they had a book about them. Â This can be said for the rest of the staff as well, as each member of a bakery has a 3-4 page bio section, where they describe in depth their journey to the bakery and their favorite projects, giving you a closer glimpse of the team behind the cakes. Â For avid fans of the show, the book has a roundtable discussion with the Food Network executives who greenlit the show, discussing the process from concept to execution of what could be the network’s least-expected hit. Â Furthermore, the back of the book has a complete episode guide for the show so far.
What really grabbed me, however, was the stellar design of the book. With full color interiors, including hundreds of personal photos, both impressive and embarrassing, you walk away from the book with an amazing grasp on the really laid back and talented people behind the world-renown Charm City Cakes.  One of the highlights of the book has to be the fold-out section with photos of seven years worth of finished cake designs.
At a cover price of $35, the book is more than a little pricey; but online booksellers such as Amazon.com have it as low as $19 as of this writing. Â I’d say it would make a great holiday gift for a fan of the show or of their amazing cake designs.
Despite my reservations, I have to say I ended up completely impressed. Provided you can get it at a decent discount, Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes by Duff & Willie Goldman gets a whole hearted recommendation.
It takes a lot for me to want to make a filmmaker to go away and die.
The latest to enter that very short list, Roland Emmerich.
Sure, I like a lot of people, enjoyed Independence Day. It was a fun, escapist Fourth of July flick. I even liked Stargate!
But since then, oh how his filmography just wore through my patience.
Godzilla. The Patriot. The Day After Tomorrow. 10,000 BC. And now the sure to be bad 2012, along with the possible 2013 TV series which has the bile touching the back of my throat.
So of course, he’ll now want to ruin the main thing of his I liked.
As he wants to do an Independence Day sequel. Wait, no, two of them. Because lord knows, we can’t NOT have at trilogy.
And the tiles for these sequels?
ID4-Ever Part I & II.
I’m gonna puke. Happy weekend folks.
Original Post: Roland Emmerich Planning Not One, But Two Independence Day Sequels - Independence Day - io9.
Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles for the Wii isn’t really that jaw dropping of a game.
A light gun styled retread through the Resident Evil universe, the game is probably going to fall off of people’s radars.
However, a great way to keep people involved? Awesome marketing.
Prime example is the game trailer, which is up at GameTrailers.com. All I can say is, the trailer is done in a way unlike most which have come before it.
Just click the link, authorize your age, and click play. Trust me.
Original Post: Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles Video Game, Experience The Darkside | Game Trailers & Videos | GameTrailers.com.
So, last April, after some extensive dental work, which has continued into today, I gave up soda for the most part.  I’ve gone from drinking it literally daily, to drinking it on very rare occasions.
I can say honestly, however, if Coca-Cola moved towards using a can design like this Concept design, I’d grab a 12 pack in a heartbeat.
With an embossed logo, each of these cans look great, without the effort of a single color. Â If I had to guess though, Coke would turn it down for not using their trademark red/white color scheme.
Oh, to dream of what could be.
Original Post: Â TheDieline.com: Package Design: Colorless Coke Can.
Late last week on Twitter, I postulated a rather important question for those of us in nerd kind.
The question…
Would Jon Hamm Make a Great Superman?
In response to that, my old internet buddy e. sent along an image created in his office after JUST such a debate!
As you can see, he looks great with heat vision.
But today, thanks to a link from the always awesome artist Dean Trippe, I’m conflicted. The link contained this image.
So now I go to you internet…
Jon Hamm: Better Batman…or Superman?
You make the call, interweb! Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Lost In Translation.
The Wrestler.
No Country for Old Men.
What do these movies all have in common, aside from being some of the best films of the past decade?
They all have super ambiguous endings.
Luckily, the crack video staff at College Humor have worked diligently to pull the true endings from these, and other films off of the cutting room floor, and finally, we can have some closure.
What movie ending would you most want to see explained?
I like Seth MacFarlane a lot. Dude seems like a great guy, seems to be having the time of his life, and despite what his cartoons may make you believe, he comes across as a super intelligent guy.
Heck, even during an episode of the Adam Carolla Podcast, I realized - he and I may not be that different mentally. We have a lot of the same flaws, we have a lot of the same barriers.
And hey, I still find myself watching Family Guy/The Cleveland Show/American Dad. Sure, none of those shows are really ever going to win an award for their writing, but even with their not so great hit/miss ratio, when one of those shows hit for me, it’s out of the park.
So, when I watch the above video, the humor for me is in two places.
First, CollegeHumor nailed the MacFarlane tropes to the freaking wall.
Second, it’s not really his fault. If Fox offered you $100 million to basically do the same show for 90 minutes a week - wouldn’t you take it?
Just when you think Lucasfilm has found every available angle for Star Wars merchandise, they turn over another rock, and find something you’d actually want to own.
Taking my favorite alien race from the Star Wars saga, this StarWarsShop.com exclusive Garden Jawa takes everything that’s rad about a lawn gnome, and awesome about these tiny droid-sellers, and slams them together into one bad-ass package. I especially love his little gardening gloves.
I guess I now know what to buy for a friend’s housewarming gift.
The Garden Jawa can be yours for $35.
Original post: StarWarsShop.com - Exclusive Garden Jawa.
Man, the team at Lionsgate have this whole internet marketing thing on lockdown, don’t they?
Just a day after launching the teaser trailer for this April’s comic adaptation Kick-Ass, and less than a week after the release of their sweet character banners, we now have a look at the first one-sheet for the flick.
Depicting the titular hero in a reflective moment after some crimefighting, wherein Kick-Ass apparently didn’t get the better of it, I could forsee this image being pretty iconic in terms of the promotion of the film. That, and I like the tagline. Nice and in-your-face, as the film looks to be.
Well done, poster design team!
Original Post: New Kick-Ass Movie Poster | /Film.
As mentioned here previously, one of my gaming obsessions of this past year was the awesome flash/iPhone freerunning game Canabalt.
Developed in only a manner of days, Adam “Atomic” Saltman’s game took the internet by storm, and has been an amazing success since.
Now, thanks to the gang at BoingBoing, we’re getting a peek behind the curtain at Saltman’s sketchbook, as he plotted out the ideas for the game which became Canabalt.
Something I really loved was the intention of Canabalt being a much more advanced game, and Canabalt proper being a “quick race” option within that game.
I can’t help but wonder - when are we going to see Canabalt 2?!
Original Post:Â The Running Man: behind the sketchbooks of Adam Saltsman’s Canabalt - Boing Boing.
Two NBC Thursday night comedy powerhouses collide in a flick coming from, surprisingly, not Universal, as 30 Rock’s Tina Fey and The Office’s Steve Carell star in Date Night.
Steve & Tina star as the Fosters, a married couple who seem to have lost the spark in the relationship, so they embark on a series of date nights.
One such night sees them take one risk too many, and end up on the wrong side of some shady folks.
Overall, based on the trailer, the flick seems pretty unoffensive, a simplistic cute film built around a fun premise. Maybe a little too high on the True Lies scale, but I could see this being a great choice for…you guessed it, a date night. But I don’t see myself rushing out for this.
And yes, nerds, that is Olivia Munn as the hostess.
Date Night is due to hit theaters on April 9, 2010.
Kick-AssTrailer Park | MySpace Video
Wow, I wasn’t expecting this for at least a week.
But, never the less, the internet gods have granted us our first look at Matthew Vaughn’s adaptation of the Mark Millar comic Kick-Ass.
Sure, this squeaky clean trailer doesn’t really give the slightest inclination of the hard-R flick, but I think it’s safe to say, if you were on the fence about Kick-Ass before, this trailer MIGHT just make you a believer.
So…can we get a red-band trailer soon, gang? I wanna see Hit-Girl eff some ess up!
Original Post: Awesome Early Teaser Trailer for Matthew Vaughn’s Kick-Ass « FirstShowing.net.
Hold on tight, film nerds. They’re doing a remake of the classic greek soldiers vs. monsters classic Clash of the Titans.
And if this first trailer is ANY indication…not a lot to get excited about.
Honestly, watching this, I really could not have cared less. Similar to the issues I had with the Prince of Persia trailer, sure, it looks cool, and that soundtrack makes it sound epic…but…there’s zero substance. It’s the movie trailer equivalent of a pixie stick. Come on gang, at least give me a candy coated shell to chew through!
Another thing to worry about - this is the 3rd film with Sam Worthington as a lead. Worthington got VERY lucky, and scored the lead roles in Avatar, Terminator Salvation and this back-to-back, and if Terminator was ANY indication of his chops, this does not bode well for either Avatar or this new version of Titans.
Either way, I’d like to remain optimistic about this flick, but right now, this is a zero-buy scenario.
Clash of the Titans (2010) is due to hit your local cinema on March 26th.
Original Post:Â ‘Clash of the Titans’ Trailer Now Online! - Cinematical.
If there is anything that leaves me in a child like, giddy state, two of these such things are..
Studio Ghibli films
Awesome Lego creations
No matter my age, no matter how jaded I become, they both leave my inner child glowing with glee.
So I’m sure you can imagine that once I saw this Lego interpretation of Howl’s Moving Castle, from the Ghibli film of the same title, I melted into a pile of happy nerd goo.
And oh, what an interpretation it is! Literally, this is some insane, stunning work.
Disney, Ghibli, Lego, one of you…put this guy on your payroll. I can only imagine what he could do with say, a Lego Catbus.
Let your inner child smile, gang, hit play on the slideshow above, and just be in awe of the workmanship. I know I am.
Original Post: Flickr: imagine’s brickzone’s stuff tagged with howlsmovingcastle.
Considering the movie is scheduled to start filming early next year, it should come as little surprise that the first character details for Spider-Man 4 are slowly, but surely, leaking to the web.
The first character rumor to set the web all aflutter? Looks like that the infamous Black Cat will be joining everyone’s favorite webswinger in the 4th Sam Raimi helmed adventure, and honestly, I don’t think I could be much happier with that character choice.
Raimi’s demonstrated that he works best with classic Spider-Man villains and history, and there are few characters that work better as a natural foil for Spidey than the attractive “Is she hero, Is she villian” cat burglar otherwise known as Felicia Hardy.
What makes this really work for me is it’s a character that naturally impacts the the biggest components of Spider-Man, his balance of personal life and superhero life, as he typically stumbles into romance with the Black Cat, which makes things difficult with Mary Jane.
Now, I really don’t want another film with Kirsten Dunst sulking the whole time, but I think the concept of a 4th Spider-Man with him dealing with both the Black Cat and say, The Lizard, could be a great time.
Worth noting, the first actress rumored for the white wig and cat mask is Rachel McAdams, whom I’m guessing is building some serious buzz over her supporting role in Sherlock Holmes.
Either way, this is the first time I can say I’m vaguely excited about Spider-Man 4. There’s a long road between now and May 2011, and I think Raimi realizes he needs to impress on this one. We’ll see what happens.
Original Post: SPIDER-MAN 4 Villain Revealed - Mania.com.
Well, if that super odd combo of arguably the most technologically advanced film of it’s time matched up with the greatest silent film actor ever, you’d have a video like the one above.
Created by the Russian actor team “Big Difference”, this is really well done. Dialogue cards and all.
Awesome stuff like this is why the internet was invented.
Original Post: YouTube - What if Matrix was shot in the silent films' era.
If anything, I’d like to think the positive internet buzz about the surreal 2nd UK poster helped here, but the just revealed US theatrical poster for Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus is actually pretty rad!
Sure, it’s nowhere near as surreal as the UK poster (it would take a lot to beat that), but it certainly gives a feeling unlike anything else at the cinema. Which, I dare say, given the surreal nature of the film, is very appropriate.
US design team: Well done, I say.
The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus is due in theaters on Christmas Day.
Original Post: Exclusive: The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus US Poster | /Film.
If you, like me, purchased a Nintendo Wii when it launched 3 years ago (yes, it’s been that long), you’re probably familar with the Raving Rabbids, from the Rayman series.
Now we’re at a point where the insane rabbits are known well enough to star in their own franchise, which brings us to this fall’s exclusive Wii title, Rabbids Go Home.
So, you’re UbiSoft’s UK division, you have a title built around rabbits who ruin people’s lives…how do you promote the game?
If you said “Cause a traffic jam in London!”, you’re a smarter marketer than I, as that’s just what they did!
The gang at Girl Gamer UK has photos of the craziness, and I’m just floored that this is how they decided to promote the title. Because NOTHING makes people buy Wii games quite like anger and frustration.
Click the link below for more images of this unique promotional tactic.
Original Post: Rabbids Run Riot In London |.
Milk Men - A Mad Men Parody
Luckily, the internet has stepped up with the glimpse of another (fake) series.
Taking a look at another traditional 60’s field in a way previously unseen in ANY form of media, I present the above trailer for….Milk Men.
Original Post: Milk Men: The Preview | Serious Eats : New York.
After years of delays, the modern remake of The Wolfman starring Benecio Del Toro is finally ready to hit theaters. We’ve already had a look at the pretty rad trailer earlier in the fall, but to continue the hype train proper, we now have the above posters (which, of course, you can click for larger versions).
Using a stark black and white feel, they induce a feeling of dread which isn’t really seen with the posters you have for things like…Saw per se.
The Wolfman is due to finally hit theaters on February 12th, 2010.
Original Post: New Official Posters For Wolfman Make Us Drool - The Wolfman - io9.
…cause I sure didn’t!
Granted, I wasn’t the biggest fan of 30 Days of Night when it hit theaters a few years back, but I know some people REALLY loved it.
So I guess it’s cool to share that the next graphic novel in the series, Dark Days, will be getting translated onto the silver screen.
Now, granted that the only character returning from the first is Stella Oleson, and Melissa George isn’t returning to play the role (Kiele Sanchez is taking over for her), and the rest of the cast seems to be made of actors I’ve never heard of/TV actors, I can’t help but feel that this might be a direct to DVD sequel.
Either way, 30 Days of Night fans, get excited, as here’s your first image from the flick, with Stella Oleson getting all knifey.
Original Post:Â Irish Rican Has The First Picture From The 30 DAYS OF NIGHT Sequel DARK DAYS!! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
There are few things I enjoy more than when a movie shoehorns in an awkward titular line. I find this isn’t something that many people look for in films, but I always giggle when a particularly lengthy movie title shows up in the middle of dialogue.
Heck, there was even a great Upright Citzens Brigade sketch about a man who claimed to have the titular line in many classic films.
Never the less, it seems I’m not the only one who loves these lines, as someone over at Videogum has made a great video compilation of these great titular lines.
Click play and enjoy!
Original Post:Â “I Love You, Mr. Star Wars” And Other Famous Movie Quotes - Supercuts - Videogum.
Just announced by Warner Brothers, shooting will begin shortly on a live action/CG hybrid version of the classic Hanna Barbera cartoon Yogi Bear.
I was going to say “Didn’t we learn enough from Garfield and Alvin and the Chipmunks?”, but apparently those movies made hundreds of millions of dollars, so I’ll simply say…you have yourselves to blame for this, world.
Doesn’t change the fact that I think this could be a terrible idea, and overall ruin my Christmas tradition of weeping like a man-child to Yogi’s First Christmas, which may be the most depressing children’s Christmas cartoon EVER.
Announced so far for the cast is Anna Faris, who will be one of the live action characters, Rachel, a nature documentarian (appropriate, as she’s starting to look like a human cartoon herself), and starring as the voice talent of the CG created Yogi Bear and Boo Boo will be Dan Aykroyd and Justin freakin' Timberlake respectively. No word on who’s gonna play Park Ranger Smith.
So, basically, I guess this means we’re 2 people away from having the entire Ghostbusters cast voice classic cartoon characters. Any chance we can get Ernie Hudson in as Hong Kong Fooey?
Yogi Bear is aiming for a December 17, 2010 release.
Original Post: Anna Faris, Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake Cast in Yogi Bear | /Film.
Fresh on the heels of some very well received test screenings, the gang at Lionsgate Pictures have released some awesome new character posters for the upcoming comic adaptation Kick-Ass.
Showing the characters from behind, and, in a smart move, choosing to promote the character versus the actor (i.e. “Dave Lizewski IS Kick-Ass), these make for a mighty poster. One rendered even mightier, of course, when they’re all put together.
Click the image above for a super HQ version.
Kick-Ass kicks ass in theaters April 16th.
Original Post: Kick-Ass Character Posters | /Film.
Would you say you love the Calculator you use on your computer alot?
Like…super love it?
Like, love it enough to want it in the real world?
Well man-oh-man, do I have the concept product for you!
Designed by one of the folks at Mintpass, these calculators would be real world versions of the calculators seen in Windows XP and Mac OSX.
I have to give them credit for detail, what with the dual line LCD for the Mac Calculator, and the File dialogue for the Windows, plus the Maximize buttons and such…but really, this might be the nerdiest thing ever. Ever.
Browse through the gallery below for more images of these insanely detailed calculators.
Original Post: Mintpass.
[gallery link=“file”]
Are you amongst the many people unexcited for this November’s Roland Emmerich-directed Earth-destruction fest 2012?
Awesome, me too. Ergo, you can join me in being beat red with anger as he announces they’ve already planned a sequel.
I know, I know, you’re already balking - if they destroy the entire goddamn world in the first one, how in the great blue hell can they make a sequel?!
Don’t worry folks, they’ve got it covered. You know that sure-to-be-amazing plot which will barely fill the two hour runtime? They’re gonna stretch out the sequel to…AN ENTIRE TV SERIES.
Yep, according to Cap’n Emmerich of the Starship Can’t-Stop-Blowing-Things-Up: ““The plan is that it is 2013 and it’s about what happens after the disaster. It is about the resettling of Earth. That is very, very fascinating.”
Fascinating my ass. Considering the entire draw of 2012 is to see stuff blow up real nice, how do you intend to follow it up on a TV show budget?
Ugh. May 2013: The Series never see the light of day.
Original Post: Exclusive: TV version of Roland Emmerich’s ‘2012’ in the works | EW.com.
Hot off the video game news wire….
Beloved rock act REO Speedwagon is getting a video game.
What the fuck?
No, really what the fuck?
Why on EARTH are they getting a game? Like, unless it’s an artist specific Guitar Hero/Rock Band or a title based on say, a bands concept album, why should any band have a video game? Don’t we remember the last time a band was arbitrarily given a game?
And more importantly, why one who hasn’t had a hit album in TWENTY FIVE YEARS?!
Who is the audience for this title?
If you are the audience for this title, and are somehow on this site, I guess you want to know the details.
The game, titled Find Your Own Way Home is a point-and-click adventure title, set for the PC and MAC, and will feature 12 of the bands songs. No projected release dates, or screenshots (minus the awesomely terrible one above) were available as of yet.
Seriously…why?
Original Post:Â REO Speedwagon: The Game: No This Is Not A Joke - reo speedwagon - Kotaku.
The newest, and most certainly, most plot-filled trailer for this Christmas’s Sherlock Holmes has hit the web, and god damn if I’m not excited.
A rip roaring fun two minutes, you not only get a glimpse of the villain, get a taste of the witty banter, but see that this might possibly be Guy Ritchie’s best film ever! And I think I’m finally developing a Rachel McAdams crush.
More than that, however, in mixing a past era tale with modern filmmaking styles, this trailer demonstrates that it might just be the film that Prince of Persia wants to be.
Either way, I am completely sold. Think with this coming out on Christmas Day, I can make a midnight show on Christmas Eve? Or is that blasphemous?
In a fandom inherited from my mother, I really really enjoy the novels of Stephen King.
Whether it’s his classics like Christine and It, his risktaking moves like the Dark Tower series, or more recent novels like the terribly underrated Cell, it’s pretty much a given that if it’s by King, I’ll give it a spin.
So it goes without saying that I’m kinda excited for his new book Under the Dome, which releases next Tuesday, November 10th.
The hype machine is in full effect, with even a trailer(!) being created for the novel, but once I read the plot, I can’t help but feel like I’ve heard of this before…
On an entirely normal, beautiful fall day in Chester’s Mill, Maine, the town is inexplicably and suddenly sealed off from the rest of the world by an invisible force field. Planes crash into it and fall from the sky in flaming wreckage, a gardener’s hand is severed as the dome' comes down on it, people running errands in the neighboring town are divided from their families, and cars explode on impact. Dale Barbara, Iraq vet, teams up with a few intrepid citizens against the town’s corrupt politician. But time, under the dome, is running out….
So, citizens in a city, trapped under a dome.
Wasn’t that the plot of The Simpsons Movie? Oh well, I guess if you gotta steal, steal from the best.
If you, like me, are excited for the book, I highly recommend picking it up through Amazon. Typically retailing for $35, the 1088 page book is just $9! Thanks, Internet!
Ever since Super Street Fighter IV was announced as a Spring 2010 release, I’ve been weighing the pros and cons in my head of picking it up.
Sure, I loved SFIV, so much so that it’s probably one of the top 5 games I’ve played this year, but ultimately, I’d be dropping $40 on what…8 new characters?
But then some more details came out…all characters would be unlocked from the start, so I wouldn’t have to keep trying unsuccessfully to unlock Gouken, and then the end boss Seth, respectively…
Plus you take into consideration new combos, better balancing, tournament modes…
And now they may have found the straw to break my already weakened back.
THE BONUS MODES ARE COMING BACK! That’s right, you’ll be barrel punching and car crushing in GLORIOUS HD in Super Street Fighter IV.
Now, so long as the 5 new characters unannounced so far aren’t Ryu/Ken clones…Capcom, you have my $40. Until you announce Super Street Fighter IV Turbo.
Original Post: Rumor: Car punching returns in Super Street Fighter IV.
After Hugh Jackman being a surprisingly great Oscar host this year, and Neil Patrick Harris blowing me away as an Emmys host, it looked as if the years of boring and bloated awards shows were behind us.
But then it started to look grim for the 2010 Oscars.
First, Hugh Jackman politely declined to return as host this year.
Then, the rumored duo of Ben Stiller & Robert Downey Jr. dropped out, a shame, as I think they would’ve been a riot.
So who do they turn to?
Who has stepped up to save the day?!
Why, the two folks who are neck and neck for the record of most times hosting Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. (Martin currently leads with 15 hosting appearances to Baldwin’s 14.)
Honestly, I’m not sure if there is a better pairing in Hollywood right now to host the show. Martin did a respectable job hosting on his own back in 2001 and 2003, and I think paired with Baldwin, they’ll make for a show worth watching. And I think given their connection to her, we might just see Tina Fey pop up, if not write a few bits for them.
My worry though? Given the size and scope of the event, and given Alec Baldwin’s very strong political leanings, he may turn the event into a bit of a soapbox, like far too many award winners have in the past. Sure, I may agree with him in some regards, but the show isn’t about that…it’s about celebrating the arts.
Luckily, if the press release is any indication, with Martin saying he’s proud to co-host with his “arch-enemy” and Baldwin making fun of Steve’s banjo playing, this could be a fun show after all.
We’ll know for sure when the 82nd Oscars air on ABC on March 7, 2010.
Original Post: The Circuit: Awards and Festivals News - The Envelope.
So recently, Star Wars trading card artist Chris Trevas got married.
Ergo, he wanted a fancy cake. But not just any fancy cake, oh no.
He wanted a Tauntaun cake. Complete with a lil' Luke Skywalker dangling out.
And honestly, the end results, when viewed close up…are pretty horrifying.
First, let’s note the dead eyes of the Tauntaun.
Then, let’s note the unusually realistic sculpt of Luke Skywalker, which appears to be complete with Mark Hamill’s auto accident scars.
Then you add the image of the groom eating the cake intestines first…
And all and all, I’ve ruined my want for breakfast, lunch and dinner for days to come, and created a nightmare.
Thanks Chris, for being nerdy enough to scare me.
Original Post: The Official Star Wars Blog » Dead Tauntaun Wedding Cake!.
Based off of the 2003 children’s book of the same title, the Chris Sanders directed picture…
…
Chris Sanders? Wait a second. looks up the name on Wikipedia
Chris Sanders directed this?! Chris “Lilo & Stitch” Sanders?!
CHRIS “WAS GONNA MAKE A MOVIE CALLED AMERICAN DOG WHICH LOOKED AMAZING THEN DISNEY TOOK IT FROM ME AND CALLED IT BOLT” SANDERS?!
CHRIS “ONLY GUY WHO GOT A CHARACTER DESIGN SOLD BACK TO HIM BY DISNEY WHICH IS NOW A WEBCOMIC” SANDERS!?
Holy shit. I’m actually excited for this!
And looking at the voice cast, it sounds even better! You’ve got the Apatow trio of Jay Baruchel (as lead) along Jonah Hill and Christopher Mintz-Plasse; plus Gerard Butler…and did I hear Craig Ferguson in the trailer? Awesome!
You know, to use a (very vulgar) analogy that my boy Jami likes to implement on a regular basis, Dreamworks Animation has long been the “funny fat friend” to Pixar Animations “hot chick you want to fuck”, but with their past two films (Kung Fu Panda and Monsters vs. Aliens respectively), they’ve fast been building an admirable counterpoint of solid animation…and I think this movie might just continue the trend. Of course, I’m sure Shrek Goes Forth will come out in 2011, and be so full of only-funny-in-the-moment pop culture gags that I will completely regret writing this paragraph.
I really like the almost salamander-esq design of the baby dragon, and I’m psyched about the vikings.
God damnit, I’m excited for a Dreamworks movie!
How To Train Your Dragon is due to hit theaters in IMAX3D on March 26th, 2010.
This past weekend, famous actor, comedian and sweater connoisseur Bill Cosby was on ESPN for his comments on the Ohio and Temple game.
Of course, Bill being Bill, and Bill inching towards senility at the age of 72, his comments were…shall we say…unique.
And if you thought that was great…
HERE COMES THE REMIX!
I wonder if Bill realizes how close he is coming to approaching being a living approximation of all of those YTMND versions of him. (This one, in particular.)
Let’s be honest here. All video game movies suck.
Super Mario Brothers - Sucked.
Tomb Raider 1 & 2 - Sucked.
Street Fighter - Sucked. Both times.
Heck, one of the worst movies ever on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer, Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever is based on an obscure Game Boy Advanced game. Even the best example of a video game adaptation, Doom, was mediocre at best.
Add a super whitewashed cast (including the kinda awkward looking Jake Gyllenhaal), and there is a lot that Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time has standing up against it on the road to quality as it heads into theaters on May 28th of next year.
Now that we have the first official trailer, embedded above, I can’t say I’m feeling that much more confident about it.
Sure, the effects and stunts look downright jawdropping, and the cinematography is out of this world, but it feels like the bastard child of the Mummy/Scorpion King series, with a taste of Pirates of the Carribbean mixed into it.
As a fan of the Persia games over the years, I would love to be proven wrong and see a decent video game based movie for once, but this trailer isn’t instilling me with hopes of the flick being more than some mindless eye candy.
We’ll find out for sure when Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time hits on May 28th, 2010.
Original Post:Â YouTube - Prince of Persia Film Official Movie Trailer HD.
Featuring 10 characters from the Original Trilogy, these keychains include cutesy interpretations of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, R2D2, C-3PO, Yoda, a (presumably sober) Ewok, Darth Vader and an ever trusty Stormtrooper. And they’re just flat out awesome. I love the facial expression on Han, and the contrasting face of his buddy Chewbacca.
Unfortunately, I have no idea how much these keychains will cost OR when they’re do out, just that they’re for now, Japanese exclusives.
Hopefully, Lucasfilm catches wind of how rad these things are, and stocks them in the US store, as they have those awesome lightsaber chopsticks.
A full gallery of the keychains appears below.
Original Post: TOUMART Inc..
[gallery link=“file”]
I’ve never really understood the separation of church and state when it came to comic books and newspaper comics.
I’m not really sure why they’re considered more “cousins” in the art world than say “brother” and “sister”, but the super talented artist Ryan Dunlavey, he of Action Philosphers fame, has decided to work on throwing the two together, with a series of comic mashups that subvert Sunday newspaper classics in wonderful ways.
I’ve included my favorite above, the Peanuts/X-Men mashup X-Nuts, but there are a slue more in the post linked below, including Dennis the Menace meeting Star Wars to create Phantom The Menace, a Doctor Doom/Peanuts mix, and most hysterically, a combination of Sin City and Nancy.
Extra points for how well Dunlavey emulates each comics respective style. Takes some major talent to pull that off!
Original Post:Â Ryan Dunlavey: Comic strip mashups.
I’m amazed Hulu weren’t the first one who jumped on this bandwagon, but launching this week is the latest in many a free video-streaming site, the strangely titled Jaroo.com.
What’s their gimmick you ask? Jaroo is built around being a hub for streamable cartoons and other child-aged media. Thus far they have about 50 shows up, including classics like Inspector Gadget and Captain N & The Game Masters and even some obscure series like Starcom and yes, Superhuman Samurai Syber Squad.
It’s a promising start for the site, but honestly, I think they’re gonna have to grab some content from say, Hanna Barbera, Warner Brothers or Nickelodeon to really grab eyeballs.
Either way though, instant watch Inspector Gadget sounds AWESOME.
Original Post:Â Jaroo.
Originally uploaded by Dr. Monster Secret admission time.
Growing up, I never really liked Scooby Doo. Aside from finding Velma all sorts of adorable (my nerdy girl crush started young), I never really got into the cartoon proper, at least until A Pup Named Scooby Doo aired.
Thanks to Flickr user “Dr. Monster” though, I’ve found a version of Scooby Doo I’d be down with.
With an even hotter version of Velma riding across a zombie apocalypse in her Misery Machine killing zombies along with her trusty dog, it’s the type of stuff nerd boners are made of. And maybe regular ones, too.
Click the image for a larger version.
A guilty pleasure of mine as of late is watching NBC’s Today before I leave for work.
What once was a great morning show now seems like a way to fill hours in the most surreal way. Willard Scott wishing people a happy 100th and Al Roker throwin' it to your local weather man aren’t enough, so they’ve started to pad the already too-long four hour broadcast with lifestyle segments, such as Matt Lauer playing beer pong with George Wendt.
This morning, I apparently made the poor choice of leaving early.
The Today show team was dressed as Star Wars cast members, and someone let drunken Ewoks loose. Really.
Click play to see Al Roker get humped by Ewoks, and a Darth Vader-dressed Ann Curry tell off one of their furry friends to stay away from the booze. Wow.
Original Post: LOL: Drunk Ewoks Ruin Today Show Halloween Segment | /Film.
The older I get, the more picky I find myself getting with music.
I’m not sure if the overall quality of music has dropped over the years, or my tastes have become more discriminating, but instead of reaching out for what’s new and different, I tend to find myself coming back to some old favorites, and following their every move.
One of those artists is Ted Leo. Whether solo or with his backing band the Pharmacists, Ted mixes just enough punk bravado with the ability to write one heck of a catchy hook. And honestly, I don’t think there’s a single album of his that I don’t love.
So, of course, with his new album coming next year, I’m quite excited to see what he’s got cooking. Which brings us to the above video!
This past week during the CMJ Music Festival in NYC, Ted did a solo acoustic set, where he played some classics, along with new songs. One such new song is “One Polaroid A Day”, and I think it’s the perfect way for you to start your Thursday morning.
Click play, and enjoy. I know I did.
Original Post:Â Ted Leo @ CMJ: One Polaroid a Day.
Gotta love this. In the type of product which only the internet can provide, I give you the Happiness Hat.
Find yourself as the type that doesn’t smile too often? GREAT!
Slap this hat on, and if you’re not smiling, it will STAB YOUR SKULL WITH A METAL SPIKE.
GET TO SMILING FROWN FACE.
Original Post:Â The Happiness Hat Will Spike Your Skull - Happiness hat - Gizmodo.
With less than two months until it’s release, the nerds are getting all a flutter over Jim Cameron’s 3D CGI opus Avatar.
Sure, we had the teaser trailer, we had the “Avatar Day” extravaganza, and then there were literally MONTHS of arguing across the web. But as embedded above, the second, full length trailer has hit the web thanks to…uh…some country other than the US (hense the subtitles).
Honestly, I sat through the Avatar Day screening, and this drastically shorter trailer has sold me on the project in a far greater way than that footage did.
Sure, the plot is basically Dances With Wolves lite, but it’s framed through the eyes of one of the greatest sci-fi directors of our time. And I have to admit, robot suits versus dragons gives me a giant raging nerd boner.
I had a feeling this would happen, but I’m pretty happy to say…
Avatar - I’m Sold!
See you in theaters December 18th.
EDIT: @4:15pm - Look! Yahoo! gave us the English version!
Note: In the interest of growing my “personal brand” here at BoR, I’m going to be investing in some more lengthy thought pieces on the site, which will be joined with the “Cynicism” tag. This is the first of such posts, and presumably/hopefully won’t be the last. Let me know what you think in the comments.
As you’ve probably noticed over time here at Blast-O-Rama, there is very little I enjoy more than a well crafted, beautifully executed movie poster.
However, it seems as the years have gone on, the focus is less on giving the audience a taste of what’s to come, and more a generic collage of actors in costume, which makes you hope that the movie turns out well.
Case in point…this latest poster for Sherlock Holmes. By no means offensive visually, what does it tell you about the film? Aside from Downey’s devious smirk, it’s another prime example of names and faces selling the picture, versus the poster giving an audience a glimpse of what will hit the screen this Christmas. I’d figure with a director as unique as Guy Ritchie helming the flick, you’d want to put style at the forefront, but alas…
And that isn’t to say there aren’t risks being taken. Take a look at the Where The Wild Things Are poster above. Gritty, childlike…there’s a roughness to it which immediately pulls forward what Spike Jonze is attempting to do with the film. It’s a snapshot which leaves the viewer interested in the end product.
But I can’t shake the feeling that the marketing suits just want us to throw our $10 at something which has been seen before…which certainly explains the disturbing trend in repetitive poster designs and DVD covers.
What really bothers me about it though? It doesn’t need to be this way. Heck, you only need to look at the fantastic poster designs of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s to know how much better it could be.
Luckily, amazing artists (many times alongside promotional events put on by independent movie houses) are still creating stunning posters for films. Effectively joining their art with existing art, these posters not only invoke the films they derive their inspiration from, but create a unique product that fans of the film and of art alike would want to hang on their wall.
Take this Halloween triptych put together for the Horror movie series appearing at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX. (Shown above, click for larger images.), or this fantastic Fight Club poster (below), which is a design so strong they decided to make both prints and t-shirts of it.
I guess what I’m getting at is this…in an era where studios are claiming how much money they’re losing in different revenue streams, why don’t they look at a great way to build the brand of their projects, extend the art from not just what appears on the silver screen, but what instead we can have framed and mounted on our walls. These limited edition posters can go for as much as $30-$50 a piece, and are undoubtedly worth every penny.
I’m tired of seeing floating heads promote what I’m going to be seeing next Friday. Let art beget art, and let it be good.
Thanks to my buddy Jami, it’s my pleasure to share with you what might be the next big party game…
KANYE OR HITLER
Presented at UCB-LA by the awesome comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates, the game is probably far harder than you’d expect.
Click play and see how you do.
Original Post:Â YouTube - Who Said It: Kanye or Hitler?.
Zooming across the web comes our first look at this summer’s movie relaunch of the classic A-Team TV series.
This promotional image of the cast (which you can click, for Big McLargeHuge), gives our first clear looks at Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton “Faceman” Peck, District 9’s Sharlto Copley as Capt. “Howling Mad” Murdock, Liam Neeson as Col. John “Hannibal” Smith, and MMA Fighter Rampage Jackson as B.A. Baracus. Plus, in the distance, you can see their new van.
For me, the movie is only a hit if there’s a scene where they get Rampage to drink warm milk to get him on a plane.
Whatcha thinkin, interwebs?
Original Post:Â First Official Look: The A-Team | /Film.
So, this lovely Sunday morning, I awoke early. I had passes for a 10am screening of Astro Boy.
Now, allow me to explain my place here, as an audience member…I’m not an existing Astro Boy fan. I’m aware of its relevance in Japanese anime/manga history, the importance of Tezuka Osamu, but ultimately, I’m ignorant of the character and it’s history. I enjoyed Imagi’s last film, their 2007 relaunch of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle franchise. Sure, the story was a bit weak, but the animation was stunning, and it seemed like the studio was a few films away from a true classic.
After a delay in starting the screening (the audience was mostly families, and the company sponsoring the screening was hoping to fill the theater a bit more), the lights went dark, and the flick began.
We started in a not-too-distant future (the film never dates itself), where the floating Metro City sits in the skies above Earth, a psuedo utopia. A clean city, where all work is done by robots. And when the city is finished with their robots, they simply dump the broken bots onto the Earth’s surface below. Said background is given in a video presentation in the class of young Toby (Freddie Highmore), son of the amazing scientist Doctor Tenma (a surprisingly reserved Nicholas Cage). Why that video is playing in a physics class, given the pop quiz they are given immediately after, I’m not sure, but I guess they had to shoehorn that in somewhere. Serve the plot.
Turns out, Toby is SUPER smart! He aces the physics test very quickly, and then meets with his robot servant, Orrin (Eugene Levy). Toby has a conversation with his father via hologram, and it turns out the workaholic Doctor Tenma won’t be able to spend time with his son Toby. Doctor Tenma has to finish a very important project, the launch of Iron Monger The Peacekeeper. As I’m sure you’ve figured out, Toby rewires Orrin to go visit his father! And Toby gets there, sneaking his way into the Ministry of Science, meeting the evil President Obidiah Stane Stone (Donald Sutherland, and no, I don’t know how you can be president of a city). Toby pisses off President Stone, and Stone has him taken away by guards. Tenma doesn’t really protest this, and this helps the audience understand that Stone is evil, if his not quite Gran Moff Tarkin look didn’t already give that away.
Cut to the launch of the Peacemaker. He’s designed to be run on Blue Core Energy (a project designed by Doctor Elfun, played by a completely wasted Bill Nighy), a boring macguffin that has an evil negative counterpart, called RED Core Energy! Awesome! The launch of the Peacemaker occurs using the blue core energy, it’s not threatening enough for Evil Villain Stereotype President Stone, so they throw the RED core in, and shit goes haywire. Of course, who has snuck in, but Toby! And who gets stuck with the Peacemaker behind an “energy shield”? You guessed it! TOBY! The Peacemaker tries to break through the shield, is unsuccessful, and the ricocheting blast KILLS TOBY DEAD LEAVING ONLY HIS CAP. Which is seen by every character as a minor inconvenience. What the HELL. A 13 year old child just died, and it’s like President Stone told them they have to work this Saturday.
Ugh.
As you can imagine, this leads to our Pinocchio moment, where a grief ridden Doctor Tenma builds a robot version of his son Toby, powering him with the good Blue Core energy. Of course, like the murdering of a child, this is an effortless creation by Tenma. Because the plot needs it to happen. We have to continue on.
So, Tenma has his Toby back, he’s perfect and amazing, and everything’s good.
Until two scenes later, Tenma has decided that Robot Toby is the worst creation he’s ever had, and he needs to be destroyed.
Why? Because the plot needs it to happen.
Either way, this results in a sequence where Robot Toby learns he can fly, dig through things, has flashlight/x-ray eyes, etc. He apparently wasn’t aware he was a robot.
Now, I know that Robot Toby has Toby’s intelligence, they even said as much. You think the lack of socks, shoes and feet (replaced by robot rocket boots), along with having metal underpants as opposed to gentials DIDN’T GIVE AWAY THAT HE WASN’T NORMAL?!
I know this is a kids movie, but don’t treat the entire audience like we’re retarded. Show some RESPECT.
Anyway, since Doctor Tenma doesn’t want Toby around, he goes flying, evil President Stone notices the flying boy, thinks it’s bad therefor must be destroyed, and he lands on the surface.
We continue with the Pinocchio references, as Robot Toby (now calling himself Astro, a name given to him by the useless addition of a Robot Revolution Force or something like that) ends up taking up with a group of surface dweller human children, including one voiced by Kristen Bell, a girl named Cora who apparently once lived in Metro City. Why did she leave? No idea. Why are the other kids orphans? No idea. All it’s really there for is to keep the plot moving, and get Astro mixed up with Ham Egg, a robot rebuilder who seems like a new father for Astro, but turns against him the minute the plot needs it. This gives us our equivalent to the circus sequence from Pinocchio, as Astro fights a number of robots in a “Robo War” or something like that.
Without giving too much away, I’ll cut to the chase. The film results in a large set piece where Astro ends up back in Metro City, fights President Stone in Iron Monger The Peacemaker. It’s an amazing visual set piece, don’t get me wrong, but there’s no solid reasoning or depth into what occurs. The battle ends with Metro City returning to Earth’s surface, Doctor Tenma loving his Robot Son (just ‘cause. I guess Tenma is bipolar), Cora meeting her family, and everyone living happily ever after.
Oh, and then an alien shows up and Astro punches it in the face.
…
Really.
I…I wish I could make reasonable sense as to why this film is as disjointed and nonsensical as it is. Sure, it looks beautiful, but it doesn’t even try to make sense. It’s insulting to it’s audience, it’s insulting to it’s source material, and it’s just poorly done.
And that’s just the surface of many issues in the film. I could rant and rave about how terrible Highmore is as a voice actor (unless they intentionally used the most indifferent of his takes), how inconsistent the environment design was (signs in English! Then Japanese! Then Korean! For no reason!), or how really screwed up it was that a film based on a Japanese property was created with an entirely white cast (seriously, even the background characters were ALL white).
But I’ve already wasted 1100+ words.
Astro Boy is a film to avoid. Like a terrible blind date, sure, it’s nice to look at, but the more it opens it’s mouth, the more time you regret spending with it.
On this site, I haven’t been too ashamed about sharing my biases, so here’s another.
I love Will Ferrell. Sure, he’s not had the best track record as of late, but I still think he’s one of the most solid comedic talents in Hollywood. Why? Because he gives his all to a character. No matter how ridiculous, you believe the character is real.
And it certainly broke my heart when in arguably his best role to date, that of Harold Crick in 2006’s Stranger Than Fiction, the world basically didn’t even notice the film existed.
Never the less, it seems Ferrell is ready to take risks again, starting with the forthcoming independent film Everything Must Go.
First, to get it out of the way, the main reason why this film has gotten noticed is the budget. $10 million, total. In an era when Will could earn that himself, it’s nice to see he’s taking a risk on a project not just in content, but also in his pocketbook.
But the plot is what has me. Based on a Raymond Carver short story, Will Ferrell plays a man who gets kicked out of his house by his wife, who has decided to throw all his belongings on the lawn. Ergo, Ferrell spends the next four days selling every one of his possessions off in a lawn sale.
What makes the flick sound interesting though, is Ferrell plays a total, bleak asshole of a character. A motivational speaker with an alcohol problem, he ends up assaulting a co-worker, is fired, and his wife decides to leave him - all in the same day.
Can Ferrell pull it off? We’ll find out when Everything Must Go hits theaters.
Original Post: Will Ferrell thinks indie with Everything Must Go - HitFix.com.
Ok, I’ll admit, the headline isn’t a huge revelation, as I’ve been in a comic (and written a few) in my time.
Either way, this past Friday, I appeared in the comic Hello With Cheese.
Created by my friends Darren Gendron and Bryan Prindiville, Friday’s comic wrapped up a week of Where The Wild Things Are related strips, by showcasing those of us across the web who are super excited for this weekend’s release of the Spike Jonze adaptation.
Jump on over to Hello With Cheese, click the link for the larger version, and see who else you can recognize!
Original Post: Hello With Cheese » Archive » Getting in line..
See that awesome toy above?
Yeah, it’s designed by Erfworld artist, Super Art Fight co-creator, and someone I’m honored to call my friend - Jami Noguchi.
Would you like to own said toy? That’s why I’m posting about this!
Jami posted this design to the growing in popularity custom toy retailer Patch Together. Following the vein of websites such as Threadless and Design By Humans, users submit unique toy designs, the members of the site vote on them, and the ones with the best cumulative scores get put into production!
So, if you will gang, show Jami some love. Vote up his Monster Cutie.
Thanks!
Original Post: Patch Together :: Designs :: Monster Cutie Shenami.
While this apparently isn’t the first UK poster for The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus, it certainly wins the award for the most stunning.
Absolutely surreal, with a feel that matches the animation style of it’s director, Terry Gilliam, it’s a poster I’d love for my wall, just for it’s visual appeal, let alone if the movie lives up to it’s near infinite level of hype.
Here’s hoping the US Poster is at least somewhere near as good.
Original Post: Beautiful New UK Poster For The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus | /Film.
Coming nice and early this morning is a look at the latest teaser poster from ABC for the final season of their flagship time-shifting sci-fi island drama LOST.
What’s really interesting is how this harkens back to the original series poster (shown below), and not only shows how much the cast as grown, but indicates how the series is fading to black, so to speak.
Of course, I imagine what the Lost diehards will be focusing on are the weird ruinic symbols which appear in the phrase “THE FINAL SEASON”, as they decipher what, if anything, the creators are trying to tell us.
Lost returns for it’s final season this January.
Original Post:Â Poster Madness, Part 3 — Teaser Poster for the Final Season of LOST.
No longer toiling as the tiny cable program that could, with millions of viewers and Emmys under their belt, it’s time for the time tested approach of merchandising the crap out of it.
So, of course, the first item out of the gate (outside of the lovely DVD & Blu-Ray sets) is a damn fine suit from the folks at Brooks Brothers.
It’s an absolutely solid suit, which I think a certain award-nominated blogger would look great in, but the ticket price of $1000 is probably going to keep it out of my closet.
The suits are limited to an edition of 250, and will be available starting October 19th.
Original Post:Â Brooks Brothers Mad Men Edition Suit | Uncrate.
Thanks, random Bus Station attendee!
Original Post:Â The Spoiler Artist Strikes Again! - V - io9.
Yesterday, Captain Lou Albano passed away at the age of 76.
A legendary pro-wrestling manager, the man who was in part responsible for the “Rock & Wrestling Connection”, and best known by this generation as the live action version of Super Mario, he will be missed.
So I thought it’d be worth sharing a classic video of his antics as Mario.
In this clip, Cap’n Lou is supposed to be doing a short PSA about kids not doing drugs. Evidently, the world of Pro Wrestling hasn’t left him as he ends his PSA with possibly the most horrifying final line in anti-drug PSA history.
Enjoy!
YouTube - Captain Lou Albano - WGBS Philly 57 “Just Say No” Drugs PSA.
Oh, France, you’ve given us so much.
Delicious baguettes, beautiful women, an amazing tower, our own Statue of Liberty, Parkour, an argument for public healthcare…
And yet you continue to deliver, now with an exclusive behind the scenes look at IRON MAN 2!
This is a much more newsworthy piece than the Entertainment Tonight fluff piece a few weeks ago, as it gives more an idea of plot, and glimpses at some very interesting scenes (Is that BLACK WIDOW wearing a REPULSOR GLOVE?!).
Either way, it’s enough to send fanboys like me into a frothing furvor. Click to play and enjoy.
Original Post:Â YouTube - IRON MAN 2 - Extended behind the scenes..
Sorry for the hold up in posts. Between recovery from Super Art Fight 5 and other things going on, I had been particularly busy.
Now that I’m officially ranked as an “award nominated” blogger, I thought it’d would be appropriate to return with a post that best holds my strengths.
So, everyone’s familiar with the popular Christian values pushing CGI series VeggieTales, right?
Seems they decided to make a cookie cutter of the main heroes, Bob & Larry, seen above.
Of course, they probably should’ve rethought the shape. Turn that sucker sideways and…
heh heh. dinger.
So remember, next time your bachelorette party needs some ultra classy cock cookies, look to the Christian values of VeggieTales!
Original Post:Â Awesome: Ok, Someone Should Have Thought This VeggieTales Cookie Cutter Through.
In what I feel like is going to be start of a series, I’m going to highlight a really cool thing I found on the internet that I’d like to buy.
Today’s item - Cucos from Kid Robot.
This mini figure series designed by Patricio Oliver is made up of a really screwed up batch of children lead by the “Cursed Twins”. Each 3-inch mini figurine seems to mix equal parts adorable and disturbing horror, and generally, is something I’d like on my nerd-shelf. The gallery below features an image of each figure. I especially like the dude in the gas mask.
The figures are (of course) blind boxed, and will be available for $9.95 each starting October 22nd.
Something tells me that I’m going to be at my local awesome vinyl toy dealer later this month…
Original Post: Preview — Cuccos Mini Series:: Kidrobot KRonikle.
[gallery link=“file”]
One of the most anticipated films of this Holiday season has to be The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
Directed by Terry Gilliam and featuring the final performance of Heath Ledger, with his scenes completed by Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law (you’ll understand), the film looks to be an absolute surreal fairy tale acid trip. And luckily, it won’t be too long before it hits theaters.
Either way, Yahoo! got the exclusive trailer, which I’ve embedded above. You better believe I’ll be there on Christmas Day when it releases.
This past weekend, the Woody Harrelson starring undead opus Zombieland hit theaters, and I think it’s safe to say, it’s probably, to me at least, one of the most fun movies this year.
Reveling in a fun world where the Zombie apocalypse has become more an annoyance than a detriment, it was a shot in the arm to the tired Zombie genre, making for possibly the best film of that style since Shaun of the Dead. All I know for sure was I loved every minute of it.
And it seems that audiences took to it as well, with Zombieland taking the #1 spot at the box office, making $25 Million.
Luckily for all these new Zombieland fans, ideas for a sequel have already been tossed around. Infact, ideas for ELEVEN sequels exist.
See, Zombieland was originally pitched as a TV series, and the film script combined the first two episodes into one theatrical script. And since the creative team had an entire 24 episode season planned, we may just see those ideas appear in multiple sequels to follow.
Should there be 12 Zombielands? I don’t think so. But I surely want to see another adventure with Columbus, Tallahassee and the gang. Sony, let’s give this a shot. But not 11 of them.
Original Post: Forget A Zombieland Sequel: Writers Have 12 Films Planned - Zombieland - io9.
With the deluge of trailers, which culminated in a 5 minute sequence airing on something like 30 networks at the same time last week, I think it’s safe to say that everyone is aware of Roland Emmerich’s latest disaster-rama 2012.
And I think it’s really safe to say that people aren’t looking forward to the flick to see the effects, but rather take in some solid, Oscar caliber acting.
Luckily, some intrepid YouTube user took the 5 minute teaser clip from last week, and cut out all those useless effects, leaving us with nothing but Shakesperian level acting from John Cusack and Amanda Peet.
You can just SMELL the awards!
Original Post: YouTube - 2012 Trailer - “Actors Version” (No Effects).
Ever wonder what it would be like if your favorite heroes from the four-color funny books from DC and Marvel had Facebook accounts?
Worry no longer, as Chris Sims has created some example statuses from this alternate reality Facebook, and it seems it would suck just as hard for them as it does for us.
Click through the link below for way more. If you’re a comic nerd, this is solid comedy platinum.
Original Post:Â Super-Social Networking: Superhero Facebook Status Updates - ComicsAlliance.com.
Again, the internet delivers, combining one of my favorite standup routines with one of my childhood playthings, in this interesting mashup of the insanity of Eddie Izzard alongside the joyful glee of stopmotion animation by way of Lego figurines.
Enjoy!
Original Post:Â YouTube - Eddie Izzard-Cake or Death.
Fresh off the set of the Michel Gondry helmed, Seth Rogen written adaptation of The Green Hornet comes the above image of Rogen as the title character.
You can see for sure that he’s slimmed down for the role, and I dare say it….looks the part!
But what can one expect from a superhero movie written by the team who gave us Superbad and Pineapple Express as lensed through the eye of one of the strangest working directors going today? We’ll find out in December 2010 when Green Hornet hits theaters.
With so many friends who make their livings as designers, I’ve learned to pick up on a lot of their ticks.
Whether it’s a terrible font choice, ugly layout, or just poor proofing, I’ve grown to have just as critical an eye as them, finding the flaws in nearly every logo, design or layout.
So, it’s in the intent of bringing you the best of the internet, I pass along a site catalogging the worst logos in the universe.
Appropriately titled YourLogoMakesMeBarf.com, this site is just full of eye-hurting comedy gold.
I mean really..who the hell approved THIS logo for a bar and grill?
Original Post:Â YourLogoMakesMeBarf.com.
Fresh from the Marvel Films/Paramount production of Iron Man 2 comes this latest still, with Tony Stark looking like how I felt this morning.
Namely, I’m tired, I’m hungry…somebody gimme a donut.
I’m looking forward to more human moments like this in the sequel, which hits theaters this coming May.
While I’ve mentioned this game a few different times on my Twitter, I haven’t really gone at length about my love for it on here, so I thought it was time.
Blast-O-Rama audience, meet Canabalt.
Canabalt, meet the Blast-O-Rama audience.
The idea is simple. You’re running from an unseen threat, trying to get as far as possible without falling to your death. But with a great 2D greyscale style, addictive soundtrack, and great gameplay, you’ll be addicted to it for months to come.
The game started as a flash game designed in just a handful of games (and is still playable for free), but has just been released on the iPhone for $3. Honestly, I’ve played the free version enough to know that I want it on the go.
And as the opening screen says…be sure to play with headphones for maximum awesome.
Can you beat my personal best of 3833m?
Original Post:Â Canabalt Runs, Skips, And Jumps To iPhone App Store.
There really isn’t much more I can say than the topic of the video to get you to press play.
Sesame Street.
Mad Men.
Complete with INTRO!
CLICK THAT PLAY BUTTON.
Original Post:Â YouTube - Sesame Street: Mad Men.
Looks like if this poster by deviantART user “mishinsilo” is any indication, FOX is already part way there…
Original Post:Â House of the Undead by mishinsilo on deviantART.
Megabot, Ep. 1Atom.com: Funny Videos | Atom Originals | MegaBot
As a kid growing up, I would dream of being a part of an amazing super robot piloting team, like those seen in Voltron and Power Rangers.
Well, apparently, it’s MUCH harder than it looks. Or at least that’s the premise of the hilarious new online series Megabot.
Click play above. You wont regret it.
Original Post: Megabot, Ep. 1 | MegaBot|Atom Originals | Atom.
With Marvel now being owned by Disney, fanboys everywhere are wondering if the Mouse House will end up exploiting the Marvel license in ways unseen.
Seems they have a limited memory though, as Marvel has always pushed their name on anything they could, and between the glorious years of 1998 and 2000, this included a short lived restaurant, called Marvel Mania.
Over at Comic Book Resourced, they’ve uncovered the menu for the Universal City based restaurant, and it’s full of terrible comic puns, as you’d expect.
It featured appetizers like Gambit’s Ragin' Cajun Quesadillas, entrees like Archangel Hair Pasta and Doc Ock’s Wok stir fry, but the real draw had to be the desert known as THE GALACTUS.
The Galactus, surely a destroyer of worlds, is described as such:
You’ll need to be the devourer of worlds to tackle this titan. Twelve scoops of ice cream topped with marshmallow, hot fudge, raspberry and caramel sauce; nuts, cherries and whipped cream. A titanic treat, perfect for any party or Super Hero family.
All that could’ve been yours for just $35.
Honestly, reading over this menu has me hoping another Marvel themed restaurant in the works. At the least, we get a new awesomely illustrated menu! Click through the link below for more of a look at the restaurant, including photos of the Mark Bagley illustrated menu.
Original Post: | Found In The Closet - Marvel Mania Hollywood Menu!CBR Live! @ Comic Book Resources.
Remember that kind of awesome sounding Predator reboot to be helmed by Robert Rodriguez, Predators?
Well, the gang at Latino Review (who seem to be getting many an exclusive lately) got a hold of what seems to be the shooting script for the flick, and posted a video review of it (linked below, full of spoilers of course).
How does it sound? Pretty awesome.
The script revolves around an Inglorious Basterds-esq crew of rag tag soldiers dropped onto an alien jungle planet, the intent being to hunt the alien species on that planet.
I’m sure you can guess that the aliens are the Predators, and the soliders end up not being the hunters…but the hunted!
In addition to the normal predators, we’ll also see advanced subspecies of the classic weird-mouthed aliens, including what is described as a “Super Black Predator”.
All and all, the flick sounds like a super fun, hard-R, bloody romp in the jungle, and I can think of no one better to oversee such a flim than Rodriguez. At least it will be better than Shorts. I hope.
Original Post: News: Exclusive: First Look At Robert Rodriguez’s Predators!! | Latino Review.
Just when you think they’ve made every possible bit of Star Wars Merchandise, the Japanese go and surprise you.
Created by master toy makers Kotobukiya, these Lightsaber Chopsticks come in both Darth Vader (linked below) and Luke Skywalker varieties, and to get the whole family in the act, each set of 9" chopsticks comes with an additional pair of 8" Yoda lightsaber chopsticks for the kids.
They’re available for pre-order now, at just $20 a pair. I’m not gonna say too much, but a certain blogger’s birthday is coming up, and between these links and that Amazon Wish List on the right…
Yeah, you get the idea. :)
Original Post:Â Â KOTOBUKIYA - Manufacturer of science fiction, comic, manga, movie and video games collectible figures Japan - STAR WARS :: LIGHRSABER CHOPSTICKS :: PRE-ORDER : STAR WARS LIGHTSABER CHOPSTICKS SET -YODA & DARTH VADER-.
One of my favorite games this year thus far has definitely been Street Fighter IV.
Taking the classic gameplay seen in II, adding the refinements from III, and adding a bit of next-gen shine, it was (and is) a stunning game both to look at and play.
But it should come as no surprise that Capcom has officially announced the upgrade, the predictably titled Super Street Fighter IV.
Due to hit consoles in Spring 2010, the game strives to affirm that it need not be DLC with a whopping EIGHT new characters (including classic characters Dee Jay, T-Hawk and newbie Juri), new balancing, and predictably new stages.
Before you flip out, however, Capcom has made 2 promises…
The game will NOT be sold for full price.
SFIV owners should hold onto their game, as a DLC surprise is coming.
Personally, if the game comes in at $40 or below ($30 would be perfect), I’d definitely consider the pickup, as the game seems to address one of my issues, namely in 25 playable characters, the perceivable lack of depth in the roster.
Guess we’ll find out next year if it’s worth the dough. I’ve included a slue of screenshots below for you to check out, thanks to the gang at Gamespot.
Original Post: Super Street Fighter IV Impressions - First Look - Xbox 360 News at GameSpot.
[gallery link=“file”]
Another glimpse at a great game comes to us from the Tokyo Game Show as we finally have a complete look at the long anticipated Final Fantasy XIII.
Full of action, transforming summons, wacky outfits, and epic score, this trailer is sure to leave you waiting for the December 2009 Japanese, and Spring 2010 US release.
Personally, I haven’t been too jazzed for an FF in a few revisions, so I think it’s a good thing that Square had a few false starts with this one. Here’s hoping the gameplay lives up to the hype!
Original Post:Â YouTube - Final Fantasy XIII TGS 2009 Official Trailer.
This past weekend at the Tokyo Game Show, fans and journalists alike were pleased to finally get their hands on Dead Rising 2.
Dead Rising 2, the much anticipated sequel to the great-but-flawed Dead Rising takes the originals penchant towards destroying hundreds of on screen zombies at a time and cranks it to eleven, adding a multiplayer mode and weapon combining.
While I could talk about the plot of the game (it involves your character being entered into a zombie survival reality show in Las Vegas), I think what you really want to see is the in-game carnage with weapon combining.
Thanks to Kotaku, I’ve embedded 4 videos below, including…THE RAKE SHOTGUN.
Dead Rising 2 is due to hit next year.
Original Post: Dead Rising 2: Behold The Rake Shotgun - Tokyo Game Show - Kotaku.
Of all the movies released this year, which would you expect to be the one with an add-on for PlayStation 3 platformer Little Big Planet?
Maybe a Sackboy Carl Fredricksen from Up? Perhaps he’ll be chased by giant meatballs from Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs? Or Bob the Blob from Monsters vs. Aliens would make an appearance?
Well, all of those are wrong. Instead, as you can see above, Sony has decided to expand Little Big Planet with tools, stickers and sackboy costumes from the dark, gory, blue dong showing hard R adaptation of the comic book classic Watchmen!
Below, is the official trailer for this add-on set, and I think I might just pick it up for the sheer surreal nature of it all.
The Little Big Planet Watchmen add-on content will be available this Thursday, October 1st in the PlayStation Store.
Original Post: Watchmen Sackboys - littlebigplanet - Kotaku.
Fresh off the MySpace presses (yes, I guess some people do still go there), we have the first look at footage from the 2010 remake of A Nightmare On Elm Street.
Featuring Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy Kruger as opposed to Robert Englund, this teaser is apparently near identical to the one shown at San Diego Comic Con this past summer, and pretty much affirms that it will have the same glossy music video feel seen in the Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw Massacre remakes.
Personally, for me, the real draw of the film is Haley as Kruger, given my enjoyment of him as Rorschach in Watchmen, but it’s cool to see the filmmakers are giving homages to the original film with shots like the claw coming out of the bathwater.
Will it be a worthy remake? We’ll see when this new Nightmare screens on April 30, 2010.
EDIT: Added YouTube version, as MySpace player was slowing down the site.
Original Post:Â A Nightmare on Elm Street in HD Video by Trailer Park - MySpace Video.
Local newspaper, The Baltimore Sun, is having a contest celebrating the best blogs in Baltimore.
The contest is called The Mobbies, and some way, some how, this lovely blog was suggested as a candidate for one of the best in the area.
I’m one of 6 candidates for the “Pop Culture” portion of the awards, and voting begins Today, September 28th, and ends at 5pm on Friday, October 9th. You can vote once a day, so if you could please click through and vote me up, well, I’d love you for it.  Due to the timely (and important) nature of this vote, I’ll be sticking this post to the top of the site through October 9th.
All you have to do is click the image above to take you to where you need to go to vote.
As for you great new readers coming to Blast-O-Rama thanks to the Mobbies, thank you for coming here. Blast-O-Rama is my take on what I call “geek culture” (i.e., anything that makes you nerd out), and I hope you enjoy the read.
If you like this site, I highly recommend you check out my other big project, Super Art Fight. Super Art Fight is a live art competition, for which I serve as co-host and commentator, and we have a big show on October 9th at The Metro Gallery. If you dig what we do, join us on October 9th, won’t you?
Thank you for reading and voting, and I guess we’ll see how I do in the standings!
You know, I cannot recall the last time that Entertainment Tonight had well, anything worthwhile on their program. When I was growing up, ET used to be the place for movie trailers and news, but with the advent of the internet, it seems most exclusives escaped their grasp. It doesn’t help that for the most part, they ended up turning into a celebrity tabloid show.
But I digress! As you can see above, they obtained an exclusive behind the scenes look at Iron Man 2, so you know that I had to share it. Some minor plot points are shared, and we see a few different scenes, but ultimately it’s sort of a fluff piece. Either way, it’s enough to have you drooling for IM2’s release in May 2010!
Once again, in full discretion, the passes for Surrogates were provided to me by the fine staff at b.
How can a great concept go so wrong?
On paper, it sounds super intriguing. In a society where humankind has become complacent with using robot surrogates to fufill all aspects of their lives, while they themselves control said robots from home, what happens when the first murder in years occurs, and it’s the son of the man who created these “Surrogates?“ Add the cherry on top of a very bankable star in Bruce Willis, it should be an out-of-the-park home run.
Unfortunately for Willis and Disney (who produced the film under their Touchstone Pictures imprint), Surrogates is anything but. It’s a muddied mess of a film, with plotlines picked up, dropped, ignored, as the audience slowly rolls to the finish line, it what is possibly the most irritating 90 minutes to hit screens in some time.
Actually, I take that back…there have been worse films. But none of them had the potential that Surrogates did.
Look at the interesting plotlines used up and pissed away during the movie.
-A frank look at a relationship where a wife is committed to her timeless body, as her husband, who uses a surrogate for his day job, wants nothing more than to enjoy life and old age with her. Sure, we get about 20 minutes of the setup, but they never actually address the issues in the relationship, giving Willis a scene that could’ve been heartbreaking, if we were made to give a damn.
-A battle between the society which uses surrogates, and the “Dreads”, a group of naturalist humans, dedicated to living without technology. That would’ve been amazing, but then they had to go and make their leader, named (I kid you not) “The Prophet.” It’s a shame he never gets to explain what exactly he’s prophesying, as you know, that’d be some DEPTH to the flick. Luckily, this gets muddied up in the climax, with a reveal that serves only to shock, as it ultimately makes the plot fall into itself.
-A story of conspiracy within VSI, the creators of the Surrogates. Again, a plotline that is mentioned, hinted at, and ignored as it gets in the way of the “action packed” ending.
-A tale of the ultimate weapon, which with one blast not only fries the circuitry of a Surrogate, but also kills the human controlling on the other site. This is what the movie builds around, but I ultimately struggle to find the drama, as the damn gun looks like a dollar store shop vac with a plastic planter glued to the front. I guess all the effects budget had to go towards airbrushing Willis' face with CG when he’s in robot-mode?
Hell, even the acting is inconsistent, with some actors going “full robot” with odd walking patterns, no emotion and no blinking, while some start to use those rules and ignore them during their dialogue. Where the FUCK was the direction on this thing? And before I forget, can we hire someone other than James Cromwell to play the inventor of some sort of technology?
You know, part of me walked out of this film wanting the movie to have been longer, to get the depth each of the above plot threads needed. But now that I think about it, I wouldn’t have trusted them to not screw that up too.
Sorry Bruce, I wanted to dig Surrogates, but it’s just terrible. Don’t waste your money or time.
One of my biggest regrets of this past Summer movie season was that of not seeing Duncan Jones' directing debut Moon.
Featuring the always awesome Sam Rockwell as the lone person working on a moon base, it’s a smart sci-fi film that harks to an experimental era in filmmaking. The trailers looked amazing, the reviews were solid, and it had a stunning poster (seen above), but yet I haven’t seen it yet. Guess I’ll have to catch it on blu-ray.
Either way, apparently the posters that weren’t used, were just as stunning as seen in the gallery below. I love glimpses at things like this. I wish we could see this for all movies, just to see the thoughts in the marketing process.
Original Post: The unseen poster art of MOON.
[gallery link=“file”]
We’ve featured the Lego work of Pixar animator/director/awesome guy Angus MacLane in the past with his sweet interpretation of Up protagonist Carl Fredricksen, but it seems he’s undertaken another great project with CubeDudes.
CubeDudes is is attempt to make mini-figure sized versions of all sorts of well known characters from the worlds of comics, movies and cartoons using Legos, and he’s really outdone himself here. I’ve included a gallery of some of his creations, but I recommend going to the linked Flickr gallery to see them all. Amazing work.
Original Post: Collection: CubeDude.
[gallery link=“file”]
Wow, with all the rumors and hubub about Apple’s new tablet, who would’ve thought that Microsoft would be the one to leave tech nerds drooling over tablet possibilites?
In details released exclusively today by gadget blog Gizmodo, this amazing tablet called Courier features two elegant touch screens, allows for reading/writing/drawing, and overall looks genuinely astonishing. I highly advise you click through at the bottom to view the video of the interface. It’s beautiful.
While I had been certainly impressed by Microsoft’s work on the Zune, and making the 360 a more elegant gaming experience (the system’s known fragility issues aside), I didn’t think we’d see anything this amazing coming out of Redmond.
Well done. Now, make it affordable!
Original Post: Courier: First Details of Microsoft’s Secret Tablet - Microsoft courier tablet - Gizmodo.
Just out of Philly…
Terrence Howard wants YOU to Wash Your Hands!
Weird.
Original Post:Â DAILY CIRC JERK: A TERRENCE HOWARD REMINDER | FilmDrunk.com: The only movie blog with intelligent commenters.
One of the greatest boondoggles in superhero film adaptation history had to be the much beleaguered Superman Lives.
With direction by Tim Burton, a script by Kevin Smith, and with then growing megastar Nicholas Cage as Superman, it seemed like it couldn’t miss. But oh did it ever.
Between blowing hundreds of millions of dollars in pre-production costs, having what sounds like the most surreal script ever (in Smith’s own words), and giving both Burton and Cage “pay or play” deals that allowed them to walk away with millions without even having to film a single frame (and hint, they didn’t), it was an unmitigated distaster.
Now, thanks to Japanese Tim Burton fansite TimBurtonJP, we can see that if it had gone to screen, it would’ve looked as terrible as the script sounded, via the costume test video above. For more insight for what could’ve been, the below gallery showcases a screencap of the costume (GOOD LORD!), plus some concept art from the project, also courtesy of TimBurtonJP.
[gallery link=“file”]
Original Post: ティム・ãƒãƒ¼ãƒˆãƒ³JP:ニコラス・ケイジã®ã‚¹ãƒ¼ãƒ‘ーマン姿をTimButonJPé™å®šã§åˆå…¬é–‹ï¼.
Hey, did I ever tell you about the surreal fever dream I had, about The Rock starring in a movie as a hockey player who routinely knocks people’s teeth out, and then he gets forced to become a Tooth Fairy?
Yeah, it was some weird stuff. This is why I’m not allowed to write when I’m on NyQuil.
So what’s going on today in the movies on the web, eh?
New Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson movie? How iron–
OH SWEET GOD IT WASN’T A FEVER DREAM IT WAS A DARK NIGHTMARE
Seriously though, I know the family movies are easy money, but why hasn’t someone put The Rock in a real comedy or action movie with balls? Dude has skills. Hate to see them wasted in pap like this.
Tooth Fairy stinks up cinemas on January 22, 2010.
Original Post:Â Â I’ll Bet You Can’t Guess What Tooth Fairy Is About | Best Week Ever.
Alright, so we’re just under 3 months until James Cameron’s 3D-CGI epic Avatar hits screens, and shy of a teaser trailer and a 15 minute screening that left most people undecided on whether the movie is worth a rumored $300 million (I dug it, but anyway) we’ve yet to really get anything more.
Enter viral marketing!
The first of hopefully many viral sites for Avatar hit today in the form of AVTR: Future Artifacts From The World of Pandora. This site, chock full of videos and concept art, is designed to get the viewer accustomed to the alien planet of Pandora, the location for the film.
Now, before you look at it’s serene jungles and lush landscapes and think it’s safe, you get a video message from Colonel Quaritch (actor Stephen Lang, the dude with the sweet scars), where he warns you of the dangers with in.
So be wary, and be ready, and check out the world of Pandora!
Original Post:Â AVTR: Future Artifacts from the World of Pandora.
One of the more overlooked announcements from San Diego Comic Con had to be that of the DVD/Blu-Ray release Halo Legends.
Sure, people mentioned it around SDCC, there were some posters released, but there’s been if anything, a lack of hype for this release. Similar in vein to The Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knight, Halo Legends allows a team of anime directors to run wild in the Halo universe, creating vignettes each with a unique style and storytelling approach.
With the release of Halo 3: ODST coming tomorrow, however, it comes as no surprise that the push for Legends has begun. This past Friday night on SpikeTV’s Game Trailers TV, they showed the above 5 minute clip from the short titled “The Babysitter”, our first extended glimpse at the film.
While I enjoy the Halo games, I am not a fervent fan (I’m not 100% about picking up Halo 3: ODST tomorrow, for example), but given that I really enjoyed both The Animatrix and Batman: Gotham Knight, I think Halo Legends is going to end up rather worthwhile. We’ll find out for sure when it releases early next year.
Original Post: YouTube - Halo Legends - The Babysitter Preview Spike TV.
Last night, in the middle of the broadcast of the 61st Annual Primetime Emmys, known supervillain/blogger Dr. Horrible interrupted the broadcast to taunt television viewers on the death of their given format and the rise of the internet as a broadcast platform.
Thanks to the magic of said intertubes, we now have video of his message of hate (along with some surprise guests), appearing above.
In all seriousness though, this was just one part of a very fun Emmys broadcast, the enjoyment of which was almost entirely at the hands of host Neil Patrick Harris and announcer John Hodgman, who added humor and gravitas to what is typically another bloated awards show. Here’s hoping they’re both brought back for 2010.
Oh, and given that I’m already a drooling fanboy for it on here…
MAD MEN WON BEST DRAMA! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!
Original Post: YouTube - Dr Horrible on the Emmys.
Take one part Greyskull, one part wacky hipster fashion, and you’d get this amazing illustration series by Adrian Riemann.
Mixing the He-Man characters of the 80s with the current day fashions of the kids who grew up in that decade…it’s stunning to say the least.
Adrian, friend, you outdid yourself. Don’t just take my word on it, dear readers, click that link.
Original Post:Â MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE on the Behance Network.
Remember a few months back when I posted a video of Dr. Doom on the open-mic circuit?
The video was filmed as a part of Bar Bacon Comedy night at Golden West here in Baltimore, and well…Doom returned. And he seems to have come back with a certain watermelon destroying comedians schick.
In my opinion, it’s a good bit better this time.
Original Post:Â YouTube - Doom-O-Matic!.
Remember those great Marvel cartoons from the 60’s, which were basically glorified motion-comics?
What would happen if they did them as Marvel Zombies?
That’s the answer provided with these series of YouTube videos by user “whoiseyevan”, and well, they’d be a bunch of bloody, catchy themed song fun!
We’ve got one above, and one below, so click play and enjoy!
Straight from Jackson Publick’s livejournal, we now know the premiere date for Venture Brothers Season 4.1 (called .1 as it’s the first part of the season, which will be split into two.)
The season will debut at midnight on Sunday, October 18th. So, yes, technically on Monday, October 19th.
Either way! NEW VENTURE BROS! OCTOBER EIGHTEENTH! BE THERE!
Oh, and that image up top? That’s a look at the Monarchmobile straight out of the new season. Dig it.
Original Post:Â Publick Nuisance - Go To This If You Can.
I love how ThinkGeek is constantly trying to invent new consumer goods for their super-nerd customer base, but honestly, this may be one of the strangest ideas yet, so much so that I had to make sure it wasn’t April 1st and this wasn’t one of their amazing April Fools Day products.
Behold the Brick Construction Shirt. Essentially, it’s your basic black t-shirt, but attached to the chest is one of those giant construction block base plates, which you can then build your latest creation upon. Not just for Lego fans, the shirt also accommodates PixelBlocks, Mega Bloks and K’NEX Bricks. Either way, I’m just confused at how uncomfortable it must be to wear, especially on a warm day, and then how awkward it must be to walk around with your new TIE Fighter set extended from your torso.
Even with that said, I honestly anticipate seeing dozens of these things over the 2010 convention season. For $18, it can be yours. Nerd it up, nerdlingers.
Original Post: ThinkGeek :: Brick Construction Shirt.
The fall of the old music industry empire continues as Billy Corgan announces that the next Smashing Pumpkins album will be free.
Following in the footsteps of Nine Inch Nails (free/pay what you want), Radiohead (pay what you want) and dozens of others, Corgan announced on the Smashing Pumpkins blog today that their next album will be distributed for free online. As one of the few people who honestly didn’t hate Zeitgeist, this sounds pretty cool, but then the issues come in. And there are many.
First, let’s start with the new album’s title, which hinges on self-parody: Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.
Next, the release format: Teargarden will be a series of ELEVEN 4-song EPs, where each track will be released individually, starting around Halloween, with the following tracks to be released at an undetermined interval. So if Billy has a temper tantrum about how the release goes, as he has about…well, everything else since the Smashing Pumpkins “re-formed”, I’d imagine we may see the album halted oh…forty tracks early.
Third, this will be their first album with their new drummer Mike Byrne. Bryne, who is NINE-FUCKING-TEEN years old. He was SIX when Mellon Collie & The Infinite Sadness came out. Christ I’m old. Sure, kid could be amazing, but I don’t have high hopes.
Last, and far from least, the presumed artwork for the releases, attached to Billy’s blog post:
If that wasn’t enough, Billy’s last line sounds like some random brag from a child, like those kids who would say “My Uncle works for Nintendo in Japan and he’s seen Super Mario 10!". On how many songs are completed for the project he says….
I already have 53 songs written for the record, so I am quite confident that I already have much of the material that I would need to undertake such an extensive project.
Smashing Pumpkins' Lisa Frank-themed Teargarden by Kaleidyscope should start releasing this fall. Maybe.
Original Post: Smashing Pumpkins dot com | announcement from billy corgan about new smashing pumpkins album.
Considering it looks like I’m up for About page, make it look good for the new visitors.
Ergo, I fixed a long running issue on here.
Typically, you view the site on….oh, any web browser ever, and it would look like this:
However, when you would visit it on Internet Explorer (the web designer’s enemy), it’d get all screwy and look like this:
Well, now thanks to my good buddy, co-host, wingman, and all around swell cat, Ross Nover, that’s been fixed.
So no longer do you IE users get stuck with a ghetto Blast-O-Rama! Enjoy!
With the release of an IMAX release date announcement from Sony, we now know when to expect Spider-Man 4 to hit theaters.
Being released in both standard and IMAX formats (but thus far unannounced as being shot in IMAX, so…really, eh.) the 4th flick for the Marvel webslinger will hit screens on May 5, 2011.
You may be wondering, why am I so blase about the release of another Spider-Man film, especially if you knew that I am one of the few people that defends portions of the 3rd film?
The reason is this…the return of Sam Raimi, Tobey McGuire and Kirsten Dunst.  You watch Spider-Man 3, and the parts that worked the best, or had the most spark of life, were the new elements…Thomas Haden Church as a forlorn Sandman, Topher Grace doing an interesting interpretation of Eddie Brock as a ‘bizarro Peter’ and Bryce Dallas Howard playing a perfectly ethereal Gwen Stacy. By contrast, Raimi seemed beaten down by studio politics, Tobey felt/looked too tired and old to play superhero, and Dunst was just…terrible.
Raimi showed sparks again in this past summer’s Drag Me To Hell, but honestly, I have a bad feeling this is less people doing the movie for a “make-good”, but more because of the giant dumptrucks of Sony cash at their doors.
In a perfect world, Spider-Man would be handled like the Bond franchise, with new actors and creative team members flowing in as the one prior flows out. But I guess instead, we’re going to see if there’s enough gas left in the tank for one more installment.
As a life-long Spider-Man fan, for whom the first two movies are popcorn-perfection, please gang, don’t let me down.
Original Post:Â Imax books ‘Spider-Man 4’ for 2011.
You remember Iggy Pop, right?
The street-walkin' cheetah with a heart full of napalm?
The dude who used to cut his chest open on stage?
That guy?
Yeah, he’s now a Lego Man, appearing as such in Lego Rock Band.
The definition of “rock and roll” sure has changed. I mean, sure, dude was on Pete & Pete, but this is just ridiculous!
Could always be worse though. Look at what Activision did to Kurt Cobain in Guitar Hero 5…
Original Post:Â Iggy Pop goes shirtless for Lego Rock Band.
And now, the real news from D23 that had me SUPERSTOKED…
Disney is starting a new animation imprint titled Disney Double Dare You, to be helmed by one of this blog’s absolute favorites…Guillermo Del Toro.
The concept of Disney Double Dare You is to create “films full of thrills and chills for all ages”, so I anticipate it to be a darker, more fantasy filled imprint of animation from Disney.
The first project confirmed is a film called Trollhunters, based on an original Del Toro story. In an interview with Variety concerning the new imprint, he hinted towards some sort of connection between the films, saying that the films will be linked by ““one feature that shall remain secret, but that you shall soon be very familiar with.“
How Guillermo intends to balance an entire film imprint with the other projects he’s working on, I have no idea, but I am very excited.
If you told me ten years ago, that some of the most exciting movements in filmmaking would be coming from Disney, I’d call you crazy, but between Pixar, this new Double Dare You imprint and their purchase of Marvel, it’s looking to be true.
Original Post:Â Guillermo Del Toro’s D’ Project Revealed: A New Disney Animation Label | /Film.
In another bit of news from the D23 convention this past weekend (which I’m just getting around to posting thanks to a nice bout of Strep, no fun.), Disney officially announced the theatrical return of THE MUPPETS!
The new flick, which has no official release date thus far, will be titled The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made.
Based on a script by Forgetting Sarah Marshall star/Apatow Clan member/all around awesome dude Jason Segel, the film is apparently built around an unused story idea from Jim Henson, where Gonzo blows the movie budget on the opening credits, and then the rest of the film is shot on the same backlot, which is poorly disguised as the locations for the rest of the film.
Sounds great to me! As a child of the Muppet generation, I personally cannot wait for Kermit, Fozzie and the gang to be back on screen. Let’s just hope that if there are celebrity cameos (a Muppet staple), they’re of the Jason Segel/Seth Rogan variety, and not say…Heidi & Spencer. Ugh.
Original Post:Â Disney Announces The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made | /Film.
Fresh from this past weekend’s D23 Disney Convention, comes the above confirmation of the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean flick, complete with subtitle and suggested release date.
Just won’t let the franchise die, will you, Big Dis? And this comes from a guy who actually liked the trilogy as a whole…
At least Orlando Bloom & Kiera Knightly are said to not be coming back.
Original Post: Blog@Newsarama » Blog Archive » “Pirates 4"³ has a name….
Andy Sandberg is a pretty talented performer. And a decent singer. And he might’ve released one of my favorite albums this year.
However, as this video promoting Cloudy With A Side Of Meatballs demonstrates, he doesn’t really know how computer animation works…
Original Post: YouTube - Andy Samberg behind the scenes of “Cloudy”.
For years, I’ve been a fan of Woody Harrelson, but I have to admit, it’s mostly been in an ironic fashion.
The original example of “Aw Shucks” acting endearing a performer to a mass audience (see Matthew McConaughey for the modern version), Woody broke out on Cheers, had a few minor hits, then became more of a punchline due to his non-stop support of Hemp based products.
Despite this, I really enjoy seeing Woody in flicks, and between this Fall’s Zombieland, and the flick this post is about, Defendor, I’m excited to see him get roles that will allow him a modern day renaissance.
So what’s Defendor about?
Harrelson plays a man who decides to become a vigilante, seeking to avenge his mother’s death. I know, we’ve had quite a few superhero movies in recent years, but this seems to fall more on the “superhero concepts don’t work out in real life” side of things than another fantastical blockbuster.
The flick also features Kat Dennings (whom I love!) as a prostitute who he befriends.
The first trailer is embedded below.
//
Original Post: The ‘Defendor’ Trailer Lands Online - Cinematical.
It’s been a good few days as a music fan.
The new Protomen album dropped, the new Muse leaked, and now another of my favorites, the crazy brits in Los Campesinos! have released a track off of their forthcoming 3rd album, which has yet to be titled or dated.
The track is called “The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future”, and they’ve not just created a homegrown music video (viewable at the link below), but offered the song for download (again, same link).
It’s somewhat of a departure for the band, headed in the darker direction found in certain tracks of We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed, but it continues in the bands mixture of pure emotion with slightly sloppy playing (in that good way). A few listens in, I love the track to death, and cannot wait to see what the rest of the album holds.
Don’t just take my word for it, go download the track and see what you think!
Original Post:Â The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future « LC!.
One of the most fun films of the past few years had to have been The Host.
Effortlessly mixing family drama with kajiu goodness, it was just an absolute blast to watch, and became a bit of a worldwide hit.
In a move that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise, The Host 2 is currently in production. Unfortunately, literally no one from the first is involved in the sequel, but the still above tells us that the CGI beasties will still be rad.
The Host 2 will hit Korean theaters sometime in 2010, and then sometime thereafter here in the US.
Original Post:Â First CG Test Picture from “The Host 2” - The Host 2 - io9.
Best known for his British gangsta films and being Madonna’s ex, Guy Ritchie will know be known for bringing “The Main Man” to the screen, as he helms the film adaptation of Lobo.
Possibly the first instance in years of me responding to a comic adaptation announcement of “That Character, Really?", Lobo is best known as a late 80’s-early 90’s DC Comics in-joke, a spoof of Marvel’s grim and gritty characters such as Wolverine and Punisher.
An intergalactic bounty hunter, Lobo traveled from galaxy to galaxy, killing everything in his path. Along the way, he had a comic cover where he might’ve had a penis for an elbow and had his ass kicked, off panel, by Wolverine during the mid-90’s DC vs. Marvel crossover.
While Ritchie seems to have removed the stink from his terrible Madonna film Swept Away by producing return-to-form flicks such as Revolver and RocknRolla (not to mention directing the hopefully-great Sherlock Holmes, due out this Christmas), I really can’t help but wonder…of all the DC characters on the shelf, why this one?
We’ll find out whenever Lobo hits theaters, I suppose.
Original Post: The Hollywood Reporter: Heat Vision: Guy Ritchie to direct ‘Lobo’.
Mark your calendars! Two of the biggest nerd films for 2010 now have dates!
From an official announcement by Lionsgate on their Twitter feed, we now have confirmed release dates for Kick-Ass and The Expendables.
Kick-Ass, the adaptation of the Mark Millar/John Romita Jr. series about a young vigilante, has been set for April 16th.
The Expendables, the action tour de force written/directed/starring Sylvester Stallone, along with such action luminaries as Jason Statham, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin will blast it’s way into theaters on August 20th.
Original Post:Â Lionsgate Sets KICK-ASS For April 16th, 2010; Moves THE EXPENDABLES To August! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
One of the biggest trends in Hollywood these days is to go 3D, and it should come as no surprise that one of the biggest new franchises in Hollywood, that of Iron Man, is looking into adding depth (HA!) to their next flick.
Over at Ain’t It Cool News, they have the exclusive tidbit that Paramount & Marvel Studios are currently looking into converting Iron Man 2 into a 3D feature. Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland is currently being put together by taking 2D footage and enhancing it for 3D, so apparently this is now quite possible. Furthermore, the rumor states, if the process is cheap/fast enough, they’ll look into re-releasing Iron Man 1 the same way, shortly before Iron Man 2 to get fans hyped.
Honestly, after partaking in the Avatar footage last month, I do see why so much of Hollywood is excited to go 3D. It DOES add a theater-only benefit to films.
However, and this is a big however (hence, italics), Avatar was natively shot in 3D. So was Coraline. Those films made 3D feel important. Up was not, and the process felt unnecessary. And I have an odd feeling so too would the next Shellhead adventure.
Either way, we’ll see what happens, and knowing me…yeah, I’d shell out the extra 3 bucks to see the movie in 3D.
Original Post:Â AICN Exclusive: IRON MAN 2 in 3D?!?! & IRON MAN 1 too?!?!? – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
Fresh off the internet wire comes the above first look at the CGI movie version of The Smurfs.
The image comes from a trade magazine, and honestly, doesn’t give you much more than a Smurf, the logo, and a projected release date. I didn’t really grow up as a Smurfs fan, so I can’t say I really…care, persay, but I know some of you probably do, hense…post.
What is weird, though? The catchphrase from a movie about a coke dealer being used to market a movie about small blue elvish things to kids. That is comedy gold.
The Smurfs hits theaters, and possibly rapes childhoods, Christmas 2010.
Original Post: First Look at a CGI Smurf! - ComingSoon.net.
So, it’s Monday morning…
…Summer’s almost over…
…Marvel’s being bought out by the House of Mouse.
It’s a rough day.
This should get you feeling better. Take one part Lonely Island, one part Hayao Miyazaki, shake vigorously.
Ponyo’s on a boat, motherfuckers.
Original Post: YouTube - Ponyo on a Boat!.
You can almost hear the fanboys cry, but this might be a huge opportunity for Marvel Comics.
Right now there isn’t much more to the story than the headline, with Disney dropping FOUR BILLION DOLLARS to obtain Marvel, but where it goes from here is the interesting part.
Marvel has literally thousands of characters and ergo, thousands of potential properties. Provided that Disney is smart enough to see how Warner Bros handles DC, letting the comic division of the company run somewhat autonomously, this could be great.
Looking at what Disney has access to, we could see new films via Touchstone Pictures/Walt Disney/Pixar, new TV shows via ABC, new cartoons on any number of their existing networks and riskier properties handled via their Miramax division.
There are dozens of questions to be answered and the extent of changes to Marvel will remain to be seen, but right now, I lay on the side of optimism.
Don’t make me regret that, Disney!
Original Post: Disney to Acquire Marvel Entertainment - MarketWatch.
First a comic, soon to be a TV show, it’s hard to say that fans aren’t getting enough of The Walking Dead.
But a truly dedicated fan has made it so you can trace the footsteps of this group of zombie apocalypse survivors.
Using the power of Google Maps, ‘Jason’ has annotated a map that takes you though the first 64 issues of Robert Kirkman’s amazing series, notating where in the US every major plot twist occurred.
If you have a few hours to kill, check it out. Of course, be warned, thar be spoilers!
Original Post: THE WALKING DEAD MAP - Google Maps.
Say what you will about the Star Wars prequel trilogy, but I feel it gave us two of the greatest post-Original Trilogy bits of programming in both of the Clone Wars cartoons.
Starting with the shorts by Genndy Tartakovsky and continuing into the CG series, I’ve dug everything created for the Clone Wars universe thus far.
Luckily, Clone Wars got picked up for a second season, and it will premiere on Cartoon Network on October 2nd. Hopefully, my cable company will have picked up Cartoon Network HD by then.
Here’s the press release with the official word.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars Rise of the Bounty Hunters premieres Friday, October 2, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT)
ATLANTA — Coming off of the record-setting first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Cartoon Network announced today it will premiere a full slate of 22 all-new episodes for season two of the critically acclaimed and top-rated CG-animated series from creator George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation. The special one-hour season two premiere event of Star Wars: The Clone Wars airs Friday, October 2, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).
Star Wars: The Clone Wars has emerged as one of the preeminent animated series on television, combining the expansive scope of the Star Wars saga with exciting weekly adventures. During its first season, premiere episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Cartoon Network (Fridays at 9 p.m.) ranked #1 on all TV with boys 6-11. Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a thrilling, weekly 30-minute mini-movie created by the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation.
Fierce battles, expanded storylines and ground-breaking animation raise the stakes in Star Wars: The Clone Wars — Rise of the Bounty Hunters. The lives of the Jedi become more complex as secret and forbidden relationships are revealed and a new breed of villain enters to take advantage of the wartime turmoil. Season two introduces these lawless rogues into the fray along with a host of new characters, locations and creatures. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Star Wars universe, The Clone Wars is bigger, bolder and more intense than ever before.
Lucasfilm, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Lucasfilm Animation and related character names, vehicle names and properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 97 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families. Nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
This past Friday, the first teaser trailer for Inception was released, attached to prints of Inglorious Basterds.
The trailer has finally hit the web (embedded above), and honestly, I’m just as lost about the film as I was before.
Here’s what I’ve gathered…
-Stars Leonardo DiCaprio.
-Has trippy action sequences.
-The mind will be the scene of the crime.
As for figuring anything else out, GOOD LUCK! Even the website is just a weird tease at this point.
Any way you cut it though, Christopher Nolan is a director who I will trust blindly, so I will be there when it hits in Summer 2010.
Hopefully we’ll know more then, yes?
After 15 years of gestation and an estimated $300+ million budget, director James Cameron’s latest sci-fi opus Avatar was officially unveiled to the public with a screening of roughly 15 minutes of selected footage. This free IMAX 3D screening, with tickets given away online, was not my first taste of the film, given the release of the teaser trailer this past Thursday, but I anxious to see what was in store.
For years, the film had been spoken in hushed tones amongst film fans. Jim Cameron’s grand return to Sci-Fi filmmaking, using “hyperreal” CGI and 3D cameras so advanced, they had to spend millions of dollars to develop them! But what was it really? The teaser gave only the vaguest of clues, and unfortunately, the footage shown, while impressive, did not illuminate as to what we’ll be seeing in December.
Starting with a military debriefing on the dangerous alien planet Pandora, continuing to Marine Jake Sully’s integration into an alien body (the titular “avatar”), and then featuring some action packed sequences in Pandora, these scenes gave no overall sense of scope, and only a taste of what is to be. But there is one thing this footage did: impressed.
The CGI is unlike anything I’ve seen before, and while mid-range shots look almost plasticine at times, the close ups and long distance shots truly look almost photo real. But the real star was the environments. The landscape of Pandora is 100% CG, and left me breathless with how real it felt, helped greatly by masterful use of the most recent 3D technology, adding depth and scale to the proceedings.
Overall, I feel the audience walked away just as I did. Audibly excited during an extended chase sequence, we were riveted! And with a final montage of the native Pandorian creatures battling an armored military force, it looks like the truly great sequences were being kept just out of reach. I cannot say we were any smarter as to how Avatar will play out on screen later this year, but we were in awe of what it might be. And it just might be a classic in the making.
Part of me wants to believe this is a cruel joke. That, or the universe has decided to give Patton Oswalt new material, given that his new album My Weakness is Strong! releases on Tuesday.
Either way, this is PROOF that KFC is attempting to murder us all, after that wussy Kentucky Grilled Chicken cop-out.
That glorious “sandwich” above is called the KFC Double Down. I put sandwich in quotes, as it doesn’t use bread, OH NO! TOO EASY!
If anything, it’s a bacon, cheese and Colonel’s Sauce sandwich, where instead of bread…it’s TWO FRIED CHICKEN FILETS. WHAT THE HELL.
Thus far, it only seems to be available in certain markets, but KFC is totally giving it the full marketing push, with commercials airing on local television (seen below).
KFC, you tried to kill me with the Famous Bowl, but by GOD, I will not let you kill me this way!
…but I do want to try one anyway.
Original Post: Epic: KFC Has A Bacon Sandwich That Uses Fried Chicken As “Bread”.
Thanks, Ross, for making my Friday.
I need one. Immediately.
EDIT: Just found it on eBay, with an image of the equally awesome front!
Original Post: FFFFOUND! | THEM THANGS.
As far as I’m concerned, Zach Snyder is 3-for-3 when it comes to movies.
Loved the Dawn of the Dead remake, Loved 300, and was awed by the scope and risk in doing an adaptation of Watchmen (however flawed though it may be). So, of course, I’m keeping an eye on his next project, Sucker Punch.
Already, he’s got a pretty solid cast. Made up of pretty much all young female Hollywood, it’s the story of a girl who is placed into an asylum by her stepfather and is set to undergo a lobotomy.
She, along with her friends in the asylum, then enter an alternate reality to escape. Sounds pretty wild, and knowing Snyder’s skill with mostly CG sets, this could be a feast for the eyes. The official logo was revealed at San Diego Comic Con (shown above) and it’s an interesting piece of art, if nothing else.
Either way, I’ve just been sold a ticket, as Synder has lined up JON HAMM (!!!!) to join the cast, as a character named “High Roller”.
Aside from that, we have no details about the character, but I’ll be there, for sure.
Sucker Punch is set to hit theaters in 2011.
Original Post: Mad Men’s Jon Hamm joins up with Zack Snyder’s SUCKER PUNCH! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
Above is the latest still from Iron Man 2.
Not that interesting, I’ll admit, but it’s a good look at Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon, Moon) as Justin Hammer.
The important part?
Dude is totally rocking the Bob Barker/Price Is Right mini mic.
SOLD.
Original Post: Unexciting New Photo of Sam Rockwell in Iron Man 2 | /Film.
Ask yourself something. On the most basic of premises, would you be interested in seeing a movie about rival ballerinas?
Answer: Probably not. The sheer idea alone reeks of straight to DVD or low-budgeted films that are one part Bring It On homage and one part teenybopper crap.
Now what if I told you Darren Aronofsky was working on a movie about rival ballerinas?
And that they weren’t just rival ballerinas, but the rival may be an imagined version of the ballerina herself?
And they were played by Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis?
Sounds pretty interesting, right?
That’s the idea behind Black Swan. The flick has been talked about in Hollywood circles for some time, and if the linked to script review is any indication, it sounds like a slow burn psychological thriller, built around dance.
And hey, if that doesn’t sell you….how about this?
“In this movie, Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis have sex…And not just nice sweet innocent sex either. We’re talking ecstasy-induced hungry aggressive angry sex.“
Yeah, I thought that grabbed your attention.
Filming on Black Swan is scheduled to start this fall in New York City.
Original Post: Black Swan Script Review.
Over the past few years, I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to get somewhat involved with the independent music scene, via a few creative outlets of mine.
I suppose then, it’s somewhat ironic that I haven’t been able to feature music on as regular a basis on here as much as I’d like.
Never the less, I thought I’d take the time to spotlight one of my favorite musical discoveries of the past few years, a band named Nakatomi Plaza.
Mixing strong riffs with attention grabbing vocals that range from a whisper to an animalistic growl and producing more pure rocking sound than a three-piece should be able to do, they had my attention from the first time I heard their album Unsettled. It’s a bummer then, that after ten years of hard work and touring, they’re wrapping up as a band with a final tour this fall.
However, it’s not time to be sad, as they’re going out with a bang.
As sort of a thank you, the band has decided to release their final album, titled Ghosts, either absolutely free or on a “Pay What You Like” basis, available on their website (linked below) between August 18th and August 30th. I intend to snatch a copy myself this evening, and then make a personal point to see them on their last tour (playing here in Baltimore on September 3rd with the always awesome Avec).
I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing this band live, but if their albums are any indication, I highly recommend that if you’re reading this, and seeing them is an option, you make the trip.
Here’s the schedule for their final tour:
AUG 31 - New Brunswick, NJ @ The Court Tavern w/ Disarmor SEP 01 - Washington, DC @ TBA w/ Trophy Wife and Avec SEP 02 - Baltimore, MD @ The Talking Head w/ Avec and Lingos Clamore SEP 03 - Richmond, VA @ Plaza Bowl w/ Landmines, Marionette, and Cities For Small Towns SEP 04 - Louisville, KY @ Skull Alley w/ Desolation Wilderness, Attica! Attica!, and Alcohawk SEP 05 - Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop w/ Good Luck, Attica! Attica! and Eric Ayotte SEP 06 - Cleveland, OH @ The Grog Shop w/ I Am Champagne, Swarm of Bats, and Attica! Attica! SEP 07 - Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place w/ Lemuria and Attica! Attica! SEP 08 - Ithaca, NY @ The Shop w/ Attica! Attica! and Beach Parade SEP 09 - Binghamton, NY @ TBA w/ Summer People SEP 11 - Brooklyn, NY @ Shea Stadium BUDDY FEST DAY 1 (2nd to last NP show!) w/ Avec, The Reveling, and The New Dress SEP 12 - Brooklyn, NY @ Shea Stadium BUDDY FEST DAY 2 (last ever NP show!) w/ Cities For Small Towns, Lemuria, I Am Champagne, Man Without Plan, Trophy Wife, Summer People, Ludlow Lions, One Main Riot, Rapid Cities, and Kill Wealthy Dowager
Original Post: nakatomi plaza.
The troubled path of Benicio del Toro’s starring turn as The Wolfman seems to finally have come to a positive head, as we finally have the first trailer and set of stills from the Joe Johnston’s helmed flick.
While the flick looks interesting, with a great cast including Anthony Hopkins (who looks almost CG in the still released), Emily Blunt and Hugo Weaving; one has to wonder if Universal’s near constant pushing back of the release date is a sign of no-confidence in the film.
Either way, we’ll know for sure when the flick hits screens on February 12, 2010.
Original Post: THE WOLFMAN on Yahoo! Movies.
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After 15 years of work, we finally get a glimpse at Jim Cameron’s Avatar. And I’m still confused what the idea is.
Maybe after I see 18 minutes of it tomorrow, I’ll have a better idea. Either way, you’ll be the first to know.
At 10am EST, the first trailer for Avatar will arrive on Apple.com.
Tomorrow, August 21st, 18 minutes of Avatar footage will be shown to fans across the country (I’ll be one of them, with my impressions appearing here, and elsewhere…).
So while the last shreads of the veil of secrecy are up, Fox decided this was a great time to release 6 new stills from the film, which ultimately tell us nothing.
You’ve got Sigourney Weaver looking great for 60, Michelle Rodriguez looking bummed out about something, some military dude with some sweet head scars, and Sam Worthington wearing a biker t-shirt and having a lot more hair than usual.
Oh! And an awesome pic of airships, which I’ve used as the header image for this post.
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?! WHERE IS IT ALL LEADING?!
No idea. But we’ll know more in just a few hours. Or by the time you read this.
[gallery link=“file”]
Fresh off the streaming site goodness of [adult swim].com, comes our first look at the fourth season of The Venture Bros.
I’ve been a fan of Venture Bros since it started, but I truly think the series hit it’s stride last season, taking a show that started mostly as a Jonny Quest parody and turning into a complete analysis of growing up as a failure and dealing with one’s own mediocrity…while battling super villains, of course.
Season 4 looks to be just as great, and I can’t wait for it to air this fall!
Original Post: Adult Swim Video.
With the return of Mad Men to television this past Sunday, another of my favorite hobbies returned…endless speculation and research of Mad Men!
And now, it just got a whole lot easier with this new website, The Footnotes of Mad Men. Essentially it breaks down different references from the series, either elaborating on background detail, character name origins, the real advertising referenced, or any number of infinite minutia packed into the series. Simply put, for an OCD nerd like myself, this is heaven.
I mean, where else can you find elaborate discussion of a painting showcased for 15 seconds of a TV program? And what makes this even better is having this knowledge in hand only further illuminates the rich world built around the characters, and underlines how much the creative staff at Mad Men truly “get” their universe.
The website is only credited to “the friends of dick whitman at gmail dot com”, but whoever’s behind it, I’d like to personally salute you. You do the nerdy legwork, so we don’t have to.
Original Post: The Footnotes of Mad Men.
Guess the new slogan in Glorious Nippon is…
DORITOS: Like A Gentle Step On The Nads!
Congratulations, Minnesota! You now have a reason to exist.
What is it?
ZOMBIE BAR.
Once an infamous tavern called “Stand Up Franks”, this simple bar has been remodeled and reopened with a decorum that mixes Vegas lounge with undead corpses. Now called Donnie Derk’s Zombie Den, it’s been serving up drinks to a happy crowd, who probably have an easier time relaxing knowing they’re in a bar prepared for the apocalypse (seen below).
Their bartenders even dress like a certain zombie fighting slacker/TV salesman from London.
Suffice to say, I think I need to go.
Original Post: Zombie resurrection | StarTribune.com.
One of the most anticipated films this fall has to be Spike Jonze’s adaptation of the Maurice Sendak classic Where The Wild Things Are.
Aside from the rather mature way Jonze seems to be handling the material (based on the trailers at least), one of the more eye opening aspects of the project has to be that Jonze co-wrote the screenplay with famed author Dave Eggers.
Eggers, best known for his psuedo-autobiography A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, evidently became very enamored with the material, as he then adapted the screenplay into a novel entitled The Wild Things.
The New Yorker has just released a portion of the novel (roughly 8 pages of material) in an excerpt titled Max At Sea, viewable online at the link below. It should give a good hint towards the tone of the film, and has me anticipating now both the film and novel, when they’re released this October.
Original Post: Max at Sea : The New Yorker.
For months, it’s been the worst kept secret in gaming.
First, a Chinese factory leaked box shots in May. Then, Sony swore at E3 it wasn’t happening. And finally, this morning, K-Mart kind of blew it and let everyone it was coming.
But today, in Germany, Sony confirmed the rumors that a newer, slimmer PS3 would be hitting shelves.
This new PS3 is set to be released the first week of September with a 120GB Hard Drive, consuming 34% less power and taking 32% less space.
Honestly, my PlayStation 3 functions more as a blu-ray player and defacto PS2 than anything else, but I must admit that this new system looks really nice. Shame that it’s possibly too little too late for Sony to overtake this generation.
Sony’s more svelte PlayStation 3 will sell for $300.
Original Post: Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September.
After nearly two decades of gestation, superstar director James Cameron (Terminator, Titanic, The Abyss) is finally ready to drop the curtain on his sci-fi epic, Avatar.
Not to be confused with the Nickelodeon toon, Avatar is set to take viewers to a super realistic CGI world, where a paraplegic solider gets to walk again, via a cloned alien…his avatar.
Unfortunately, that’s about all we know of the project thus far. The details released have been few and far between, and shy of a few stills, and a San Diego Comic Con screening of 15 minutes of footage, Cameron has kept radio silence about the flick.
This all changes on Friday.
This Friday, August 21st, dubbed “Avatar Day” will give audiences the first public taste of the film, with a three-pronged hype attack.
First, a 15 minute teaser screening will occur in IMAX 3D theaters nationwide, with tickets to be given away at AvatarMovie.com at Noon PST (about a half hour from now.)
Second, a non-3D trailer will be attached to screenings of the Quentin Tarantino opus Inglorious Basterds.
Finally, Apple.com will have downloadable trailers, in a variety of formats.
Will the hype pay off? Is Avatar the next revolutionary step in filmmaking? Is it a 200 Million Dollar experiment gone wrong? We’ll know more come Friday, and know for sure when the full-length feature hits theaters on December 18th.
Original Post: Official Avatar Movie site | In Cinemas December 18th Worldwide.
Score one for the nerds!
Fresh off the wire - comedian, writer, actor and general nerd icon Patton Oswalt will be joining the cast of the Battlestar Galactica prequel series Caprica in a recurring role.
Now, I’m only two seasons deep into Galactica, so my knowledge of the franchise is somewhat limited, but Caprica takes place nearly 60 years prior to the series, and showcases how the Cylons were created, amongst other things.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Patton will be appearing as Baxter Sarno, a popular Caprican comedian talk show host.
Either way, this probably is enough to get me to DVR the show. Way to go, SyFy.
Original Post: Patton Oswalt takes on ‘Caprica’ role.
You really have to love how the internet, when given an inch, will take it a mile.
Last week, out of nowhere, a supposed new Radiohead song, titled “These Are My Twisted Words” appeared on the file sharing website What.CD.
The song, once downloaded, sounded a lot like Radiohead (sort of a mix of the sounds from In Rainbows and Amnesiac), but what was it? Where had it come from? What was it representative of?
A look at the .nfo file certainly didn’t help, as it contained a release date of “2009-08-17”, and a cryptic message, indicating a “Wall of Ice”.
Combined with interviews in the press these past two weeks about Radiohead moving to more of an EP based format, this lead many fans to put one and one together, and presume that Radiohead was releasing a new EP online today, entitled Wall of Ice.
Well, good news and bad news.
Good news? There’s a new free download on Radiohead’s website.
Bad news? It’s “just” of the new song “These Are My Twisted Words”.
Is it still indicative of something more to come? And where did the mysterious user at What.CD come from?
Those are questions we’ll have to answer later, as in the meantime, “These Are My Twisted Words” is available absolutely free at the download link here, or via bittorrent here. (Or you could click play on the YouTube embed above)
Original Post: DEAD AIR SPACE.
You get the feeling that in the post Indiana Jones/Han Solo phase of his career, Harrison Ford’s been playing the same role again and again?
Maybe you’re not so crazy, as the video above shows…
Original Post: YouTube - Harrison Ford (My Wife! My Family!) Compilation.
Things I love:
The Comics of Robert Kirkman, writer of The Walking Dead and Invincible.
The cable network AMC, home to Mad Men and an unusually large number of airings of Commando.
The films of Frank Darabont, including The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and The Mist.
So I’m guessing I had some saved up nerd-karma somewhere, as it was just announced today that Frank Darabont is currently developing a TV adaptation of The Walking Dead to air on AMC!
If you’re not familiar with The Walking Dead, it’s an ongoing comic series depicting a realistic view of how the world would react in a zombie apocalypse. Headed by the main character Rick, a police officer from Kentucky, you see how he, his family and other survivors band together and attempt to survive.
As someone who is more than a little familiar with the world of zombies, The Walking Dead is one of the best examples of how to create a believable world from the well-worn concept of zombies, and to know that it will get the ability to play out as a television series as opposed to a one-shot film is extremely exciting, as half the fun of the series is in the journey.
Simply put, this is one of the most exciting television projects in years, and you better believe I will be watching every development. Well done, gang.
Original Post: ‘Walking Dead’ strolls to AMC.
I have to say, after the…not so good movie this past weekend, this is the perfect palate cleanser, for both GI Joe fans and non-fans alike.
But what’s more astounding? The cast they got to appear in this thing!
The full cast list is as follows:
Starring Laz Alonso as Doc Alexis Bledel as Lady Jaye Billy Crudup as Zartan Zach Galifiankais as Snow Job Tony Hale as Dr. Mindbender Vinnie Jones as Destro Joey Kern as Tomax Joey Kern as Xamot Chuck Liddell as Gung Ho Julianne Moore as Scarlett Henry Rollins as Duke Alan Tudyk as Shipwreck Olivia Wilde as The Baroness and Sgt. Slaughter as Himself Also featuring Jamin Fite as Cobra Commander Frankie Kang as Storm Shadow Geoff Mann as Buzzer Andreas Owald as Snake Eyes Daniel Strange as Torch Kevin Umbricht as Ripper
To be honest? Their Baroness is way hotter.
Despite the bizarre cold shoulder it received from both comic fans and critics alike, 2008’s The Incredible Hulk is most notable for one thing - being the first example of a unified theatrical Marvel universe.
Because of this, it should be no surprise that the director of that flick, Louis Leterrier, has possibly the craziest, and coolest idea for how the proposed Avengers film should be handled, once Iron Man 2, Thor and The First Avenger: Captain America hit screens over the next few years.
Here’s what ol' Louie is thinking…
I’ll tell you my real dream: To work with Joe Johnston and [“Thor" director] Kenneth Branagh and Jon Favreau and make like a triptych. We do four movies. We release them one a month for the summer. Or even every two weeks or three weeks. And the whole summer would be Avengers summer. So we do it the way they make television shows. One story arc but told in installments by different directors. So all of the directors that touch part of the Avengers world would do a part; we could make the movies shorter, maybe less than an hour and a half, and we use the same sets and save Marvel money. I would love to sit around a table with all of them a kick around the story. That’s my dream.
Now, take away the cynical perspective that Hollywood would never do something like this, just based on the logistical hell of it all…but let’s say they did do it: Wouldn’t this be just about the coolest way to close out the Marvel theatrical legacy? Even if the movies end up being so-so in quality, just for the sheer balls of doing FOUR films, and giving each director the opportunity to close out their arcs…that could be something exciting.
Shame it will probably never happen. Unless Marvel Studios is listening?
Be sure to give the full interview a look, too. Leterrier really makes it clear how much of a Marvel fan he is/was, and why he was such a great choice to direct the Hulk. Shame the box office didn’t follow his excitement.
Original Post: Leterrier’s dream: An ‘Avengers’ epic told in four films over one summer .
G’damn, if you had told me a few months ago that one of my most anticipated films for the fall would star Woody Harrelson, I’d say you were freaking nuts.
But, here we are with another trailer for Zombieland, this time in the “red-band” flavor, and I continue to get hyped for this flick!
Nice use of Van Halen, too!
What are you guys thinking so far?
Original Post: YouTube - Zombieland Restricted Trailer [HQ] Red Band.
G’damn do I love some Left 4 Dead.
And sure, I’m excited for Left 4 Dead 2 in November, but I’d love to see another adventure with Zoey, Bill and the gang.
Looks like Valve wants to delve into the L4D1 story a bit more as well, as they just announced a new downloadable scenario for the best-selling original, hitting PC’s and XBox 360 this September.
The scenario, titled Crash Course, takes place between the No Mercy and Death Toll campaigns, and based on the poster above, seems to involve a helicopter of some sort.
This is a brand new level, even including new voice work, so fans shouldn’t worry that they’re half assing on the new level.
Crash Course will be downloadable for free for PC users, and cost about $7 for XBox 360 owners when it releases next month.
Original Post: Left 4 Dead On A Crash Course To New DLC - Left 4 Dead - Kotaku.
Over the years, there has been a LOT of rumors surrounding a film adaptation of the 1980’s classic animated series, Thundercats.
Not too surprisingly, one attempt at adapting the cats-with-swords tale made it to the concept art stages, and Movieline.com was able to get access to this art.
I’ve showcased the possible film interpretation above, but the website also contains art for various locations to be used within the flick. At this time, there is no Thundercats film planned, but I can forsee any buzz this art has around the web making some exec consider yelling HOOOOOOOOOOOOOO and greenlighting the pic again.
And hey, at least the furries didn’t get their hands on this.
Original Post: Movieline Presents the Never-Before-Seen Concept Art For Warner Bros.' Thundercats | Movieline.
Oh, Nickelodeon…we’ve been through some shit, you and I.
I grew up with you. And you were always a glimmering beacon of childhood hope. Orange splat, white letters and a promise of Green Slime, you made having cable as a kid a dream.
I can’t even count the hours I spent watching you. Between Nicktoons, Guts, Double Dare, Salute Your Shorts and dozens of other shows that I could fill books with useless knowledge of, you defined growing up for me.
Then I got older, and not only did it look like your audience left you, onto pastures called “Cartoon Network” and “The Disney Channel”, but you lost sight of what made you so great. Where once you had cartoons, you now have weird “tween” sitcoms. What was the last good cartoon you had, Nick? (that you didn’t bury, not named Spongebob)
Now I see your new logo…
I guess you’re not the same channel I knew.
Farewell Nickelodeon. Hello…whatever you are now.
Original Post: Nickelodeon unveils new logo - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety.
Early in this month of July, we got the first look at Wes Anderson’s new film, The Fantastic Mr. Fox.
I mentioned then that the look of the film was kind of creepy, and yet also felt like a throwback to family films of the 1970’s.
Now, courtesy of Yahoo!, we have the first trailer. The animation continues to unnerve me, and I can’t say if I’ll be able to sit through this.
Your thoughts?
Original Post:Â Fantastic Mr. Fox Movie Trailer | /Film.
No sooner than Tron Legacy and Iron Man 2 were crowed the belles of the ball at San Diego Comic Con this year, than did the viral marketing begin.
In the case of Tron, it was the super cryptic Flynn Lives! website, which is where that amazing teaser trailer leaked from last week.
For Iron Man 2 (and what inspired this post), the game begins today, with the official launch of the Stark Industries website.
You get a rather interesting welcome note from Tony Stark (shown above), plus a link to apply to work at Stark Industries. I’m guessing that application is what leads to the next part of the game, but good luck not googling for the answers to such questions as: A plane flying past a non-moving observer has kinetic energy in the reference frame of this observer, the same plane has how much kinetic energy in the reference frame which moves with the plane?
Just as I did with The Dark Knight viral last year, should anything interesting pop up, you’ll be the first to know. In the meantime, it’s time to see how deep the rabbit hole goes…
Original Post: Stark Industries.
That’s right.
Tron 2.
Or as it’s now titled, Tron Legacy. Honestly, so little is known about the plot and what we’re gonna see in 3D next year, that it’s better that I just let the images speak for themselves.
That’s your fancy teaser trailer above (which looks amazing), and your really stunning concept art below.
I barely recall the original Tron (time for a rewatch?), but this has me VERY excited for the stand alone sequel when it hits in 2010.
San Diego Comic Con 2007 was a very important one for comic nerds like me.
During that show, the first footage of Iron Man was shown. It blew minds in San Diego. And then as soon as the grainy handcam off-the-screen footage hit YouTube, it blew minds around the world. And mine was one of them.
I mean really, Robert Downey Junior as Iron Man?! I loved the dude, but I wasn’t sure. That footage made me a believer.
Then the movie hit theaters in May 2008. Again, beat the odds, making for one of the best comic films ever.
But could they make the sequel work? The images continued to leak during the weak, seen above…yet all eyes remained on Hall H this past Saturday. The first footage of Iron Man 2. Did it deliver? Courtesy of HitFix.com, I have the description after the break. And I think it’s safe to say…it’s gonna deliver.
The opening shot is Tony Stark, in the armor but without the helmet, sitting in the giant donut on top of Randy’s Donuts near LAX. An iconic spot in LA, and a great image for a film. As the camera pulls back from him, we find someone on the ground, looking up.
“Sir… I’m going to need you to exit the donut."
Fury’s not buying it, though. He tells Tony that he can’t keep doing things alone. Asks him how it’s working out so far.
“Tell me… am I supposed to look at the eye or the patch? I can’t figure it out.“ He tells Fury that he thinks he may be a figment of his imagination.
“Trust me… I’m the realest person you’ve ever met."
That doesn’t seem to make Tony feel better at all, though.
The scene changes to a Senate hearing, where Stark is being grilled by a senator played by Gary Shandling. Shandling wants Stark to hand over what he calls “the weapon,” but Stark refuses to even acknowledge the Iron Man suit as a weapon. He says it’s more of “high tech prosthesis.“ Stark can’t resist insulting the Senator, even when Pepper Potts (Gwenyth Paltrow) shakes her head at him, disapprovingly.
Shandling brings in another witness, and when Stark hears who it is, it’s the first time he seems rattled at all. It’s Rhodey, played by Don Cheadle this time, and I thought his first line to Stark was a nice bit of meta-fiction acknowledgement of the casting switch.
“I’m here. It’s me. Deal with it."
Stark really doesn’t get what makes the Senator feel entitled to the suit, though. “It’s working. I’m a nuclear deterrent. I have successfully privatized world peace.“ Finally, when he refers to the Senators as a bunch of assclowns, it’s too much for Shandling, who leans in close to his mic.
“Fuck you, buddy. Fuck you. This session is adjourned."
The next sequence is the one that really gave me chills. We see a wall with all sorts of magazine covers and clippings from stories about Stark over the years, as we hear Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) speaking in voice-over.
“You come from a long line of thieves and butchers. What makes you think a few good acts can erase everything your family did and make their victims forget? When there’s blood in the water… the sharks will come."
And as he speaks, we see Mickey building something, and then, as he finishes the voice-over, we cut to a race track. There’s a car that looks like it’s been cut in half, and Tony’s laying on the pavement, hurt. We get our first great look at Vanko wearing his full Whiplash gear, still in prototype. As he walks, he snaps the electrified bullwhips on both hands, each crack against the pavement taking huge chunks out of it. They look exactly as cool as you’d imagine electrified power bullwhips would look, and Mickey looks incredible.
Then there’s a bunch of quick clips of Scarlett in action as The Black Widow, throwing guys around, and some shots of Pepper Potts, and one amazing shot of Iron Man racing through the sky towards a ground target, dodging missiles as they’re being fired at him.
The “IRON MAN 2” logo comes up, and then we saw one last scene. In a military hangar, Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell) shows up to meet with Rhodey, who has somehow gotten hold of a Mark II armor suit. He tells Hammer he needs some weapons for it, and Rockwell goes into a pitch of various guns. He’s very much playing this as Tony’s mirror image, but darker and willing to do anything for money and sell weapons to anyone. After his pitch, Rhodes says, “I’ll take it."
“Which one?"
“All of it."
And then we got one glorious, amazing, crazy shot of War Machine in action, shoulder cannons and hand guns blazing.
And then the date. May 2010.
One of the many darlings of San Diego Comic Con had to be Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland.
Shot in 3D using Burton’s unique visual style, it undoubtably will warp children’s minds when it hits next year.
Luckily, they’re starting the eye melting now, with the Teaser Trailer officially being released (embedded above), and more new promotional images of the cast, seen below.
What are you thinking, readers?
I can’t say I’m particularly excited about the Disney adaptation of the video game classic Prince Of Persia, but I sure can say that these first posters are really well designed.
And hey, one of the posters being a super scrumptious image of the super scrumptious Jake GyllenGemma Arterton surely doesn’t hurt!
Hopefully, the movie will live up to the promotional images as it hits theaters next year.
Original Post: Empire: Movie News - Exclusive: Prince of Persia Pictures.
I’m not sure what it is, but there’s something super attractive about roller derby girls.
And I’m sure that’s about to be exploited…and hard…as Drew Barrymore’s directoral debut, Whip It! is about to head our way.
Featuring a cast including Ellen Page and Kristin Wiig, this is going to warp young men’s minds.
In a good way. Here’s the trailer!
Take one part Mighty Muggs…One Part Charity…and all parts awesome, and you have something I wish I could’ve seen in person!
The Empire Muggs Back is a program designed to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, by way of custom Mighty Muggs, designed by various artists.
The whole group can be seen above. Personally, my favorite is the Lucas Mugg with a Pet AT-AT!
Original Post: StarWars.com | The Empire Muggs Back: Art for a Mighty Good Cause.
Of all the pieces of swag available at San Diego Comic Con this past week, this might’ve been the best.
Sure, it looks like a regular freebie shirt (above)…
But flip that shirt over your head and…
OH MY GOD A ZOMBIE
Original Post: Resident Evil Shirt Feasts On The Flesh Of The Living - Capcom - Kotaku.
As robots become more and more common place in the future, it’s key to recall that we really shouldn’t become too friendly with them.
These PSAs from YouTube underline just how key that line of thinking is.
Original Post: 3 Futuristic PSAs Remind Us Not To Speak To Robots - Commercial - io9.
You know, while the past week has been a blast for me, between hosting Super Art Fight 4 at the Ottobar, and working a table for Art Fight High School at Otakon this past weekend, I got a bit backlogged.
Luckily, I have a whole slue of stories for you, and with SDCC this weekend, expect more coming fast and furious.
What’s on tap?
-More images from IRON MAN 2!
-First look at the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET Remake
-A Review of (500) DAYS OF SUMMER!
and so much more!
So…know in advance, you’re about to get hit with deluge of geek - RIGHT IN THE FACE!
While I know that we’re going to see decent quality scans of these images very shortly, I figured you’d want to see these images as soon as you can.
Both above, and below, are the first looks at the Comic Con issue of Entertainment Weekly, featuring a cover story on Iron Man 2.
Via the cover, and an inset page, we get the first looks at Scarlett Johansson as a very attractive Black Widow, another look at Mickey Rourke as Whiplash, and Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man.
In true nerd cred way, these images are screencaps of the first look shown on Entertainment Tonight last night. Expect “real” images sometime this weekend.
EDIT: See, I told you it’d come fast! Here’s a clear version of the cover.
EDIT 2: And here’s a pic of Scarlett as Widow! In a word: UNF.
Original Post: First Look: Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 | /Film.
Oh, if there is a show I love, it is Mad Men.
So with each little bit they release, I get more excited.
Today, we have the first official promotional image, seen above.
Interesting shot of Don Draper literally being drowned in his office.
Will he be fighting to keep his head “above water” this season? Or is it a reference to his so called baptism at the end of Season 2?
We’ll find out the answers to that and more, when Mad Men Season 3 premieres in just about a month, on August 16th.
Love Left 4 Dead?
Love Shaun of the Dead?
Awesome, then there’s the PERFECT mod for you. Titled Left 4 Winchester, this PC-ONLY mod (mumble-grumble) allows you to play through the different locales seen in the 2005’s Edgar Wright/Simon Pegg/Nick Frost zombie classic.
The release date has yet to be announced for this mod, but considering I’m an XBox 360 L4D player, I’ll just look on with jealousy.
…jerks.
Original Post: Left 4 Winchester.
As a fan of both terrible puns and early 90’s hip hop references, I completely endorse this advertisement/product.
Original Post: YouTube - Scared of the Dark? Get a Suge Knight Light! Haha.
Earlier this year, I was really excited for Funny People.
Mixing my love for the art of stand up with the crudely-sweet filmmaking style of Judd Apatow, it sounded like a can’t miss, even with Adam Sandler as a lead.
However, when the first trailer came out, and it started to look like a sappy pile o' poo, I started to get skeptical.
It seems like the marketing team behind the flick started to feel the backlash early, as they slowly let us into the world of the film via the time tested approach of viral marketing.
They started with the website for Jason Schwartzman’s character’s sitcom Yo Teach!
Then upped it with the website for Aziz Ansari’s character Raaaaaandy, a pitch perfect spoof of comedians like Dane Cook. (Great url, btw)
They even nailed Sandler’s career to the wall with the website for his character George Simmons, where the film clips, movie posters and album covers are disturbingly believable.
Now, as if it were the frosting on a delicious cake, they give us the red band trailer for Funny People, showing there’s more depth to the flick than the sappy cancer plot.
Judd, buddy, you may’ve done it again. We’ll find out for sure on July 31st.
Original Post: YouTube - Funny People Red Band Trailer (HD) 720p.
Folks, I’ve seen 7 movies this summer so far, and honestly, we’re at about a 50/50 Quality to Crap ratio.
And after a Summer like 2008, 2009 really needs to start digging deep and delivering.
Luckily for us movie nerds, District 9 looks like it’s going to DELIVER!
Political commentary, aliens, mech suits, and sweet sweet action?
That’s a combo that says to me, TICKET = SOLD.
August 9th cannot come soon enough.
Original Post: YouTube - ‘District 9’ Trailer 2 HD.
Remember that freaky realistic (and really awesome) Joker figure from Hot Toys a few months back?
Now he has a nemesis!
Behold, the ridiculously detailed and outrageously expensive MMS DX 02 Batman from Hot Toys.
With LCD light up eyeballs, detailed weaponry and THREE INTERCHANGABLE FACES, it’s so real, you can almost imagine him insulting a PA!
Click through the gallery below and imagine how many tiny fingers must work to get those paint apps correct.
Original Post: MMS DX 02 - The Dark Knight - 1/6th Scale BATMAN Figure - - ToyNewsI.com.
[gallery]
Imagine if you will, the next film from Wes Anderson.
A stop-motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Your main character, voiced by George Clooney. His buddy, Mr. Badger? Played by Bill Murray. And Mrs. Fox? Voiced by Meryl Streep.
Have a mental image?
Yeah, no. Not how you’d expect.
Thanks to JoBlo for the exclusive first image…but seriously…what?
The fact that this is a Wes Anderson film, keeps me intrigued…but what manner of The Banana Splits is THIS?
Fantastic Mr. Fox is set to hit theaters and potentially scar children on November 13th.
Original Post: EXCL: 1st Mr. Fox pic!.
Chalk this one up as a BIG shocker.
Earlier this year, we heard it’d be Chris Pine dressing up as the Emerald colored adventurer for the June 2011 release of Green Lantern, but then this past Wednesday, word surfaced that the role was being settled between Justin Timberlake, Bradley Cooper and Ryan Reynolds.
To pretty much everyone’s surprise, the man who played Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds will now be playing Hal Jordan.
I still would prefer Chris Pine myself, but I figure with a solid hand who understands comics like Reynolds in the role, with awesome direction by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale), this will be one to watch.
Filming starts in January.
Original Post:Â BFDealmemo on Variety.com.
Goddamn I love Little Big Planet.
Of the exclusives released thus far for the PlayStation 3, one of the titles that has secured it’s place in my entertainment unit as something more than a blu-ray player has been the Media Molecule developed customizable platformer.
And sure, the idea of licensed DLC isn’t new for Little Big Planet, I mean they’ve had Metal Gear Solid skins, Street Fighter skins, even Judge Dredd skins, but I think this is the most fun.
While Sony’s been teasing us the past few weeks with information, Sony Japan opened the floodgates today with the first images of Ghostbusters related content for the title.
Sure, it’s not officially announced for the US (yet), but I think it’s safe to say we’ll be able to dress up our Sackboys as the Busters themselves, Slimer, the Stay Puff Marshmellow Man, and even a “No Ghost” very soon.
SO FREAKIN' CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE.
Original Post:Â LittleBigPlanet Site Ain’t Afraid Of Posting Ghostbusters DLC - littlebigplanet - Kotaku.
No, not really.
But if it were to happen, it’d probably look something like this amazing piece by Deviant Art member “~cool-slayer” (real name : Carla Rodrigues).
Suffice to say, I freakin' love the look of it.
Oh, bizarre alternate reality where NBC sitcoms are turned into Japanese cartoons…
Original Post: The Office by ~cool-slayer on deviantART.
You may have already seen this video across the web, but if you haven’t, you really should watch it.
Here’s the standup debut of Dr. Victor Von Doom.
What’s really cool? This was filmed at a comedy event at Golden West, here in Baltimore. Great restaurant, now filled with great comedy. Enjoy.
Original Post: YouTube - Doom.
I know it sounds like a joke, but seriously, Walt Disney & Salvador Dali worked together on a cartoon!
The project, called Destino, started in 1945, but wasn’t completed until 2003, nearly SIXTY YEARS LATER.
It’s finally getting a DVD release in 2010, along with a behind the scenes documentary.
However, you can get a look at it early right above. It’s…something, that’s for sure. But what that something is….I cannot really say.
Original Post: YouTube - Destino - Disney & Dali.
Sure, we nerds can go back and forth for HOURS on this here internet on Michael Bay’s version of Transformers, and who’s childhoods were and weren’t raped, but regardless, if it weren’t for the (terrible) movies, we wouldn’t have something this awesome.
My friends across the interweb, I give you Optimus Prime on David Letterman, delivering last night’s Top Ten: “Top Ten Things That Sound Cool Said By A Giant Robot”.
My personal favorite? Number Seven.
Original Post: Optimus Prime loves Sex and the City - TV Squad.
This sure is a bummer, especially for nerds like myself.
Hands down, one of my favorite writers in comics over the past few years has been Brian K. Vaughan. Singlehandedly responsible for the stunning Y: The Last Man and the mind behind the great teen superhero book Runaways, he was one of the writers who was able to get me back into comics after the speculative 90s ruined my level of enjoyment.
So of course, a few seasons back, when he joined the writing staff of Lost, and seemingly was one of the staffers who got the show back on track during Season 3, few were as excited as me.
In turn, it’s with a heavy heart that I read today that Vaughan has left the writing staff of Lost, just months before the final season goes into production.
According to producer Damon Lindelof, he “has left for greener pastures.“Â I presume he means the world of screenwriting, given that Marvel has optioned for a Runaways film, and director DJ Caruso (Eagle Eye) has expressed intent on doing a movie adaptation of Y, but considering how Vaughan has added such great moments of levity to Lost (Hurley writing Empire Strikes Back, anyone?), and was the writer behind one of the best episodes of the series in “The Constant”, I can’t help but feel that this is a huge blow to the show.
I guess we’ll see what happens when Lost returns for its final season in 2010.
Original Post: Brian K. Vaughan Leaves Lost | /Film.
Oh wow.
Ever since I heard this flick was premiering at Sundance late last year, I’ve been sitting on pins and needles waiting for the first footage to surface of Patton Oswalt’s debut in Big Fan.
And now that the trailer is here (conveniently embedded above), I think it’s going to blow away any of my preconceived notions of what it would be.
Sure, I had a feeling given that it’s the directorial debut of Robert Siegel, he who wrote The Wrestler, that it would be something special…but this looks like a downright stunning portrayal of fandom gone horribly wrong.
Don’t take my word for it, folks. Hit play above.
Original Post: Big Fan Movie Trailer | /Film.
Funny Videos | Funny Cartoons | More Video Clips
I don’t know what it is about specialized recaps of Star Wars, but they seem to make the internet go ‘round.
I mean, we had the 3 year olds version…the version from the girl who had never seen it before…and now we have this…
Star Wars in 3 Minutes In A Notebook!
What really makes this one work is the adorable animation and childlike feel of it all. Â But I think it’s safe to say, we all know how the story goes. Â Even with that though? I have a bad feeling once George Lucas dies, we’ll see the remakes get green-lit. Thanks for being predictable Hollywood!
Take one part smart ass horror script from Juno scribe Diablo Cody, the super attractive Megan Fox, add some blood, some gore, some f bombs, and some skin…
and you have the sure-to-be-a Fall hit Jennifer’s Body!
Here’s what’s kinda weird…they cut together this red band trailer for it to be placed in front of Bruno this Friday, and 20th Century Fox wasn’t having it, and made an “all ages” trailer of their own.
However, the creative team said “here you go, internet!” and gave the red-band trailer to ShockTillYouDrop.com.
Aren’t you glad we live in a modern age where such things are possible?
Original Post: Exclusive! The Red Band Trailer for Jennifer’s Body!- ShockTillYouDrop.com.
Let’s see…flick’s called The Informant!
Stars a goofy lookin' Matt Damon…check.
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, in his wacky caper Ocean’s mode…check.
Features a cast including Joel McHale, Paul F. Thompkins, Patton Oswalt and a (sadly left on the cutting room floor) Jimmy Pardo…triple check.
Yep, sold on this before I even hit play on the trailer.
And if you weren’t, you will once you watch it.
The awesomely exclaimed The Informant! will hit theaters this September.
Original Post: YouTube - ‘The Informant’ Trailer HD.
Ok, so…maybe Reynolds has his heart in the right place when it comes to the movie adaptation of Deadpool.
It’s been pretty obvious since the release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine that Ryan Reynolds has been asking for a mea culpa from the nerd audience, especially now that the standalone Deadpool movie was green-lit.
But this quote, coming from Empire Online, is probably the best key so-far that he gets it.
“Break the fourth wall? Oh yeah, he’s got to. I want to see him break the Great Wall."
As any fan of Deadpool knows, the character is always aware that he’s in a comic book (see the image above). Now you tell me that Reynolds' version of the Merc-With-A-Mouth is going to be aware that he’s in a film?
Sounds awesome. Maybe they can use the super rad abandoned design for his in-movie look, too…
Original Post: Empire: Movie News - Ryan Reynolds Talks Deadpool.
Let’s be honest, like every year, San Diego Comic Con is going to be freaking huge. It kind of goes without saying. And as a self described “nerd culture” blogger, I’m equally excited about what may be revealed, and worried about how I’ll cover it all.
One of the cool things they’re announcing in advance, however, is the first screening of sequences from Matthew Vaughn’s adaptation of Mark Millar’s teen superhero comic Kick Ass.
And, because they’re so rad, in addition to announcing said screening of footage, they gave us nerds another new still, to go with the two prior images of the name-sake hero.
This time, we get a look at the 11-year old vigilante Hit Girl.
I’m not too sure what exactly she’s crying about, but something tells me that gun will solve it.
Original Post: Exclusive: Kick-Ass Footage To Premiere at Comic-Con; New Photo Revealed | /Film.
Remember last year when I got super excited over Robin Williams having a decent sounding (and really fucked up sounding) project for the first time in years?
Well, the red-band trailer for the Bobcat Golthwait film World’s Greatest Dad has finally hit the web, and by God, it’s just as fucked up as it sounded.
World’s Greatest Dad is set to shock theaters on August 21st, making for a nice double-feature with Inglorious Basterds.
Original Post: Hulu - Movie Trailers: World’s Greatest Dad - Red Band.
Attack Cardio with Vinnie Jones from Vinnie Jones
You may know him as Big Chris, Bullet Tooth Tony or even the Juggernaut, but no matter what name you came to know him under, the fact is, Vinnie Jones is one scurry dude.
And now, as this video from the always great crew at Funny Or Die shows us, he’s dedicated into getting you into shape. No matter the cost.
I don’t know about you, but this video certainly has me reconsidering a Monday morning donut…
Original Post: Attack Cardio with Vinnie Jones from Vinnie Jones, Seth , Jake, and FOD Team.
Wow, this might be one of the most OCD things I’ve ever seen on the internet.
Some brave soul(s?) decided to catalog, by way of map, the entire romantic history of the X-Men.
I do have to wonder, with all this romance going around, do you think any mutant based STDs came up?
Click the link below to view it in giant size form. It’s kind of humbling.
Original Post: X-Men Relationship Map.
Finally, after months of rumors and speculation, the next Simon Pegg/Nick Frost team up, the Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) directed Paul is in production here in the US.
The plot thus far seems to be built around 2 British Geeks (played by Frost & Pegg, of course) who travel across the US and end up befriending a Space Alien, the titular Paul.
I’ve talked about it before here, but now the official site is up, and it seems that Pegg & Frost are following the lead of their colleague Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim coverage, by launching a site full of video blogs and exclusive pictures.
I’ve embedded the introductory video above, but be sure to click through to view photos that Simon took at rehearsals; a hysterical video as Pegg, Frost and co-star Kristen Wiig attempt to learn how to drive an RV; and a word from their co-star Joe Lo Truglio (The State) as he explains how Paul is going green.
I’m sure more interesting images and video will be coming soon, so I’ll keep an eye on the site and update you if/when something really stupendous hits the web.
Original Post: What is Paul?.
Read that headline.
A few times.
MTV has greenlit a television adaptation of TEEN FUCKING WOLF.
TEEN WOLF. The 20 year old movie, Teen Wolf.
The Michael J. Fox/Jason Bateman (depending on which one) starring film series, that was a joke then, and has only grown as a joke as the years have gone on.
MT-fucking-V has decided that is a great television program to move forward with.
And check out this sweet quote!
MTV is also pondering a reinvention of ’80s film “Teen Wolf” in series format, with a greater emphasis on romance, horror and werewolf mythology.
OF COURSE, BECAUSE WHAT THE SILLY TEENAGE WEREWOLF SERIES NEEDS IS TO TAKE HORROR AND MYTHOLOGY SERIOUSLY.
I hate Hollywood, for as much as I love it.
Original Post: MTV greenlights eight projects - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety.
Oh man! I had no idea the Dinosaurs were originally supposed to talk in Jurassic Park!
AMAZING!
Curse you, Steven Spielberg, for stealing this landmark achievement in reptiles in cinema from a starved movie going public.
Original Post: YouTube - Hey.
Fresh off the PR docket from Electronic Arts comes the cover art for this fall’s awesome Brutal Legend!
Rightly inspired by the metal album art that the game itself follows from, being a Heavy Metal fantasy-action RPG, this game art wouldn’t be too out of line being air-brushed on a van.
Makes me wish I had a sweet van.
Brutal Legend hits XBox 360 and PlayStation 3 on “Rocktober” 13th.
Original Post: Kotaku - BrÁ¼tal Legend Box Art Hits All The Right Notes - Ea.
So this was a weird one. I had passes for an early screening of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen last night, but due to work commitments, I would be unable to get to theater in time.
Never the less, I wanted to make sure you fine readers got a review. In turn, I looked to my friends to not just give away the pass, but write you a review.
Enter Sean Creef. Nerd. Geek. All around good man.
Sean decided to step up and not just see the flick, but write a review!
Here goes, gang:
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
A story of lies, sex, and violence.
First of all, I enjoyed the 2007 Transformers movie. It was corny at times, and there are a few parts I dislike a lot. But overall, I liked the movie.
Revenge of the Fallen was much better.
For starters, there are robots in this movie. And not even just a few token shots of them transforming and then moving around in the corner of a shot, never to be seen again. If I had to guess, I would say there is at least 4 or 5 times as much robot action in this film. And it is generally front and center on the screen, clearly visible. This alone is such an improvement over the original.  Second, there are much less annoying human characters. They cut out 3 or 4 annoying people, and while they did add one, he was at least with Sam co pretty much the entire time, so we didn’t dick around seeing what aussie hacker and fat guy were doing. No Jon Voight, either.
The Military badasses are back. But they spend all their time palling around with Transformers in some sort of interplanetary alliance of asskicking. They have a decent amount of chatter with the Autobots, so instead of ‘annoying people doing stuff’ it is ‘somewhat less annoying people being buds with robots’.
Now the bad stuff. The movie has a lot of stupid comedic elements that somewhat break the immersion or, in my opinion, come off as just crude. Robotic leg humping, robotic testicles. At least nobody gets urinated on by a robot.
Back to the action. The robot on robot violence is fierce, fast, and brutal. I am pretty sure the level of bot on bot violence would not be allowed in a Hollywood film if the characters were human — limbs are severed and bodies torn apart with significant frequency. The initial chase and fight scene in Shanghai is confusing due to the reliance on new characters that we are never introduced too properly. Some car-form Decepticon is shown and killed without a name given.
And that takes me back to another thing I dislike — the Twins. Mudflap and his twin, whose name I honestly did not catch, and nor could I tell you which tiny annoying robot was Mudflap. Were they funny? Yeah, at times. But they were also somewhat retarded, and would have been better off in some other movie. In this one they seemed out of place and hokey. Also I personally thought they looked like Gremlins and acted like inner city teenagers on crack.
The movie culminates in a lengthy, epic ass battle in Egypt. Or maybe Jordan. I was a tad confused. IT was along the border so it is hard to say. But the battle was possibly the most epic modern battle I have ever seen. Tanks, infantry, almost 2 dozen transformers, air strikes, it had everything. Even something that will make sci-fi and military tech geeks spooge their pants.
In summation, Transformers 2 was a total upgrade of the original. It cut out most of the annoying crap from the previous film. It added an asston more robot on robot action. The stupid jokes were still there, and, while many were funny, they felt out of place or worse. Wheelie, the cowardly RC Car is the worst offender by far, though the Twins are more frequent.
Personally, I’m seeing the midnight show tonight (which could be a bad decision, if Roger Ebert is correct), but we’ll see how it pans out.
I guess the faucet of Alice In Wonderland info got turned to the “on” side of things this week.
Anyway, we last saw images of The Mad Hatter, The Red Queen and The White Queen from Tim Burton’s 3D reimagining of the classic Carrol tell. Now, we have images of the titular Alice, as played by Mia Wasikowska (ab0ve), and Matt Lucas as Tweedledee & Tweedledum (below).
Results? Still fucking freaky.
Original Post: First Look: Matt Lucas in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland | /Film.
Fresh off the internets, it’s the teaser trailer for M. Night Shymalan’s movie adaptation of the Nicktoon Avatar, The Last Airbender.
Thus far, as already mentioned, I have zero personal connection to the Avatar property, so I can’t really say anything as to how it looks, adaptation wise…
But I’ll say this…
…that shit was filmed in PENNSYLVANIA? What the hell! Looked like Lord of the Rings filled New Zealand!
The Last Airbender whooshes into theaters in Summer 2010.
They…like…have to be going for the obvious innuendo here, right?
These very odd, mid situp, USB penised Rocky III drives are available in Japan for about 30 bucks each.
So so weird.
Original Post: Rocky III USB drives sadly missing Burgess Meredith version.
As you’re probably aware at this point, I’m a big fan of movie posters.
There’s something about distilling the entire intent of a film into a single image (or series of images) that I find really interesting.
Anywho, I’ve had quite a few poster er…posts piled up over the past few days, so I figured what the hell, let’s get them all out in one post.
First up, we have these really nice character posters of Jude Law as Watson and Robert Downey Jr. as the titular character from Sherlock Holmes.
Bleh. Seriously, when works of art like the Inglorious Basterds poster are getting tossed out, why aren’t more posters trying to be as stylish? It’s a shame.
You may remember, a few months back, I posted an image of Johnny Depp’s apparent costume as the Mad Hatter from Tim Burton’s upcoming adaptation of Alice In Wonderland.
At the time, we were unsure if the image was real. Now…we know.
The three images above are the first official images from the March 5, 2010 release.
From left to right, we have Depp as the Mad Hatter, Burton’s muse Helana Bonham Carter as the (CG enhanced) Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as you’ve never seen her before, as the White Queen.
What’s really cool, is USA Today, in premiering these images, also included 3D Panoramic images of concept art from different locations from the film. Â I HIGHLY recommend clicking the link and checking that out.
Alice In Wonderland, directed by Tim Burton, is set to hit theaters on March 5, 2010 in 3D.
Original Post:Â First look: What a weird Wonderland Burtons made - USATODAY.com.
Man, just yesterday I shared with you the first stills from ZOMBIELAND, and today, they release the trailer!
I think we finally have the US response to Shaun of the Dead. Sure, the “purists” are going to complain about how the zombies are runners, but this looks like a can’t miss flick!
I hope the narration is a part of the final project, too. It really adds to the trailer.
ZOMBIELAND hits theaters on October 9th.
…and do it without being a creepy serial killer, too!
Through some crazy, cryptic magic, you (with the help of a webcam, and the below website, WeAreAutobots.com), you can wear the face of Optimus Prime, and even Bumblebee! I may be outspoken on my general indifference towards Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, but this is flat out cool. (Yes, that’s me above.)
This is the latest in 3D immersion technology, which has been seen on baseball cards and magazine ads, but I think this has been the most accessible version yet, with Optimus’s mask being “worn” without any assistance, and Bumblebee’s being worn with just a printout. Here’s a quick video of how it works.
Try it out for yourself, by clicking the link below.
Original Post: WE ARE AUTOBOTS - TRANSFORMERS II: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN.
Proving that X-Men Origins: Wolverine probably didn’t intend on sucking, here’s an image of how the creators of the film originally intended for Deadpool to look.
sigh
So close…yet so far away.
You make me sad, Fox.
Original Post: io9 - Deadpool Could Have Looked So Much Cooler In Wolverine - wolverine.
You know, there are dozens of XBox 360 mods.
And doubt that any are as rocky and textured as this…The Hellboy 360.
Made to look like ol' Red’s Right Hand of Doom, this is a really well done mod, but I can’t help but wonder how the thick red paint may harm the vent holes for the system…
Original Post: Kotaku - Hellboy 360 Mod Is Better Than Hellboy Movies - Hellboy.
Fresh from Joe Quesada’s always full of info column, Cup O' Joe, we have some new insights into the making of Iron Man 2 and Thor, so far.
Here’s what the Editor in Chief for Marvel had to say about a conversation he had with Jon Favreau very early on for Iron Man 2:
He wanted to know who he is and why Tony Stark does what he does. That was really key to Favreau: why put on the suit and try to do good things? It was a much tougher question once he defeats the Iron Monger, gets his tech and his company back…why continue doing this? What does Tony Stark stand for? In essence, the thing I never revealed about that conversation in the past is that Jon was looking for these answers because he was already thinking ahead, he was thinking about Iron Man 2.See, it doesn’t quite work on film that he goes and stops a little lady from getting mugged. While that may be an ancillary part of it, when you have that suit of armor, the world’s greatest weapon, the story has to be bigger, and your reason for being has to be bigger. But at the same time, it has to be small and streamlined enough that an audience can grab hold of it. Favreau is all about that. And at the same time, where do Tony’s allegiances lie? It was almost the same kind of questions we had during Civil War. So time with Favreau is sort of spent quietly huddling and talking about a character’s reason for doing what he does. Again, that’s also a part of that Marvel formula.
He also gave a very interesting description as to how, of all people, Shakespearean actor/director Kenneth Branagh sold Marvel Studios on his vision for the movie adaptation for Thor:
We had one big creative meeting with the Marvel Creative Committee, which now works on all of our movies and I have the honor to be a part of. We sat with Kenneth and discussed the “Thor" movie and the overarching story of what that’s going to be, just to give our input before anything was put down to paper by screenwriters. And it was one of the highlights of my time here at Marvel because not only did Branagh sit there and give you the story beat for beat, he and [Marvel Studios head] Kevin Feige formed a great team. It was performance art. Kevin would give us the establishment of the shot and the situation: “Here we are. We’re in (take your pick of location). And here’s Odin and he’s coming up to (pick a character).“ And then Kenneth would come in and give you the color commentary. “Odin has an air of majesty to him" and he’d act out the Odin part or the Thor part. So we sat there and literally got a three-hour one-man show from Kenneth Branagh. It was fantastic. People pay a lot of money for that kind of performance by one of the world’s greatest living actors.“ … “He’s very Shakespearean in his delivery. He’d sit there and give us the emotions between the characters as they are in scenes — what the character’s motivation is in that particular moment and how it relates to the overarching story of the movie. He’s definitely about character, which is the quintessential trait you have to have to understand the Marvel characters. It’s not just big hammers and capes and things like that. It’s about what makes the character tick. There’s definitely a reason for Thor, a reason for him being and a very deep family relationship and story in the movie that I think is going to be very cool. Oh yeah, and there’s reasons and motivations for him to hit people with his hammer… hard!
Original Post: Comic Book Resources > Cup O' Joe: Joe Quesada Talks Thor, Iron Man 2.
If you follow me on Twitter (and if you don’t, you should), you’d notice that earlier in the week, I stated that we need to start planning for a Back to the Future II Party in October 2015.
This made me wonder…what other movies should we celebrate?
Luckily, someone is far more OCD or nerdier than I am, and has created a FUTURISTIC MOVIE TIMELINE.
This way, you now know, we’re just 6 great years until OCP takes over the walking hell known as Detroit. Someone should prep Officer Murphy for the worst now.
Original Post: Cool Stuff: Futuristic Movie Timeline | /Film.
Remember a few months back, when Woody Harrelson punched out a photographer because he was apparently “so tense” from working on a film called  Zombieland?
Well, now we get our first peek at the film that had Ol' Woody all freaked out.
Zombieland is said to be an action-comedy in the vein of Shaun of the Dead, and I have to say with a cast including Jesse Eisenberg (Adventureland), Abigail Breslin (the girl from Little Miss Sunshine), and the always attractive Emma Stone (Superbad)…they might just have me hooked.
Click through the link below for the rest of Ain’t It Cool News' exclusive stills.
Original Post: Â Check out these Exclusive stills from ZOMBIELAND starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin – Aint It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
…with this stunning STAR TREK casket!
Hard to believe, these are the same people who would claim the freaking amazing JJ Abrams reboot is a travesty.
If your intended way of disposing of your mortal casing isn’t via burial, don’t worry though…
They’ve got an urn too.
Wow, you’d think that something as sacred as one’s death would be handled with more class. Â What’s next, a KISS Coff–
…aw, damnit. I hate you world.
Original Post:Â Topless Robot - Die Like You Lived: As a Huge @#$%ing Nerd.
Not much more to say than the above.
26 New Episodes of Futurama, coming next year, airing on Comedy Central.
As someone who has loved the new movies as much as I did the original series proper…I am fucking stoked.
Original Post: Futurama returns with new episodes - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety.
Straight from the online pages of USA Today, I give you the first look at Mickey Rourke as Whiplash from next summer’s Iron Man 2.
As you can tell from the shot, it appears the Arc Reactor is being used for purposes other than good, and I guess it’s up to Tony Stark to handle it all. Â We’ll find out what happens next May!
First look: Mickey Rourke suits up as Whiplash for ‘Iron Man 2’ - USATODAY.com.
One of the more interesting bits of Indiana Jones trivia is that before Harrison Ford took the role, Tom Selleck was supposed to don the famous fedora.
The internet video above, however, what if instead of these actors, their most famous roles switched places? I give you…Han Solo P.I..
Ah! There it is.
I was wondering what it was.
Original Post: SERIOUS LUNCH: Conan’s new set looks like Super Mario.
No, no folks. This isn’t my review. God, that would’ve been rad (hear that, Palm PR?)Â Â This is actually Engadget’s review.
Honestly, I’ve been looking at The Palm Pre with a quirked brow since it’s unveiling last year at CES, but honestly, after reading this very in-depth review, I want to go to there.
I never thought I’d say this, but I think I found something I’d rather have over the iPhone! (The physical keyboard puts it over the top for me).
Either way, click through the link below, and drop your thoughts in the comments. It’s gonna get real interesting real fast in the world of Smartphones!
Original Post: Palm Pre review.
Someone better tailor me for my jumpsuit and give me my keys to my flying car, ‘cause we’re in the goddamned future!
It’s not enough that every video game console creator is designing ways for us to control games without…you know…a controller. Now, the wizards at Coldstone Creamery have designed the impossible: Ice Cream That Doesn’t Melt!
Nope. Doesn’t melt. Instead, it turns into JELL-O PUDDING.
This is science, folks. The two flavors available at launch will be Chocolate & Butterscotch.
The delicious treat that blows away all standards of what we believed possible will be available at participating Coldstone Creamery locations starting today, June 3rd, and ending on July 28th. What a world.
Original Post: Food2 Blog -Coldstone Breakthrough: Ice Cream That Transforms Into Pudding.
This past weekend, the world was introduced to another iconic Pixar character in Carl Fredricksen, the lead of Up.
In probably the coolest tribute to the world’s for-most senior citizen adventurer, Pixar staffer Angus MacLane has created a Lego version of Carl.  Mr. MacLane is best known as the director of the short Burn-E, and one of the best parts of the “Geek Track” audio commentary on Wall-E.  He’s also apparently quite the Lego builder, with his entire Flickr account being dedicated to his custom creations, full of familiar Pixar faces.
For more of MacLane’s Lego work, click here.
After the release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, some way, some how, a Deadpool movie was greenlit.
While I love the merc-with-a-mouth, I think it’s safe to say that the Deadpool we saw there was NOT the Deadpool we comic fans know and love.
Well, rest somewhat assured, as Ryan Reynolds, who is scheduled to reprise his role as the red-masked assassin, is doing his best to ensure that the movie meets up to the fan’s standards.
Here’s what he had to say on the project:
Original Post:Â Ryan Reynolds Makes Deadpool Promises - Cinematical.
Much like yesterday’s Microsoft Press Conference, Sony’s press conference was a verifiable rollercoaster ride, with surprises a plenty.
One of the games we knew about going in was Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
But I don’t think we expected it to rock this much.  The Official Trailer is embedded above, and I think it’s safe to say that for me, this game has gone from one that I was VERY interested in, to DAY FREAKING ONE.
The mixture of fun characters, running-jumping-shooting action, and gasp it’s in somewhere OTHER than a jungle makes me super excited. Hope you dig it too.
Arguably the Bell of the Ball at E3 already (and that’s before the Expo has officially started), Microsoft blew minds yesterday with their unveiling of Project Natal.
Project Natal is the code name for their long rumored motion controller, designed to compete directly with Nintendo’s Wii-mote technology. Except for, if the tech demo below is any indication of real world use….they’re going to blow it away.
I use no hyperbole in saying that if Microsoft delivers on the technology as demonstrated here, the future is now. But two barriers stand in their way…delivering on the hype, and pricing it appropriately.
Sure, Microsoft can worm their way into my heart with their excellent musical selection (that’s Los Campesinos, btw), but if this controller is priced at the rumored $200 point when it hits in 2010, this may be a whole lot of awesome tech with very few people around to impress.
For an example of how this could seriously redefine tech, look no further than the Milo demo, created by Peter Molyneux. Long known for changing the way we interact with gaming characters…what if the character was…real?  This proof-of-concept video is equally enthralling and haunting.
Your thoughts on the Natal? Is it Microsoft’s big thing? Or a big bust? Let me know what you think in the comments.
Today, Guillermo Del Toro’s novel The Strain, the first part of his urban vampire trilogy, hits shelves.
And, wouldn’t you know it, your ol' buddy Marty is feeling kind. I’m so excited about this, that I’m willing to give you, loyal Blast-O-Rama readers, a copy of this book!
Here’s the deal. Leave a comment on this post, and be sure to put your e-mail. I’ll randomly choose two winners to get a copy of the book, and e-mail you for your details.
Update, June 2nd, 5:50pm: I’m really excited to see all of you guys entering. To clarify, I’ll be selecting using this Random Number Picker, to ensure that the selections are completely random.
The contest will end on June 9th at midnight (US Residents only, sorry!), so get to leaving your details! This post will remain stickied at the top until then, so you don’t forget!
Update, June 9th, 9am: Congrats to our Winners Jason and JCVD!
Egads!
E3 has kicked off hard! While other sites will give you indepth coverage, I thought I’d just highlight the things that I dug as they come about.
The first of which…Left 4 Dead 2.
Scheduled for release on November 17th, exclusive to XBox 360 and PC, this sequel to the amazing first person shooter that’s pretty much been glued to my disc tray since it released, takes the setting to New Orleans, features a brand new cast (seen in the campaign poster above), and adds melee weapons like chainsaws and axes to the mix.
I’ve embedded the debut trailer below. Watch and get excited!
You know, it’s weird to be excited about a book that isn’t Harry Potter, for once.
But tomorrow, the much anticipated Vampire novella The Strain hits your local book retailer.  Written by one of Blast-O-Rama’s creative forces, Guillermo Del Toro, with assistance from Chuck Hogan.
Part one of a sure-to-be-exciting trilogy, The Strain is a book I featured here before, but I thought was worth mentioning again. I mean, really, does anyone need another Twilight book taking up a spot in the New York Times best sellers list?
If the concept of Del Toro writing a gritty, no-holds barred vampire book isn’t enough for you…how about a trailer? Maybe two?
I can’t recall another book series that has featured trailers before, but these two videos should have you nice and ready to read The Strain when it releases tomorrow, June 2nd.
Straight from SuperArtFight.com…
The first details on SUPER ART FIGHT 4 have been announced, in the jazzy video above. Click and enjoy.
Movie Trailers - Movies Blog
Get the fail memes and facepalms ready.
We’ve got the first scene available from GI Joe: Rise of Cobra.
All I can say is…Paramount, THIS is the amateurish piece of shit scene you let hit the web? Are you flipping retarded?
This flaming turd hits theaters…oh, who cares when it does. Just avoid.
By popular demand, the ever present ever touring Super Art Fight is making a return to a show of their own this Summer.
Admittingly, I promote it as I am not just host, but one of the fine folks behind this venture, but if you’re reading this, you apparently like me. And if you like me, YOU NEED TO GO TO THIS.
The official date + location will be announced at Midnight on June 1st, but until then, we’re running a contest where you get to guess the date. If you’re the first to hit the nail on the head, you and a friend get to go to Super Art Fight IV absolutely free!
For all the details, and to leave your guess, click here.
Wow, MS ain’t effing around with this one.
After trailing Apple for about 3 years now with their Zune portable music player, Microsoft has made a solid blow at the defenses of the Mac Cultist Empire with the unveiling of the Zune HD.
Their counterpoint to the wildly-popular iPod Touch, the Zune HD boasts many features against the standard Zune series, including a multi-touch screen, HD video output, HD radio tuning abilities, and a connection to the XBox 360, which will be revealed next week at E3. (Hear that? A shit ton of gaming stories are coming.)
No pricing or capacity information has been revealed for the new Zune, but you can rest assured we’ll all know about it by the time this new player is released in the Fall.
That reminds me…do Zunes work on macs yet?
Original Post: Gizmodo - Zune HD Is Real, Has Multitouch Web Browsing, OLED Screen and HD Video - Zune.
Hands down, there are few funnier experiences in my life than when I saw Anchorman in theaters.
Probably the movie that really put the “Apatow Crew” on the map, I’m amazed to find that to this day, lines from the film can put me in hysterics.
But of course, since we can never get enough of a good thing, Will Farrel, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and Adam McKay are having a meeting next week to discuss the possibility of Anchorman 2.
Personally, I think the tales of Ron Burgundy are best left to the past, but knowing that it’s the original crew behind the film meeting to discuss the idea of a sequel, as opposed to Hollywood suits pushing a deal for the sequel.
Anchorman 2 for Summer 2011? I guess we’ll see.
Original Post: Ferrell, Carell, Rudd and McKay Meeting Next Week To Discuss Anchorman 2 | /Film.
The guest this time around is Galifinakis’s co-star in the forthcoming The Hangover, Bradley Cooper. As usual, I’ll let the show speak for itself, but get ready for an interesting guest appearance.
Here’s a weird one!
Apparently the rights holders for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer franchise are looking to move forward with a new movie version of the character, this time without the writing (and related universe) created by Joss Whedon.
Now, let’s ignore the fact that this is another retarded instance of the remake crazy suits in Hollywood missing the fact that they can release a film with a similar concept without using the name of an established franchise.
Instead, I’d like to address the fandom raging at a Buffy project moving forward without Whedon.
…you guys ever think that maybe, just maybe, Whedon was asked about this project? And he doesn’t want to do it?
It’s bad enough that a second season of the dull Dollhouse is due to hit Fox this year, right after Whedon talking about how he’d rather do more original projects in the vein of Dr. Horrible…
But you dudes really want him to write a movie about characters who’s story he finished five years ago?
Food for thought.
Original Post: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Remake Without Joss Whedon | /Film.
I’ve never watched Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Sure, I hear it’s an amazing series, but I’ve never had the time to sit down and watch it back to front. Now that I’m facing some free time over the summer, I’ll take the moment to do so.
Never the less, that hasn’t stopped the live-action movie version from kicking into high gear! The movie version, dropping the front part of the title (Thanks, Jim Cameron!), is titled The Last Airbender and is being put together right now by love him or hate him director M. Night Shyamalan.
There was a blow-up online about how the casting of a film made up of mostly Asian cast members was being by far and large whitewashed, but now that production is finished, all we have to go on is the final product. And the image above is our first look at the lead, Aang, thanks to USA Today.
The first trailer is scheduled to be attached to Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, and honestly, as a non-fan, I can’t really determine my feelings about it. So I turn to you readers….what do you think?
Original Post: First Look: M Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender | /Film.
The web is full of dozens of movie review sites.
Some good, some bad. Some with a unique perspective. Some who could easily be replaced. Hell, even I write reviews now. (Thanks, b!)
But this is possibly the best movie “review” site of all time.
I give you RunPee.com, a site dedicated to telling you, the viewer, when during the theatrical showing it’s appropriate to ride the yellow tide.
Worried you’re gonna miss the big plot reveal due to your blatter? Check out RunPee.com before you hit the theater…and be prepared. No longer can those jumbo sodas ruin your experience during the next 3 and a half hour fantasy epic.
Original Post: Lifehacker - RunPee.com Suggests the Best Movie Bathroom Breaks - Bathroom Breaks.
One of my favorite DC Comic stories in recent years was the Jeph Loeb/Ed McGuiness run which started the iconic Superman/Batman series.
Warner Brothers Animation, in one of the best decisions they’ve ever made, have decided to do a direct to DVD/Blu-Ray version of it. The trailer above is our first look at it.
All I can say is with a track record including the simply stunning JLA: The New Frontier and the surprisingly great Wonder Woman…I am pumped.
It’s also nice to see them growing out of the Bruce Timm look, too.
Original Post: YouTube - Superman Batman: Public Enemies Animated Trailer.
So Sunday morning, I posted the epic version of Celebrity Jeopardy which appeared on Saturday night’s SNL finale.
But I mentioned the end sketch as one to watch…
And it took THIS LONG to get a decent version.
In what I consider one of the best ending sketches ever for SNL…and the season…Will Farrell, the SNL Cast, and a few dozen random cameos bring you…Billy Joel’s “Goodnight Saigon”.
Original Post: VOTD: Will Ferrell’s SNL Rendition of “Goodnight Saigon" with Tom Hanks and Crew | /Film.
No, no, I didn’t win. But we’ve reached the finals of the Next Dunkin Donut contest, and only one of these 12 AMAZING donuts will be baked nationwide at everyone’s favorite breakfast pastry shop. Here are the finalists (let’s ignore how similar one was to my suggestion…)
“A Nutter One" — A chocolate butter kreme-filled donut with peanut butter icing and chopped Reese’s® Peanut Butter Cups (Carol D’Angio, Palm Beach Gardens, FL) “Bodacious Banana" — A Bananas Foster-filled donut with chocolate icing topped with shredded coconut (Christine Roman, Ellenville, NY) “Chocolate Monkey" — A Bananas Foster-filled donut with chocolate icing topped with Hershey®’s Milk Chocolate shavings (Michelle Ventura, Cranston, RI) “Economic Crunch" — A cake donut with chocolate icing topped with graham cracker crunch and butternut crunch (Michael McNeil, Aliso Viejo, CA) “Frozen Assets" — A chocolate mint Bavarian-filled donut with white icing topped with blue and green sprinkles (Kimberly Brooks, Orlando, FL) “Grandma’s Blueberry Maple Donut" — A blueberry cake donut with maple icing topped with graham cracker crunch (Caitlyn Vandervelde, Coventry, RI) “Mexican Hot Chocolate" — A chocolate cake stick filled with marshmallow and topped with chocolate icing, Hershey®’s Cinnamon shavings and Hershey®’s Vanilla shavings (Jane Boderck, Easton, PA) “Sm’OREO" — A marshmallow-filled donut with chocolate icing topped with OREO® cookie pieces and graham cracker crunch (Laura Sherland, Smithtown, NY) “The Graham Slam" — A marshmallow-filled donut with chocolate icing topped with graham cracker crunch and white sprinkles (Nevrie Dauti, Wayne, NJ) “The King" — A Bananas Foster-filled donut with peanut butter icing and chopped peanuts (James Smith, Mount Vernon, NY) “Toffee For Your Coffee" — A glazed, sour cream cake donut topped with chopped Heath® Bar (Jeff Hager, Hoover, AL) “Tour de France" — A chocolate cake stick with hazelnut kreme glaze (Lindsay Piccotti, Clay, NY)
Original Post: Choose the Next Dunkin Donut | So Good.
Disclaimer: Once again, the fine people at b gave me passes to a pre-release film. Also, this review has minor spoilers. But really nothing you couldn’t gather from the trailers, anyway.
Last February, I attended New York Comic Con.  More than just a comic convention, it’s grown to be the haven for nerds of all shapes and sizes, an East Coast equivalent to the venerable San Diego Comic Con, which has become known more as the launchpad for Summer blockbusters, than for it’s comic-related content.
Anyway, I sat there, on a cold Saturday afternoon, as director McG took his plea to the geek populace….Terminator Salvation is coming. And it will be good.
This was a tough time to be McG. The audience was doubting him, given his track record (Sugar Ray videos and Charlie’s Angels movies do not a SciFi director make), and earlier that week, a tape surfaced of his lead actor chewing out a lighting guy. But he made his play. He sold himself, he sold the film. And then he showed us the reel.
8 minutes of unfinished scenes, some dialogue, and an indication of what this next Terminator was going to be. Â The geeks ate it up. Â Well. Except for me.
It looked…disjointed. Â As if the film was going to be a handful of stories slapped together, with admittingly stunning looking effects. Â But I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Â Come May, I’d know one way or another.
So it was with trepidation I walked into the theater this evening.
For those of you new to the Terminator saga, let’s throw you headlong into this one. The year is 2018. Judgement Day occurred. This means half the human population was killed in a Nuclear explosion caused by the self-aware AI known as Skynet (think Google, but REALLY evil.) Â Pretty much all the humans are dead, but those that are still alive are fighting the robot armies. Â One of the leaders of this group is freedom fighter, John Connor (Christian Bale).
John has quite the pedigree, as he (and his mother, who cameos in this installment via voiceover) has fought many a Terminator robot sent through time to kill him (as he’s ‘the one’, you see), and now, years later, he’s looking to find one person in particular. Kyle Reese (played in this edition by Anton Yelchin).
Why Kyle? Because Kyle is his father.  John (in a future later than this) sends Kyle back in time to impregnate his mother, effectively creating himself.  Confused yet?
Awesome, because here comes the wrench known as Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington). Â The movie starts with Marcus' story, as he’s a death row prisoner in the year 2003. Minutes before his lethal injection, he’s convinced by a cancer patient (Helena Bonham Carter) to sign some mysterious paperwork. Â He awakes in 2018 with no memory, and looks to find his way in this post-apocalyptic world.
I know, that’s a lot of exposition for ultimately what is the first 10 minutes of the film, but unfortunately for us, that’s about as much driving plot as we get for the first hour. Â The film plods along, with nods to the 3 prior Terminator films, and a subplot with Marcus falling for a female freedom fighter (Moon Bloodgood), but ultimately….we’re given no reason to care. Â Scenes go by, characters are introduced, and relationships and conflicts are built…why? Just because.
And that’s ultimately Terminator Salvation’s biggest failure as a picture.  The film has no meaning.  You have an incredible cast gathered together, stunning visuals, amazing sound design…and really nothing for them to play with.  Huge explosions and eyedropping set-pieces (including an exciting motorcycle chase and giant robot sequence) are reduced to nothing, as we as the audience have been given nothing on screen to grab onto.  It’s almost insulting that the second act reveal of Marcus’s true history (surprise! he’s a robot!) is ancillary for the audience, as we haven’t seen much of a hint of his origins, or given any true reason to care about the character.
This unfortunately can be said for most of the cast, including an impassioned Christian Bale, who is given nothing more than to look and sound important, and we the audience, much like the fellow members of The Resistance, are supposed to see him as a leader just because other’s say he is?  Where are his moments of growth? Where is his indecision? What makes him tick?  We’re given none of these things.
It’s a damn shame that a film that drills the concept of the importance of one’s heart, has no heart of it’s own.  It isn’t until the final act assault on Skynet that you feel anything near a level of excitement or evolvement with the film.  It should come as no real surprise, but this is also where the film excels the most, which should be enough to send most audiences home happy.
In this case though, I’m left feeling rather hollow.
They say that a film is the sum of it’s parts. Â But how a film with such solid acting, adept directing, and arresting visuals and audio can leave one cold will remain a mystery. Â Terminator Salvation is simply put, a tepid rendition of what should be a jaw-dropping movie going experience.
It’s been said that many times, some of the best stories are left untold. Maybe the tease of Judgement Day seen in Terminator 2 was the most the story needed.
Despite all this though, I’m left with a question. Â During the press junket for this film, McG said that 30-40 minutes were cut out of the film. Â Maybe his original cut is all you’d want and more? And maybe, just maybe, on the world of DVD and Blu-Ray, Terminator Salvation can be saved.
Easily, one of the best parts of Spring is all the lil' creatures that come out of the woodwork after a quiet winter.
Squirrels, Chipmunks, they all frolic around yards across the country.
So what happens when you befriend a chipmunk? You feed him, he lets you pet him…
Of course, the next logical step is pose him with your collection of Star Wars figures.
That’s what Flickr user “powerpig” did, and in turn, we get this awesome set of photos!
Click the link below to see more.
Original Post: Crossover - a set on Flickr.
Last night’s Saturday Night Live, hosted by Will Farrell, was probably one of the most hysterical ever.
It’s apex? This amazing edition of Celebrity Jeopardy.
It’s been years since there was a Jeopardy sketch on SNL, and in turn, they pulled out all the stops.
There was another sketch at the end of the night that rivaled this in pure epicness, but…I had to share this with you all.
Also, of note, if last night’s farewell was any indication, this was the final episode with Darrell Hammond. If so, what a way to go for the SNL veteran.
…Ok, I know, you’re going “Who the HELL is Chris Hemsworth”?
Well, I think I know my reader-base here, so I’ll remind you.
You know the awesome opening of Star Trek?
Remember Jim Kirk’s dad, George Kirk?
That is Chris Hemsworth, and in Summer 2011, we’ll be seeing him wreck people with Mjolnir as Thor. And then again in 2012 as a member of The Avengers.
What do I think? Honestly, don’t know enough to say. I thought he was fine as George Kirk (although ultimately, not memorable), but we’ll see him next in the Drew Goddard (Cloverfield) directed, Joss Whedon (nerdy things) written The Cabin in the Woods.
Hopefully we’ll get a better idea of his skills then.
Directed by Kenneth Branagh, Thor is scheduled to hit theaters on June 17th, 2011.
Original Post: Chris Hemsworth is Thor | /Film.
You’ve got the touch…
You’ve got the poooweeeeerrrrrrr
YEAH!
Start to sing that to any child of the 80s, and they’ll immediately chime in, as it’s the opening lines of the song “The Touch”, by Stan Bush.
Made famous in the original, animated Transformers movie, it’s arguably one of the seminal songs of the current nerd generation.
So of course, with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen hitting theaters, they had to remake it, right?
Set your ears for dissapointment, as the 2009 version of “The Touch” is slow tempoed, and Linkin Park-esq, right down to a bootleg version of your standard “white, maybe asian?” rapper dude.
Holy shit does this suck. Click play in the YouTube video above to hate your life. Happy Friday!
EDIT - 4:05PM: Just found out something that either makes this more hysterical, or far sadder…this isn’t officially in Transformers 2, yet. Bush made the song and the video for quote, “hopeful consideration for Michael Bay’s ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.'” Oh man. Stan, what happened, man?
Well, this should come as no surprise.
Activision loves to sell games with “must-have” controllers.
And…Activision looooooves to run their money making franchises into the ground with sequel after sequel.
So it doesn’t shock me in the least to see that the 13th Tony Hawk title is played with the use of a fake, plastic skateboard.
Tony Hawk Ride, as it’s titled, is scheduled to be shown off at E3 later this month. Due to hit the PS3, 360 and Wii, it’ll cost at least $100 to get your game on. Add probably another $60 for a second controller.
For those counting at home, this leaves only the Call of Duty and World of Warcraft games as the Activision franchises without fake controllers. Personally, I’m hoping for a mini game where you can shred with your Guitar Hero controller while skating around wherever. Teach kids that they can’t do two things at once.
Personally, I miss the days of Tony Hawk Pro Skater 2, which is probably one of my most played games in the PSOne era. Good times, that game.
Original Post: Kotaku - New Tony Hawk Game Has A Freakin' Skateboard Peripheral - Tony Hawk: Ride.
SNL, Mr. Show, The State, UCB…I’ve followed them all, and having had interest in doing improv comedy myself, I study and analyze it all.
In the past year, SNL has added 4 new cast members to their hallowed halls, including Casey Wilson.
Casey was added on the back end of the ‘07-‘08 season, and only now is really showing her skills as a comedic actress.
Unfortunately, in this day and age of the internet, snap judgements are made, and posted for all to see (something even I’m willing to admit I’m part of).
So what happens when Ms. Wilson decides to take on the commentors herself?
The video above, courtesy of FunnyOrDie.com. It’s awkward. It’s awesome. Click play.
As I’ve said to quite a few friends of mine in real life, I’m thinking after the non-stop blockbuster fest of the Summer of 2008, 2009 will be a summer of sleeper films.
I’m pretty darn sure that Public Enemies will be one of these flicks.
I mean, from the onset of the plot, Johnny Depp as legendary mobster John Dillinger being chased by FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale)…how can you go wrong?
The first trailer was attached to Watchmen in March, and while the flick looks awesome, the digitally shot look is somewhat jarring for a 1920’s era piece.
Either way, I’m getting excited for Public Enemies' release on July 1st, and the trio of new posters above certainly is helping.
I’ve embedded the trailer below…what do you think?
Original Post: Public Enemies Character Posters | /Film.
Tonight (actually, currently) is the season finale of Lost.
So of course, we Abrams addicts are going to be needing something to fill the time between now and next January while we wait for Lost’s Sixth and Final Season.
How about a version of the infamous Doomsday Terminal where you have to input a series of numbers, every 108 minutes?!
You get to be Desmond by way of your iPhone!
What could possibly go wrong?!
Doomsday Terminal is available now via the iTunes App Store.
Original Post: Unofficial Lost Terminal iPhone App Is A Game Of Patience
I’ve found what would make The Wire better!
I know, that statement is blasphemy in some circles of the web, but really, this is THE thing that the Charm City serial was missing…A LAUGH TRACK.
Way to go, HBO. You could’ve grabbed middle America with this.
Sure, we’ve all heard the stories about how Back to the Future originally starred Eric Stoltz as Marty McFly before Michael J. Fox took over in what would become his signature role. But now I’m here to give you a glimpse of another alternate Back to the Future that did not see the light of day…
Now, I’ve always loved the posters above. Iconic. Spoofed dozens of times. And as a Marty myself, I’ve always been very interested in the series… But that image of Marty with the delorian? NOT Universal’s first choice. BEHOLD…ALTERNATE VERSIONS OF THE BACK TO THE FUTURE POSTER!
All I can say is…they’re SUPER 80s.
Original Post: : DREW STRUZAN.
You’d figure a movie like Crank 2 would exhaust the creators as much as it does the audience.
You’d figure wrong, as just five months after the release of the Jason Staham sequel, the director/writer team of Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor throw Gerard “Leonidas” Butler into an ultraviolent real-life MMO with Gamer.
Here’s your plot, as if you needed to hear one, courtesy of Wikipedia.
The first trailer (which dropped on Xbox Live of all places…appropriate, yet odd) is embeded above, and the teaser poster is below.
Gamer hits theaters on September 4.
Lately, I’ve been really getting into Top Gear.
I barely understand cars (I got my license at 22, for Christ’s sake), but their extreme almost Mythbusters-esq testing of motor vehicles is proving very addictive. Â It also doesn’t help that BBC America tends to run episodes over the weekends in multi-hour blocks.
Anyway, Top Gear has a YouTube channel, full of more recent clips from the BBC2 airings.
One such video is their review of the Ford Fiesta, embedded above.
This is possibly the greatest review of any car, ever. Â It runs a little long at 11 minutes, but trust me, you’ll want to see the WHOLE thing.
Sure, I’m a non-Trekkie and I loved Star Trek.
But apparently, there are some Trekkies who are hating on the new Star Trek.
In turn, Zach Quinto, Chris Pine and Leonard Nimoy showed up on SNL’s Weekend Update last night to speak to this angry group of fandom.
Click above to see what happened.
We’ve been stung by Wolverine.
We’ve been awed by Star Trek.
Up next, of course, is the memorial day push for the 4th Terminator Film…Terminator Salvation.
And to get your blood pumping, Warner Bros has released a FOUR MINUTE LONG preview for the McG helmed, Christian Bale starring Robot War flick. Â Ultimately, it reminds me a lot of the sizzle reel we saw at New York Comic Con last February, except for the effects are finished. This is also where I point out that this movie has affirmed my Bryce Dallas Howard crush.
Not surprisingly, the press junket for the film is occurring now, and in it, McG’s been quite the chatty cathy. Â In addition to revealing that there’s roughly 40 minutes of deleted footage (come on Blu-Ray!), he spoke about the original, extremely dark ending for the film.
I’m not sure if this was filmed (it’d make a great disc extra), but here’s what was supposed to happen. Spoiler alerts on high, even though it’s NOT the ending.
Sayeth McG….
That was at a time when there was a very dark ending. There was a great irony in the way this film shook down. There was this leak that Connor dies and they put Connor’s face on top of the machine body of Marcus. Everybody went, “Booooooo, what’s that?” That’s half of it [the ending]. We had a jet-black ending. Connor dies, we’re in a room with all the people we care about. You take Connor’s likeness, you put it on the living machine of Marcus. He sits up, now looking like Christian Bale, takes a gun, kills Kate, kills Kyle, kills Star, kills everybody, eyes flare red, [snaps] the end.
Man! That would’ve kinda RULED!
Downey even makes hanging out between takes of Iron Man 2 shooting look really cool.
I wish one day to be that awesome.
Also: Is it just me, or is that armor a bit different? Sure, it looks like a partial set for CGI work or something but…new chest, new gauntlets…
Original Post: Star Tracks: Thursday, May 7, 2009 - ACTION FIGURE - Robert Downey Jr. : People.com.
In the interest of full disclosure, I’d like to share that I was afforded this opportunity to see Star Trek by the staff of b. I thank them for the pass, and I am both humbled and horrified to know that “marty f’n day” is known by name in their halls. Also, it was in IMAX. Suck it, nerds.
In all my years of nerddom, there were two levels I’d never broach. One out of personal indifference, one out of personal dislike. Indifference was the way for pen and paper role-playing games. Â Never grabbed me, and at the age of Twenty-Four, I doubt they’d grab me now. Â Dislike was the way of Star Trek.
In life, I feel all people can be evenly split amongst two groups.  Typically, this theorem is applied to Superman and Batman…you either love one, or another, and it says something about you.  I’ve felt this way about Star Wars and Star Trek.
Trek was seen in my eyes as the sterile exploration of space, pushed through the eyes of 60’s nostalgia. Â Wars was the epic, the grandiose tale in the vein of pulp long lost. Â Exploration versus adventure. Analysis versus opera. Â This is what split the two. Â And I’ve long put myself in the “Wars” side of things.
But ‘lo, Paramount had a vision.
Star Trek, long considered the thing of hardcore sci-fi fandom, had lost it’s grip on the mainstream realm. Â Eleven films later, and only the most devout of fans were coming out. Â The television shows, no longer grabbing the ratings they once were.
It was time to make Star Trek anew. Â Batman Begins did it, so why not Trek?
The first key move in grabbing these new eyes was attracting the directing talents of JJ Abrams. Â Cultivating an audience over his television shows Alias and Lost, films like Mission: Impossible III and Cloverfield…he WAS mainstream….but the geeks loved him just as much.
And so Paramount set out, with a cast of relative unknowns (and the knowns, best known for cult) and a director the world adored.
Did it work?
Absolutely.
From the first frame of the first true trailer I knew that this was the Star Trek film that would grab me headlong into the Trekkies warm embrace. Â And by god, it delivered.
From the opening sequence, which shows an epic space battle on an incredible scale (and proves that Abrams learned a lesson or two from Joss Whedon), we’re thrust headlong into the growth of this new universe’s James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock from childhood to starfleet and their ascension to the roles we’ve become accustomed to seeing them as.
Note the term “new universe”? Yeah, that’s super key here, as not only do we newbies get a new Trek universe to call our own, but they conveniently tie it to the existing Trek cannon.  The explanation for this is incredibly complicated and verbose, but it sets the entire films plot into motion, and is rather fantastically verbalized by a rather reverent and wizened Leonard Nimoy.
What follows is possibly one of the better sci-fi movies of the summer, if not of the year, if not of quite a few years.
From top to bottom, Star Trek delivers.
It starts with an incredible lead in Chris Pine’s James Kirk.  One part Shatner, one part Daniel Craig’s reinterpretation of James Bond, he (pardon the pun) commands the screen with equal parts charisma and wit.  You understand how he could become a captain at such a young age, and Pine is an absolute blast to watch in character building scenes like the Kobayashi Maru.
Right behind him is Zachary Quinto as Spock. Â I had a feeling this would be his breakout moment, and by god, he is wasting his time on Heroes. Â Quinto personifies both sides of Spock, human and vulcan, to a T, and is a great compliment to Pine. Â (A side note, Winona Ryder appears as Spock’s Mother, and sweet jesus do I feel old having an actress I had such a crush on appearing as someone’s MOTHER.)
The rest of the supporting cast lives up to their roles with equal joy and abandon. Â Anton Yelchin as Chekov, Simon Pegg as Scotty, and Karl Urban as Bones reignite their iconic roles, showing deep character despite ultimately being used as comedic relief throughout the film, but I have no doubt they’ll be the highlight of future installments. Â While fleetingly used, John Cho is a superb Sulu, shining in his action sequences, and Bruce Greenwood is a believable inspiration for Kirk, as Captain Christopher Pike.
Possibly the unsung hero of the film, I suppose appropriate given his villain status, is Eric Bana as the villainous Nero.  In his appearances on screen, Nero remains an imposing presence, showing equal parts intelligence and anger.  You truly believe that he could destroy a world at a moments notice…yet believe he was in the right to do so.
Unfortunately, there is a weak-link in the film, and it’s Zoe Saldana as Uhura. Â While a perfectly fine actress, Saldana is reduced to window dressing, acting as a lover to Spock and lust object for Kirk, while having no real character development of her own. Hopefully Star Trek II will fix this.
What can I say? Â For the 126 minute running time of the film, I was completely enthralled, and as a decided anti-Trekkie, I never thought I’d say this…I loved Star Trek.
And hopefully you hardcore fans will love it too. Â There are tons of nice references dropped about the film, both for Trek fans (note the color of a certain sky jumping suit…you’ll predict his fate) and Abrams nerds (SLUSHO! GREG GRUNBERG’S VOICE!), and all and all, it’s just a stunning experience.
After the decidedly tepid kick off to the summer movie season last weekend with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, I am super pleased to say…the summer movie season is finally here, with JJ Abrams’ relaunch of Star Trek.
Be there this weekend. In IMAX, if you can.
I typically don’t speak a lot about the tech world on here, as I tend to more observe that realm than report.  I figure I enjoy tech, I like reading about tech, but there are people far, far more qualified than I to report on it.
However, the latest group of rumored moves from Apple (in a 24 hour period, no less!) have me confused, and interested as to their next step.
I make no bones about it, ever since I purchased an iPod back in 2006, I’ve been a devout fan of Apple. It lead to me switching to OSX, and I follow their every move with a general furvor.
Despite this, I really cannot figure where Apple is going right now.
They’re a company in flux with Steve Jobs out with health issues, yet between iTunes, the iPhone and increasing market computing share (not to mention $29 Billion in cash reserves, which is amazing in this economy), they’re in a place that most companies would love to be in.
So what are these moves that are so confusing?
1. A Possible Purchase of Twitter
-Rumors hitting today indicate that Apple may be looking into purchasing Twitter for $700 Million. While Twitter continues to grow (and the iPhone is surely helping, with it’s multitude of dedicated apps), what could Apple see in a company that generates no revenue stream? Sure, when the word was that Google was attempting to purchase it, I could see why, between advertising on keywords and improving Twitter’s search, it’d be a Google Goldmine. But for Apple - what’s the appeal? I can’t even imagine it.
2. An Attempt In The Game Industry
Now this one I’m mostly basing on conjecture, but hear me out. The iPod and iPhone are becoming ubiquiteous devices, and I’m sure while the AppleTV has done fine, they’d want a stronger presence in your home. And hell, apparently the sales of games for the iPod Touch and iPhone have had Nintendo and Sony interested in whether a third competitor would arrive into the already bloody handheld console war.
But with the rumors that Apple wants to purchase EA (who holds a ridiculously large percentage of the home gaming market); and their hiring of Bob Drebin, who designed the graphics processor for Nintendo’s Gamecube, and Richard Teversham, formerly the senior director for insights and strategy at Microsoft’s Xbox Business…this could be the first shot against Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony for the home gaming market.
Could the market hold a 4th system? Maybe not. But imagine if you will…
A set top box similar to the AppleTV, which allows you to stream your iTunes music and movies, download games, and do typical internet based tasks (e-mail, browsing, etc.)…add a possible interface for the iPhone and iPod touch…
Could change the way we see gaming.
What do you think Apple’s up to? Is this the next big step for them? Or a terrible journey down an ugly road? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
File this under “awesome”.
To hype the release of Terminator Salvation, the marketing wizards decided to scare the shit out of the users of the Toronto Subway with a real live T-600!
THE ROBOCALYPSE IS UPON US.
NO ONE IS SAFE - NOT EVEN CANADA!
RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!
Original Post: Terminator Invades Bloor Stn. - a set on Flickr.
“Alright Brad, we’re almost done with the teaser poster for Inglorious Bastards.”
“Sweet deal, man. I can’t wait!”
“One thing though, we need your approval for the poster text.”
“Wait, why me…isn’t that Quentin’s gig?”
“Well, we call you a Bastard.”
“…”
“…Hello?”
Original Post: That Basterd Brad Pitt wants his Nazzi scalps! Check out your first look at the new INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS poster! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
Is there anything better than a new Studio Ghibli film?
I mean, really, aside from say Pixar, does any other studio scream immediate classic, any further?
Either way, the hype machine for Ponyo is officially on full tilt, as we now have the first teaser poster. I like it, a nice understated image, with the english cast listed above.
But let’s really be honest, the teaser could be a crappy marker drawing on a wet paper bag, and I’d be there when Ponyo hits theaters in August.
Original Post: AICN has the one-sheet for Miyazaki’s PONYO, plus an exclusive still – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
Normally, I don’t pay any mind to the “random yokle in Backwoods, Wherever sees a holy image in a something” story that fills the Weird/Wacky section of news sites everywhere.
Then there was this one.
Mexican wrestlers Renegado and Mr. Tempest look at an image of what they believe is “Our Lady of Guadalupe” on a griddle at Las Palmas restaurant in Calexico, Calif. Manager Brenda Martinez says more than a hundred people have flocked to the restaurant to inspect the griddle. My Friday has been made, kids.
Original Post: Holy pancakes! Virgin Mary seen on griddle - Weird news- msnbc.com.
Routinely, for reasons of FCC regulations and timeslot locations, movies get cut up for their content.
This can be as easy as using alternate takes (if the director was smart enough), or as silly and difficult as overdubbing particularly vulgar lines.
Because of the way that these films are edited, some become so infamous for their changes that the TV Edit versions grow a fanbase all to their own. Examples include the Mallrats TV edit (who got an actor who in no way sounds like Jay to dub his lines) and the TV edit of The Big Lebowski (“This is what happens when you find a stranger in the alps!") amongst dozens of others.
It seems almost right that given it’s internet cult lineage that Snakes on a Plane should share this fate of terrible/awesome censorship. And in turn, I’ve brought you the best example.
Remember at the end, when Samuel L. Jackson screams the line that the web wanted so badly, they added it in post? Remember the fury, the furvor over hearing him declare that simply, he was tired of these motherfucking snakes on this motherfucking plane?
It’s decidedly different now. Check it out above.
I’ll be damned.
I honestly thought like most of the “golden era” [adult swim] shows, Aqua Teen Hunger Force had long since gone off the air.
I was wrong. Very wrong.
The show is in fact, still on the air, and this season’s finale will be live action!
As usual, they aren’t spending too much, but here’s your look at the cast.
Original Post: Want to see what the live-action Aqua Teen cast looks like? - TV Squad.
Ever since the viral campaign for District 9 started at San Diego Comic Con last year, I’ve been very interested to see what exactly the movie was going to be.
The director, Neill Blomkamp was originally supposed to helm the Halo flick, but stepped aside to do this project instead.  From all prior speculation, I figured it was going to be your typical alien invasion film, a big summer blockbuster to rock your brain with super effects.
From this trailer, the effects certainly are strong, but the film looks like something else entirely.
You know, in this day and age, we get so bored with the next big ‘splodey flick…but this? Looks intriguing, thought provoking, and gave me honest to god chills.
District 9, directed by Neill Blomkamp and produced by Peter Jackson, is scheduled to hit theaters on August 14th.
Those of us who have been following Johnny Fav on Twitter have been waiting for this day, and it’s finally arrived.
The first official image from IRON MAN 2 has hit the web courtesy of USA Today. Â Sure, it doesn’t show us a lot, outside of Stark’s Hall of Armor in the background, but damn it’s nice to see Downey as Stark again already!
Let the hype begin here.
Iron Man 2 hits theaters in May 2010.
Original Post:Â First Look at Robert Downey Jr. in ‘Iron Man 2’! - Cinematical.
Want to see how GI Joe’s looking? How about in FRENCH?
Well, I’ve got the trailer for you.
I’ll say this. GI Joe doesn’t look like an Oscar winner by any means, but any movie that has Ninja Fights AND a missle launching car? Worth a matinee.
via G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra French Trailer - Trailer Addict.
Earlier this week, this new Transformers 2 trailer could be seen in craptastic hand-held shot, youtube vision, but now we’ve got real, HD quality AWESOME vision.
I still hold that I am optimistic for this movie, but shan’t be surprised if it sucks.
We’ll find out in June
Original Post via Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Trailer - Trailer Addict.
I guess you can add “b columnist” to the ol' resume, as today my writing appeared in the local “alternative” paper, b.
I wrote a piece against Dane Cook, and it’s available at your local newspaper box today.
However, for those of you not in the Baltimore area, I’ve added my piece, “A Case Against Dane Cook” behind the cut. Enjoy.
A Case Against Dane Cook
For as long as people have had a way to have their voices heard, there have been comedians.
One person, against an audience, sharing their unique perspectives on life. They’re the underdogs. The unheard voice amongst a crowd. They take everyday situations and reveal a truth about life while masked by humor.
Dane Cook is none of these things. For as much as landmark comedians such as Lenny Bruce and Bill Hicks raged against the system, Cook thrives in it.
In an age where some of the best voices in comedy come from the alternative nerd contingent (greats like Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman and David Cross), Dane Cook is the lowest common denominator appealing, douchey looking frat boy favorite.
He doesn’t know how life looks from the outside, he doesn’t know inner truths that need to be masked by humor, hell…he doesn’t even know how to tell a joke!
Seriously, listen closely to an average set from Dane Cook. In between stealing bits from other comedians far more talented than he, the “Dane Train" rolls on through bits that elicit wooing from mindless female fans, and silly applause breaks that indicate when a bit ends.
Wooing? Applause? Last I checked, we were there to laugh, but I guess he’s failed to notice that mispronouncing “sandwich" does not a punchline make.
Look, do yourself a favor. If you’re thinking of dropping the no doubt obscene ticket prices for Dane Cook’s show at the Arena, look a little closer. There are dozens of great comedians playing small clubs all throughout the Maryland DC area, and they’re far worth the money.
And if you’re really jonesing for some classic Cook bits? Look no further than Louis CK’s shows at the Recher later in May.
He wrote them in the first place.
CHAINSAWS ON A STICK! CHAINSAWS ON A BIKE! I CAN’T WAIT!
Original Post:Â YouTube - Dead Rising 2 First Full Trailer.
I never saw the first Halloween remake, but apparently, it did well enough to deserve a sequel.
And if this trailer is believed, there were enough secrets left to be answered.
Me? I loved the original Halloween. I didn’t need a remake. Hell - I didn’t need all those sequels. So I surely didn’t need a sequel to the remake.
But I’m guessing at least one of you in internet land wants to see this, so click play and enjoy.
Original Post: YouTube - H2: Halloween 2 Teaser Trailer.
We make no claim against our biases here at Blast-O-Rama. There are certain creators or creations that regardless of their implication, that we immediately are interested in, and will defend, mostly blindly.
One of those things is the work of Guillermo Del Toro. And guess what kiddies? If working on a billion movies (including The Hobbit) wasn’t enough, Del Toro (as discussed in the YouTube video above) is taking the vampire novel back from silly pretenders like Twilight.
He’s taking it back with The Strain, an original vampire trilogy, applying classic vampire myth to a CSI-style procedural. (Guess this might help some of your concerns, Jami?)
Here’s the synopsis:
In one week, Manhattan will be gone. In one month, the country.
In two months-the world.
A Boeing 777 arrives at JFK and is on its way across the tarmac, when it suddenly stops dead. All window shades are pulled down. All lights are out. All communication channels have gone quiet. Crews on the ground are lost for answers, but an alert goes out to the CDC. Dr. Eph Goodweather, head of their Canary project, a rapid-response team that investigates biological threats, gets the call and boards the plane. What he finds makes his blood run cold.
In a pawnshop in Spanish Harlem, a former professor and survivor of the Holocaust named Abraham Setrakian knows something is happening. And he knows the time has come, that a war is brewing…
So begins a battle of mammoth proportions as the vampiric virus that has infected New York begins to spill out into the streets. Eph, who is joined by Setrakian and a motley crew of fighters, must now find a way to stop the contagion and save his city-a city that includes his wife and son-before it is too late. The first book titled The Strain: Book One of the Strain Trilogy hits shelves on June 2nd. You can pre-order it at Amazon.com here.
Original Post: io9 - Guillermo Del Toro To Save Vampires In New Book Series - Guillermo Del Torro.
Yes, this is 100% real.
MEAT business cards. Yes. MEAT. Not paper, not plastic, not cloth, not parchment, not a dream, not an imaginary tale…
FUCKING MEAT BUSINESS CARDS.
That’s it world, we’re done. We’ve PEAKED.
BUSINESS CARDS MADE OUT OF MEAT.
Time to go tell the boss I’m heading home, there is nothing I can do in life to out do this pinnacle of human progression.
And what’s better? The words are seared in with LASERS.
MEAT AND GODDAMN LASERS!
what a world.
Original Post:Â cards made from meat - Boing Boing.
Dear readers…have you seen Brick?
Because if you haven’t, you really should. A bizarre mixture of detective noir, mixed with a high school setting, it was one of the most unique and entrancing films I’ve seen in years.
In turn, I knew I had to keep an eye on writer/director Rian Johnson.
Over the past few years, he’s been dilgantly working on his follow up to Brick, a heist film called The Brothers Bloom. Unfortunately for him, and we the audience, Bloom has been shuffled from release date to release date, and it was starting to look like the film would never see the light of day!
Worry no longer, as The Brothers Bloom is finally set to hit theaters on May 15th…and to get you, the person who didn’t even know about it excited, they’ve put the first SEVEN minutes of the flick online for free on Hulu. I’ve embeded it above, and let me say…I’m even more excited.
As the old adage goes: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”
Or, as Hollywood sees it these days: “If at first you succeed, then subsequently don’t succeed, try again.”
This line of thinking has caused some terrible, terrible movies (The Dukes of Hazzard, Rob Zombie’s Halloween). It’s also inspired some great movies (Ocean’s 11, Batman Begins.)
Well, the dice are being rolled once more, as everyone’s favorite “shoot it on the cheap” director is taking on a classic action franchise.
That’s right, Robert Rodriguez is taking on Predator.
Rodriguez’s take, entitled Predators, sounds like a worthy addition to the 1987 classic. Here’s the pitch for this one: a team of commandos (just like the first) battles…wait for it…a team of Predators.
Rodriguez, add some good go-booms and blood, and I’m fucking there.
Is it too much to ask that you hire Jason Staham?
Predators is tentatively scheduled to hit theaters April 15th, 2010.
Original Post:Â Rodriguez Confirms Predator Series Reboot - Predators | /Film.
Batman: Arkham Asylum is fast becoming one of the more anticipated titles for gamers this coming summer.
If I had to say why, it’s probably because of a few reasons.
The Dark Knight, starring said Bat-person, was one of the biggest grossing movies in the history of ever.
It looks like a decent game, all around.
It might just be the best licensed title…well, ever.
But for those of us on the fence, or at least those of us with multiple systems, unsure which way to purchase, the PlayStation 3 sure is looking like the better option.
Why? It’s all about that banner above. Spotted today in Sony’s HOME program, it pretty blatantly states that everyone’s favorite clown prince of crime, The Joker, will only be playable on the PS Triple.
Edios, if you don’t fuck this one up…you just earned yourself a sale of a PS3 copy.
Original Post: Home ad reveals Joker DLC for Batman: Arkham Asylum on PS3.
I had heard some rumors that this was in development, but I kind of shrugged them off, given that Harmonix was busy developing The Beatles: Rock Band.
Surprise surprise, Lego: Rock Band is not only real, but will be available this fall. Initially when I heard the rumors, I immediately figured “Eh, I’ll wait for it to hit the bargain bin”…
Then I read this section of the announcement…
Here’s hoping that the songs from both this, and The Beatles: Rock Band, are importable to Rock Band 2. My band Unemployed Galactus needs to get it’s Europe on!
Original Post: Kotaku - Harmonix Announces LEGO: Rock Band - Top.
Kicking off what is sure to be a Spring full of Mad Men news, leading to the premiere of Season 3 this Summer, above you can see the first look at the Blu-Ray Art for Mad Men Season 2.
The subtle, classy artwork showcases a shirt and tie, with no one in it. Nice symbolism, given Don Draper’s disappearance in the series.
The blu-rays hit the shelves on July 14th, ensuring that between this set and The State DVDs, my local Best Buy will be very pleased to see me at the checkout that day.
Original Post: Mad Men: Season Two Blu-ray Revealed on Facebook | TheHDRoom.
The State - MTV Shows
THE STATE. 1000% CONFIRMED FOR DVD ON JULY 14TH. SUMMER 2009, LET’S DO THIS!
Wow. Here’s a video of Seth Rogen doing standup back in 1996 at the age of 13.
I suddenly feel like I’ve done NOTHING with my life.
Original Post: YouTube - Seth Rogen 1996 Stand Up Comedy.
See that above?
Beneath that large watermark from the fine folks at Empire Magazine, that’s your first look at the future of cinema.
It shows the filming of Tintin, co-directed by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson, as the titanic directors give cues to Tintin (Jamie Bell) and Captain Haddock (Andy Serkis).
The movie is employing INTENSE use of motion capturing, so by the time the flick hits screens in 2011, it won’t look at all like two dudes in jumpsuits, but instead, a fully realized cgi version of the comic classic.
Between movies like this, and James Cameron’s Avatar, the movie world is moving more from the expensive and lengthy process of building, forming and filming, and more to creating virtual worlds around exisiting actors, and it should be interesting to see the results. The movie just wrapped filming (in 32 days!), and I can’t wait to see how it looks once all the bells and whistles are applied.
Original Post: Empire: Movie News - World Exclusive: First Look At Tintin.
Watch the full concert at baeblemusic.com
I think it’s safe to say, I can be best described as a music snob. I hold my opinons in music in high regard, I take the listening to music and ranking of albums far too seriously, and I’m constantly in search of the next best thing.
But one band, from the first note I heard of theirs, had me totally enchanted. That band was The Appleseed Cast. Now, something like 7 albums, and as many years later, I got to see them live for the second time last night at Sonar here in Baltimore.
Simply put, it was a stunning show. As a treat, I’ve embedded a live performance of theirs from 2007, in full so you can get a taste of just how awesome they are.
Thanks to Ghostfreehood for the heads up on the link, and the hook up on tickets last night.
Original Post: The Appleseed Cast live at The Knitting Factory on Baeblemusic.
Hey guys, remember the swingin' 70s?
I sure do, being Negative 14 at the time and all.
Anyway, lets relive the past with these great ads from that company Dharma.
Whatever happened to them, anyway? Something with an island. Whole bunch of folks were Lost. I can’t remember. It’s giving me a nosebleed just thinking about it.
Original Post:Â DHARMA ads. - a set on Flickr.
Don’t worry gang, I’m not leaving Blast-O-Rama to go all Scott Pilgrim, all the time.
But as you can see above, the official site for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World has started what will be, or rather, attempting to be, a weekly video blog from the set.
Click play above Click the image above, and check check it out.
Original Post: Blog One - Introduction to Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World | Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
I swear, for as long as I’ve been writing things on the internet (2001-ish?) I’ve been writing versions of this post.
Hopefully this is the LAST time.
The State. DVD. July 14th, 2009.
Really.
I’ll get to buying the $240 of Pudding.
Original Post: Joe Lo Truglio · THE STATE on DVD….JULY 14th.
Could the Nightmare on Elm Street remake be the first worthwhile remake since Ocean’s Eleven?
If the casting director has their way, the answer is YES!
Just announced today, Jackie Earle Haley, last seen on screen doing an incredible job as Rorschach in Watchmen, will be putting on the holey sweater, burn makeup and clawed glove and becoming the legendary Freddy Kruger.
The remake of the 80s classic slasher is due to be “darker” and less comical than the Robert Englund-starring original, not too surprising, given that every movie these days is trying to be grittier.
Never the less, this bit of inspired casting has taken this movie from completely uninteresting, straight to interesting. We’ll see how it turns out.
Jackie Earle Haley Cast as Freddy in Nightmare on Elm Street Reboot | /Film.
So the guys at the amazing 12 inch “collector’s figure” company Hot Toys went a little Dark Knight crazy last year, releasing figures of the Joker, Batman, and even the “Bank Robber” version of the Joker.
Creating premium figures at a premium price, Hot Toys figures typically feature insanely accurate sculpting, stunning paint work, beautiful costuming, and generally serve as objects of nerd lust.
Apparently, this wasn’t enough for Hot Toys, as later this year, they’re releasing their first “deluxe” figure, the MMS DX The Joker.
As you can see above, the sculpt of the figure is OUT OF THIS WORLD, and to add value, the figure also includes an alternate costume and head sculpt, so you can recreate the moment when the Joker tried to cause his special brand of chaos at Commissioner Loeb’s funeral.
I’ve included a ton of pics in the gallery below to demonstrate how insane this figure is. THE EYEBALLS EVEN MOVE.
The MMS DX The Joker figure should retail in the $150-$200 range when it releases later this year.
Original Post: TOYSREVIL’s I LIKE TOYS: MMS DX The JOKER in 1/6 by Hot Toys.
[gallery link=“file” orderby=“post_name”]
Ah, Summer. You’re so close I can taste you.
And what do I love more than Summer Movie Season? SUMMER SLURPEE SEASON!
And what makes that even better? SUMMER MOVIE SLURPEES!
As anyone who has been to my house can attest, I tend to collect the Slurpee cups that get released every summer relative to a major summer movie, but it shames me to say that I may’ve found the first bunch of cups I’ll be ignoring.
Surprise, Surprise, it’s the movie with so many leaks it needs a dedicated plumber, X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Seriously, look at those cups. They freaking suck! Who on earth wants Naked Logan in a Bathtub on their cup?! Oh, and this Mutant Berry flavor they’re pushing? Sounds like ass. In reality, it’s what’s called Hawaiian Punch Berry Limeade Blast, and that doesn’t sound good at all.
I guess it’ll just be regular slurpees for me.
Original Post: X-Men Marks the Spot at 7-Eleven®.
Ok, so so far, we know next nothing about Christopher Nolan’s next film, a sci-fi actioner called Inception.
Sure, we have the vague plot outline of “a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind", and we know Leo DiCaprio is going to star, but really…what does that tell us? NOTHING!
Well, they just announced that Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Sunshine, Batman Begins) and Ellen Page (Juno) signed on to co-star.
While I’m excited to see both in the movie, this still leaves us with nothing.
So to make a guess, I’m going to formulate a plot, using these actors prior roles….
I think it’ll have to do with a con-man (DiCaprio) who uses multiple fake identities and counterfeit cash to make his way onto a zombie filled plane/boat set to leave from America that hits an iceberg, leaving DiCaprio stranded with a crazy murderer (Murphy) and a snarky teen (Page)…oh, and Batman.
No? If not that, I’ll just rest that with a track record including The Prestige, Memento, The Dark Knight and Batman Begins, Nolan will NOT make a shitty flick. Inception, I’ll be seeing you next summer.
Original Post: Cillian Murphy and Ellen Page Cast in Christopher Nolan’s Inception | /Film.
I really hoped that this one would pan out to be an April Fool’s gag, but unfortunately, no, this is real.
Announced at the end of Sony’s press conference at ShoWest (the yearly trade show for movie theater owners), is that the Men in Black franchise will be returning for a third installment, currently scheduled for Summer 2011.
This announcement came as a shock basically, well, everyone in the industry, as literally nothing is signed. Just a set date. Jones? Not signed. Smith? Not signed. Writer? Nope. Director? Hell naw.
What really bugs me about this is that the movie, like most summer blockbusters, is instead being put together with a date in mind, as opposed to letting the film develop naturally. And honestly, does anyone really want a 3rd Men in Black film? I really enjoyed the first film, but the sequel was so terrible that the only enjoyment I ever derived from it was it’s theme song “Black Suits Comin'”, which appeared hilariously on an ex-girlfriend’s mixtape. Aside from that moment of comedy, MiB2 sucked, and I can’t see 3 being much better.
Sony, you’re putting an unnecessary threequel out in a summer filled with Spider-Man, Harry Potter, Captain America and your own Ghostbusters relaunch. Good freaking luck.
Original Post: Sony Announces ‘Men in Black 3’ - Cinematical.
A very special, very late night (or early AM) BoR update…
I guess this year, 20th Century Fox is the April Fool, as over a month before release, X-Men Origins: Wolverine has leaked to the web in near DVD quality.
The version of the film, features temp effects and scoring, but otherwise is the same film that will be seen in theatres on May 2nd.
I can confirm first hand that the footage is out there, and is real. Out of respect for 20th Century Fox, even with whatever bad words I may have said about them OR this film, I will not link to where it can be obtained…but it’s out there.
Someone is losing their job. Lawsuits are coming. It’s a dark day for everyone there, you’ve gotta believe. Me? I’m just stunned.
As seen above, the final theatrical poster for the JJ Abrams helmed Star Trek reboot has hit MySpace exclusively.
And while I really appreciate the design aesthetic behind it, it’s a fucking mess.
While I can tell that it’s the USS Enterprise zooming in flight (and coming from a non-fan, that’s probably a good thing), is Joe 6-Pack going to be able to tell? Imagine if they did the posters more in the white+primary color look of the original teasers seen at SDCC this year. That would’ve been nice.
Either way, Star Trek hits theaters on May 8th.
Original Post: MySpace.com Blogs - Star Trek Final Theatrical One-Sheet Revealed Here First! - Trailer Park MySpace Blog.
Hey guys, remember Paul?
You know, the Simon Pegg/Nick Frost project, with 2 nerds traveling the country from Comic Con and beyond with an alien?
I was pretty hyped anyway, given that Pegg & Frost would be working with Greg Mattolla (director of Superbad and Adventureland), but now, this goes from “probably will see” to “totally going to see”, as rumored to be playing the titular Paul is…Bill Hader!
Hands down, Bill Hader has become my favorite part of SNL, and I’ve been really enjoying his appearances in the Apatow Family of films, so to see him with the Pegg/Frost duo is SUPER exciting.
Color me there, guys.
Original Post: BILL HADER JOINING PEGG AND FROST IN PAUL?.
Awkward. One of my favorite shows from when I was 4, mixes with one of my favorite shows at age 24.
IT’S TWO DECADES OF WEIRD!
Original Post: YouTube - LOST Babies - Let The Fear In.
Much like when Alderann exploded, when Warner Bros pushed back the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince from this past November to this coming July, it was like a thousand voices screamed out all at once.
Never the less, the hype train proper is finally here, as WB just released a whole slue of those character posters that are oh so popular with the kids these days.
Look how grown up and ANGSTY everyone is!
Original Post:‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ Stills - MSN Movies.
As you may’ve heard by now, Batman, or at least Bruce Wayne, is “dead”.
Left in the era of Caveman by the evil Darkseid, Wayne obviously can’t continue behind the cape and cowl. But Gotham needs a new champion of justice, and currently, it’s heroes are battling to take over the mantle.
Of course, with the comic industry being the way it is, we already know who wins. The cape and cowl will be donned by former Robins Dick Grayson and Jason Todd in 2 drastically different Bat-titles.
Despite this new era of Batman, DC isn’t going the extra mile with these new comics…but that’s where Project Rooftop’s Batman 2.0 contest comes in.
Project Rooftop, in case you’re unfamiliar, is all about redesigning superheroes costumes. So, given the current change with Batmen, it stands to reason they’d take on the classic look of the Dark Knight.
The Grand Prize winner is above, but I totally recommend you click through for some amazing interpretations of everyone’s favorite flying rat.
Original Post:Â Project Rooftop.
…with the new trailer for the soon-to-be-indie-kid fave, 500 Days of Summer.
As the trailer shows, the pitch is pretty easy: Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who is becoming quite the actor) believes in true love. So of course, he falls head over heels for Summer (the lovely Ms. Deschanel), who doesn’t believe in true love.  The catch? By the time you meet the characters in this movie, they’ve split up. In turn, Tom decides to look over the 500 days of their courtship to figure out where things went right and wrong.
This was one of the big buzz movies coming out of Sundance, and gained even more momentum after screenings last week at SXSW. Either way, I’m completely sold by the trailer.
500 Days of Summer is due to hit theaters on July 17, 2009.
Wow, just wow. The trailer for Spike Jonze’s Where The Wild Things Are has finally hit the web, courtesy of it’s appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show of all places and…I’m kinda, sorta at a loss of words.
Click play, and get ready to be stunned.
I’ve also added a gallery of stills from the film below (courtesy of USA Today) so you can keep gettin' hyped.
Original Post: Movie Trailer: Spike Jonze’s Where The Wild Things Are | /Film.
[gallery link=“file” columns=“2”]
In very exciting news, Disney has finally announced the US release date of the next Studio Ghibli film, titled Ponyo on the Cliff by The Sea.
Released last Summer in Japan, Ponyo, the latest animated film directed by masterful artist Hayao Miyazaki, will hit theaters on August 14th, 2009.
Miyazaki’s latest film, his followup to Howl’s Moving Castle features a fish person, and an American voice cast including such notables as Tina Fey. Check out the trailer above.
Maybe Otakon can work out an early screening?
YouTube -Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea Trailer.
Ok, not really, but the video made me smile enough this Tuesday morning that I thought I’d pass it along. Enjoy.
Original Post: YouTube - NEXT BATMAN VILLAIN REVEALED.
Man, the superhero movies don’t stop coming, do they?
Officially confirmed today, Green Lantern, the emerald-hued DC hero will be getting a film of his own, with shooting scheduled to begin this September in Melbourne, Australia.
Taking the reigns behind the camera, Mr. Martin Campbell, who you may remember best as the director of the supremely kick ass Bond reboot Casino Royale.
They’re currently aiming for a December 17th, 2010 release via Warner Bros.
Unfortunately, that is ALL we know so far. Who’s gonna be Hal? What’s it going to look like? IS THE SCRIPT EVEN DONE?
Presumably all these questions, and more, will be answered between now and September. You’d hope.
But hey, no matter what happens, just be happy we aren’t getting that crappy comedic take on the film, starring Jack Black that was being discussed a few years back.
Original Post: ‘ Lantern’ To Shoot in September, Martin Campbell Confirmed as Director - Cinematical.
Here’s another great way to kill time on the internet.
Do you like donuts?
Do you like winning $12,000?
This is the site for you, as Dunkin Donuts is looking for YOU, yes, YOU to create their next big donut. Just mess around with some different controls, make your flavor combos, and submit it, and WHAM, you could win 12 grand and have your donut featured in shops across the country.
That donut up top is my creation. I call it The Smore. Marshmellow filling, chocolate frosting, and graham cracker bits. Sounds tasty.
…and makes me sad it’s not real.
Think you can do better? Click the link below and get to going!
Original Post: Create Dunkin’s Next Donut: Home.
Alright nerds, earn your cred with this bit of triva: What Marvel hero is celebrating his 35th Anniversary this April?
Any guesses?
Anyone?
Ok, It’s Wolverine. And sure, while he doesn’t need the exposure, what with the movie and being in basically every comic anyway, Marvel has launched a really cool way to celebrate this anniversary.
How? Through the time honored tradition of variant covers. But not just any variant covers, they’re ones that show Logan as interpreted in various art styles. Sounds wacky, but it turned out awesome, like the Van Gogh style Wolvie above.
My only complaint? The odd mix of titles this is being done on…check the list:
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #590
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #592
CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #12
DAREDEVIL #118
EXILES #1
GHOST RIDER #34
HULK #11
INCREDIBLE HERCULES #128
MOON KNIGHT #29
MS. MARVEL #38
RUNAWAYS #9
SECRET WARRIORS #3
UNCANNY X-MEN #508
WAR MACHINE #5
WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #14
X-MEN: LEGACY #223 Like…4 of those titles feature Wolverine, max. Why couldn’t we have gotten a sweet art book, instead? I guess they’re using it to highlight some less read titles, but ultimately, what an odd idea.
[gallery]
Original Post: Blog@Newsarama » Blog Archive » Wolverine goes classical with Art Appreciation Month.
But this might be the BEST dunk ever.
Original Post: YouTube - BEST DUNK EVER BACKFLIP.
DETHKLOK VS. THE GOON, coming in JULY!
Yes, it’s real. See the trailer below.
…I sure hope so.
Original Post:Â Splash Page » EXCLUSIVE: It’s The Goon Vs. Dethklok’ In New Dark Horse Comics One-Shot — Get Your First Look!
Above is the pretty darn rad poster for Spike Jonze’s adaptation of the classic children’s book Where The Wild Things Are.
Personally, I’ve been super excited for this film ever since Jonze was announced as director, and while his troubles to take this book to the big screen are well documented, I really think it’s going to pay off.
For a peak at the film, we’ll have to wait until the March 27 release of Monsters vs. Aliens, to which the first trailer will be attached. Me thinks we’ll see the trailer online either shortly before, or shortly thereafter. For a taste of what it could be, check out this test footage embedded below. I think you’ll agree, this could be a classic in the making.
Original Post:Â Where The Wild Things Are Poster | /Film.
You can’t say Paramount doesn’t take advantage of a good situation.
With 3+ months to go until Transformers 2: We Swear It’s Good This TimeRevenge of the Fallen hits theaters, they’ve ALREADY ANNOUNCED that Transformers 3 will hit theaters on July 1st, 2011.
While this may seem like an early bet, July 2011’s Summer movie slate is already getting quite filled, with Harry Potter & The Deathly Hollows: Part II and The First Avenger: Captain America already set to hit the silver screen that month.
Is this too early for Paramount to scope out a 3rd Autobot flick? Or are they right in presuming a trilogy is a GREAT idea? We’ll find out on June 24th.
Original Post: Transformers 3 on July 1st 2011 | /Film.
I swear, I’m a step away from writing a bad Seinfeld routine, as all I can ask myself is “Who are the ad wizards who came up with this one?”
After 17 Years of being titled The Sci Fi Channel, the science fiction network which has been home to a diverse selection of programming (from early showings of anime and the comic book show The Anti-Gravity Room, to the popular remake of Battlestar Galactica, and even WWE programming such as ECW) will be rebranding on July 7th to the newly titled…Syfy.
Sayeth the “ad wizards”, the term “sci fi” is too limiting to the breadth of programming available on the network, so apparently going phonetic will clarify that they have more to offer.
More importantly, however, is that “Sci Fi” isn’t copyrightable, so expect a lot of silly Syfy branded things moving forward.
In related news, I am now to be known as Mahtee Dae.
Original Post: Advertising - Sci Fi Channel Has a New Name - Now, It’s Syfy - NYTimes.com.
Based on the large number of hits that came in when I posted the original Daily Show vs. CNBC clip, there were quite a few of you that wanted to see what happened.
In turn, I give you the followup, as Jon Stewart takes Jim Cramer to task, in 3 bits of tasty video.
I’d offer my own take here, but when there are so many better analyses of the video, I figure it best to just let the experts handle it. Either way, it’s worth a watch.
Watchmen Tour with Malin Ackerman from Malin Ackerman
Man, Funny or Die keeps knocking it out of the park!
Let’s be honest, after Watchmen came out this past weekend, a dozen and one new nerd fetishes were born, most surrounding Malin Ackerman as Silk Spectre II.
Now, if you were say, her roommate, and you were low on rent, what would you do to generate some quick cash? How about a special Watchmen Tour for those hot and bothered nerds?
How can that go wrong? Find out in the video above.
Original Post: Watchmen Tour with Malin Ackerman from Malin Ackerman and Nicol Paone.
Fresh off the press release pile from Marvel, comes the announcement of the fourth adventure of everyone’s favorite webcrawler, plus a shift of release dates for other films, insuring Marvel movies into 2012!
Here’s how Marvel Studio’s new release schedule looks moving forward…
Iron Man 2 retains it’s release date of May 7, 2010. Spider-Man 4 sneaks into the summer of 2011, with a release date of May 6, 2011. The thundergod of Thor moves from a projected release date of July 16, 2010 into June 17, 2011. (Makes sense, given that Thor isn’t even cast yet). The First Avenger: Captain America shifts slightly from May 6, 2011 (Spidey 4’s date) onto July 22, 2011. And finally, The Avengers has been bumped from July 15, 2011 to May 4, 2012.
It’s worth noting that apparently both Samuel L. Jackson (as Nick Fury) and Scarlett Johannson (as Black Widow) are signed through The Avengers.
Thanks, Marvel Studios! You’ve just confirmed I’ll be nerding out on here through 2012.
Original Post: Newsarama.com : Marvel Announces Spider-Man 4 Date, Revises Film Schedule.
Color this surprising. After Emily Blunt left the role of Black Widow in Iron Man 2 to co-star in the remake of Guiilver’s Travels, I wasn’t 100% sure who would take the tight vinyl pants.
Guess who? It’s Scarlett Johannson taking the reigns and starring in not just Iron Man 2, but MULTIPLE films, including The Avengers, if this report is to be believed.
Now, I like ScarJo as eye candy, but I have to admit, shy of Lost in Translation and The Prestige, she hasn’t done much for me as an actress. Hopefully she can wash out the bad taste of The Spirit from our mouths, and make nerds worldwide lust over her as she becomes Black Widow.
Original Post: Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily » ANOTHER IRON MAN 2"² EXCLUSIVE: Scarlett Johannson To Replace Emily Blunt.
You ever feel like your day could use some working it? Maybe some making it?
Or perhaps even some doing it, which makes us stronger?
Now is the time, thanks to iDaft beta, the Daft Punk console courtesy of Najle.com.
It’s a keyboard based flash-app which gives you a whole slue of Daft Punk samples right at your fingers!
I forsee irritating people with this.
Original Post:Â DAFT PUNk’S CONSOLE by NAJLE.com.
It seems the “artistic t-shirt” craze brought to you by companies like Threadless and Design By Humans now has competition.
The competition? The King. The food type. Not the Elvis type.
Chalking itself up on the list of “Shit I Never Thought I’d See” is the Burger King Studio, which allows users to purchase designer t-shirts with BK related graphics starting at $16, or design their own for the low price of $24.
I can’t say I’m all that surprised that someone is attempting to take the Threadless/DBH idea and make it even more mainstream…but Burger King, really? They’ve even opened a boutique shop on Universal City Walk in Orlando.
Sure, the shirts look interesting…but I’d be very interested to see what crossover there is between the fancy tee shirt and burger eating crowds. Do they know that this is sort of the corporate equivalent of your Dad trying to say he loves the same music as you?
Original Post: Burger King Studio / Home.
You know, I don’t know if this bolds well for the film version of Watchmen, or if this is a bad thing, but here goes…
David Hayter, who you might know best as the voice of Metal Gear Solid’s Solid Snake, but is just as known as the writer of X-Men, X2 and yes, Watchmen, has a little something to say to the fans.
Basically, he wants…nay, needs the nerd populace to see Watchmen a second time this weekend.
The gist of the letter is that even though Watchmen had a solid opening weekend take, it’s the second and third weeks of release that really show how strong a film is, and given that Watchmen is such a tough to produce yet faithful interpretation of the property, a great second and third weekend will tell the Hollywood Studios to make more comic films that are JUST as faithful.
Here’s part of his letter, to accentuate his point (the full letter is linked below):
So look, this is a note to the fanboys and fangirls. The true believers. Dedicated for life.
If the film made you think. Or argue with your friends. If it inspired a debate about the nature of man, or vigilante justice, or the horror of Nixon abolishing term limits. If you laughed at Bowie hanging with Adrian at Studio 54, or the Silhouette kissing that nurse.
Please go see the movie again next weekend.
You have to understand, everyone is watching to see how the film will do in its second week. If you care about movies that have a brain, or balls, (and this film’s got both, literally), or true adaptations – And if you’re thinking of seeing it again anyway, please go back this weekend, Friday or Saturday night. Demonstrate the power of the fans, because it’ll help let the people who pay for these movies know what we’d like to see. Because if it drops off the radar after the first weekend, they will never allow a film like this to be made again.
In the interests of full disclosure, let me also point out that I do not profit one cent from an increase in box office, although an increase in box office can add to the value of the writers' eventual residual profits from dvd and tv sales.
But I’m not saying it for money. I’m saying it for people like me. I’m saying it for people who love smart, dark entertainment, on a grand, operatic scale. I’m talking to the Snake fans, the Rorschach fans, the people of the Dark Knight. What do I think? I’ve seen the film twice at this point, and even with it’s flaws, I feel it really opens up from a second viewing. But that’s from the “geek” perspective. Not John Q Public.
The difficult part of the movie is this…it’s too faithful. Lets be honest, even though I’m speaking directly to you, the “geek”, there is a whole section of the world, arguably the majority, to whom this film just won’t speak to. On any level. Could such an adaptation be shooting itself in the foot? Maybe. And maybe we should let it find it’s audience naturally.
I’ve long been afraid about this adaptation, not out of want to prevent Alan Moore’s “holy words” from being “raped”, or some sort of hyperbolic fanboy statement…but because of what it could do to the superhero genre.
I am unabashedly a fan of how common the superhero film has become in recent years. I grew up a superhero fan, I will die a superhero fan. But the fact is this, superhero films will only continue to be made for as long as the idea is profitable.
And if the “Best Graphic Novel of All Time”, arguably intepreted as the best superhero tale of all time, turns off mainstream audiences…what does that say about the Superhero genre?
Food for thought.
Original Post: An Open Letter From WATCHMEN Screenwriter David Hayter - HardcoreNerdity.
“Lex Luthor Bailout” with Jon Hamm - watch more funny videos
As the financial crisis continues to get worse, it seems every company in the world is being hit.
If this video is true, the Economic issues we’ve been dealing with has even expanded into the fictional world.
Here to share his plight is Lexcorp’s own Lex Luthor (as played by the devastatingly handsome Jon Hamm).
Give a little, won’t you America?
Original Post: “Lex Luthor Bailout” with Jon Hamm from FOD Team and Eric Appel.
You know, I’m not really sure if this is due to the writers strike, or if Hollywood’s finally realized releasing good movies all year is a good thing, but the next few weeks are packed with worthwhile movies (or movies that, by right of my nerd card, I must see) that take us right into the summer season.
Don’t believe me? Check it out.
Of course, this past weekend was Watchmen…then…
March 20th: I Love You, Man March 27th: Monsters vs. Aliens April 3rd: Adventureland April 10th: Observe & Report April 17th: Crank: High Voltage May 1st: X-Men Origins: Wolverine May 8th: Star Trek May 15th: The Brothers Bloom May 22nd: Terminator Salvation
And so on!
Is this unusual to you, too? And what are you, dear reader, looking forward to? Leave some thoughts in the comments.
Original Post: IMDb - Now Playing in the U.S..
So apparently this image is going up and down across the internet today.
Remembering what happened when I posted the image of Two Face in The Dark Knight early, I figure I’ll have some fun on here again.
That image above? That’s the first look at Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton’s version of Alice In Wonderland. Really.
Where does this come from, you ask?
Walt Disney had their annual meeting on Tuesday, to hype future releases. During this 2 hour meeting, you had the first look at Alice, a 3D screening of Up, and the first footage of Toy Story 3, described as “jaw-droppingly good”. Sounds rad.
The part that kinda sucks? The media was told that they couldn’t release the above image. Why couldn’t they? Well, the big D is releasing a fancy $16 quarterly mag called Disney Twenty-Three, which has the first look at Alice as an exclusive.
Guess this is someone else’s whoops.
Original Post: Disney Meeting Includes Surprise: A Glimpse of Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter - Carpetbagger Blog - NYTimes.com.
So, Iron Man director Jon Favreau hopped on twitter.
And Jon being the sharing guy he is, decided to post a pic.
What of, you may ask? The currently in-construction house for Tony Stark in Iron Man 2!
Sure, we’re not sure who the villains are, the script may not be finished yet, but it’s good to know they’re working on getting everything else ready for the Summer 2010 release.
Am I the only one who’s kinda surprised that they destroy sets so fast, then rebuild them almost identically to the one prior? You’d think they’d leave these things ready to rebuild. Go figure.
If you’re looking to follow Jonny Fav on Twitter, he’s @jon_favreau. I’ll say this…if he starts updating from the Iron Man 2 set as often as Edgar Wright’s been updating from the Scott Pilgrim set…I’ll be doing a LOT of posting!
Original Post: Twitter / Jon Favreau: Matty and me in Casa de Stark
I think I’m officially an old man, as I’m now totally stunned by how small and how powerful mp3 players can be.
The new iPod Shuffle was revealed today, and it’s probably the tiniest one yet, with a 4GB storage capacity (at just $80). As you can see from the photo above, there are no buttons on the Shuffle, with nary a design to be seen on the product. Essentially, the player has been reduced to a plastic clip.
So, how do you control it? 2 ways. One, the integrated controls on the new Apple headphones (first seen with the most recent iPod Touch & iPhone revisions), and the other, more interesting way is…IT TALKS TO YOU.
That’s right, using what’s called VoiceOver, the shuffle reads off track titles and playlist titles, so you know what’s about to play. Honesty, based on the samples on Apple’s site, it’s just the basic MacSpeak voice, which interrupts the first few seconds of the song. Me thinks that it’s going to divide and irriate fans.
Either way, I look forward to the next revision of the iPod Shuffle, which is just a pair of earbuds. You know it’s coming.
Original Post: Apple - iPod shuffle - The first mp3 player that talks to you.
Hey there, Studio Heads.
It’s Me, Marty.
Don’t know me? It’s OK. I’m just a humble blogger here at Blast-O-Rama.com, who follows your every move, equality praising you and vilifying you on a regular basis.
Anywho, I hear you’re now looking at rebooting The Fantastic Four (according to the link below, that is).
That sounds awesome! I mean, the Fantastic Four has long been a fun, family based adventure comic, and let’s be honest, the two movies sort of got everything wrong.
Basically, you just need to ape the ending of The Incredibles, give us a fun opening origin sequence, and get us ready for more rollicking adventures, and I’ll be there.
Here’s your problems. In order…
It’s too god damn soon. Fantastic Four 2 came out just TWO years ago. We didn’t forget, no matter how badly we want to forget that movie. This WILL hurt you.
You have no real “plan”. The master plan is to be “less bubble gum” and more like Iron Man and The Dark Knight. This shows you have NO idea what you’re doing. BUBBLE GUM IS THE FANTASTIC FOUR. Hell, Iron Man is a rollicking fun adventure. But to say you want to do it like The Dark Knight? FANTASTIC FOUR IS NOT AND NEVER WILL BE DARK. DARK MOVIES DON’T EQUAL MONEY. A GOOD movie equals money. A Dark Knight-esq Daredevil? Awesome idea. A Dark Knight-esq Moon Knight? Awesome idea. An INCREDIBLES-esq Fantastic Four? That’s more like it.
Don’t cast stars, cast characters. Look at those prior FF movies…name actors, and barely a one fit (Chris Evans as Human Torch, that’s about it). Find us the team equivalent of Downey as Iron Man, and we’ll be talking.
Please, just if you bother…wait a few years, and make it worth waiting for.
Thanks gang.
-Marty
Original Post: IESB.net - Movie News, Reviews, Interviews and More! - Exclusive: Fantastic Four is Getting the Boot…a Reboot that is.
Man, we nerds sure do love some Deadpool!
Never have I had such fast and furious conversations on Twitter, as when the latest X-Men Origins: Wolverine trailer hit, and seemingly, Deadpool, or at least the movies interpretation of it, was shooting beams from his eyes (as seen above).
Suffice to say, the nerd rage was full and heavy.
I mean, people were even debating this last night at the Watchmen midnight show!
So what’s the deal? The team at Film School Rejects attempts to solve it all. Unfortunately, we won’t really know for sure until May 1st, but…man…it’s still looking bleak.
Original Post: X-Men Origins Wolverine: Solving the Deadpool Mystery | Film School Rejects.
First, before I move on in any degree, watch the new trailer for X-Men Origins: Wolverine, embedded below.
Angry? Confused? Yeah, me too. To ease the pain a little, I have a little story for you.
A few years back, there was a comic released, called Punisher Kills The Marvel Universe. Fun one-shot. Written by Garth Ennis before he was, well you know, Garth Ennis.
I never really read it myself, but one day, talking amongst friends, it came up. My ol' buddy Mike Rodman told me about it.
Let me tell you about Mike Rodman. Mike’s a mountain of a man, with a mile-a-minute mouth when he’s excited. And when it comes to comics, he’s a very excited guy.
So there we were, discussing this insane comic where Punisher kills off literally the ENTIRE Marvel U. (Seriously, click the link above, it has the full list.) And when he recanted the plot, point by point, something in his head broke. He realized a gigantic flaw that he’d never noticed before.
As part of the story, Punisher lures a gigantic group of heroes to face him on the moon. Once upon the moon, he detonates a nuke, killing dozens of characters in the blink of an eye.
To the average fan, this is the next madcap bit in a decidedly crazy comic.
To Mike…this became a battle-cry.
He asked, very loudly, and will, to this very day exclaim with much vigor a simple question…
HOW DID THE PUNISHER GET TO THE MOON?
If you ask further…he’ll break it down a little…
HOW DID…THE PUNISHER…GET…TO THE MOON?
Honestly, in all our collective bits of nerd know how, we couldn’t explain it. Sure, you could reason a few ideas…Hell, I’d even bet that the comic itself explained it. But the fact was this…The Punisher? An urban combat trained hero. Space isn’t his place, let alone the moon. He’d sooner nuke NYC with every man, woman and child in it.
Cut to present day, it’s just about a decade later, and “How Did The Punisher Get To The Moon?” has become an ongoing gag with friends of mine…a constant reference to wondering where exactly did that train of thought come from?
After watching this trailer? Punisher’s adventures on the moon are nothing.
I ask the creators of the film one simple and futile question…
HOW DID DEADPOOL GET LASER BEAM EYES?
Good luck explaining that one, Fox. See you in May.
Original Post: UPDATED!! This is how Fox wanted to debut this new trailer for WOLVERINE: ORIGINS??? – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
Wow, there are times where I actively forget the edge and anger that The Daily Show can project.
This video shows, hands down, why even though they are a “comedy program”, they might be the most honest news source on Earth.
I’d hate to be a head at CNBC today. Because well, honestly, that head just got bit clean off.
So we’re just hours away from the release of Watchmen, and the early reviews already have critics, nerds and general public debating the pros and cons of Zach Synder’s adaptation of the long-lauded Alan Moore-penned graphic novel.
But how bad could it have been?
Creator Harry Partridge has shown us just how surreal Watchmen would’ve been…if it were a Saturday Morning cartoon.
Hold on to your hats, and get ready for a blast from the past.
Original Post: Saturday Morning Watchmen.
Here’s a look at what could be a really rad flick, TOKYO!.
TOKYO! is a film directed by Leos Carax (not familar with his work), Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Be Kind Rewind, soon to be Green Hornet) and Bong Joon-ho (the super underrated The Host), which is a series of 3 tales which all take place in Japan’s most infamous city.
The trailer itself is really well put together, barely showing you anything, while never the less enticing you. Nice touch using “Be Good” by Tokyo Police Club, too.
Color me there when it hits theaters, this month in NYC and LA, and who knows when locally.
Original Post: YouTube - TOKYO TRAILER.
One of the games I always found frustrating yet interesting growing up was A Boy and His Blob on the original Nintendo.
Apparently, word got to video game developers that I like having my childhood resold to me, as A Boy and His Blob is headed to the Nintendo Wii.
But worry not, dear reader, it’s not your typical upgrade for the Wii. This looks like it’s got some of the ol' Nintendo magic. The early screenshots (one above, the rest at the link below) showcase a breathtaking 2D style, which has me very excited. More games need to return to the 2D look, it’s a great change of pace from our current green-brown roided out character design look this generation.
A Boy and His Blob is due for the Wii this year. Maybe I’ll get past Level 3 this time.
Original Post: Screens: A Boy And His Blob And Their Screenshots.
You know, I’m pretty skeptical about Tron 2.
I mean, a sequel 25 years after the fact? Sounds pretty wacky.
I guess Disney’s trying to cater toward me now, as they just announced who’s going to be doing the score.
Daft Punk.
Yes, really. The French house duo known for robot helmets and the amazing anime film Interstella 5555 are going to be mixing beats for Tron 2.
You heard the men, Sark! DO IT HARDER, MAKE IT BETTER, DO IT FASTER, MAKE US STRONGER!
Original Post: HARDER, BETTER, FASTER, TRON-ER.
That’s right, it’s the new trailer for TERMINATOR SALVATION.
Nice use of Nine Inch Nails' “The Day The World Went Away”, but how say you, dear reader?
Original Post: TERMINATOR SALVATION on Yahoo! Movies.
So, apparently, Nintendo announced a whole bunch of game releases today for the DS and Wii.
In the interest of making your internet life easier, I’ll cut to the chase.
Punch-Out!! Wii. May 18th.
Awesome.
Click the post for more releases, but really, that’s all you needed to know.
Original Post: Nintendo: Nintendo’s 120 Game Line-Up, Punch Out, Excitebots Dated.
Rumors got pretty ugly earlier this year, when apparently, Samuel L. Jackson told the press that he was not going to be appearing as Nick Fury in Iron Man 2 due to Marvel being a bit…stingy with the cash.
This was seemingly underlined with Marvel Film’s reported offer of $250,000 to Oscar Best Actor-nom and guy with weird face, Mickey Rourke.
It started to look grim for the young Marvel Films, what with the Terrance Howard controversy and now these rumors of bizarre frugality.
Never the less, we can rest somewhat easy, as today Marvel Films announced a “long-term commitment” for Samuel L. Jackson to play Nick Fury in not one, not two but NINE separate films!
As someone who very much enjoys the joined continuity of these latest Marvel flicks, I think this might be the best decision they made since signing Downey to Iron Man a few years back. Solid work, gang.
Jackson is Marvel’s main man - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety.
More fun from the Scott Pilgrim set, as today we get a peak at Mae Whitman as Roxy Richter, the Evil Ex-Girlfriend/Ninja. If she looks psuedo familiar, you may be remembering her as Ann Veal from Arrested Development. Ann Veal was the girlfriend to George Michael Bluth, who was played by Michael Cera who stars as Scott Pilgrim in this film….KEVIN BACON.
Sorry, but if you’ve been following this site, you can see why I’m excited. It’s a sort of nerdy equation…
Arrested Development + Scott Pilgrim x Edgar Wright/Comic Adaptation = Nerdgasm.
You’ll also note, that Edgar Wright’s blog has moved from MySpace (thank god) to his own site, EdgarWrightHere.com
It’s a fun read as always, but don’t worry, if important pics show, I’ll blog them.
February 24th, 2009 : Edgar Wright Here.
Hey, remember a few years back, when we heard Kevin Smith was writing Green Hornet we were all like: Eh?
And then Smith left, and we heard that Seth Rogen was going to be donning the green mask, we were all like: Guh?
And then Stephen Chow jumped in, both to direct and play Kato, and we went: “I think this is a good thing.”
And then Chow left the role of director, and we went: :(
Well, get ready for the next hill on the roller coaster which has been the production of Green Hornet.
Why?
‘Cause Michel Freakin’ Gondry is directing it.
Yes, that Michel Gondry. The guy with the trippy music videos, and awesome yet bizarre movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Science of Sleep. That one.
I have zero idea what to expect now. Seriously.
Original Post: Michel Gondry steps in for ‘Green Hornet’.
This makes me even more bummed that Obama didn’t take the Matrix of Leadership at the Inauguration.  But it would make a sweet poster for my wall (hint hint).
By the by, what do you think Optimus Prime’s stimulus package would entail? More Energon cubes to bail out the Dinobots?
Original Post:Change Into a Truck Obama Parody Poster Art Print.
Hey gang, if you grab today’s isue of b, you may notice a familiar face as part of the Oscar panel.
It was a pretty fun bit to write, giving my unabashed opinions about this year’s Oscars, and I hope you enjoy reading it too.
If you read today’s article and you’re new here, please feel free to drop a line in the comments.
If you agree, disagree, or generally feel my Oscar picks suck, feel free to let me know. Let’s make for some fun debate!
Original Post: bthesite.com | blog — Archive — The Oscars: Who you want to win.
You may’ve noticed a general lack of coverage towards X-Men Origins: Wolverine here at Blast-O-Rama.
And believe me, it’s not for lack of news…it’s more for lack of interest.
I’ve yet to see a single frame of film that has made me believe that it’ll be a decent flick…
…well, except for Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool.
Sure, we’ve only seen him in a red shirt with swords so far, but internet rumor placed it that Reynolds would be properly Deadpool’ed up by the final frame of film.
Much like the Cobra Commander reveal this past week, the action figures have once again given us an early glmpse of what that’ll be…and man is it a dissapointment.
For you spoiler freaks, I’ve added the pic behind the cut, so…
Discuss your thoughts in the comments.
Well, you should know the deal by now.
Edgar Wright’s posting a pic a day. Since he’s directing Scott Pilgrim, it’s been of the cast lately.
Let’s see who’s been “revealed” this week.
Hey look! It’s Chris “Human Torch” Evans as evil-ex Lucas Lee!
And who’s this mysterious fellow?
Well, if the rumor is true, that’s Jason Schwartzman. And who’s he playing? If his “pic” is any indication, that’s Evil Ex #7, the big-boss, the final confrontation…Gideon.
As always, more pics and info are at Wright’s blog below. Although, let’s be honest, if something interesting hits, I’m blogging it.
Original Post: MySpace.com Blogs - Edgar Wright MySpace Blog.
As the race continues toward the silver-screen for the much anticipated film adaptation of Watchmen, fans are getting antsy, wanting to know every major detail.
So today, I give you…the RUNNING TIME.
Zach Synder announced today that the theatrical cut will run a smooth 2 hours and 36 minutes.
For those who think that isn’t enough 80’s era super hero action, worry not, there will be two additional cuts on the DVD/Blu-Ray.
The “Director’s Cut” will run approx 3 hours and 10 minutes, which while an impressive figure, is dwarfed by the massive “Extended Cut”, which features the Tales of the Black Freighter, and runs 3 hours and 25 minutes.
Set your pee-breaks now.
Original Post: Zack Snyder says WATCHMEN DVD will be 3 hours 25 minutes.
You know, I thought Alan Moore used to be kinda unjustified about being irked that his work was being used to shill random crap.
Now, I kind of agree.
As the picture above shows, The Organic Coffee Cartel has decided to celebrate the release of Watchmen with a new brand of coffee.
What brand?
Why, Veidt Enterprises’s Nite Owl Dark Roast, designed just for late night crimefighters and caffeine addicts alike.
Sure, the tin looks rad, but isn’t this just a bit much?
If you do want to grab a can yourself, it’s available now at OrganicCoffee.com. I think I know someone who’d dig it.
Comic Book Resources > CBR News: “Watchmen” coffee tie-in/contest announced.
After the relaunch of Rambo, it’d be hard to figure that Sly Stallone would be focusing on creating a more brutal, more over the top action movie, especially with the dude pushing 60.
How wrong you’d be.
Stallone’s been hard at work on his next action epic, The Expendables, and in doing so, he formed the most bad-ass action cast ever seen.
Thus far, the film had been announced to feature the following (including Stallone)
-Jason Statham -Jet Li -Mickey Rourke -Dolph Lundgren -Forest Whitaker -Randy Couture.
All and all, I’d say that’s a cast that guarantees everyone who’s in-touch with their testosterone makes it into the first weekend.
Now, what if I told you it was going to feature the silver screen return of…AHNULD?
That’s right! The Governator’s making his return to cinemas in this flick. If just for my love of 80’s action flicks, color me there day one.
…And Stallone? Let’s work on a Segal and/or Willis cameo.
Original Post: AICN Exclusive: Arnold Schwarzenegger joins the cast of THE EXPENDABLES – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
You had to know this was coming…
Straight from Edgar Wright’s Flickr page (where his MySpace blog images are hosted…making it even easier to track the Scott Pilgrim flick), the first look at Michael Cera as Scott Pilgrim.
Original Post: February 16th, 2009 on Flickr - Photo Sharing.
Now even P. Diddy has to deal with Dollar Bills. Rough times, folks.
Well done, Hollywood! Now you’re pissing off the good ones.
Peter Gabriel has apparently pulled out of performing at the Oscars this year.
His absolutely fantastic track “Down to Earth” from Wall-E is nominated for Best Original Song from a motion picture this year, and due to a bizarre time cutting measure, is scheduled to not be performed in full, but as a 60-second snippet during a medley of all of the Oscar nominated tracks.
This is part of a time-cutting measure from the Academy, who are trying to cut the Oscars down to fit a 3 hour timeline.
Here’s an idea, gang? How about we cut down the endless fucking montages? Sure, it’s nice to give those who passed a moment of glory, but what about the montages like “A Celebration of Desert Scenes in Film”, “Oh My, Sound Effects are Rad”, or “Long Panning Shots of Random Cities, Here’s a Whole Bunch of them”. You mean to tell me that they are more crucial to the ceremony than hearing the songs that are actually fucking nominated?
Ugh. Pete, I’m with you.
Original Post: Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily » Peter Gabriel Pissed At Oscar Producers And Won’t Perform At Academy Awards.
You’d figure that after battling throughout the 1990s, Mario & Sonic would be sick of each other.
But you’d be wrong.
After the super success of Mario & Sonic at The Olympic Games in 2007, Nintendo and Sega are sending the classic gaming icons into sports related combat once more with….
Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Winter Games.
Yeah, it’s exactly what it sounds like. The trailer is linked below.
Honestly, was the first one any good?
Original Post: Mario & Sonic head to the Winter Olympics later this year - Joystiq.
One part Apple, one part Pac-Man homage, this might be the coolest iPod speaker I’ve ever seen.
It’s a freaking PAC MAN ghost! Cost is just $89, and comes in red, blue or white. No word on whether you can eat it after taking a power pellet.
Original Post: Speakal iBoo: when iPod docks and Pac-Man ghosts collide - Engadget.
Following the rather considerable amount of hype surrounding the relaunch of Friday the 13th this weekend, it should come as no surprise that there’s a remake of A Nightmare On Elm Street in the queue.
What may come as a surprise, however, is the choice of director: Samuel Bayer.
Name not really ringing a bell? Well, if you were like me, and grew up in the 90s watching far-too-much MTV, you might recognize his name from the lil' director tag at the beginning and end of each video.
Bayer was responsible for a shit-ton of music videos, including Blind Melon’s “No Rain” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. A full list is available on his Wiki page.
Honestly, I think this might not be a terrible choice. Arguably, Bayer was part of a group who visually defined the NIGHTMARE generation. Sure, he may not have directed a film of his own yet, but it’s a refreshing change of pace compared to the typical horror-fiends behind the cameras.
The big question left: Who’s gonna play Freddy? The F13 remake apparently replaced Kane Hodder with a pretty decent new Jason (or so the early reviews indicate), but can anyone replace Robert Englund?
Original Post: Director for the NIGHTMARE reboot named… smells like Samuel Bayer! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
Well this is pretty rad. Following the awesome deluge of sweet video clips and images from the New Frontiersman website, the Watchmen hype machine continues, with a decidedly retro slant.
You ever want to play a Streets of Rage-esq beat ‘em up as the Nite Owl or Silk Spectre? Here’s your chance!
Sure, it’s a pretty simplistic flash game, but I’ve gotta give them credit for authenticity. Shame there isn’t an iPhone or otherwise portable version…
Original Post:Arcade game.
I know this is going to break the heart of Bat-Fans everywhere, but…here goes.
Much like a band-aid being ripped from a wound…Chris Nolan’s next movie is not Batman Begins 3/The Dark Night 2.
His next project instead? A film called Inception.
The details on this project are pretty scarce, but here’s what The Hollywood Reporter had to say on it.
“Inception” is described as “a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind."
Ok….so…that tells us next to nothing. But let’s be honest…after The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, The Prestige, Memento…how could you NOT want to see this?
Inception is currently set to be filmed this summer for a Summer 2010 release.
Original Post: Christopher Nolan inks ‘Inception’.
Fresh off the front page of Ain’t It Cool news comes quite the interesting update on the Brothers Wachowski.
The rumor is…they’re taking over the Superman franchise.
Not just for a film, but a full-on trilogy of films.
The article itself also includes information on the Wachowski-produced Ninja Assassin, the fate of Plastic Man, plus a rumor or two on Brian Singer taking over Logan’s Run, but oh man…
The Wachowski’s? Doing Superman? I’m not even a big fan of The Man of Steel, but this would be one for the Holy Shit if True file.
Original Post:Rumor… a doozy… Wachowskis… McTeague… PLASTIC MAN, SUPERMAN Trilogy & Singer on LOGAN’S RUN?!?!?! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
After decades of speculation and rumor, Quentin Tarantino is finally letting us take a look at Inglorious Basterds.
The oddly spelled WW2 flick features a team of “Nazi hunters” lead by a fantastically accented Brad Pitt. Personally, I’m all sorts of excited. What say you, reader?
Original Post:YouTube - Inglourious Basterds [Official Teaser Trailer Released].
After seeing bookmarks handed out for this at NYCC over the weekend, I had a feeling this would be coming this week…
The official website for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World launched today! The film, an adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s fantastic graphic novella series, is being directed by Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Spaced, Shaun of the Dead) with Michael Cera (Superbad, Arrested Development) in the lead role.
Of course, if you read this blog, you probably are sick of hearing about it.
…but too bad, ‘cause only more hype is comin’!
Anyway, the site has no real content (yet), but is delightfully retro. Enjoy the blinking title gif.
Original Post: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
Man, the internet is just set to ruin my post-Super Bowl movie buzz.
Earlier today, we had the images of robots from Transformers 2…which generally looked more like Bionicle bots than anything else.
Now, we have the first look at Cobra Commander from the GI Joe movie.
Granted, you’ve gotta put an asterisk on that. This first look comes from the packaging of the GI Joe Movie “Combat Heroes” action figure line. A line of toys that features cutesy, super deformed versions of characters from different properties.
So while this isn’t 100% screen accurate, I think we can presume it’s close, given the looks of the other figures in the line.
…at least Destro’s gonna have a silver head…
Original Post:Topless Robot - FAIL.
I shared this earlier in the week on my Twitter (which if you’re not following, you should, I post all sorts of fun things there), but I figured I should share this site on BoR proper.
I give you This is why you’re fat.
What’s the idea? Essentially, this site presents all of the high-calorie, super deadly omni-foods (like the “french-fry encased hot-dog-on-a-stick” seen above) that send fear into the hearts of the weak, and hunger pangs to the stomachs of the stupid strong.
So go on, click it. And get ready to be equal parts amazed and horrified at just what people choose to eat these days.
Original Post: This is why you’re fat..
Ok, I know I said after the Super Bowl teaser leaked, that IÂ was starting to get less jaded, and more excited about Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Naturally, 2 more robot designs hit the web, that caused me to slap my forehead and wonder why I even bothered to get my hopes up.
First up, here’s a look at DEVASTATOR, or as I will now call him, MELTED CRAYOLA CRAYON MAN.
Next, is a shot of the name-sake villain THE FALLEN
Seriously….what?
Either way, I know I’ll be in theaters this June…but really, Mikey, couldn’t our honeymoon have lasted a bit longer before I was left with disappointment?
Original Post: Mighty Bay PowerPunch!! It’s Devastator From TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN!! With A Much Better Pic Of The Fallen, Too!! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news..
So it shouldn’t come as a major surprise that Dead Rising 2 is due out this year.
What should be a surprise? This time, instead of having the undead haunt your local mall…the zombies are goin' rat pack style, and invading Las Vegas!
Is there really a better way to break up the monotony of the non-stop gambling in Sin City than by killing hundreds upon hundreds of the undead? You’re goddamned right there isn’t.
Dead Rising 2 haunts the 360, PS3 and PCs later this year. Click the link for more screenshots of the new, BMX riding hero.
Original Post:Dead Rising 2: It’s Real And It’s Spectacular.
Welp, I upgraded to WordPress 2.7 earlier today, and I discovered that there’s an update called “Press This”, which could serve as a replacement for my trusty “QuickPost” bookmarklet.
Either way, I wanted to test it’s capabilities with embedding video, so you get the current obsession around the Ghostfreehood Alliance offices, The Lonely Island’s ode to riding a nautical vehicle, “On A Boat!” (Heads up on salty language)
Original Post: YouTube - I’m On A Boat (ft. T-Pain) - Album Version.
Yeah, I know, this is almost a week old, but this is the first version of the video I’ve seen with a decent audio mix (which is key, given the FREAKING MARCHING BAND).
Never the less, from Sunday’s Grammys…here’s Radiohead and the USC Marching Band with the damndest version of “15 Step” you ever did hear.
Well, we knew eventually they’d start selling comics to the web…and I can’t say I like the look of these too much.
In this post Dark Knight world, Warner Bros is obviously working around the clock to decide which DC Comics property to send surging onto the silver screen.
Thus far, the two most likely candidates have been Green Lantern, and the subject of this post…The Flash.
The Flash has been long rumored to make it’s way to cinemas, at one point attached to Ryan “Gonna Be Deadpool” Reynolds, as part of a generation spanning trilogy.
The latest rumors? Put Doogie Houser MD himself, Neil Patrick Harris, in the classic red and yellow garb of Barry Allen and Wally West.
Personally, I’m all for it. Neil Patrick Harris has spent this past decade building quite the name for himself, turning his Doogie run into a gag with the Harold & Kumar films, doing a great episode of SNL, and being hands down the best part of the CBS sitcom How I Met Your Mother.
…Course, it doesn’t hurt that Harris voiced the Flash (and quite well) in the direct-to-dvd adapation of Justice League: The New Frontier.
Should be interesting to see how this one develops.
Original Post: And The Flash’ Might Be… Neil Patrick Harris? - Screen Rant
Sony Releases New Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn’t Fucking Work
Consider the whole fucking thing derailed.
Why?
Someone decided to green light a fucking YOUNGBLOOD movie.
To be directed by Brett fucking Ratner.
It’s like a shit sandwich, served on a shit platter, with fresh shit and mango smoothes to wash it down.
I can’t wait to hear about the innovative foot hiding smog technology used for this one.
Fuck my life.
Original Post: Brett Ratner boards ‘Youngblood’ - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety
The latest bit? Appears above.
That there is the lovely Ms. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, looking ready and rarin' to go as Ramona Flowers.
Get ready to nerd crush, gang.
Original Post: MySpace.com Blogs - Feb 8th 2009 - Edgar Wright MySpace Blog
Well, by now you’ve heard about Christian Bale’s tirade on the set of Terminator 4.
After the damnest football game I’ve ever seen, it’s time to throw out my favorite ads from the game.
1. Castrol “Edge Monkeys”
2. CareerBuilder.com “Tips”
3. Hulu.com “Alec & Huluwood”
Click the link below to watch in HD.
This makes two films I was dreading…that I’m now anticipating…
Original Post: YouTube - “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” Superbowl Spot
But it’s not for the typical reasons.
No folks, I don’t really care who wins. I mean, I couldn’t tell you who’s playing… (Chicago Bulls and San Fran Giants, right? Sure hope the Giants score more goals)
…but I can tell you I’m excited for two bits.
and…
As an unabashed foodie, I can tell you that few things excite me more than on the day of the Super Bowl, you can cut loose and eat any number of bizarre snack foods, and that’s what brings me to the topic of this post…
The EDIBLE STADIUM you see above.
That’s right, that’s 99% edible, and contains such great foods as bacon, twinkees, sausage, and god knows what else.
Click the link below for the full naughty details.
Original Post: The Greatest Snack Food Stadium Ever Built | www.holytaco.com
Just when I thought I had seen it all, the internet goes and blows me away.
As part of the ongoing marketing campaign for Watchmen, the creators of the film have set up a website for the in-continuity newspaper, The New Frontiersman.
On this website, they have pictures from history, including the one above, of Dr. Manhattan taking the first photograph on the moon.
Believe it or not, someone decided to take the time to DEBUNK the photo.
Yes. DEBUNK THE FAKE PHOTO FEATURING THE FAKE CHARACTERS ON THE WEBSITE FOR THE FICTIONAL NEWSPAPER IN THE MOVIE.
This is a level of internet oroboros that I never thought I’d see.
Congrats, internet, once I thought I had you figured out. Today, you surprise me.
Growing up a comedy nerd, there were few things in life I enjoyed more than The State.
Ever since they went off the air in the mid-90s, I’ve wanted to see the team get back together. Sure, they’ve done Reno 911, Stella and various projects, but nothing has been as great as the original team hammering out sketches.
Luckily, the 11 members of the troupe are getting back together to do 2 live shows for San Fran’s Sketchfest…and what better way to look forward, than to look back?
Check out this awesome interview Rolling Stone did with the guys (and gal) from The State, as they look at their history, and look ahead towards the future.
Original Post: A More Perfect ReUnion: The State Return to the Stage : Rolling Stone
The entertainment world LOVES me this weekend. And it’s ONLY FRIDAY!
Why?
WE’RE GETTING 2 MORE SEASONS OF MAD MEN! WOOO HOO!
USA! USA! WE’RE #1! WE’RE #1!
Original Post: Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood Daily » “The Deal Is Done": Weiner & Lionsgate Agree To More Mad Men’
If you’re a frequent reader here at Blast-O-Rama, you know I’m very excited for the movie version of SCOTT PILGRIM.
You have my favorite graphic novel going, being directed by one of my favorite directors going in Edgar Wright, starring one of my favorite actors in Hollywood (Michael Cera, who was one of the highlights of my favorite shows ever, Arrested Development).
And then to grab the role of Ramona, you had them grab one of my favorite young actresses in Mary Elizabeth Winstead.
Now they’re just going APESHIT.
As 2009 is upon us, and production starts, we’re getting more and more information.
First, you had the announcement of Kieran Culkan starring as Scott’s gay roomate Wallace.
Then, they announced newcomer Ellen Wong as Knives Chau (that’s her up top with Mr. Wright).
Now, Aint it Cool News has announced who is playing one of Ramona’s evil-exes, the skateboarder/moviestar Lucas Lee.
Lucas, will be played by Chris Evans.
That’s right, the Human Torch himself, who proved himself as a great actor in Sunshine and might be the best part of Push.
If I wasn’t at critical mass, check an earlier post from Edgar Wright’s blog. It’s a photo of the DVDs he brought with him to Toronto for shooting. And I think it’s a good idea of where he’s pulling influences from.
All this movie needs now is an appearance from Patton Oswalt, and I’d have to fuck it.
The headline says it all.
You’ve seen the bootlegged R-rated trailer. Now see the first official look at the most ridiculously, over-the-top film of 2009 - Crank 2.
Well, it’d probably have a kick ass NES game, which would look something like the video above. Click play for kick ass Retro-Bat action!
Welp, we had the kick ass teaser trailer…now it’s time for the….okay teaser poster for Crank 2.
It’s not terrible, by any means, just…missing something. Needs more Jason Statham punching you in the face while riding a tiger tank or something.
Original Post: Exclusive: Teaser Poster For Crank: High Voltage - Movie News - Latest Movie Reviews and trailers
Sorry Pitchfork, as much as you want to hype Animal Collective’s Merriweather Post Pavillion as the first major release of 2009, I do believe a Japanese Comic Punk band has you beaten.
That’s right, everyone’s favorite band from Planet Peelander, Peelander-Z, has officially announced their new album.
It’s entitled P-Pop High School and hits shelves, both physical and virtual, on April 1st.
As usual, they’ll be touring like crazy behind it, with a journey that takes them all around the US, starting in March and ending in May. What’s awesome? They’ll have copies of the album in hand before it’s official release date. So if you’re lucky enough to see them in March, you can check out some P-Z goodness early.
Now, if you please…how do you like your steak?
Straight from this past Saturday’s SNL, comes the GREATEST INTERPRETATION OF THE DOOGIE HOWSER THEME OF ALL TIME.
Just yesterday, BK announced a brand new Facebook application entitled WHOPPER SACRIFICE.
What’s the gimmick? Here goes…
You install “Whopper Sacrifice”, and upon clicking it, you get a list of your Facebook friends. For every 10 friends you highlight, and choose to delete, you get a coupon for a free Whopper.
Here’s the catch! Your friend, who you “sacrificed”, gets a message indicating that you feel that they are less important to you than a Whopper.
Thanks BK and Facebook! I can only imagine the legion of scorned exes and fairweather friends which are making burger lovers' life a living hell today.
Original Post: WHOPPER® SACRIFICE - Sacrifice 10 friends from Facebook for a free WHOPPER®
Chalk this up to “viral marketing”…
Word is spreading fast around the internet about a website that hints at being an inside look into the production and filming of GHOSTBUSTERS 3.
Bit of an issue with that, though.
While word came out earlier this year that Ghostbusters 3 was greenlit and heading into scripting, there have been no announcements about anything further.
So what is this site? Like I said, most likely, viral marketing…
Maybe it’s for the Ghostbusters game. Maybe it’s for the 25th Anniversary Blu-Ray coming out this June. Maybe it will eventually be for Ghostbusters 3.
All I can say is…click the link, look at the footage (still on YouTube…how odd), and choose for yourself.
Original Post: GHOSTSPY
Say what you will about Michael Bay’s Transformers, the fact is, the flick made a metric shit-ton of cash, and was enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
So, of course, 2 years later, we’re now looking at a sequel, the intriguingly titled TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN. And today, we get the first look at it’s poster.
That’s it up above, and those eyes? Internerd rumor sez that they belong to the new Decpticon Jetfire. Is he the fallen? Guess we’ll find out when TF2 hits theaters complete with Skippy LaBeef in the main role in June.
Original Post: Transformers 2 Teaser Poster Unleashed | /Film
You’d figure for the years of hard work and labor the cast, crew, writers, animators, caterers and whoever else have put into the film, at least one of them would step up, and have their voice heard.
Well, that day has come. An exclusive to the new movie site HitFlix, headed by one of the best writers from AICN, Drew “Moriarty” McWeeny, this letter from Watchmen producer Lloyd Levin holds nothing back, and if anything, left me with more respect for the team dedicated to making the “unflimable” graphic novel a silver-screen reality.
I’ve included the full text of the letter behind the cut. I only hope come January 20th, whatever the outcome, Fox and Warner Brothers can unite to bring this film to the masses. It needs to be seen. It needs to be heard. Make it so.
Watchmen. A producer’s perspective.
An open letter.
Who is right? In the Watchmen dispute between Warner Brothers and Fox that question is being discussed, analyzed, argued, tried and ruled on in a court of law. That’s one way to answer the question - It is a fallback position in our society for parties in conflict to resolve disputes. And there are teams of lawyers and a highly regarded Federal Judge trying to do just that, which obviates any contribution I could make towards answering the “who is right” question within a legal context. But after 15 plus years of involvement in the project, and a decade more than that working in the movie business, I have another perspective, a personal perspective that I believe important to have on the public record.
No one is more keenly aware of the irony of this dispute than Larry Gordon and I who have been trying to get this movie made for many years. There’s a list of people who have rejected the viability of a movie based on Alan Moore and Dave Gibbon’s classic graphic novel that reads like a who’s who of Hollywood.
We’ve been told the graphic novel is unfilmable.
After 9/11 some felt the story’s themes were too close to reality ever to be palatable to a mainstream audience.
There were those who considered the project but who wished it were somehow different: Could it be a buddy movie, or a team-up movie or could it focus on one main character; did it have to be so dark; did so many people have to die; could it be stripped of its flashback structure; could storylines be eliminated; could new storylines be invented; did it have to be so long; could the blue guy put clothes on… The list of dissatisfactions for what Watchmen is was as endless as the list of suggestions to make it something it never was.
Also endless are the list of studio rejections we accrued over the years. Larry and I developed screenplays at five different studios. We had two false starts in production on the movie. We were involved with prominent and commercial directors. Big name stars were interested. In one instance hundreds of people were employed, sets were being built - An A-list director and top artists in the industry were given their walking papers when the studio financing the movie lost faith.
After all these years of rejection, this is the same project, the same movie, over which two studios are now spending millions of dollars contesting ownership. Irony indeed, and then some.
Through the years, inverse of the lack of studio faith has been the passionate belief by many many individuals - movie professionals who were also passionate fans of the graphic novel - who, yes, wanted to work on the film, but more for reasons of just wanting to see the movie get made, to see this movie get made and made right, donated their time and talent to help push the film forward: Writers gave us free screenplay drafts; conceptual art was supplied by illustrators, tests were performed gratis by highly respected actors and helped along and put together by editors, designers, prop makers and vfx artists; we were the recipients of donated studio and work space, lighting and camera equipment. Another irony, given the commercial stakes implied by the pitched legal dispute between Fox and Warners, is that for years Watchmen has been a project that has survived on the fumes of whatever could be begged, borrowed and stolen - A charity case for all intents and purposes. None of that effort, none of that passion and emotional involvement, is considered in the framework of this legal dispute.
From my point of view, the flashpoint of this dispute, came in late spring of 2005. Both Fox and Warner Brothers were offered the chance to make Watchmen. They were submitted the same package, at the same time. It included a cover letter describing the project and its history, budget information, a screenplay, the graphic novel, and it made mention that a top director was involved.
And it’s at this point, where the response from both parties could not have been more radically different.
The response we got from Fox was a flat “pass.” That’s it. An internal Fox email documents that executives there felt the script was one of the most unintelligible pieces of shit they had read in years. Conversely, Warner Brothers called us after having read the script and said they were interested in the movie - yes, they were unsure of the screenplay, and had many questions, but wanted to set a meeting to discuss the project, which they promptly did. Did anyone at Fox ask to meet on the movie? No. Did anyone at Fox express any interest in the movie? No. Express even the slightest interest in the movie? Or the graphic novel? No.
From there, the executives at Warner Brothers, who weren’t yet completely comfortable with the movie, made a deal to acquire the movie rights and we all started to creatively explore the possibility of making Watchmen. We discussed creative approaches and started offering the movie to directors, our former director having moved on by then. After a few director submissions, Zack Snyder came onboard, well before the release of his movie 300. In fact, well before its completion. This was a gut, creative call by Larry, me and the studio… Zack didn’t have a huge commercial track record, yet we all felt he was the right guy for the movie.
Warner Brothers continued to support, both financially and creatively, the development of the movie. And eventually, after over a year of work, they agreed to make the film, based on a script that, for what it’s worth, was by and large very similar to the one Fox initially read and deemed an unintelligible piece of shit.
Now here’s the part that has to be fully appreciated, if for nothing more than providing insight into producing movies in Hollywood: The Watchmen script was way above the norm in length, near 150 pages, meaning the film could clock in at close to 3 hours, the movie would not only be R rated but a hard R - for graphic violence and explicit sex - would feature no stars, and had a budget north of $100M. We also asked Warner Brothers to support an additional 1 to 1.5 hours of content incurring additional cost that would tie in with the movie but only be featured in DVD iterations of the film. Warners supported the whole package and I cannot begin to emphasize how ballsy and unprecedented a move this was on the part of a major Hollywood studio. Unheard of. And would another studio in Hollywood, let alone a studio that didn’t show one shred of interest in the movie, not one, have taken such a risk? Would they ever have made such a commitment, a commitment to a film that defied all conventional wisdom?
Only the executives at Fox can answer that question. But if they were to be honest, their answer would have to be “No."
Shouldn’t Warner Brothers be entitled to the spoils - if any – of the risk they took in supporting and making Watchmen? Should Fox have any claim on something they could have had but chose to neither support nor show any interest in?
Look at it another way… One reason the movie was made was because Warner Brothers spent the time, effort and money to engage with and develop the project. If Watchmen was at Fox the decision to make the movie would never have been made because there was no interest in moving forward with the project.
Does a film studio have the right to stand in the way of an artistic endeavor and determine that it shouldn’t exist? If the project had been sequestered at Fox, if Fox had any say in the matter, Watchmen simply wouldn’t exist today, and there would be no film for Fox to lay claim on. It seems beyond cynical for the studio to claim ownership at this point.
By his own admission, Judge Feess is faced with an extremely complex legal case, with a contradictory contractual history, making it difficult to ascertain what is legally right. Are there circumstances here that are more meaningful, which shed light on what is ultimately just, to be taken into account when assessing who is right? In this case, what is morally right, beyond the minutiae of decades-old contractual semantics, seems clear cut.
For the sake of the artists involved, for the hundreds of people, executives and filmmakers, actors and crew, who invested their time, their money, and dedicated a good portion of their lives in order to bring this extraordinary project to life, the question of what is right is clear and unambiguous - Fox should stand down with its claim.
My father, who was a lawyer and a stickler for the minutiae of the law, was always quick to teach me that the determination of what is right and wrong was not the sole purview of the courts. I bet someone at Fox had a parent like mine who instilled the same sense of fairness and justice in them.
Lloyd Levin
So it was just about a year ago that I made the jump to a fancy HDTV.
A 40" Samsung. Admittingly, I purchased it more to get my credit rating going, but hey, seeing the sundrenched shores of Hawaii during Lost in glorious HD wasn’t going to hurt, was it?
This was the beginning of an epidemic.
Since that fateful day in January, I upgraded to HD Cable, started buying Blu-Rays (so pretty!), got HDMI cables for my 360 and PS3 and honestly, I almost feel punished when I need to watch something in standard def.
It seems video game creators got the hint, though.
Starting with Super Street Fighter II TURBO: HD Remix, we gamers learned just HOW pretty a fighting game can be with sprites large enough to take advantage of high def resolution.
SNK, the “other” fighting company is striking back, though, with a High-Def version of their King of Fighers franchise, which if the above trailer is any indication, will leave your jaw agape at the animation (and probably cause you some losses at the same time).
But this isn’t enough for us, the frothing mad men of HD gaming, oh no!
We want all the classics of our childhood recreated in GLORIOUS 1080p! Unforutnately, SFII and KoF are the only titles so far to be announced with prettyfied re-releases. However, if someone WERE to remake classic games from the 16-bit generation…what would they look like?
That’s where the fantastic CGI artist Orioto comes in.
Over at his Deviant Art page, he’s been recreating screenshots of classic 8 and 16 bit games at high resolution, to show us what could be. And I hope the related companies are listening.
After getting some huge pub for his role in The Wrestler (which I’ve piratedseen, and is really fucking great), it looks like Mickey Rourke is heading right into a lead villain role for Iron Man 2.
Who is Rourke apparently in talks to play? Well, it depends on your source. The Hollywood Reporter is claiming that Mickey’s gonna be pulling a Devo and whipping it good as the villain Whiplash. Variety says otherwise, and claims that Rouke would be suiting up as the red Russian ball of fury called the Crimson Dynamo.
Personally, I’d rather see Dynamo on screen, as it’d further the story of the first flick, namely that Stark’s technologies are being put in the wrong hands. And nothing says wrong hands (or terrible 80s action movie) quite like AN EVIL RUSSIAN!
Also rumored to be signing on to Iron Man 2 is Sam Rockwell, an incredible actor who you can file under “don’t know his name, but know his face.“ Seriously, check his iMDB page. The sheer amount of “OH MAN, HE WAS THAT GUY?” will leave your forehead raw with slaps. Rockwell is in talks to play the evil (notice a trend here?) weapons developer Justin Hammer.
All and all, I’d say with Rockwell as Hammer, action sequences by way of my boy Genndy, and hopefully Rourke as Dynamo, Iron Man 2 is going to be a hell of a flick come Summer 2010.
Original Post: Updated Mickey Rourke & Sam Rockwell To Play Supervillains In IRON MAN 2?? – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
That’s where the Razzies come in.
The Razzies are all about awarding (or publically humilating?) the worst that the world of film has to offer. And while I feel that 2008 might have just been one of the best years of motion picture this decade, there sure was (apparently) a lot of crap.
Just beyond the cut, I have listed this years nominations. I’m kind of surprised by some of the selections (I really enjoyed Speed Racer), but some aren’t a surprise in the least (Fuck you, Meet the Spartans! But hey, any awards show dedicated to pointing out how much Hollywood is ruining things with remakes and sequels ahoy gets a thumb’s up in my book.
Worst Picture Speed Racer Disaster Movie and Meet the Spartans The Day the Earth Stood Still High School Musical 3 The Hottie & The Nottie In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale The Love Guru Postal Rambo The Happening Meet Dave Witless Protection
Worst Actor Zac Efron Dane Cook Larry the Cable Guy Eddie Murphy Al Pacino Keanu Reeves Sylvester Stallone Tom Cruise (Valkyrie) Will Ferrell Ashton Kutcher Mike Myers Adam Sandler Mark Wahlberg
Worst Actress Paris Hilton Jessica Alba The cast of “The Women" Camilla Belle Cameron Diaz Kate Hudson Diane Keaton Jennifer Connelly Zooey Deschanel Vanessa Hudgens Eva Longoria-Parker Reese Witherspoon
Worst Screen Couple: Any couple from HSM 3 Cameron Diaz & Ashton Kutcher Paris Hilton & Joel David Moore Kate Hudson & Dane Cook Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey Larry the Cable Guy & Jenny McCarthy Any couple from Mamma Mia Eddie Murphy & Eddie Murphy (Meet Dave) Al Pacino & His Hair Mark Wahlberg & Zooey Deschanel Mark Wahlberg & Mila Kunis Sylvester Stallone & His Ego
Worst Director: Uwe Boll Scott Derrickson Jason Friedberg & Aaron Seltzer Tom Putnam Marco Schnabel Sylvester Stallone Jon Avnet Diane English Roland Emmerich Brian Robbins Kenny Ortega M. Night Shyamalan
Worst Prequel, Sequel, Remake or Rip-Off: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull High School Musical 3: Senior Year Rambo Star Wars: The Clone Wars Disaster Movie Meet the Spartans An American Carol The Women The Day the Earth Stood Still Prom Night Speed Racer The X-Files: I Want To Believe
Worst Career Achievement: Uwe Boll Jason Friedberg & Aaron Seltzer Madonna Keanu Reeves Sylvester Stallone
Enjoy the additional footage and moon language goodness from the JAPANESE trailer for the (hopefully still being released) WATCHMEN flick.
I had a feeling Apple would floor us at MacWorld this year…but I didn’t expect THIS.
Apple Introduces Revolutionary New Laptop With No Keyboard
:)
Seriously though, Apple’s Steve-less Keynote is at Noon tomorrow, and as I’m sure you know, if anything interesting pops up, I’ll be bloggin' it.
God damn, just when I had written today off as a boring, ho-hum post-holiday Monday, the Internet delivers.
Sure, I could’ve written about indie darling couple Ben Gibbard & Zooey Deschanel getting engaged, or the sad passing of Burton-Era Commisioner Gordon Pat Hingle…
But none of it had that proper, FUCK YEAH! BLAST-O-RAMA IS BACK AND IN YOUR FACE feel.
Then, as always, B-o-R fav Mr. Patton Oswalt delivered. IN GOD DAMN SPADES.
Fresh from his MySpace blog, a little piece (following the cut) called GAY-THAM FOR STATHAM.
As you can imagine, it mashes up everything I love about Patton’s writing with the man who has become quite a cult hero here. It’s sort of a “You got your chocolate in my peanut butter”/“You got your peanut butter in my chocolate” mix that just delivers on all fronts. Click through, and ENJOY!
=====================================================================
Jason Statham has never been in a great movie.
He’s also never been in a boring one.
Statham’s imdb.com profile, collectively, is a promise to you, the weary filmgoer. It’s a promise that says, “I promise that you will not FOR ONE SECOND be bored during one of my movies. You won’t learn shit about the human condition, or feel a collective connection with the brotherhood of man. But if you give me $10, I will fuck an explosion while a Slayer song plays”.
I just watched CRANK on Showtime, and I can’t understand how I missed this when it was in theaters.
I’m buying THE BANK JOB and DEATHRACE on iTunes today. After CRANK, Mr. Statham can count on my $10 every time he makes a movie. If someone figures out how to make a movie for $8, and it stars Jason Statham, then they’re guaranteed a $2 profit.
I look forward to any new film by Ang Lee, David Gordon Green, Paul Thomas Anderson, The Coen Brothers, Paul Greengrass or Ross McElwee.
And now, Jason Statham. I don’t know how much say he has in the films he makes. But I get the impression that he reads the scripts. And if the script doesn’t make him want to drive a bulldozer through a cake store, I’ll bet he punches the script through a wall.
In fact, my entire stack of Academy screeners would have been vastly improved by the addition of Jason Statham. Here we go:
CHANGELING: Jason Statham plays the kidnapped boy, who immediately beats his kidnappers to death, then fights female assassins on top of a blimp.
CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON: Jason Statham injects the backward-aging man-freak with a Sino/Chilean rage compound, and they fight in lava pit.
DEFIANCE: Jason Statham throws Hitler into a woodchipper, eats the entrails as they fly out the other end, and then shits out Winston Churchill.
DOUBT: Jason Statham drop-kicks the Pope through the core of the Earth, and the Pope’s head goes up Meryl Streep’s ass and then Motorhead’s “The Ace of Spades” plays.
FROST/NIXON: Jason Statham pulls off David Frost’s skin, drops him into a tank of sea salt, and then Statham and Nixon rent a limo and drive across country, shotgunning hippies.
GRAN TORINO: Jason Statham glowers at Clint Eastwood, who glowers back, creating a Glower Vortex which destroys the planet.
THE READER: Statham kills the teenage kid with a lawnmower, then fucks Kate Winslet literate.
REVOLUTIONARY ROAD: Jason Statham drives an 18-wheeler full of nitro into the title suburb, blows everything to shit, and then spends 90 minutes hunting down absolutely everyone involved with the making of this film, beating them to death with TV trays.
THE WRESTLER: Jason Statham, Richard Nixon, the ‘roided-out Benjamin Button murder-freak, the Churchill feces-baby and Mickey Rourke drive cross country in a limo, with Leo DiCaprio’s severed head on the hood, where they crash the Spirit Awards and kill everyone.
There you go. Statham! Full disclosure: I saw Jason Statham eating a salad at Joan’s on 3rd, here in L.A. Really, I did. I wanted to say hello, but he seemed like he could chuck an arugula leaf through my skull.
Do yourselves a favor, Academy voters. CRANK 2: HIGH VOLTAGE comes out April 19th. On April 20th, rescind all the voting categories. There should be one statue given out next year – a 45-foot, sentient Oscar kill-bot, which Jason Statham will fight to the death at the next ceremony.
Statham! Yell it when you’re fucking!
Welp, the calendar year finally clicked over to 2009…and this of course means that we’re in review mode for 2008.
In turn, as promised, I’m delivering my 5 favorites in TV, Music and Film.
What you’ll notice, however, is that I didn’t rank them. As I get older, I realize rankings are arbitrary…but never the less, I wanted to showcase the things that I enjoyed most this year. At worst, this is a list-o-rama to end the year. At best, I’ll showcase some rad things that you missed out on in ‘08, so you can enjoy them in ‘09.
MOVIES
-The Dark Knight -Iron Man -Wall-E -The Wrestler -Hellboy II: The Golden Army
TV
-Mad Men -30 Rock -The Office -Chuck -Lost
MUSIC
-The Rhumb Line by Ra Ra Riot -Way To Normal by Ben Folds -Get Better by Lemuria -Elephant Shell by Tokyo Police Club -Canopy Glow by Anathallo
I know, I know, the music mixes have long since departed Blast-O-Rama, but honestly, it’s because I wound up devouring far less new music this year on a steady basis than in years prior.
I mean, a new relationship, a lay off, the job search, writing two different a comics and plotting the best live art competition ever will do that to you.
Never the less, I’ve brought back the music mix for A YEAR IN REVIEW SPECIAL!
Here are, hands down, my favorite tracks from 2008. I’ll pop back tomorrow with a run down of my favorite albums and movies of ‘08.
The track list is as follows….
“Hot Night Hounds” by Annuals “Brainwascht” by Ben Folds “Pinkies” by the Big Sleep “Halo” by Bloc Party “A Trip Out” by British Sea Power “Hit the Wall” by Broken Social Scene Presents…Brendan Canning “I Fly” by CSS “Unforgettable Season” by Cut Copy “Life Is Long” by David Byrne & Brian Eno “Long Division” by Death Cab For Cutie “Mutha’uckas” by Flight of the Conchords “Red Sock Pugie” by Foals “The ‘59 Sound” by The Gaslight Anthem “Hallelujah” by The Helio Sequence “Good Day” by Jukebox the Ghost “The Man Who Breaks Things” by Land of Talk “Mechanical” by Lemuria “Death to Los Campesinos!” by Los Campesinos! “Shame of the Otaku” by MC Frontalot “Fuego!” by Murder By Death “Weightless” by Nada Surf “Too Too Too Fast” by Ra Ra Riot “Salute Your Solution” by The Raconteurs “Walt Disney” by Rivers Cuomo “Gobbledigook” by Sigur Ros “Glue Girls” by Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin “The Future” by Spiraling “Your English Is Good” by Tokyo Police Club “Family Tree” by TV on the Radio “Heaven” by UNKLE “A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend “The Angel & The One” by Weezer
Enjoy, and let me know what you think!
Wow.
Here I thought CRANK was the silliest, most over the top, ballsy movie ever.
But evidently, the creators REALLY want to out do themselves this time, as seen in the first VERY NOT SAFE FOR WORK trailer for CRANK 2. What do I think? I don’t even know, man. After watching this, I think I need a good sit down.
Original Post: Crank 2: High Voltage Red Band Teaser Trailer - Trailer Addict
Click that link, and look at these photos.
It’d make mine (and any one else’s) holiday, if this ends up under my tree.
Holy Crap.
Original Post: Lego: 60,000-Piece Lego Star Wars Hoth Diorama Features LEDs, Footprints
Welp, we now have an OFFICIAL, crystal clear look at some of the cast of the GI Joe movie, as Paramount released a group of 4 character posters.
The posters depict Ray Park as Snake Eyes, Channing Tatum as Duke, Sienna Miller as Baroness and Marlon Wayans as Rip-Curl.
My big question though…what’s with all the character headshot posters these days?
Welp, yesterday, I brought a hyperbolic, angry review of The Spirit.
Today, I bring actual footage, with 6 clips straight from YouTube.
Does this showcase how bad the movie is? Or is it enough to get you in the theaters on Christmas Day?
I’ll say this…I have a weakness for ScarJo in the cat-eye glasses.
Sound off in the comments!
Awesome?
Nope, no wrong, decidedly NOT AWESOME, or so says this review posted over at AICN today.
In fact, THE SPIRIT might be so bad that it transcends awful, into hilarity.
We shall see on December 25th though, if it’s all true.
I mean, honestly, how can a movie with lines like “I’m Gonna Kill You All Kindsa Dead!” or “GET ME A TIE AND IT DAMN WELL BETTER BE RED!” be awful?
Oh. Very awful. My bad.
Original Link: Jondough Deems Frank Miller’s THE SPIRIT The Worst Movie He’s Ever Seen!!
Gonna try to make this a Monday thing.
Things that are awesome, and why.
Hey guys, you know what’s awesome?
Super Art Fight.
Why? Well, the next show is THIS Saturday, and we’re all getting excited for it. Hell, the excitement even flowed into the world of nerdcore, as seen in this video featuring MC Lars and YT Cracker.
For more on the show, you know where to go.
Hey guys!
You know what else is awesome?
BRUTAL LEGEND!
Haven’t heard of it? Well, it’s this sweet action-RPG due out next year. Featuring Jack Black as voice talent, it’s set in a world where metal is king. And super serious.
Not sold? Check out the trailer below.
Until next week, I’m Marty Day…and those things are AWESOME.
You may have noticed a bizarre trend here at Blast-O-Rama. We really LOVE McDonald’s Japan.
I’ve gone on record before, as a child - big fan of McDonalds. As an adult? Not so much (although I get a craving 1-2 times a year).
But there’s something very intrigiung to me about an intensely American corporation such as McDonald’s and how their menu is reconfigured, changed, or even in some cases, completely thrown out when it’s brought over to the land of the rising sun.
Despite the documentation of some of the surreal foodstuffs available in the Nippon McD’s, there hasn’t been a comprehensive look at the McDonald’s Japan menu.
UNTIL NOW.
You can thank the fine folks at Tofugu.com for this one.
How sad is it that if I ever make it to Japan, I’ll just have to experience McDonald’s Japan for myself?
Original Post: The Japanese McDonalds Menu (I’m actually lovin’ it!)
Ok, this might be the most adorable story ever.
See that photo up there?
The first Teddy Bear astronauts.
And it’s all the Brits fault.
Seriously! Read the story on the link below.
Original Post: Space: First Teddie Bear Astronauts Conquer Space
Looks like this years Sundance Film Festival has quite a bit to say about that.
The lineup for the most-prestigious film festival in indie filmmaking is looking good, with the Charlyne Yi-Michael Cera psuedo-bio pic Paper Hearts, the John Krasinski (that’s Jim from the Office) directed adaptation of Brief Interviews With Hideous Men, and most surprisingly, the Patton Oswalt starring Big Fan, which features Oswalt as a HUGE Giants fan who deals with the fall out when he gets beat up by his favorite player.
I guess indie filmmaking will make ‘09 as worthwhile as the big blockbusters did this past year. I hope.
Hey, Jami! Are you going this year?
Original Post: 2009 Sundance Film Festival Competition Films Announced | /Film
What was of note, however, was how the team who is doing the sound work on the new Clone Wars toon crapped all over the Tartakovsky version from 2003, saying it was no longer “canon”. I was somewhat outraged, given that it was honestly the best thing to come of the prequels.
This of course made me wonder…what is Genndy up to?
Last we heard, he was working on a (now-scrapped) sequel to The Dark Crystal.
A bit of searching around though, and I stumbled upon this great interview from AICN with Jon Faverau, discussing the sequel to IRON MAN.
Guess who Faverau picked up as storyboard artist, just because of his amazing action sequences?
That’s right, Genndy’s maping out the future of ol' Shellhead.
One waddle’s loss is another’s gain, I guess.
Consider me double-pumped for IRON MAN II. And hey, read the article. It’s pretty damn good.
Original Post: Part 1 of Quint’s epic interview with Jon Favreau! IRON MAN 2! IMAX! James Cameron’s AVATAR! And… Genndy Tartakovsky?!? – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
Before opening his own online store, Glenn Jones was responsible for some of Threadless.com’s most iconic tee-shirts, like The Dark Side of The Garden.
Now, he’s on his own, producing awesome shirts on a regular basis.
The reason why I post? His newest shirt, titled “Slowing Down” cracked me right up.
I guess Wally West is having trouble with old age…
Original Post: Slowing Down
As you may have heard, there’s an American live-action remake of the anime classic AKIRA on the docket for 2011.
After a rather surprising trailer debut at San Diego Comic Con, the Tron sequel made nerds buzz, but not entirely for the right reasons.
Sure, the lightcycles looked bad ass, as did a bald Jeff Bridges, but…
It was titled TR2N.
Well, luckily, Disney seems to have seen the error of their ways.
The new title?
TRZ.
…
uh, Disney? Yeah, you’re doing it wrong.
Original Post: Stuff and Things: Some Post-Turkey ‘Tron’ Sequel Hatin' - Cinematical
You might be surprised that it doesn’t just go “Another Ball Gun, K?”.
I’d also like to take this time to mention that Christmas is coming, and my house is currently not being protected by the Nerf Vulcan.
Hint. Hint.
Original Post: Nerf
I endulged in a long time guilty pleasure of mine.
About 1-2 times a year, I get a really bizarre craving for McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets.
The Nugget, the strangest of all processed chicken forms, is one that I grew up loving, but over time, realized I needed to eat less.
While I’m still a huge fan of chicken, the nugget intake has decreased dramatically.
In any case, while I was dipping my nuggets, it caused me to wonder…what does everyone else eat on their Nuggets?
Personally, my go to is BBQ Sauce, or if I’m at a Chik-Fil-A, some of their trademark Polynesian Sauce. Course, you can dip them in anything from honey to Ketchup to buffalo sauce.
How do you take your nuggets, dear reader?
Ace Ventura Jr. Trailer
I…
Ugh.
I can’t even spill out a sentence properly here. I considered some of my trademark biting wit, but honestly, I’m left defeated and saddened by this.
The fact that tripe like THIS gets green-lit, and decent ideas flounder…
I..
Goddamnit, if I see someone purchase this, they’re dead.
EDIT: AND THE GODDAMN PLAYER BREAKS THE SITE ARRGH
My XBL tag is OtakuGeekBoy.
Add me up, folks.
(And yes, that IS my avatar up there. If you want an image of yours, use the following URL: avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/YO…)
Sometimes, there just isn’t more to say than quoting the article and having a gif-based celebration.
This is one of those moments.
“Arrested Development" mastermind Mitch Hurwitz has reportedly closed a deal to write and direct a big-screen version of the sitcom “Arrested Development" for Fox Searchlight.
YES!
YEEEESSS!
YEEEEEEEEEEESSSS!
Oh wow.
Just in time for the Thanksgiving season, Deep Fried Pumpkin Pie. I swear, it’s like combining my guilty pleasure (McDonald’s Apple Pie) with my not-so-guilty pleaure (Mo’Fuckin PUNKIN PIE!)
If any of you want to figuratively make love to my belly and make me some of this, I’d gladly appreciate it.
Mm.
Original Post: DCist: Thanksgiving Eating In: Deep Fried Pumpkin Pies
Here’s our first full look at the forthcoming 3D-stop motion film, Coraline. After seeing it’s breathtaking trailer last year with Beowulf, and knowing that Neil freaking Gaiman’s involved, I’m excited to say the least.
Whatcha think?
Original Post: Coraline Trailer - Trailer Addict
That’ll be December 20th at the Ottobar, and on the post linked below, you’ll find all the details for the match card and loads more.
And hey, I’ll be one of the MC’s for the evening. All the more reason to come out.
Original Post: SuperArtFight!!! » Official Card for SUPER ART FIGHT III: TURBO!
Over the weekend, I got the chance to see the new Bond flick, Quantum of Solace.
As a big fan of Casino Royale, I’m pleased to say it met, if not surpassed my expectations, and was an overall kick-ass flick. Granted, this may be because I’ve never really been a Bond fan proper, so I can deal with the tweaks presented by this reboot, but that’s another conversation entirely.
What I am posting about, is one of the big surprises of the movie. While it’s full of hardnosed, pulse pounding action, it’s also full of wonderfully elegant typography. Yes. Typography.
Literally, every time Bond goes to a new locale, we get a nice title screen for that area…in a lovely locale specific font.
The fine folks over at Goldenfiddle have catalogged all of these title cards for your perusal. Go check them out!
Original Post: goldenfiddle | Spy Type
Guns ‘N Roses’ Chinese Democracy finally is hitting shelves this Sunday. And in what shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, it leaked to the internet this week.
So, in the interest of previewing it for you the listener, and to archive what is arguably a “historical” release, I thought I’d give you my thoughts, track by track.
Now, before I go into this, I thought I’d throw a little perspective here.
I am not, in any way, shape or form, the target audience for this album. I’m a wussy little indie rock kid.
However, Guns ‘N Roses is the band that shaped my perspective of rock and roll.
When I was 4 years old, I heard “Appetite for Distruction” for the first time. My parents loved that album. And to a four year olds ears, it’s musical armageddon. The insane licks of Slash, the banshee from hell yelps of Axl Rose…it startles you, even more so when you don’t even totally comprehend the sound coming from the speakers.
Then, as I got older, my family got cable. I was glued to MTV, even from a young age. And there they were, defining the rock and roll decedant lifestyle. Rose was challenging other bands to fights via Kurt Loder, they were cancelling shows “just cause”, and causing riots everywhere they played. That defined rock and roll to me.
Add when the Use Your Illusion albums hit, and with the “trilogy” of videos for “November Rain”, “Don’t Cry” and “Estranged”, the idea of epic rock and roll was again defined for a small child in Baltimore. They attained this mythical concept. Untouchable gods.
As the years rolled on…Slash became a punchiline. A giant ball of hair full of guitar licks, eventually whoring himself out to the terrible Velvet Revolver. The rest of the band? Laughable hacks, holding on to the last reminants of their former rock and roll lifestyle, with the hair and wardrobe to show.
Axl? He became the rock and roll Howard Hughes. Always working on the album. The album that would cause every man, woman and child to hear it to laugh, cry and be moved by the universal power of rock.
Sure, Chinese Democracy became a joke, just as much as Axl. But for every time someone slammed it, myself included…you knew you wanted to hear it.
So here we are. November 2008. FIFTEEN Years since the name “Guns ‘N Roses” appeared on a new album, and even longer since we’ve heard original material. And let’s be honest…this is the last hyped album. No band these days has the level of mythos and mysticism around them, and even if they did, albums leak weeks in advance. Music has changed from a hype game, to a world of communal sharing, and I doubt we’ll see a release as rumored, idolised and hated as this again.
What does it sound like? Given the stories of the rotating musicians, it sounds like HUNDREDS of people have worked on the damn thing. Guitar solos are thrown around, in the front and back of the mix. Songs sound piecemealed together. But yet it never sounds a mess.
Here’s the blow-by-blow (updated as I listen more):
1. “Chinese Democracy” - Nice epic intro, but it spirals quickly into bland cock-rock. Sounds eerily similar to some of the Velvet Revolver material, and I hate when singers layer themselves over themselves. Let someone else sing the backround vox, man.
2. “Shackler’s Revenge” - If you’ve been playing Rock Band 2, you’ve probably heard this before. Of all the tracks on the album I’ve listened to thus far, it’s the most a mess. Really sounds like 4-5 songs were thrown into a blender. I do like some of the parts, but it never forms a cohesive whole.
3. “Better” - I hate myself to say it, but I really love this track. It’s just as guilty as “Shackler’s” in terms of the piecemeal department, but it winds up being a really catchy, anthemic track. If this album hit in 96-97 like it was supposed to, this song would’ve been huge. Now, in this iTunes society? Maybe not so much.
4. “Street of Dreams” - A ballad in the vein of “November Rain” or “Estranged” that never really gets going. Doesn’t help that at times, the song sounds like it’d be a part of the Dracula musical from Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
5. “If The World” - In short, if Axl wrote a Bond theme, it’d be this. VERY jarring against the rest of the album, but maybe that’s the intent?
I’ll update with my opinions on tracks 6-14 once I listen, and give my final thoughts at the end.
EDIT: I honestly tried to give the rest of the album a shot, but it’s really a bizarre, and irritating mix of poor vocals, miserable ballads, and some actual decent moments of epic rock, like with the track “Madagascar”, that are then brought down by the terrible vox.
Was it worth 15 years of work? Hardly. But the fact is, win lose or draw, this is a monumental album. But probably not for the right reasons.
“Better” aside, avoid.
Until then, for a full breakdown of the album, check out The Onion’s AV Club review, by one of my favorite writers, Mr. Chuck Klosterman.
Straight from their uber premiere, the leads of the Sci-Fi Original Picture sure-to-rule the box office Twilight…seem to share the same opinion of the film I do.
That’s right, in addition to the forthcoming Wolverine & The X-Men and Iron Man: Armored Adventures, everyone’s favorite thunder lord, Thor should be receiving a series in Autumn 2010, following that summer’s release of his film.
Personally, I’m always for whatever cartoons that will hit the air and inspire kids, as opposed to this Kids Next Door/Ben 10 crap. So let’s do this thing, Marvel!
Original Post: Hammer Time!! Marvel Planning 26 Mighty Episodes Of THOR!! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
Kick-Ass, for those unawares, is the latest comic from the always controversial Mark Millar (Wanted, Marvel’s Civil War). In it, teenager Dave Lizewski decides to become a masked vigilante, and after a few bad run-ins with criminals, eventually becomes an online sensation.
The images above represent our first official look at the hero, and his ugly-ass green and yellow suit.
The flick sounds like it’s going to be remarkably close to the source material, so it should be interesting to see how it pans out.
Original Post: Comic Book Resources > CBR News: First Pictures from Kick-Ass
The edition, dated July 5, 2009, details an almost utopic vision for the future of the US, with the Iraq War over, the economy stablized, hell, even an apology for the WMD scares!
Unfortunately for us all, this isn’t reality yet, but as pranks go, this is definitely one of the more elaborate, and dare I say it…hopeful.
Hell, they even made a fake website.
Maybe one day this paper will be real. Time will tell.
Original Post: Liberal Pranksters Hand Out Times Spoof - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com
Ever wonder what would happen if the hype team responsible for your average car ad got a bit disgruntled?
Despite assuaging my original fears about the Shaun of the Dead/Hot Fuzz duo doing a movie without Edgar Frost (who is busy doing Scott Pilgrim), by hiring Superbad’s Greg Mattolla to helm the flick, I have to admit, the premise of “two British nerds go to comic-con” sounded a bit half baked.
Man, oh man, was I wrong. As now…they leave comic-con…and go to AREA 51! Where they meet the titular alien, Paul.
Sure, the idea sounds a bit clunky, but considering how well they handled combining romantic comedy and horror, and British mystery films with John Woo action, I think Pegg and Frost are the perfect team to make the bastard child of Mallrats and Mac ‘n Me.
Don’t let me down, gang!
Original Post: Details Revealed: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s Road Trip comedy Paul | /Film
So it was with great trepedation I peered upon these designs for the forthcoming CG version of The Wizard of Oz. Say what you will of the 30’s original, but it really didn’t touch the darkness and sadness of the Baum novels.
This CG version? Might have what it takes. I already really like the forlorn Tin Man, seen above.
Original Post: UPDATE!! More Details For John Boorman’s WIZARD OF OZ Film!! SEE The Emerald City, The Tin Man, & More!! – Ain’t It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
The story below is no lie.
Ridley Scott, the amazing innovative director who brought us such groundbreaking films as Blade Runner, Alien and Gladiator will be doing a film adaptation of Monopoly. The board game.
Look, I know that personally, when I play Monopoly, the game can drag on for hours, in epic nature, but this does NOT equate to a fine moviegoing experience, Hollywood!
Honestly, is anyone chomping at the bit for a live action adaptation featuring the wacky adventures of Uncle Pennybags and his friends the dog, the thimble and a god damned boot?
Hollywood: listen up, if you’re reading. There are young, vibrant screenwriters that just bus into your city EVERY DAY hoping to make it big. Hell, there are old ones too. And great writers who we haven’t heard from in years. IS IT THAT HARD TO GREENLIGHT AN ORIGINAL FUCKING IDEA INSTEAD OF A MOVIE BASED ON A GOD DAMNED BOARD GAME?
…argh.
Original Post: Worst Idea Ever: Ridley Scott is Directing Monopoly | /Film
My artistic co-hort, my hetro-life-mate. He who I’ve been conquering the world of webcomics with, on such titles as Dead of Summer and the newly launched Art Fight High School?
Yeah. That guy.
Anyway, today, he is more than my friend, business partner and ally.
As today…he is a winner!
Winner of the Aquabats Hooray For Poster Contests Contest that is!
That’s right, thanks to that awesome poster above, with the well drawn visages of MC Bat Commander, Prez Barry O, and the cutiest damn cat with two heads ever, his art will be featured prominently at the Aquabats' show coming up on November 17th. Which also features a certain charm city based keyboard pop band I’m friends with too…
How cool is that?
Congrats, amigo.
Original Post: Myspace.com Blogs - THE AQUABATS HOORAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOUR: HOORAY FOR POSTER CONTESTS CONTEST WINNERS! - The Aquabats! MySpace Blog
No more golden arches, no more stupid-ass clown.
Just burgers and that’s it.
Sound crazy?
Crazy enough for Japan, apparently, where they’re testing out a stand alone restaurant called Quarter Pounder, which features that, and not much else.
It’s the latest in the “anti-branding” craze over in the Nippon, and speaking from a strictly graphical standpoint, I like it. And honestly, I enjoy a McD’s QP every so often, so to have it without the in my face advertising? Let’s do this, Japan!
Original Post: Quarter Pounder, McDonald’s No-Brand Burger Japanese Joint | A Hamburger Today
[gallery]
Pardon the pun, but the clock is ticking until the release of the highly anticipated adaptation of Watchmen from 300 director Zach Snyder.
Perhaps in a ploy to stoke the fires a’la The Dark Knight, we’ve got six new posters featuring the cast of the flick.
Whatcha think?
Original Post: Six New Watchmen Character Posters | /Film
It’s a mystery no-more, as B-Panth (as the trades call him) will be voice by none other than Djimon Hounsou (known as Digimon Hounsou, to his friends).
Fresh off of a starring role in the we-swear-it’s-not-Heroes flick Push, I think Hounsou’s a great choice for the role.
Even if I can’t help but think of him yelling “GIVE US US FREE” in Amistad.
Original Post: Newsarama.com : Djimon Hounsou to Voice BET’s Black Panther
You probably noticed a far, far heavier post count today. than what you’ve seen in the past.
You might be asking: “Why?", or more likely, you don’t care, but hey, let’s presume you do.
It’s all Ross Nover’s fault. Or, more accurately, the fault of QuickPost, or as I’ve deemed it, the best WordPress plugin ever.
With it, I’m able to post almost instantaneously onto Blast-O-Rama, allowing me to share with almost shocking speed, whatever I’m nerding out about on the web.
As that was the main intent of this blog, it’s now better than ever.
If you think it’s a bit much…well, again, blame Ross.
Drop your thoughts on this, and well, any other story I post, in the comments.
Original Post: QuickPost Wordpress Plugin
[gallery]
Set the lights down low for this pair of character posters from JJ Abrams' “reimagining” of the Star Trek franchise.
Once again, I’m still not sure the mood they’re aiming for with this new version of Trek, and these new posters throw me off even more, considering how just a few weeks ago, Abrams' was telling Entertainment Weekly that they were going for a “positive, uplifting” version of the space-saga.
Guess we’ll see when Star Trek hits screens on May 8th.
Original Post: Blog@Newsarama » Blog Archive » More Star Trek posters released
crickets
Ok…Ok. I understand.
Well, I’m excited, anyway!
Here’s the deal. Chuck, aka the best show you’re apparently not watching on Monday nights, gets to share the post-Super Bowl spot on February 1st with The Office.
As if that wasn’t enough reason to keep your TV on NBC after the two teams pummel each other for America’s affection, the episode will be in 3-D!!!
No word on the number of teenagers who will experience manhood upon the three-dimentional visage of Sarah.
Original Post: ‘Chuck’ gets 3-D, Super Bowl Boost - ComicMix news
I Hope Everyone Involved With This Movie Gets Into A Firey Carwreck Movie
Why Hollywood? Why?
Original Post: MTV Movies Blog » EXCLUSIVE: Wayans Brothers Dance Flick Title Revealed! And The Name Is…’Dance Flick’
While it’s ultimately a footnote in an interview exploring Mignola’s excitement over the Hellboy II DVD, what’s coming up for him comic wise, and he and his daughter’s conflicting opinions of Twilight, Mignola does make special mention of his forthcoming film project with David Goyer (Batman Begins, Blade III).
The catch? It’s an old school vampire flick. Here’s what Mikey had to say.
-The Terminator: Awesome -Terminator 2: Judgement Day: All Time Classic -Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines: Never bothered watching. -Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles:Â Found the pilot boring, but I hear it’s gotten much much better.
In any case, I’ve been pretty reserved about Terminator Salvation. But now that I’ve seen some of the production images (in the video linked below), combined with seeing Christian Bale as the lead…I’m…slight more optimistic?
Either way, I’m hoping it’s good. Because as it stands right now, after Summer 2008 being so kick ass, all I’ve really got to look forward to in ‘09 is Up and Harry Potter 6.
Original Post: The Dumb Drum » Terminator Salvation featurette: The Art of Martin Laing
(My TV is currently guarded by Spidey, Iron Man, Venom and Wolverine, for example).
In any case, the Muggs expand their cuteness empire into 2009 with the first wave of Transformers Mighty Muggs.
Honestly, who can say no to the cuteness portrayed by Bumblebee (above)? And I’ll be damned if that isn’t a huggable version of Soundwave.
Original Post: Transformers Universe Mighty Muggs Images - Raving Toy Maniac - The Latest News and Pictures from the World of Toys
Luckily, for deranged psychopaths like ourselves, HowToBeatUpAnything.com has stepped in with a strategy for battling everything from a Lion Tamer, to the Batman, and even beloved actor Tom Hanks.
So get ready for when we’ve been reduced to a Mad Max-esq post-apocalyptic existence, and study up for when you need to fight everything…at HowToBeatUpAnything.com!
Original Post: How To Beat Up Anything
Very interesting to hear, as I still don’t personally see the iPhone as a ubiquideous device, but it speaks volumes about how we as a country now see cellphones. We’ve gone from the phone being a tool for vocal comunication, and now as a country we’ve chosen an all-in-one device, giving us voice, text, audio, internet and wayyy more in the palm of our hand.
How do I think they did it? Personally, I blame the great new ads Apple’s been showcasing as of late, each demonstrating the use of a different app, including the restaurant finding Urbanspoon, and music-discovery tool Shazam.
Hell, I’ve even given serious thought about jumping to AT&T in early ‘09, just to get my sweaty palms on one. We shall see.
Original Post: iPhone 3G overtakes the RAZR as best-selling domestic handset - Engadget
According to TheaterMania.com, production and casting has begun on a full-fledged DDR musical.
I’ve seen the rather furvent nature of the DDR fanbase, but are they really looking for a “sophomoric comedy” that fuzes the pinache of Flashdance with the “death sports” of Rollerball?
Look, I’m all for the music games craze that started with Dance Dance Revolution (and brought me my current obcession of Rock Band), but seriously, this is heading towards shark jumping territory.
Thanks, but no thanks, producers.
Original Post: Van Hansis to Star in Les Freres Corbusier’s Dance Dance Revolution: Theater News on TheaterMania.com
Ninjas.
Versus.
Luchadores.
For me, this is possibly the greatest combination since someone put their chocolate in someone else’s peanut butter.
The snag? As one of Threadless' “Select” tees (understandable, given the complexity of the print), this one’ll set you back 25 bones.
I will say this, I’m not above begging. And the holiday season is coming up. So open your wallets and click that link. :)
Original Post: The Select Series - A tee shirt by Michael Valadares Ferreira titled Ninjas vs Luchadores
Ok, so you’re probably reading this late Sunday or early Monday.
You’ve got the blues about heading back to work.
Worry not, dear friends, as I’ve got the album to kick start your life RIGHT out of the duldrums!
Thanks to the music download nerds over at Indieducky, I’m happy to share the album “Fucked Up Friends” by Tobacco.
Known as one of the instrumentalists behind the weird-ass psychedelia of Black Moth Super Rainbow, Tobacco lays down some sweet ass beats, perfect for dancing the night away, or just relaxing to some smooth jams.
Hell, I’d even go so far as to say as it’s the perfect soundtrack for an Art Fight. (Hint, Hint)
So what are you waiting for? Click the link, and get yo' self some mooziks!
Original Post: Tobacco - Fucked Up Friends | Indieducky.Com
But would you think it Batman?
That’s right, the Turkish city of Batman is suing Christopher Nolan over the use of it’s name in this past summer’s hit.
You’d figure the mayor of the city, which is known for an unusally high suicide rate, would work through the typical chain of command on these things, like say…DC Comics, Warner Brothers, etc.
But nearest as I can tell, they REALLY have a bone to pick with the guy who made Memento. Go figure.
Original Post: The Dark Knight: Batman Sues Christopher Nolan Over Success Of The Dark Knight
I’m popping back in with blogs…why haven’t I commented on Apple’s refresh of their notebooks, highlighted with the new MacBook and MacBookPro?
Well, strap yourself in, because here’s my no holds barred reaction.
I want to have sex with them.
Enjoy that mental image!
The Stock Market is plumetting; depending on your political leanings, our next candidate might be the anti-christ; and a movie about freaking talking dogs is on top of the box office.
Get ready to throw some tinfoil on, as the Apocalypse might really be headed our way.
Why do I say this?
Guns ‘N Roses’ CHINESE DEMOCRACY IS FINALLY COMING OUT.
Not a hoax, not an imaginary story. After 15 years of delays, Axl’s magnum opus (which I’m willing to bet is a load of shit) is finally hitting shelves as a Best Buy exclusive on November 23rd.
I know, you’re saying to yourself…How do we know it’s real? Best Buy actually has listings for it on their website COMPLETE WITH TRACKLISTINGS AND ARTWORK! End of an era folks!
Some of my more net-savvy readers may remember earlier this year when Dr. Pepper as a publicity stunt offered Free D-Pep if Axl should release the long-delayed GNR followup this year.
In an amazing response from today’s corporate America, in a statment to MTV.com, Dr. Pepper CONFIRMED they’re going to live up to their promise.
So sure, your stocks might be in the shitter, but remember this. We’re finally getting a new Guns ‘N Roses album. And some Dr. Pepper to wash the shitty aftertaste down.
Not too surprisingly, they’ve done the same today with the first images from JJ Abrams' relaunch of the Star Trek franchise. Being the good net pal I am, I’ve scooped them all up and posted them in a gallery below.
Personally, I’m going to be coming into this flick as a strong non-fan of the Trek universe, but given the cast, I think I’ll walk away from the movie having enjoyed it.
What do you think?
[gallery]
To get you up to speed, Fox submitted an injunction to prevent Warner Bros from releasing Watchmen next year, claming that they still had legal rights to the property.
You’ll never believe what might make Fox give the go ahead, if the always interesting Lying in the Gutters is to be believed…
Says them:
None of the above. Sources tell me that Fox want the 1960s Batman TV series. Currently Fox own the TV footage, but Warner Bros own the characters and trademarks, via their ownership of DC Comics. The rights to a DVD release have been held up for a long time now, and this case looks like it may be the instrument to release them.
Oh, Fox will get a wodge of cash as well - many millions of dollars it seems. But it seems they also want the rights to release the Adam West-starring Batman on DVD, something long denied fans of the series. And Warners will get the “Watchmen" film, to release as planned. I guess we’ll all have to celebrate by doing the Batusi…
Click here, for an amazing slideshow of the event thanks to Matt Roth.
Click here for Jami’s recap post which gives you a unique and slightly emotional take on SUPER ART FIGHT: ROUND ONE from the behind-the-scenes perspective.
and finally, click here for the official Super Art Fight site, which has been updated with official rankings, results, and all kinds of awesome stuff.
Sorry for the delay in upkeep, kids.
Since we last spoke, I got a new job, got accustomed to my new schedule, and hosted the greatest art extravaganza of all time.
In any case, I’ll finally be posting somewhat regularly again, and adding my snarky commentary on all things nerdy. You’ll rue the day you missed me.
If not, you really should visit it.
We’ve announced the first of two house bands for the show on September 20th, profiled all of the artistic talent on the card, and if that wasn’t enough, we’ve posted the Topic Suggestion thread, where you, dear reader, get to be a part of the action!
Need more reason to keep checking between now and September 20th? We’ve got exclusive announcements coming on the fantastic vendors invading The Ottobar, including images of our FIRST ACTION FIGURE, plus images of the “sparring” that occurred a few weekends back in an undisclosed location in Washington, DC.
If you haven’t bookmarked SuperArtFight.com, subscribed to it’s RSS feed, or generally jumped on the bandwagon…start NOW. Click here!
I had an odd feeling this weeks coverage of the Democratic National Convention was going to inspire the crew at The Daily Show to create a bit more humorous mayhem than usual…
I think this rather surreal biographical look at Barack Obama, entitled Barack Obama: He Completes Us was leaps and bounds beyond what I anticipated.
Brace yourselves, then enjoy.
Make note, this one should get blown up to mantle-size.
Regular updates to return soon. Just let me get acclimated to the new day job, and then content. Sweet, sweet content.
Of note, the title will feature a style similar to that seen in Grindhouse, with a mixture of zombie shooting action, and b-movie exploitation.
Suffice to say, I am THERE. Check out the trailer!
Love Robert Downey Jr.
Love Marvel more than DC.
Think The Dark Knight is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
So I’m sure you can imagine the mixed feelings I had when I read this quote from Downey regarding The Dark Knight…
So a clip from THE SPIRIT has leaked to the web, straight from last month’s San Diego Comic Con.
In a word: Ugh.
What do you think?
From this week’s premiere of Star Wars: The Clone Wars…
I’m fairly sure Lucas saw the early reviews of the flick…
As an “agnostic gamer” this generation (meaning I own all three systems), it’s certainly nice to have the pick of any of the exclusive titles coming to gaming world.
However, being that XBox Live is so much nicer than PSN, and more of my friends own XBoxes (meaning that if the title has online play, I’ll want to go with MS on that title), my PS3 has been collecting dust since Metal Gear Solid 4 hit.
This is all about to change, though, with the lil' platformer that could…Little Big Planet.
Hitting the PS3 this October, LBP intends to not just give Sony’s black box a platformer worth playing (something that I feel has been greatly needed this generation, Mario Galaxy aside), but add an incredible online presense, with a level creator on a scale never seen before, and the ability to both share and play levels with fellow gamers online.
Let this new preview from Amazon do the talking…
And if that wasn’t enough, you can even get the ultra adorable lead character (seen above) Sackboy…to look like the ultra badass hero from God of War…KRATOS!
Little Big Planet hits shelves this October. And I’ll be there day one.
Hey gang, hope you don’t mind me passing this along, as well, I’ll sort of be MC-ing it.
Hope to see you all at the show!
Worry not, dear fan, as ARTFIGHT upgrades to the next level and SUPERARTFIGHT takes The Ottobar to the next level on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH!
Here’s just a smattering of what you will see at The Ottobar, in beautiful Baltimore, Maryland on 9/20:
Tickets are available now at TheOttobar.com, for just $10!
SuperArtFight: Round One Saturday, September 20th 2008 The Ottobar: Baltimore, Maryland Doors at 9pm, Show starts at 10pm For Tickets and Directions, visit www.theottobar.com or www.superartfight.com.
Here at Blast-O-Rama, I’ve been more than forthcoming about my love for Scott Pilgrim.
So since today, Bryan Lee O’Malley announced the details on the forthcoming 5th volume, I’m sure you’ll understand my excitement, and in turn, overall lack of diction….
eeeeeeeee!
Thanks to my friend and yours, TrailerAddict.com, here’s a bunch of leaked trailers STRAIGHT off the floor of San Diego Comic Con…
Including….X-Men Origins: Wolverine (which is in 2 parts…beware the screaming Gambit fangirls), TR2N, and Pixar’s Up!
Post The Dark Knight, it seems the time is ready for possibly a kinder, gentler Batman.
Maybe one who teams up with random DC heroes like Plastic Man, Green Arrow and Blue Beetle.
Luckily, Cartoon Network has answered your request with new series starting this Fall, and I’ve got the teaser preview for ya.
Brave & the Bold Teaser Trailer from david brothers on Vimeo.
Without further adieu, the full tracklistings…this fall, who will YOU choose?
Rock Band 2
AFI “Girl’s Not Grey" 2000’s
Alanis Morissette “You Oughta Know" 1990’s
Alice in Chains “Man in the Box" 1990’s
Allman Brothers “Ramblin’ Man" 1970’s
Avenged Sevenfold “Almost Easy" 2000’s
Bad Company “Shooting Star" 1970’s
Beastie Boys “So Whatcha Want" 1990’s
Beck “E-Pro" 2000’s
Bikini Kill “Rebel Girl" 1990’s
Billy Idol “White Wedding Pt. I" 1980’s
Blondie “One Way or Another" 1970’s
Bob Dylan “Tangled Up in Blue" 1970’s
Bon Jovi “Livin’ on a Prayer" 1980’s
Cheap Trick “Hello There" 1970’s
Devo “Uncontrollable Urge" 1980’s
Dinosaur Jr. “Feel the Pain" 1990’s
Disturbed “Down with the Sickness" 2000’s
Dream Theater “Panic Attack" 2000’s
Duran Duran “Hungry Like the Wolf" 1980’s
Elvis Costello “Pump It Up" 1970’s
Fleetwood Mac “Go Your Own Way" 1970’s
Foo Fighters “Everlong" 1990’s
Guns N’ Roses “Shackler’s Revenge" 2000’s
Interpol “PDA" 2000’s
Jane’s Addiction “Mountain Song" 1980’s
Jethro Tull “Aqualung" 1970’s
Jimmy Eat World “The Middle" 2000’s
Joan Jett “Bad Reputation" 1980’s
Journey “Anyway You Want It" 1970’s
Judas Priest “Painkiller" 1990’s
Kansas “Carry On Wayward Son" 1970’s
L7 “Pretend We’re Dead" 1990’s
Lacuna Coil “Our Truth" 2000’s
Linkin Park “One Step Closer" 2000’s
Lit “My Own Worst Enemy" 1990’s
Lush “De-Luxe" 1990’s
Mastodon “Colony of Birchmen" 2000’s
Megadeth “Peace Sells" 1980’s
Metallica “Battery" 1980’s
Mighty Mighty Bosstones “Where’d You Go" 1990’s
Modest Mouse “Float On" 2000’s
Motorhead “Ace of Spades" 1980’s
Nirvana “Drain You" 1990’s
Norman Greenbaum “Spirit in the Sky" 1960’s
Panic at the Disco “Nine in the Afternoon" 2000’s
Paramore “That’s What You Get" 2000’s
Pearl Jam “Alive" 1990’s
Presidents of the USA “Lump" 1990’s
Rage Against the Machine “Testify" 1990’s
Ratt “Round & Round" 1980’s
Red Hot Chili Peppers “Give it Away" 1990’s
Rise Against “Give it All" 2000’s
Rush “The Trees" 1970’s
Silversun Pickups “Lazy Eye" 2000’s
Smashing Pumpkins “Today" 1990’s
Social Distortion “I Was Wrong" 1990’s
Sonic Youth “Teenage Riot" 1980’s
Soundgarden “Spoonman" 1990’s
Squeeze “Cool for Cats" 1970’s
Steely Dan “Bodhitsattva" 1970’s
Steve Miller Band “Rock’n Me" 1970’s
Survivor “Eye of the Tiger" 1980’s
System of a Down “Chop Suey" 2000’s
Talking Heads “Psycho Killer" 1970’s
Tenacious D “Master Exploder" 2000’s
Testament “Souls of Black" 1990’s
The Donnas “New Kid in School" 2000’s
The Go-Go’s “We Got the Beat" 1980’s
The Grateful Dead “Alabama Getaway" 1980’s
The Guess Who “American Woman" 1970’s
The Muffs “Kids in America" 1990’s
The Offspring “Come Out & Play (Keep em Separated)" 1990’s
The Replacements “Alex Chilton" 1980’s
The Who “Pinball Wizard" 1960’s
Bonus Artist Bonus Song Title Decade 76. Abnormality “Visions" 2000’s 77. Anarchy Club “Get Clean" 2000’s 78. Bang Camaro “Night Lies" 2000’s 79. Breaking Wheel “Shoulder to the Plow" 2000’s 80. The Libyans “Neighborhood" 2000’s 81. The Main Drag “A Jagged Gorgeous Winter" 2000’s 82. Speck “Conventional Lover" 2000’s 83. The Sterns “Supreme Girl" 2000’s 84. That Handsome Devil “Rob the Prez-O-Dent" 2000’s
Guitar Hero World Tour
Eagle Rock High School Tour: “Dope Nose” by Weezer “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World Encore: “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins
Big City Kids Tour: “Roland” by Interpol “Santeria” By Sublime Encore: “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
Feelin' Nostalgic Tour: “Take It on the Run” by REO Speedwagon “Hold the Line” by Toto Encore: “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol
Vixens Tour: “Heartbreaker” by Pat Benatar “All Around Me” by Flyleaf Encore:“Misery Business” by Paramore
Undertow Tour: “Stinkfist” by Tool “Lateralus” by Tool “Schism” by Tool
Synchronicity Tour: “Guitar Battle Vs. Sting” (Guitar Career Only) Encore: “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Fight the System Tour: “The Kids Aren’t Alright” by The Offspring The Good Left Undone" by Rise Agaisnt Encore: “Bleed it Out” by Linkin Park
QQ Tour: “Face Down” by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus “The Kill” by 30 Seconds to Mars Encore: “Thank You for the Venom” by My Chemical Romance
Rockin the Carnival Tour: “Dammit” by Blink 182 “When You Heat Stops Beating” by +44
Neva' Forget Tour: “Jumpin Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones “Don’t Fear the Reaper” by Blue Á–yster Cult Encore: “Light My Fire” by The Doors
We Want the Funk Tour: “Take it Away” by Red Hot Chili Peppers “Renegades of Funk” by Rage Agaisnt the Machines Encore: “No Sleep till Brooklyn” by The Beastie Boys Feat. Kerry King
Rockin' the Joint Tour: “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz “I Don’t wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
On Top of the World Tour: “Man in the Box” by Alice in Chains “Kickstart My Heart” by MÁ¶tley CrÁ¼e Encore: “Spin the Black Circle” by Pearl Jam
G. Stinger Tour: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana “Car Chase City” by Tenacious D Encore: “Everlong” by Foo Fighters
Lands End Tour: “Animal” by Def Leppard “Runaway” by Bon Jovi Encore: “Paradise City” by Guns N' Roses
Doin' it Different Tour: “Song for the Dead” by Queens of the Stone Age “Vasoline” by Stone Temple Pilots Encore: “Assassin” by Muse
Hootin' and Hollerin' Tour: “The Boys Are Back in Town” By Thin Lizzy “Life in the Fastlane” by The Eagles Encore:“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
All Pissed Off Tour: “Here to Stay” by KoRn “Dragula” by Rob Zombie Encore: “Bat Country” by Avenged Sevenfold
Here Me Roar Tour: “10,000 Fists” by Disturbed “Duality” by Slipknot Encore: “Toxicity” by System of a Down
S.D.M.F. Tour: “Guitar Battle Vs. Zakk Wylde” (Guitar Career Only) *Encore: “Demise of Sanity” by Black Label Society
Fathers of Metal Tour: “Don’t Talk to Strangers” by Dio “Heaven and Hell” by Black Sabbath Encore: “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne
Making Progress Tour: “The Spirit of Radio” by Rush “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd Encore: “Pull Me Under” by Dream Theatre
Eruption Tour: “Beat it” by Micheal Jackson Feat. Eddie Van Halen “Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen
Tooth Fang & Claw Tour: “Guitar Battle Vs. Ted Nugent” (Guitar Career Only) Encore: “Stranglehold” by Ted Nugent
Decades of Metal Tour “Warriors of Time” by Black Tide “Leather Rebel” by Judas Priest Encore: “Hallowed be Thy Name” by Iron Maiden
Livin' in a Nightmare Tour: “Angel of Death” by Slayer “Tornado of Souls” by Megadeth Encore: “Master of Puppets” by Metallica
Legends of Rock Tour: “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry “The Wind Cries Mary” by Jimi Hendrix Encore: “Purple Haze (Live)” by Jimi Hendrix
Bonus Tour: “45” by Shinedown “96 Quite Bitter Beings” by CKY “Bombshell” by Powerman 5000 “Clavado en un Bar” by ManÁ¡ “Enjoy the Silence” by Lacuna Coil “Feuer Frei” by Rammstein “Fury of the Storm” by Dragonforce “Never Too Late” by The Answer “Nottingham Lace” by Buckethead “One Armed Scissor” by At The Drive-In “Satch Boogie” by Joe Satriani “Schrei” by Tokio Hotel “Soul Doubt” by NOFX
“We’re An American Band” by Grand Funk Railroad “Guitar Battle Vs. Sting” by Sting “Guitar Battle Vs. Ted Nugent” By Ted Nugent “Guitar Battle Vs. Zakk Wylde” by Zakk Wylde
Sample Songs: “Untitled Drum Sample” created by Chad Smith “Untitled Drum Sample” created by Dave Grohl “Untitled Drum Sample” created by Travis Barker “Cliffs of Dover” created by Neversoft “Misirlou” created by Neversoft “Walk This Way” created by Neversoft “YYZ” created by Neversoft
Sorry, I had to go for the bad Marky Mark reference.
Anywhosle, straight from SDCC (where a LOT of info will be coming from this weekend), here are the first posters for Mark Wahlberg’s starring role as computer-game-hit…Max Payne.
What do you think? Personally, I prefer the stencil style poster.
Ok, so we’re all kind of past the hype for Iron Man…
Which means we’re heading towards THE DVD!
And just in time for the fall release of the DVD, comes the Iron Man Cosbaby figures, from HOT TOYS.
The most adorable figures EVER? You make the call.
Thanks, TOYSREVIL!
I’ll be honest, I can’t trust anything put together by a guy who calls himself McG.
I mean, he’s best known for directing the Charlie’s Angel’s movies…and a slue of Sugar Ray videos.
Yet he’s talked his way into directing the start of the new Terminator series…Terminator Salvation…
And as we can see from the first teaser trailer, this movie suc….
Terminator Salvation (Teaser) from Savio on Vimeo.
…
…
I was very, very wrong. ALL HAIL MCG! HYPE TRAIN STARTS HERE!
Hard to believe the picture above kicked started the hype train for The Dark Knight one year ago.
And sure, I reported on it extensively on this site, and the viral campaign gave us all some great posters, trailers and even free tickets…
But what was it really SAYING?
We can thank the fine people over at TheBadAndUgly.com for compiling the entire, meticulous plot for 42Entertainment’s superb ARG, which bridged the gap between Batman Begins and this weekend’s Bat-sequel.
Click forth! And read!
Sorry for not posting as much as usual as of late. I was laid off last Wednesday, so I’ve been busy with the job search.
However, I did see The Dark Knight last night.
No spoilers…you have NO idea what you are in store for. The Brothers Nolan knocked it out of the park. More details to come on DERAILED.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a dozen times…
Patton Oswalt is my hero.
Comedian, writer, nerd, genius…they’re all words I’d use to describe him. Inspirational? Not until now.
See, Mr. Oswalt was chosen to give the commencement speech at his former highschool for the graduating class of ‘08 (man, I feel old), and while it’s intended audience is teenagers on their way to adulthood, I think we all can grab something from it. So while it’s currently available on his website, I’d like to present it in full following the cut below.
Read and learn, kids.
I’m being paid for this, right?  Oh, wait, there’s some advice, right off the bat — always get paid.  If you make enough money in this world you can smoke pot all day and have people killed.
I’m sorry, that was irresponsible.
You shouldn’t have people killed.
Boom! Marijuana endorsement eleven seconds into my speech! Too late to cancel me now!
It’s dumb-ass remarks like that which kept me out of the National Honor Society and also made me insanely wealthy.  If I move to Brazil.
I graduated from Broad Run High School 21 years ago.  That means, theoretically, I could be — each and every one of you — your father.   And I’m speaking especially to the black and Asian students.
So now I’m going to try to give all of you some advice as if I contained fatherly wisdom, which I do not.  I contain mostly caffeine, Cheet-o dust, fear and scotch.
I know most of you worked very hard to get here today but guess what?  The Universe sent you a pasty goblin to welcome you into the world.  Were The Greaseman and Arch Campbell not available?
So, 1987.   That’s when I got my diploma.  But I want to tell you something that happened the week before I graduated.  It was life-changing, it was profound, and it was deeper than I realized at the time.
The week before graduation I strangled a hobo.  Oh wait, that’s a different story.  That was college.  I’m speaking at my college later this month. I’ve got both speeches here.   Let me sum up the college speech — always have a gallon of bleach in your trunk.
High school.  A week before I graduated high school I had dinner, in Leesburg, with a local banker who was giving me a partial scholarship. I still don’t understand why.  Maybe he had me confused with another student, someone who hadn’t written his AP English paper on comparisons between Jay Gatsby and Spider-Man.  But, I was getting away with it, and I love money and food, so double win.
And I remember, I’m sitting at this dinner, with a bunch of other kids from the other local high schools.  And I’m trying my pathetic best to look cool and mysterious, because I was 17 and so into the myth of myself.  Remember, this dinner and this scholarship was happening to me.
And I figured this banker guy was a nice guy but hey, I’m the special one at the table.  I had a view of the world, where I was eternally Bill Murray in Stripes.   I’d be the one with the quips and insights at this dinner.  This old man in a suit doesn’t have anything to teach me beyond signing that check.  I’ve got a cool mullet and a skinny leather tie from Chess King.  And check out my crazy suspenders with the piano keys on them.  Have you ever seen Blackadder?  Cuz I’ll recite it.
And then this banker — clean-shaven, grey suit and vest — you’d never look twice at him on the street — he told me about The Five Environments.
He leans forward, near the end of the dinner, and he says to me, “There are Five Environments you can live in on this planet.  There’s The City.  The Desert.  The Mountains.  The Plains.  And The Beach.
You can live in combinations of them.  Maybe a city in the desert, or in the mountains by the ocean. Or you could choose just one. Out in the plains somewhere, perhaps.
“But you need to get out there and travel, and figure out where you thrive.
“Some places you’ll go to and you’ll feel yourself wither.   Your brain will fog up, your body won’t respond to your thoughts and desires, and you’ll feel sad and angry.
“You need to find out which of the Five Environments are yours.  If you belong by the ocean, then the mountains will ruin you.  If you’re suited for the blue solitude of the plains, then the city will be a tight, roaring prison cell that’ll eat you alive.
He was right.  I’ve traveled and tested his theory and he was absolutely right.  There are Five Environments.  If you find the right combination, or the perfect singularity, your life will click…into…place.  You will click into place.
And I remember, so clearly, driving home from that dinner, how lucky I felt to have met someone who affirmed what I was already planning to do after high school.  I was going to roam and blitz and blaze my way all over the planet.
Anywhere but here.  Anywhere but Northern Virginia.   NoVa.  You know what a “nova" is?  It’s when a white dwarf star gobbles up so much hydrogen from a neighboring star it causes a cataclysmic nuclear explosion.  A cosmic event.
Well, I was a white dwarf and I was definitely doing my share of gobbling up material.   But I didn’t feel like any events in my life were cosmic.  The “nova" I lived in was a rural coma sprinkled with chunks of strip mall numbness.   I had two stable, loving parents, a sane and wise little brother and I was living in Sugarland Run, whose motto is, “Ooooh!  A bee!   Shut the door!“
I wanted to explode.  I devoured books and movies and music and anything that would kick open windows to other worlds real or imagined.  Sugarland Run, and Sterling and Ashburn and Northern Virginia were, for me, a sprawling batter’s box before real experience began.
And I followed that banker’s advice.  I had to get college out of the way but once I got my paper I lit out hard.
Oh this world.  Ladies and gentlemen, this world rocks and it never lets up.
I’ve seen endless daylight and darkness in Alaska.  I’ve swum in volcanic craters in Hawaii and saw the mystical green flash when the sun sinks behind the Pacific.  I got ripped on absinthe in Prague and watched the sun rise over the synagogue where the Golem is supposedly locked in the attic.  I stood under the creepy shadow of Christchurch Spitafields, in London’s East End, and sank a pint next door at The Ten Bells, where two of Jack the Ripper’s victims were last seen drinking.  I’ve fed gulls at the harbor in Galway, Ireland.  I’ve done impromptu Bloomsday tours of Dublin.
I cried my eyes out on the third floor of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, all those paintings that Vincent and his circle have to each other as gifts because they were all broke some cold Christmas long ago. I’ve eaten crocodile in the Laneways of Melbourne Australia and ortolans on the Left Bank of Paris, France.
I’ve been to Canada.
I’ve been to every state in this country.  I’ve been to hidden, subterranean restaurants in New York with the guys from Anthrax and eaten at L.A. taquieras with “Weird" Al Yankovic.  I held the guitar that Hendrix torched at Monterey Pop and watched Woodstock ’99 burn to the ground.  I’ve lingered at the corner of Bush and Stockton in San Francisco where Miles Archer took a bullet in The Maltese Falcon, and brooded over the grave of H.P. Lovecraft in Providence, R.I.   I’ve hung out with Donny Osmond and Jim Goad, Suge Knight and Aimee Mann, Bill Hicks and Don Rickles.
I’ve done stand-up comedy in laundromats, soup kitchens and frat houses, and onstage at Lollapalooza and Coachella.  I’ve toured with bands, been to the Oscars and the Superbowl, and been killed in movies by vampires, forest fires and air-to-air missiles.
And I missed the banker’s lesson.  100%, I completely missed it.
In my defense, he didn’t even know he was teaching it.
Telling me about the 5 Environments and urging me to travel?  That was advice.   It wasn’t a lesson.  Advice is everywhere in this world.  Your friends, family, teachers and strangers are all happy to give it.
A lesson is yours and yours alone.  Some of them take years to recognize and utilize.
My lesson was this — experience, and reward and glory are meaningless unless you’re open and present with the people you share them with in the moment.
Let me go back to that dinner, 21 years ago.  There I was, shut off from this wise, amazing old man.  Then he zaps me with one of the top 5 pieces of information I’ve ever received in this life, and all I was thankful for was how it benefited me.
I completely ignored the deeper lesson which is do not judge, and get outside yourself, and realize that everyone and everything has its own story, and something to teach you, and that they’re also trying — consciously or unconsciously — to learn and grow from you and everything else around them.  And they’re trying with the same passion and hunger and confusion that I was feeling — no matter where they were in their lives, no matter how old or how young.
I’m not saying that you guys shouldn’t go out there and see and do everything there is to see and do.  Go.  As fast as you can.   I don’t know how much longer this world has got, to be honest.
All of you have been given a harsh gift. It’s the same gift the graduating class of 1917, and 1938, and 1968 and now you guys got — the chance to enter adulthood when the world teeters on the rim of the sphincter of oblivion.   You’re jumping into the deep end.  You have no choice but to be exceptional.
But please don’t mistake miles traveled, and money earned, and fame accumulated for who you are.
Because now I understand how the miraculous, horrifying and memorable lurk everywhere.   But they’re hidden to the kind of person I was when I graduated high school.  And now — and it’s because of my traveling and living and some pretty profound mistakes along the way — they’re all laid open to me.  They’re mine for the feasting.   In the Sistine Chapel and in a Taco Bell.  In Bach’s Goldberg Variations and in the half-heard brain dead chatter of a woman on her cell phone behind me on an airplane. In Baghdad, Berlin and Sterling, Virginia.
I think now about the amazing thunderstorms in the summer evenings.  And how — late at night, during a blizzard, you can stand outside and hear the collective, thumping murmur of a million snowflakes hitting the earth, like you’re inside a sleeping god’s thoughts.
I think of the zombie movies I shot back in the gnarled, grey woods and the sad, suburban punks I waited on at Waxie Maxie’s.  I think of the disastrous redneck weddings I deejay’d for when I was working for Sounds Unlimited and the Lego spaceships my friends and I would build after seeing Star Wars.
I think about my dad, and how he consoled me when I’d first moved to L.A. and called him, saying I was going into therapy for depression, and how ashamed I was. And he laughed and said, “What the hell’s to be ashamed of?“ And I said, “Man, you got your leg machine-gunned in Vietnam. You never went to therapy. Humphrey Bogart never went to therapy.“ And my dad said, “Yeah, but Bogie smoked three cartons of cigarettes a day.“  And how my mom came down to the kitchen when I was studying for my trig final, at 2 o’clock in the morning, and said, “Haven’t you already been accepted to college?“ And I said, “Yeah, but this test is really going to be hard.“ And she asked, “What’s the test for again?“ And I said, “Calculus" and she closed my notebook and said, “You’ll never use this. Ever. Go to bed or watch a movie.“  And how when I got my first ever acting gig, on Seinfeld, my brother sent me a postcard of Minnie Pearl, and he wrote on it, “Never forget, you and her are in the same profession.“
I didn’t realize how all of these places and people and events were just as crucial in shaping me as anything I roamed to the corners of the Earth to see.  And they’ve shaped you, and will shape you, whether you realize it now or later.  All of you are richer and wiser than you know.
So I will leave you with some final advice.  You’ll decide later if this was a lesson.  And if you realize there was no lesson in any of this, then that was a lesson.
But I’d like all of you to enter this world, and your exploration of the Five Environments, better armed then I was.  And without a mullet.  Which I see you’re all way ahead of me on.
First off: Reputation, Posterity and Cool are traps.  They’ll drain the life from your life.  Reputation, Posterity and Cool = Fear.
Let me put that another way.  Bob Hope once said, “When I was twenty, I worried what everything thought of me.   When I turned forty, I didn’t care what anyone thought of me.  And then I made it to sixty, and I realized no one was ever thinking of me.“   And then he pooed his pants, but that didn’t make what he said any less profound.
Secondly:  The path is made by walking.   And when you’re walking that path, you choose how things affect you. You always have that freedom, no matter how much your liberty it curtailed.  You…get to choose…how things affect you.
And lastly, and I guarantee this.  It’s the one thing I know cause I’ve experienced it:
There Is No Them.
I’m going to get out of your way now.   Get out there.  Let’s see which one of you is up here in twenty years.   If you’re lacking confidence, remember — I wouldn’t have picked me.
No, this isn’t an imaginary universe, nor is that a bad photoshop.
Tokyopop, purveyors of fantastic contracts, are actually making a Ghostbusters Manga.
Granted, Manga is a japanese comic…and not a single thing related to this one-shot is japanese, and sure, this entire thing reeks of some marketing firms babbling about what ideas are hot with the kids these days (“HEY, KIDS LOVE THE 80’s!” “THEY ALSO LIKE DEM BIG EYED CARTOONS!")…but really, is there a market that is foaming at the mouth for this?
Find out more about this possible soulless husk of a comic over at Newsarama.com.
This week brings a special episode of Derailed, recorded mere moments after taking in a preview screening of Hellboy 2: The Golden Army.
Check it out here!
After literally months of recommendations, I broke down and purchased the first season of Mad Men over the weekend.
While I’m only 3 episodes into the season, I can say the series has sunk it’s hooks into me, with it’s stylish 60’s look, powerful cinematography, and hypnotic writing. Apparently AMC thinks it’ll only take one episode to get you hooked, and honestly, I’d agree.
So, thanks to those fine folks over at American Movie Classics, for totally free, here is the pilot episode of Mad Men.
If you dig it, the First Season is on store shelves now in DVD and Blu Ray formats, and Season 2 hits the airwaves on July 27th.
I know a certain someone who’s head is about to explode…
In one of the more surprising comic book movie announcements, the Dark Horse title The Goon, written/drawn/created by the wildly talented Eric Powell, will be hitting the screen in a CG animated film to be helmed by Fight Club’s David Fincher.
You read that right. The man who brought wild tales involving such characters as zombie priests, canniabal hobos, and pie loving skunk apes, will be teaming up with the man behind Panic Room and the adventures of Tyler Durden. This was announced last night on Powell’s official website, with word following from the Hollywood Reporter, pretty much assuring it’s good to go.
Film goers, get ready for the wacky.
This past Friday night, I had the fantastic opportunity to take in the latest film from Pixar, Wall-E.
2 hours later, my jaw was dropped, my heart a flutter, and I was in awe of the latest creation from the talented team in Cupertino.
To say this is their grand opus would be an understatement. I honestly believe this is the best Pixar creation thus far (my sentimental favorite remains The Incredibles, but this could change over time), and it leaves you amazed by it’s seamless mix of beautiful animation, an amazing score, well planned plotting, and thought provoking plot.
I know we’re just weeks from what some people are calling the “Godfather II of Comic Book Films” in The Dark Knight, but I honestly have no idea if any movie this year will be able to touch the tale of a robot with one flaw…a personality.
Highest possible recommendation. See it. Now.
That’s right, the first trailer for the 2nd Daniel Craig Bond flick hit the web today…
…so without further adieu, enjoy the first peek at Quantum of Soliace!
Oooh. Looks good. Considering how much I loved Casino Royale, I am amped for this!
This is the strangest story I’ve ever read.
So much so, that I had to read, and RE-READ the story, then check the calendar to make sure today wasn’t April 1st.
I give you….J-STACHE, the animated adventures of John Oates and his mustache!
Seriously.
Here’s just a sampling of a plot…
I don’t know about you, but I sure love the idea of the government approving things based on badassness…
Supreme Court Rules Death Penalty Is ‘Totally Badass’
Episode numero THREE of DERAILED has hit the web.
Get ready for an hour of fun with myself, Nick, and our special guest, Ms. Jamie Baldwin.
Lock and load, it’s a wacky one!
Click here for this week’s podcast.
You may remember during the writers strike about how everyone’s favorite sci-fi writer Joss Whedon was working on a internet-only musical series, entitled Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog.
Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and the adorable Felicia Day (good last name, that), the first trailer has hit the web, and I’ve got it for ya below. Enjoy!
Teaser from Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog on Vimeo.
Straight from the Cinema EXPO in Amsterdam, it’s a brand new poster for GI Joe….
We’ll probably see a whole series of these spotlighting individual characters, but now we know the full title of the flick is…GI JOE: RISE OF COBRA.
I suppose that explains the lack of Cobra Commander so far…and probably indicates that a franchise is coming (surprise, surprise).
Proving Frank Miller is pushing his range for his adaptation of the Wil Eisner classic The Spirit, these 4 new posters showcase the femme fatales of the film…in Black, White and Red.
…Not at all a Sin City redux, OH NO!
sigh I continue to remain pessimistic about this project, but the image of Scarlett Johannson in Cat Eye glasses kinda makes my man parts all gooey. (The other ladies showcased are Eva Mendes as Sand Saref, Sarah Paulson as Dr. Ellen Dolan and Jaime King as Lorilei Rox). I’ll say this though. Having seen a trailer for this flick with The Incredible Hulk last week, the general public doesn’t give a damn about this movie. Even Hellboy II got more recognition. You’ve got your work cut out for you, Lion’s Gate!
If you want higher-rez versions of these posters (and for them to talk to you as you scroll over them), check out Yahoo!Movies right now!
As I’d imagine you’ve heard, George Carlin passed yesterday evening at the age of 71. While I’m sure that many sites will eulogize the man far better than I, I figured I should write something on the site here, even if it’s brief.
I’m sad to say that in the case of Carlin, my introduction to him was not via his standup, but rather his appearance in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure as Rufus. Once I did discover his standup, and later his books like Brain Droppings, my mind was blown.
A lot of people enjoy describing Carlin as like a deranged uncle, I like to look at him as the man who made vulgarity intelligent. There will never be another comedian as risk taking as he, nor as envelope pushing, but in his death, may we remember one thing from his life.
He stayed true to himself and his beliefs until his last breath, and if more people in this would could do the same, the world would be a much better place for it. Godspeed, George.
Well, I guess it’s official, Seth Rogen is playing The Green Hornet.
Why do I say this? Well, the filler site for the flick (to be written by Rogen as well) went live today!
I still hold that this will be the most bizarre of Hollywood’s super hero flicks so far, but knowing that Seth wants Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle) as Kato, I am slightly more excited for the project.
Random aside: is it strange to anyone else to see 2010 written out, and not as a gag or a far off idea?
As embarassing as it is to admit, I spent many of my teenage nights lounging at the shitty booths at my local Denny’s.
…then they remodeled, taking away the urine-stenched ambiance and general cheese ball nature of the restaurant. But hey, it was still a nice late night place to eat poorly for cheap.
Over the years, my attendance twindled. But I still knew it as a fine place to eat late, or have a solid breakfast. Hell, I recently enjoyed a post-Iron Man slice of Apple Pie a la mode!
Despite this fact, I don’t want Denny’s catering directly to me.
According to the linked article from ChainLeader.com, Denny’s is now attempting to cater directly to the post-show, teenage-to-twenties late night crowd, with an exclusive menu served from 10pm to 5am.
Some of these new menu options?
Firstly, the standard Denny’s ambiance? GONE. Lights will be dimmed for a “club like feel”, and Denny’s servers will swap their traditional uniforms for jeans and black “Get Your Crave On” t-shirts. Restaurants will also play alternative rock music from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Next up, to further that ultra important band cred, they’ve has asked groups including Taking Back Sunday, Plain White T’s, Eagles of Death Metal and The All-American Rejects to help the chain dream up new dishes for rollout later this summer.
Furthermore, they’re planning to feed emerging bands currently on tour through its new “Adopt-A-Band” program, available at www.dennysallnighter.com. Bands can enter to become a Denny’s Adopted Band through the site, and then attempt to win free meals and promotional support via fan vote.
…can’t they leave well enough alone? I could be wrong, but don’t we visit Denny’s for Denny’s? Not bizarro hip-club-environment-eatery? No matter how you disguise it, pandering is pandering…and this just reeks.
…it’s Spider-Man 4?!
…really?
This is apparently true according to Spidey producer Laura Ziskin who reportedly told theatre owners this past week that the film is scheduled to hit theaters in May 2011.
This is despite having no script. And no lead actor. Nor director.
While I spoke earlier here about excitement behind a new Spidey flick, provided some fresh blood gets involved, I again stress to the team at Sony…the world loves Spider-Man. The $2.5 Billion in box office receipts alone is proof of that. Please don’t proceed with a flick that makes us regret that.
Should the flick hit theaters in 2011, it will be battling that summer against Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 and Captain America.
If I had to arrange a list of favorite films of all time, 1992’s Wayne’s World would have to reign near the top. Smartly written, quotable, and just a fun watch, it’s just a great movie to get wrapped up in.
Unfortunately, it’s this film that may have created a monster, depending on who you ask.
I’ve long heard rumors over the years that Mike Myers is one of the most difficult people to work for in Hollywood, and this profile piece at EW.com really doesn’t do him any favors. However, as a biography nerd, it’s a very interesting read.
The piece does pose the question…are the eccentricities and difficulties of most highly-developed people worth the final product? Keep this in mind while reading the article: The Love Guru, hyped as Myers big return to film, premiered in 4th place to a disappointing $14 Million.
With 2 seasons behind (1 good, 1 not so good), Heroes fans are getting all sorts of excited for the 3rd season premiere coming up on September 18th.
While we have zero idea of the context, BlogDowntown.com has a shot of a mural painted for filming, and it’s a doozy…
Leaves one to ask a few questions…
So maybe you’re a fan of Outback Steakhouse, the not-at-all-Australian Australian eatery full of steaks and oniony goodness.
And maybe you’re a fan of their oh so deadly Bloomin' Onion, which with it’s 2310 calories and 134g of Fat is enough to cover your entire food intake for two days.
Maybe you said to yourself, “You know what that needs? MEAT.”
Don’t worry, slovenly members of society, Outback has come to your rescue with…THE BLOOMIN' BURGER!
With this impressive meat-stack disguised as a hamburger, you don’t just get a juicy burger, you also get it covered with fresh american cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bloomin' onion peels.
And if that wasn’t enough, you also get a side of what appears to be a snak-pak sized portion of bloomin' onion sauce. Because when you want to take yourself out with a sandwich, you might as well go out on top.
Be sure to act fast, as this burger’s only available through September. That, and it’ll probably do you good to do some running beforehand.
….the sad part? I still really want to try one. :(
The 2nd Episode of DERAILED is now live.
Click here for this week’s podcast!
That’s right kids, after the fantastic response to Art Fight on June 1st, we’re coming back to the Ottobar for more arty goodness, this time with a show of our own!
SUPER ART FIGHT will be taking place on September 13th at the Ottobar. Tickets will be just $5 to enter, with the show occurring that afternoon.
Yours truly will be MCing the event, with Jami “Angry Zen Master” Noguchi and Nick “Ghostfreehood” Borkowicz taking their art rivalry to the main stage of the Ottobar, with art like you’ve NEVER SEEN BEFORE.
That’s not all, though!
This Saturday, Nick and Jami will be creating the poster for this event in an art jam, to be filmed for the web (and possibly streamed live AS IT HAPPENS). We’ll have copies of this poster on hand at the show, along with…I kid you not…SUPER ART FIGHT TOYS. Yep. No lie.
More details to come for the show, including the official website and details on how YOU can get involved in the proceedings, but mark your calendars now and GET READY FOR ARTFIIIIIIGHTTTTTTTTTTTT!
The snazzy new poster for the next Coen Brothers flick Burn After Reading has hit the web, and it looks awesome!
Whoever designed this poster? Deserves a raise.
I think we can all generally agree that Robin Williams might have the most uneven career of anyone in Hollywood.
For all of his great films, like Good Will Hunting, Good Morning Vietnam, One Hour Photo and Dead Poets Society, he gets mired in dreck, like Patch Adams, Jack, Bicentennial Man, RV and countless others.
Looks like his next project, the Bobcat Golthwait helmed World’s Greatest Dad, might be on the better side of the two, with one of the most unique premises I’ve ever heard…
Here’s hoping Robin hits it out of the park. I like to see him succeed.
Of all the heroes getting movies, I never expected this one.
The above photo, featuring Thomas Jane under heavy makeup, is apparently the first effects test for a future Jonah Hex film.
Jonah Hex, for those not familiar, is a western anti-hero from DC Comics, most popular in the 70’s, who had a brief revival under the mature-themed Vertigo line in the 90’s. He’s best known for his handful of appearances in the animated DC universe, appearing in both Batman: The Animated Series and the Justice League toon.
According to Blog@Newsarama, where I got the image, the flick is to be helmed by the creators of Crank, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. They certainly have gone straight to the fanboys, grabbing Thomas Jane, who grabbed the nerd love in The Punisher (which, admittingly, I’ve never seen) and then gained further notoriety in The Mist.
I am left wondering, however, why Hex? I suppose if anything Iron Man has shown that audiences can gravitate to a comic character who is less known in the public eye, so long as there’s a solid story and a draw to the film. But really….Jonah Hex before The Flash? Before Green Lantern? How odd.
As part of seemingly a continued series here, I find myself jealous of the Legos now being created for kids (and collectors) these days.
Today’s amazing Lego set is an actual set for purchase(!) and not just a custom design by a dedicated/insane builder. I give you The Lego Death Star.
That’s right, the verifiable crown jewel in the Lego Star Wars lineup is finally being created, with 21 mini figures that encompass the entire trilogy (a nice touch), all sorts of rooms (check out the garbage chute!), and even Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter.
Oh Lego, how you capture the imagination and the wallet at the same time, I may never know.
EDIT: 3,803 PIECES!!!
I’m sure by now, you’ve been masochistic enough to sit through a trailer for this summer’s Eddie Murphy abortion shitfest crap-in-a-sack film Meet Dave.
If you haven’t heard about it yet, here’s the plot in a nutshell…
A group of tiny aliens, lead by one played by Eddie Murphy, pilot a human body replica….that looks like Eddie Murphy.
Yes, Eddie Murphy piloting Eddie Murphy.
And if that wasn’t enough to sell you, 20th Century Fox is staging a promotional stunt of a lifetime…
THE EDDIE MURPHY GIANT HEAD TOUR!
Seriously, look at that thing!
The giant head of the fallen comedic star will be spreading it’s hate across America, before arriving in Times Square. Where it will be presumably be beaten by hispanic children, which mistake it as a pinata.
Seriously, Eddie…couldn’t you have called it a career after Norbit?
Thanks to Onion’s AV Club for insuring future nightmares.
Wow, I guess the long dormant Astro Boy movie is further along than I anticipated.
IMAGI Studios (they who did the pretty-but-dumb TMNT movie last year) announced the official voice cast for Astro Boy, which is apparently ready for release next year.
Wow, I had no idea. I thought it was still stuck in development hell over at Sony.
Anywho, the voice cast includes Nicolas Cage, Donald Sutherland, Nathan Lane, Bill Nighy and Eugene Levy, along with Freddie Highmore voicing the celestial robot child.
I do wonder…after the failure of Speed Racer, does Astro Boy stand a chance?
Thanks to Blog@Newsarama for the details.
I guess we’re all really excited about Two-Face appearing in The Dark Knight.
At least, that’s what my hits and the cease and decist notice from Warner Brothers tells me.
Anywho, I suppose you want to see him in action?
Thanks, Dark Knight ARG, for making this ALL possible!
Thanks to an unsolicited marketing survey e-mail, and then in turn, their site having really poor security, a metric ton of forthcoming game information leaked, just weeks before mid-July’s E3 conference (where all the big companies drop info for the next year+).
Amongst the juicy tidbits found?
For all the details, check out the thread where all this originated, over at the NeoGAF Forums.
It’s another Friday, so that means 3 more trailers…
Later this weekend: Music Mix for June!! (For serious).
That’s right, we’re back in the podcasting game, with it’s official name…Derailed
What’s up for this week?
Sorry for the Gene Schalt-esq headline, but I couldn’t avoid using it.
Last night, I had the fantastic fortune of catching a preview screening of this years re-do of The Incredible Hulk.
While Nick and I will be speaking about it at length on the podcast (we’re recording a new one tonight!), I figured I’d leave some impressions.
First things first, Ed Norton is fantastic as Bruce Banner. It isn’t much of a stretch to presume that he would be, considering his prior work, but he doesn’t just play the tortured part of Banner, he adds moments of much needed levity to the role. Simply put, it’s not all angst, all the time.
Secondly, the supporting cast? Far more solid than that seen in 2003’s Hulk. Tim Roth makes a great villain as Emil Blonsky (I was honestly bummed when he became Abomination), Liv Tyler makes for a solid Betty Ross, and I really enjoyed William Hurt as General Ross.
Lastly, the “Marvel U” integration. I was worried considering early buzz, that this flick might end up being more of a “Hulk enters the Iron Man universe” movie than a straight up Hulk movie. I’m pleased to say that despite some great nods to fans, hints toward future installments, and an amazing last scene, the movie holds on it’s own. Whoever is the continuity nerd at Marvel Studios is totally earning their paycheck.
To summerize? The Incredible Hulk is another solid installment for what is (for me at least) a flawless summer movie going experience. Can we keep this trend going?
Sorry for the lack of updates, lately. I’ve found myself unusually busy with a new project (which you can find out more about elsewhere, I’ll be posting about it soon when there’s more to say.)
In any case, I wanted to share this amazing Coke ad aired during the Euro Cup, shared with me by Rosscott.
As if I weren’t having enough trouble repressing this second childhood and stopping myself from blowing dough on Legos, this Lego interpretation of Short Circuit’s Johnny Five isn’t helping.
Thanks, Brickshelf, for this and your many amazing galleries of nerdy builds.
So currently in Bethlehem, PA, filming is underway on the sequel to Transformers. I’ll try to remain an adult and abstain from calling it “Bayformers” as so many bloggers are apt to do, but never the less…
Since the reveal of a sequel, the nerds have been wondering…what’s it going to be titled? If modern film is any indication, they can’t just call it “Transformers 2”…it needs to be more obtuse, like Return of The Transformers or have a snazzy subtitle.
If this post over at TFormers has any weight….
Â
Oh yeah, that is a classy headline.
Anywhom, we’re a week and change away from the release of The Incredible Hulk, and believe it or not, buzz is really good, with the first reviews hitting Ain’t It Cool earlier today (slight noted spoilers at link).
But here’s something that I didn’t know until today…
Lou Ferrigno is doing the voice of The Hulk!
How freaking awesome is that. Hopefully this means he won’t be shilling $25 autographs at Comic Conventions anymore.
Yeah, they’ll be $35.
I’m convinced one of the most underrated comedic and intelligent minds of our times is Adam Carolla.
Seriously. Sure, The Man Show was a horrible, misogynistic program, and Crank Yankers was just…terrible, but anyone who spent their seminal teenage years listening to Loveline, or currently listens to his solo radio show (which you can podcast, as I talked about here), knows he’s one of the most stableminded, and intriguing public figures going in entertainment…albet with kind of a rough exterior.
Anywho, one of my favorite bits of his over the years was his list of things to do before he died…
I’ve now decided these shall be my goals as well.
Here’s what this map of my future looks like…
File this under Monday weirdness…
To celebrate next month’s release of Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Adidas of all companies decided to get in on the fun…
The result?
Probably the one bit of Hellboy merch that my artfightin' cohort Nick wouldn’t buy.
Although, the BPRD shoelace tag is kinda cool.
You can see way more pics of this pair of weird ass kicks here at Hypebeast.
So I’ve decided on a new recurring feature every Friday here at DoS. Thanks to TrailerAddict.com and their embeddable movie trailers, I’ll feature 3 trailers worth checking out.
Hope you enjoy.
First up is the red band trailer for the forthcoming Coen Brothers movie Burn After Reading. Looks like another fun farce by the Brothers Coen. Note the NSFW language. And have I mentioned how much I love J.K. Simmons?
Up next, the red band trailer for Step Brothers! Once again, the language is NSFW, but it’s good to see what could potentially be a fine Farrell comedy, after his run of half baked flicks.
Finally, the international trailer for The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. I have one word for you…YETI.
Enjoy!
While I’ve made no bones about my hero worship for one Mr. Bryan Lee O’Malley in the past, I think this is an instance where everyone needs to take notice.
Last night, he posted a very powerful rant on his blog, and it’s one that basically any creative type within the width of these words needs to take a look at.
The topic? Tokyopop’s new Manga Pilot program. And how it rapes you, as a creator.
And doesn’t just rape, oh no. It does so with glee, by way of a tongue in cheek, asinine contract, that features such wonderful bits as….
For the full post, click here, and if you know anyone who this may help/assist, please send the link along.
Personally? Tokyopop never saw a dime from me. And never will. You will not see a project written by me coming from them, and I hope they get what they deserve.
Yeah, I had to go for the pun.
Just announced today over at Jackson Publick’s livejournal, just in time for the Season 3 premiere of The Venture Brothers, comes one of the coolest ideas ever in the history of TV/cartoon related merch.
I give you….The Venture Brothers Shirt Of The Week Club!
Every week, following the premiere of the latest episode of The Venture Brothers, Astrobase Go! will put a t-shirt on sale, with a design related to that weeks episode, for $22, including shipping.
The first design is up now (a sweet design for the Guild of Calamitous Intent), and there will be one for each episode of Season 3, 13 shirts total.
Are you a huge Venture fan? Astrobase has you covered, as they’re offering a 13 shirt subscription (along with an exclusive Brock Samson Blood Judo shirt) for the low low price of $250.
Me? I think I’ll grab one or two as they appear. Although, the potential for eBay sales is great…hmm…anyone want to go in on a subscription?
…
…
Oh? You wanted more content? Ok.
Well, in the continued effort to cover everything I missed over the holiday weekend, I thought it worth mentioning that two of my favorite people ever, Guillermo Del Toro and Peter Jackson answered fan questions this weekend regarding the 2010 release of The Hobbit!
While the transcript of the entire chat (located here) is worth reading, one bit really grabbed me…
Now that we’re in the midst of the summer movie season, it’s a perfect time to start looking towards the big releases for 2009.
And for me at least, one of the biggest is Watchmen.
Looks like Warner Bros is thinking the same, as over the holiday, they released a metric s-ton of information regarding the Zach Synder helmed flick.
Firstly, it’s looking like we’ll be making quite the assgroove in the theater seats, as Synder promises a 3 hour running time, with a 4.5 hour Ultimate cut hitting DVD.
Next up, for the hardcores, Warner Bros is taking quite the risk, releasing a full length animated version of Tales of the Black Freighter (the comic within a comic featured in the graphic novella of Watchmen) a scant 5 days after Watchmen’s March 6th release. This DVD will also feature a biography on the Watchmen heroes, entitled Under the Cowl, based loosely on the book written by Nite-Owl, also featured in the comic. (Seeing a trend here?)
Lastly, to keep the fanboys drooling, Ain’t It Cool has our first look at the 1940’s version of the Watchmen, called The Minutemen. I’ll let the image speak for itself.
Hyped? I sure am. Here’s hoping Zach Synder has indeed pulled off the impossible and made the unfilmable filmable when Watchmen hits theaters this March.
Thanks to AICN, The New York Times, and /film.
This gets me all kinds of giddy. Brian K. Vaughn’s Runaways is coming to the big screen!
Announced today by The Hollywood Reporter, the teen team book (featuring a group of super powered kids who leave home after discovering their parents are supervillans) has been added to Marvel Studios slate for films to be released between now at 2011.
What’s even better? Vaughn himself (who you may also know for his creation Y: The Last Man or his writing work on Lost) will be writing the screenplay! You can’t get more accurate a translation than that.
Since the comics release in 2003, Runaways has been one of my favorite titles on the shelves, with stunning art, amazing covers (usually drawn by the fantastic Jo Chen), and always solid writing. Runaways actually was in the headlines late last year, as Vaughn left the title, giving way to another favorite of us here at B-o-R, Mr. Joss Whedon. Highly recommend the book if you haven’t checked it out. Me? I’m in nerd heaven.
From the What Could’ve Been Department, artist Cliff Chiang reveals these fantastic sketches from a lost pitch for a Japanese influenced Justice League title.
Says Cliff:
With the release this week of Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, I’ve been undergoing a bit of an obsession with everyone’s favorite archaeologist.
This has included cracking into the DVDs of the trilogy (wherein I was surprised to realize that in all these years I’d never watched Temple of Doom, but yet seen Raiders and Last Crusade dozens of times), rekindling my childhood crush on Karen Allen (she’s still got it, even at 56, I don’t care), reading WikiPedia (who knew the journey towards Indy 4 was so difficult?), and stumbling upon dozens of reviews and interesting articles leading to Thursday’s release of the fourth Indiana Jones adventure.
The most interesting article thus far? This scrap from a supposed Q&A with famed composer John Williams. According to the article, before writing, Williams actually comes up with song lyrics for each of his themes, and writes the appropriate music, knowing that they’ll never get heard.
What exactly were the words to “Raiders March”, the famed Indy theme? The lyrics may surprise you….
In-di-ana moth-er-fuck-ing Jones
In-di-ana fuck-ing Jones
Bite my ball-sack you Na-zis I’m In-di-ana fuck-ing Jones I don’t know about you, but I now know the song I’ll be singing to myself as the lights go down at The Senator this Thursday evening.
When people talk about Watchmen, they talk about how in 1986, it revolutionized how comics were created, along with Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns…
I suppose that’s appropriate…considering what a lil' birdie just told me.
Apparently, when the HIGHLY anticipated Batman sequel The Dark Knight hits theaters this July, attached will be the first teaser trailer for Zach Snyder’s film adaptation of Watchmen.
Watchmen hits theaters March 6, 2009.
I really think Warner Bros. design firm is having too much fun making posters for The Dark Knight.
Here’s the latest, continuing the “character shown while parts of Gotham blow up” trend….
So it’s been a year since Spider-Man 3 hit theaters, and I recently revisited it on DVD.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s far from a good movie, but it has a lot of cool concepts that if given more time, or different situations, would’ve made a solid third entry in the Spider-Man franchise. I mean, I loved Bryce Dallas Howard as Gwen Stacy….having Topher Grace play a bizarro version of Peter as Eddie Brock was an inspired decision (even if his Venom left you wanting more)…the Sandman effects were mindblowing…and come on, tell me you didn’t love James Franco chewing up scenery as Harry Osborn/The New Goblin.
Of course, there were rumors then about Sony wanting a 4th Spider-Man, and I’d imagine considering this summer is somewhat of a comic movie renaissance, Sony will be pushing even harder to get the next arachnid adventure onto the big screen.
Now comes this latest bit of news from Cinematical.
Sayeth them:
Here’s an idea Sony…let’s get some new blood in the flick. Tobey and Kirsten seem bored with playing Peter and MJ, and I don’t think Raimi wants to helm this one. Why not a solid action director with nerd cred (I’d say Edgar Wright, but he’s a bit tied up…), new faces in the main roles, and what the hell, let’s bring back Bryce Howard as Gwen Stacy. Could make for the shot in the arm for the Spidey franchise. Maybe I’m being a bit of an apologist, I mean, Spider-Man’s my favorite fictional character of all time. Despite this…it worked for Bond…I think it can work for everyone’s favorite wallcrawler.
….because sometimes, there are no words….
From the game designers to the graphic design team, give everyone involved a raise. Wow.
As you know, we (me?) here at Blast-O-Rama are very excited for the forthcoming adaptation of Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World by uber-geek director Edgar Wright.
And now it looks like we can confirm ANOTHER cast member. We knew earlier this year that Michael Cera would be wearing the messy hair and battling evil ex-boyfriends as Scott Pilgrim, but now it looks like Scott’s love interest has been cast.
Taking the role of the American delivery girl who has turned Scott’s canadian world upside down?
According to /film, it’s going to be….Mary Elizabeth Winstead. You may remember her as Lucy McClaine in Live Free or Die Hard, Lee the Cheerleader from Death Proof, or the villainess in Sky High. Me, I remember her as being cute as a button.
Looking good, Wright! Looking good!
Ok, it’s nowhere near as awesome as the NYCC Exclusive poster…
But the final poster for Hellboy II is kinda awesome….
Whatcha think?
So someone made a music video for the very addictive track “Again & Again” by The Bird & The Bee.
…using only their Mac desktop.
I know, it sounds REALLY nerdy…but it’s downright amazing.
Check it out!
Episode 3 of the podcast is now live. Join us for an hour of fun discussing Batman Returns, Warped Tour, Radiohead, show booking, exgirlfriends and inept staffing.
Click here for the latest episode of the podcast, and the archive of episodes prior.
Bit of a followup to my post about the miserable experience that was all the shit related to Sunday night’s Radiohead show….
I sent Nissan Pavilion’s customer service e-mail a line about my experience, and my frustration, having spent so much on tickets, parking, gas, etc.
So I got a lovely e-mail back today from them.
Thank you for contacting Nissan Pavilion regarding your experience on Sunday night. The torrential rain storm, multiple road closures and a late-arriving crowd led to delays for some music fans entering the parking lot at Nissan Pavilion. While we have no control over Mother Nature, we certainly are disappointed that some fans did not make it to the venue.
As a consolation, we would like to offer you complementary lawn tickets to Radiohead’s performance at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, NJ on August 12th. We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced Sunday night and hope that this free ticket offer helps to make up for it. Sure, they’re not pavilion seats, but hey, they’re free. And honestly, I didn’t even expect a response, just a “sure, we’ll get back to you” form letter. Classy move, LiveNation. You win this round.
Playing Grand Theft Auto 4 these past few weeks has been quite the experience. Not only is the scope of the title completely unrivaled, but Rockstar really outdid themselves with the level of approximation of New York City in the games fake-location Liberty City.
Of course, I didn’t realize how well they did until I saw this great Flickr set of images, titled Sightseeing In Liberty City, which compares the fictional Liberty City to the real-life New York City.
Props to Flickr member Matthew Johnson for compiling this set, which you can view here.
As some of you reading this may know, I seriously made the leap into this generation of gaming, owning a PS3, 360 and Wii.
While my time lately has been eaten up by Mario Kart Wii and GTA4, I still have many a great game to look forward to.
These two trailers are just a taste of the innovative titles to come this year. And I can’t wait for either.
First, the amazing first-person free running game Mirror’s Edge…
Secondly, the latest trailer for the blockbuster in the making, METAL GEAR SOLID 4 (why yes, that is Don LaFontaine!)
What say you, good readers? What games are you looking forward to?
Last night, I had the amazing pleasure of seeing Radiohead. Hot in the middle of their 2008 tour supporting the stupendous album In Rainbows, it was a fantastic show at Bristow, VA’s Nissan Pavilion. I mean, look at this set list!
Like Spinning Plates Optimistic Karma Police Go Slowly Planet Telex
Fake Plastic Trees The National Anthem House of Cards How could that not be a good show?
A mix of Mother Nature and inept staffing.
Without going into too much detail (honestly, I’m too angered to get into it all now), there was a torrential downpour the entire evening…and the staffers at Nissan Pavilion did nothing to assist the matter, closing roads, bringing movement to a crawl, not being helpful to ticketholders, and even sending people away.
This was a sold out show. 25,000 people. Why are you sending away people who dropped an average of $50 to see the show?
Luckily, the internet has voiced my anger far better than I could, with this post at DCist, this followup at The Consumerist, and ranting and raving across message boards nationwide.
As for the actual show? I finally got in (1 hr.+ waiting for parking) just in time to see “Just”, and despite the rain, cold, and miserable setting, they were absolutely transcendent. It’s just a shame what could’ve been an amazing show was marred by people who had nothing to do with what was on stage.
I will never go to Nissan Pavilion again. And you better believe they’ll be hearing from me.
And granted, I can only give you 8 out of 10 tracks…so far….
BUT WHO WANTS THE RED ALBUM!?!?
hxxp://www.mediafire.com/?b3ld2ijjt0g
Enjoy.
More images of the cast of GI Joe hit the web today…
And I have to say, it’s not looking good.
IESB got a look at Christopher Eccleston (who you may remember as the 9th Doctor in Doctor Who, and Claude the Invisible Man from Heroes), as Destro. Note, as he hasn’t been disfigured yet, he doesn’t wear a silver mask. In turn…he looks like every eastern european terrorist ever.
I seriously hope this looks better in action. As it is, my faith in the project is faltering.
EDIT, 7:04pm: Two More Images!
From Dark Horizons, we have SaÁ¯d Taghmaoui, playing Breaker, who I believe is an original character for the film…
Collider gives us a look at General Hawk. Eh. He looks bored.
For a few years now, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen, that if you loved Hot Fuzz and Shawn of the Dead, you REALLY owe it to yourself to watch Spaced.
Aired on the BBC in 1999 and 2001, running for 2 seven episode seasons, Spaced was the TV show that put Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright on the map, and holds up as one of the finest bits of television programming I’ve had the pleasure of watching. Unfortunately, due to the fact that legal issues held the show up from being released in the US, the only way people could see it was via region 2 DVD, or illegal downloads.
This changes now.
Finally, Spaced hits DVD here in the US on July 22nd. And don’t worry, it’s not some quick cash grab release. Oh no, there’s a SHIT TON of extras. Check it out…
For the full press release, including a ton of testimonials from some of the more well known fans of the series, click here.
The never ending cash cow known as Star Wars is rolling on this August with the theatrical premiere of the forthcoming CG toon The Clone Wars.
Despite being phenominally done in standard animation a few years back, the soon-to-be released CG film and future series shows the much spoken of Clone Wars, which took place between Star Wars Episodes 2 and 3.
Personally? While the CG is looking nice, with great shading work, I keep getting reminded of the old British Supermarionation shows like Captain Scarlett and Thunderbirds. Besides, didn’t Genndy Tardiofsky already do this…and really FREAKING well?
Oh well. I know they’re gonna sucker me out of my $10. Such a cheap whore am I.
Apparently nerd hype leads to business moves these days.
Based on the very positive response to the teaser trailer to What Are You, Dense? I’m The Goddamn Spirit The Spirit revealed at NYCC, LionsGate has announced that the release of the Frank Miller helmed flick has been moved from January 2009 to December 25th, 2008.
So, you planning on making it a Spirit christmas?
So when on Earth did Marvel Animation get good again?
Last I checked, the Fantastic Four toon was ass, and the direct to DVD features weren’t good…and then this Wolverine & The X-Men toon looked bad too.
But then The Spectacular Spider-Man hit….and shy of it’s theme song….it’s REALLY good.
And now a new trailer hit for Wolverine & The X-Men that looks….honestly, kinda great. Sure, I don’t like Wolverine being the focus, but the animation and scope looks unrivaled.
x
Wolverine & The X-Men hits Nickelodeon in Spring 2009.
When the 3rd, and possibly final trailer for The Dark Knight hit theaters attached to Iron Man this past Thursday (and officially on the web on Sunday), a lot of people noticed a half second glimpse of Harvey Dent post scarring….effectively making him Two Face.
Of course, we’re all wondering…what does the other side hold?
Over at the years long running comic rumors column Lying In The Gutters, it looks like they’ve got it.
Per Request From Warner Bros Entertainment, Inc., the image has been removed.
Considering I’ve seemingly written this post a few times before, I’ll save us some effort. Me in the writing pile, you in the reading.
Here goes…
Blah Blah Blah Trent Reznor Blah Blah Blah New Nine Inch Nails Album Blah Blah Blah Free On The Internet Blah Blah Blah Fuck You To The Music Industry Blah Blah Blah Download It Now.
Really. 10 tracks. Free. Will someone else step up? Let’s not let Radiohead and Reznor run with the title here, kids!
In what should come as NO surprise following the massive first weekend for Iron Man ($200+ million worldwide, 94% Rotten Tomatoes Rating), more Marvel movies are on their way.
But I don’t think anyone expected the slate to get announced this early.
Marvel this morning (getting Monday started right!) in their First Quarter stock report revealed the release date of the next four films from Marvel Studios.
What are they?
I’m going to buck the trend of the interweb and say…I really didn’t mind Transformers.
Sure, it was a stupid movie. Sure, Michael Bay shot it like it was a bad music video. And sure, the human parts sucked ass.
But I liked seeing shiny robots wreck shit.
Anywhosle, after Transformers made something like $14 Billion, they’re working on Transformers 2.
Who are they apparently courting to star?
Why it’s Superbad and Knocked Up star Jonah Hill!
Talk about an odd choice. Unless he and Optimus Prime are shooting cock jokes back and forth for an hour. In which case, reserve me a seat, FANDANGO!
Let’s lay it out there….1998’s The Mummy? I dug it. Fun lil' Indiana Jones-lite adventure starring the bizarrely charismatic Brendan Frasier. The Mummy Returns? Never saw it. The Scorpion King? Kind of ashamed to admit it, but it was a fun movie…besides, I kinda have a soft spot for Dwayne.
But now, 8 years later, we’re seeing a 3rd Mummy flick…this time, with Jet Li!
Will it be any good? Not really sure.
But it’s poster sure is cool!
Smart move to be the tentpole flick for August, too. Less risk. Guess we’ll see how it pans out on August 1st.
We’re back for another week of rambling goodness, featuring special guest Ross Nover!
Click here for this weeks episode of The Untitled Podcast, now hosted at Podbean.com, complete with an iTunes subscription link, so you never miss an episode! Enjoy!
2 MORE Posters for The Dark Knight!
These posters originally leaked yesterday, but as their authenticity were in question, I declined to post them. Now they’ve showed up on Yahoo!Films, so I figure they’ve got to be real.
Firstly, a horizontal poster with the 3 major characters of the film.
Secondly, a poster that can be described only as Fuck Yeah!
The Dark Knight marketing game, also known as Why So Serious? continued last night with some very interesting results.
The latest game, linked to in the last update I posted in regards to the ARG, featured groups of people gathering near movie theaters in cities such as New York, Chicago, London and Philadelphia, where they were then shown the 3rd trailer for the July releasing Bat flick.
Concurrently, those of us playing at home, were given a duck shooting gallery, which when the order of ducks were converted to binary, lead to another site.
In either case, the trailer was released for both groups….with a catch.
For those in theaters? One lucky fan from each group was given a film canister containing the actual trailer!
However, if this post is any indication, it seems someone got to the film first…
More photos of that are available on the linked blog.
For those at home? The trailer will be viewable on this site come Sunday (an image of which is below). I figure the same trailer will be attached to Iron Man this weekend, hence the delay.
So unless some intrepid fans scan the Jokerized trailer (which could be really cool), I suppose we’ll have to wait until Sunday.
….
…
Or right NOW thanks to the magic of bootleggers and YouTube! Enjoy while it’s up!
Thanks to my buddy Jami for this exclusive behind the scenes look at the fun that was Katsucon 2008.
It’s officially official, kids.
Guillermo Del Toro will be directing The Hobbit and it’s sequel.
Not much more to say than that. Allow the happy dance to fill the streets with joy.
As the ARG for The Dark Knight continues, we lucky fans get more and more new goodies.
The latest? This AMAZING new one sheet.
Seriously, you’re going to shit.
The next game begins in Four Days. GET READY.
Want a taste of Venture Bros Season 3?
I knew you did.
Thanks to the fine people at QuickStopEntertainment.com and AstroBaseGo!, here’s a hint of what’s to come in the best Johnny Quest/60’s Comic referencing toon on TV today.
Just caught word from a little birdie…
If you’re a reader of this blog, you’re probably well aware that we’re just days away from the release of Iron Man (it’s actually been pushed up to 8pm on May 1st, for those who absolutely must be the first to see it.)
I’m not going to spoil anything for anyone, but if what I hear is true…
Stay Through The Credits.
You’re welcome.
Also, would someone please buy me this sweet poster from The Alamo Drafthouse’s premiere of Iron Man? Thanks.
Well, it’s only been up 24 hours, but I’ve already received positive IMs, e-mails and comments on our first attempt at a podcast, so I think we’re going to try to make this a weekly thing.
In turn, I’d like to aim for the next episode to be up by next Wednesday.
We’re going to spice things up a bit, by throwing in a rotating third chair, bringing on random guests, whether they’re people we know from the crazy world of the internet, around Baltimore, or personal friends of ours who we think would make for an entertaining program. Every week, provided we can find someone, there’ll be a third voice keeping things interesting.
Also, we’d like to start answering listener/reader questions! You can use this post to start, but every week, feel free to leave questions that we’ll address on the next weeks podcast. Anything goes. Let’s make it interesting.
So keep your eyes peeled for next week’s installment, as Dead of Summer & Blast-O-Rama present The Untitled Podcast.
…But man, I wish my legs didn’t work!
Just caught this ad for the iBot mobility system, which might be the coolest robot wheelchair walker thingy OF ALL TIME!!!
For some time now, people have told Nick (my artistic cohort at Dead of Summer) and I that we should give podcasting a try.
We agreed, but never really knew when we’d get around to it.
For whatever reason, we had a wild hair up our ass, and decided to tape a test podcast.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PODCAST!
Join us as we discuss movies, music, Cloverfield, and obscure hip hop.
Let us know what you think. Maybe if ya’ll like it, this will be regular.
He’s making it look too damn easy.
In the latest installment of the end of days for the music industry (yet, where there’s never been a better time to be a fan), an era where Radiohead released their new album without a label while letting you pay what you want; Nine Inch Nails released a 2-disc instrumental album at a variety of prices, including free; The Raconteurs released an album without notifying anyone of it’s existance; and Gnarls Barkley pushed their album release up 2 weeks without notification, Reznor may have taken it a step forward.
He’s released a new single to radio a day after its completion.
While thus far all that’s hit the web is this 2-minute snippet, this new Nine Inch Nails single, entitled “Discipline” was sent to modern-rock stations across the country today, with the note that it was mastered literally 24 hours ago.
Ever mysterious, nin.com was updated with this message last night…
Does this mean another Nine Inch Nails album is due, just weeks after the last?
Video may have killed the radio star, but it looks like Internet’s not just killing the video star, but the traditional music marketing format entirely.
What the hell is next? Exciting times to be a creative type on the web, let me tell you.
EDIT, 4/23/08 2:07pm - The MP3 of ‘Discipline’ is now available for free download at nin.com. Interesting note, the ID3 tags have a note saying simply “Go to www.nin.com May 5”.
It was only a matter of time.
While it was mildly discussed at SDCC and other conventions this fall, it wasn’t until this past weekend’s New York Comic Con we got our first look at the collaborations between Marvel Comics and Del Ray Manga.
Due to hit shelves in Spring 2009, Marvel aims to grab the manga market with two titles. The shonen styled Wolverine, and the shojo themed X-Men.
Here’s a look at Wolverine from his self titled manga, plus the adorable Kitty Pride and (omg!) Beast from X-Men.
Blog@Newsarama has more details on these books, including looks at Sabertooth and Nightcrawler, from Wolverine and X-Men respectively.
You know they’re going to merch the hell out of this Totoro-styled Beast.
As has been oft referenced by me on this site and others, I’ve been a bit of a Weezer fan in my life.
With the release of their first single of their next album (Weezer, aka The Red Album), I kinda got excited.
Then they put out the official press release for the album, announcing 2 versions of the album (standard with 10 tracks, and deluxe with 14 tracks)…and this possibly damming line…
And then, there’s the album art.
….excitement dropped.
During my normal morning run of message boards, I came across this image today that put me into hysterics.
I think it’s safe to say every single one of us from the Mortal Kombat generation thought the same thing the first time we heard his name…
NYCC has been grabbing all the headlines this weekend, so expect to see a shit ton of media coming out of the convention.
The first such is our look at the teaser poster and teaser trailer for the Spirit.
To appease the internet, here’s your basic vitriolic rant about Frank Miller.
Blah blah All Star Batman sucks blah blah whores blah blah Sin City blah blah 300 blah blah one style blah blah lost his touch.
I’m still pretty interested in this flick, but it should face steady competition from a fellow January 2009 release, the highly anticipated Watchmen.
You may remember last month, I was writing about how superstar movie poster artist Drew Struzan was going to be doing a new poster for Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
In an effort to make me to continue to regret the fact I’m not attending New York Comic Con this weekend (which will bring MUCH news to this site, I’m sure), this poster is a New York Comic Con Exclusive!
Uber movie site CHUD has premiered the poster online, and…good lord. If this is any indication of where the movie is heading, I think it may go towards a religious experience for my good friend Ghostfreehood.
I suppose it’s time to start trolling eBay for the poster…
In a “Whoda Thunk It?” announcement, BET announced Thursday that they will be launching a prime time animated series starring Marvel’s Black Panther, due to hit screens early in 2009.
Originally, I figured this was someone’s idea of a gag, but Variety has announced it so. The interesting part that I didn’t know, was that the current run of Black Panther is being written by Reginald Hudlin, the current president of entertainment for BET.
While not one of the iconic heroes for Marvel, it’s never the less exciting to see a 2nd string character being given a shot to breakout. Here’s hoping it’s worth watching. I suppose it’s in bad taste that the last memory I have of Black Panther is as zombie food in Marvel Zombies. Whoops. Isn’t he married to Storm now?
Well, I’d post one of the images as a tease if I could, but the site has right click disabled, and I can’t seem to find the URL’s to any of the images in the source… Thanks to a user at the NeoGAF forums for pulling the images out.
In any case, Celeb Blog WWTDD.com (that’s What Would Tyler Durden Do for those of you keeping track at home) has EXCLUSIVE images of the entire cast of 2009’s 80’s cartoon remake extravaganza GI Joe.
In addition to extra photos of Rachel Nichols as Scarlett and Ray Park as Snake Eyes, they also have our first looks at….
What do I think? I think the all-black stealth gear is a bit too much like Brian Singer’s X-Men, but understandable. I kind of like the look for Storm Shadow, but wish he had a mask (I’d imagine that the actor wanted more face time…see every superhero movie ever), and god damnit, what does a guy have to do to get Sienna Miller in EYEGLASSES?!
EDIT, 6:46pm - It’s been brought to my attention by a certain Ms. Greco that the images have been pulled. But do you think this stops the internet? Besides, I think I kinda want a c&d request from Paramount. Means I’m big time.
While this is just a small taste of the images that were presented, these present the most revealing looks at the newest characters (I figure we have Snake Eyes and Scarlett covered…)
Earlier this month, Midway started the hype train for the eighth Mortal Kombat title, with the rather cryptic (kryptic?) NOOB.com website, featuring a website counting down to today.
With the countdown ending, we were left with only a bizarre blurred image of Scorpion.
However, this didn’t stop Midway from revealing the truth behind Mortal Kombat 8.
You’re probably going to want to sit down for this.
I’ll wait.
….
Not a dream. Not a hoax. Mortal Kombat 8 is actually….
MORTAL KOMBAT Vs. DC UNIVERSE
I can’t say I understand it at all, and honestly, I’m a bit worried.
Aside from the surreal juxtaposition of 2 major nerd franchises (one which is far, far lower in stature compared to their 90’s heyday), it’s not sounding too impressive already…
Infamous gaming blog Kotaku posted the early scoop on the title, and this doesn’t sound good…
In the bizarre world of fighting games this generation, we’ve seen Street Fighter return to glory, Star Wars characters mix it up with the cast of Soul Calibur, and now we’re apparently going to see Scorpion hand Nightwing his ass…will it all pay off? Time will tell.
Until then, I’m going to pick my jaw up from the floor.
EDIT, 3:43PM- The first embargoed details on this surreal pairing are hitting the web. Gamespot.com has an early preview here, and you can watch the first trailer courtesy of Games Radar here.
As someone of the creative sort, I’ve ran into all kinds of people who I view as taking it a bit too far.
I’m sure you’ve encountered them, the type with bizarre clothing, facial makeup that is just a bit too well designed…those that say they “don’t care” about their appearances, but could not be more obviously designed to grab attention…those that create “music” that has no sense of rhythm, tone or purpose…visual art which doesn’t even have a sense of composition or scope…people who claim that society doesn’t “understand” them, when it could not be more obvious that they themselves are trying intentionally to be so left-of-field to remain an outsider.
This story from Yale Daily News is such an example, gone too far.
I’ll just leave you with the teaser, but the story itself goes farther into this dimension of crazy.
Beginning next Tuesday, Shvarts will be displaying her senior art project, a documentation of a nine-month process during which she artificially inseminated herself “as often as possible" while periodically taking abortifacient drugs to induce miscarriages. Her exhibition will feature video recordings of these forced miscarriages as well as preserved collections of the blood from the process. I’m all for the creation of art that makes you think. I’m all for freedom of speech. This makes me want the terrorists to win.
Ugh.
Now we’re up to glimpses of 2 characters from the forthcoming GI Joe flick…
Here’s Rachel Nichols as Scarlett!
Alright, that makes two that look good…here’s hoping it’s as nice in motion as it has been in stills.
So after being called The Untitled X-Files Film Sequel for what feels like forever, we now have an official name for the July release…
It’s..
(hold on to your seats)
…
The X-Files: I Want To Believe.
…Eh.
I guess it makes sense. Fox and Chris Carter want to believe there’s still an audience for this movie. I want to believe Gillian Anderson’s still hot.
The X-Files: I Want To Believe saunters into your local multiplex on July 25th.
Yep. Fantastic programs like Arrested Development get canceled, skilled actors get ignored, unbelievable writers have to strike to get even a modcrum of respect, but don’t worry, because movies like Beverly Hills Chihuahua still get made.
I hate you Hollywood. And Disney, you’re god damned lucky you have Pixar to carry the slack.
Here’s the synopsis of this future abomination/waste of precious film…
And even more? IT TOOK TWO PEOPLE TO WRITE THIS SHIT.
Look at that cast too….Andy Garcia, you’ve lost all good will gained from the Ocean’s movies.
I don’t even have the words. I just need some asprin and a good long nap. If anyone needs me, I’m the dude with his head in the oven.
Thanks to Aint-it-cool and IGN, we get the first look at the official poster for this June’s The Incredible Hulk, which from the poster, is the impossible tale of a downtrodden farmer, and the large green giant that lurks behind him.
Whatcha think, gang? I remain skeptical…and I really kinda hate the logo.
Over the past few months, the interweb has been abuzz over the next Weezer album, due this summer.
After becoming internet darlings after the release of Pinkerton, Weezer has had a dedicated fanbase that has been outspoken towards the changes in their sound featured in the albums since, the 2001 self titled release (nicknamed ‘The Green Album’), 2002’s Maladroit, and 2005’s Make Believe, an album that many thought was a return to form.
However, word started to leak that this next release was to be the album fans have been waiting over a decade for. Named Weezer once again (nicknamed “The Red Album”) , fans have been foaming at the mouth for something, anything to leak.
Thank Amazon, kids. A sample of the first single, “Pork And Beans” is available here.
…is that the Blue album I hear? One can only hope.
Weezer (2007), aka The Red Album, is due this June.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Crayola 64 Box of Crayons, the crayon manufacturer went to poll the kids to create new names for 8 colors.
Suffice to say, I continue to fear for today’s youth.
Here’s the list of new colors, with the old names parenthetically notated.
The first shot of Justin Chatwin as Goku in the forthcoming Dragonball hit the web this week…
BUWAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Look, I had my early teenage period where I, like most males, enjoyed Dragonball, but if you mean to tell me this High School Musical reject is supposed to be the most powerful fighter ever, or what ever the hell he is, you’ve got another thing coming, Fox.
I also love the fact that they presume this flick is going straight to a trilogy, and are leaving the sets built in Mexico up ‘just in case’.
Stephen Chow production or not, you’ll be lucky if this PoS makes it a week in theaters. Sorry film goers, but I might go to this one just to mock it.
Dragonball sets to ruin screens in April 2009 (pushed off from an August 2008 release date).
One of the things that stands out most about Lost is its rather stark opening sequence.
What if JJ Abrams decided to go all 90’s and give the series a sweet theme?
It’d look something like…..
THIS!
Ready to rock your April, here’s 11 tracks (42 minutes) of musical goodness from my iPod for you to enjoy!
Click the graphic above for the download.
Here’s the track list.
I know, you’re probably wondering where the April Monthly Mix is…
I caught a hold of a few albums late in the month, so I’m still sorting tracks.
However, it will be up. TONIGHT.
Be there, or be octangular.
So, last night, Christopher Walken hosted SNL for the 7th time. Over time, Walken has proven himself as one of the best hosts for the series, and last night continued the streak.
While NBC hasn’t posted my favorite sketch from last night yet, they did post my 2nd favorite. I give you Meet The Family. Enjoy.
I think we can all agree one of the golden eras for Saturday Night Live was the early 90’s.
We can list off the characters, sketches and cast members that really gave the show it’s “must-watch” quality, but one of the parts I always felt was overlooked was Jack Handey’s Deep Thoughts.
A simple intro by Phil Hartman, followed by scrolling text on screen, delivered completely deadpan, these bits of writing always reduced me to tears.
But I bet you didn’t know that Jack Handey is still active as a writer! He’s a semi-regular contributor to the Shouts & Murmurs section of The New Yorker, providing various written pieces, including this hilarious bit entitled…
What I’d Say To The Martians
You say your civilization is more advanced than ours. But who is really the more “civilized" one? You, standing there watching this cage? Or me, with my pants down, trying to urinate on you? You criticize our Earth religions, saying they have no relevance to the way we actually live. But think about this: if I could get my hands on that god of yours, I would grab his skinny neck and choke him until his big green head exploded.
We are a warlike species, you claim, and you show me films of Earth battles to prove it. But I have seen all the films about twenty times. Get some new films, or, so help me, if I ever get out of here I will empty my laser pistol into everyone I see, even pets.
Speaking of films, I could show you some films, films that portray a different, gentler side of Earth. And while you’re watching the films I’d sort of slip away, because guess what: the projector is actually a thing that shoots out spinning blades! And you fell for it! Well, maybe not now you wouldn’t.
You point to your long tradition of living peacefully with Earth. But you know what I point to? Your stupid heads.
You say there is much your civilization could teach ours. But perhaps there is something that I could teach you—namely, how to scream like a parrot when I put your big Martian head in a vise.
You claim there are other intelligent beings in the galaxy besides earthlings and Martians. Good, then we can attack them together. And after we’re through attacking them we’ll attack you.
I came here in peace, seeking gold and slaves. But you have treated me like an intruder. Maybe it is not me who is the intruder but you.
No, not me. You, stupid.
You keep my body imprisoned in this cage. But I am able to transport my mind to a place far away, a happier place, where I use Martian heads for batting practice.
I admit that sometimes I think we are not so different after all. When you see one of your old ones trip and fall down, do you not point and laugh, just as we on Earth do? And I think we can agree that nothing is more admired by the people of Earth and Mars alike than a fine, high-quality cigarette. For fun, we humans like to ski down mountains covered with snow; you like to“milk" bacteria off of scum hills and pack them into your gill slits. Are we so different? Of course we are, and you will be even more different if I ever finish my homemade flamethrower.
You may kill me, either on purpose or by not making sure that all the surfaces in my cage are safe to lick. But you can’t kill an idea. And that idea is: me chasing you with a big wooden mallet.
You say you will release me only if I sign a statement saying that I will not attack you. And I have agreed, the only condition being that I can sign with a long sharp pen. And still you keep me locked up.
True, you have allowed me reading material—not the “human reproduction" magazines I requested but the works of your greatest philosopher, Zandor or Zanax or whatever his name is. I would like to discuss his ideas with him—just me, him, and one of his big, heavy books.
If you will not free me, at least deliver a message to Earth. Send my love to my wife, and also to my girlfriend. And to my children, if I have any anyplace. Ask my wife to please send me a bazooka, which is a flower we have on Earth. If my so-called friend Don asks you where the money I owe him is, please anally probe him. Do that anyway.
If you keep me imprisoned long enough, eventually I will die. Because one thing you Martians do not understand is that we humans cannot live without our freedom. So, if you see me lying lifeless in my cage, come on in, because I’m dead. Really.
Maybe one day we will not be the enemies you make us out to be. Perhaps one day a little Earth child will sit down to play with a little Martian child, or larva, or whatever they are. But, after a while, guess what happens: the little Martian tries to eat the Earth child. But guess what the Earth child has? A gun. You weren’t expecting that, were you? And now the Martian child is running away, as fast as he can. Run, little Martian baby, run!
I would like to thank everyone for coming to my cage tonight to hear my speech. Donations will be gratefully accepted. (No Mars money, please.) You can find a complete archive of his contributions to The New Yorker here. If you’re looking to relive some of his best bits from SNL, just check here. Enjoy!
Thanks to this thread over at A Special Thing for reminding me of the greatness of Mr. Handey’s work.
After an amazing first season…a watchable second seasons…and one of the most painful hiatuses of any series lost to the long running 2007 Writers Strike…
HEROES IS FINALLY SET TO RETURN!
NBC has finally announced the premiere date for season 3 of Heroes, set to hit airwaves on September 15th, 2008.
They’re intending to give the fans more Heroes then they can handle, with a 1 hour recap show to kick off the evening at 8pm, followed by a 2 hour premiere at 9pm. That’s 3 hours of Heroes goodness.
So set the date, and get ready, only 164 days to go!
Hot on the heels of the first teaser posters for The Spirit being released (as was featured over at Angry Zen Master), movie news site Dark Horizons has a whole slue of pics from the filming of the Frank Miller adaptation of the classic Will Eisner comic.
Using a similar green screen shooting style to that of Sin City, the flick presents a ton of sweet images, including….
The strong jawed hero (played by relative unknown Gabriel Macht), with his painted on mask….
…a rather bizarre looking (yet totally Frank Miller styled) Samuel L. Jackson…
…and possibly the hottest I’ve ever seen Scarlet Johansson.
The Spirit hits theaters on January 16th, 2009.
As long rumored across the net, Cartoon Network officially announced their upcoming Batman cartoon, the DC Universe spanning Batman: The Brave & The Bold.
While it remains to be seen how the series will pan out, it will feature dozens of characters from throughout DC’s history, and in quite the surprising move, is styled similar to 60’s Bat-artist Dick Sprang.
Here’s hoping this ‘toon lives up to it’s unique styling.
In the absolute deluge of big name comic movies this summer, it’s easy to forget that Hellboy II: The Golden Army is due out this July.
Yahoo!Movies though, doesn’t want you to forget, and is jogging our memory with 32 brand new images of the flick, a perfect tease with a new trailer due to hit the web tomorrow.
In other news, the release date for Hellboy II has been moved up 2 days to Wednesday, July 9th. Now there’s even less time between you and giant-brick-fisted goodness. Aren’t you excited?
EDIT - 4:00pm: The new trailer is LIVE! right here, right now. I’ll try to find an embeddable version soon.
I know, it’s been said many times before, but now it’s never been more true.
It’s official, Apple’s iTunes Music Store is the biggest music retailer in the United States, with a whopping 19% share of the market.
If you had told me as recently as a year ago that the iTunes store would be the top of the music industry, I would’ve called you crazy. Yet, here we are, with the #1 retail source for music, not selling a single piece of physical media.
The shift has arrived. I guess Apple now has all the leverage they need for that rumored subscription model…
Ah, April 1st, easily one of the most fun days online, as literally hundreds of websites post gags-a-plenty. Here’s a quick listing of what I’ve liked so far…
As anyone who’s met me in person can attest, I’m kind of a t-shirt junkie.
What can I say, I like carrying portable art.
Anyway, the site that got me started on this trend, and one that’s been a favorite of mine for ages, is Threadless.
Every Monday or so, myself and Ross tend to talk up the new designs, and for the most part lately, I’ve been very disappointed. Â Hell, I hadn’t even been interested in a shirt for months.
This week though, I’ve found not one, but three separate designs that I really like.
So I click the links to check them out….and their prices have jumped up from $15 for everything to $17+. What the hell, guys, what happened? Isn’t an increase in sales/exposure supposed to trickle down to lower prices for the consumer?
Color me miffed.
About a year ago, I saw Pirate Baby’s Cabana Battle Street Fight 2006. A 12 minute homage to the 2d side scrollers we played as kids, the animation was the work of a lone man in Australia, Paul Robertson.
Just a few days ago, he returned with his follow up…
To end your weekend (or start your week) on the right foot…
Here is Kings Of Power 4 Billion %!!!
For a higher quality download, check out Paul’s LJ here, or wait, as he’s working on a DVD of all of his work.
Sometimes there’s a news story that, no matter what, no matter the angle, even I can’t make funnier than the headline itself.
So, I’ll just leave it to you, as a link.
Mr. T Brought Boy Out of Coma.
Damn Target, why you gotta make me angry.
Seems just 24 hours ago, I was telling all the boys how I loved you, how you brightened my day with your sweet t-shirts and free video games.
Then I hear from my boy that you’ve been lyin'. You’ve been runnin' tricks on me.
You get me all hot ‘n bothered with promises of sweet garments and free gaming, then you pull the rug out on me?
What’s the deal, baby girl? What did I ever do to you?
Guess I’ll have to see what that Hot Topic chick or that girl Urban Outfitters is up to.
And…
<Scene>.
Short story long, those sweet EGPApparel game/shirt combos? ALREADY BEING PULLED OFF THE MARKET! Et tu, Tar-jay. Et tu. Guess we’ll see if another retailer picks this program up, it really is a great idea. Shame.
Fresh from Ain’t It Cool News, here’s our first look at the poster for the 2nd X-Files movie, due out in theaters on July 25th.
We got a giant X…we got obscured Scully and Mulder…we still don’t have a title…overall, I like it, though.
I do wonder, has it been so long that the general public may think this is for the next X-Men movie? Food for thought.
Name 3 things somewhat highbrow nerdy people such as myself like…
Each shirt design comes from the creators, with CD-Roms containing a full game (no shareware here), for just $12! Apparently, the shirts aren’t available at all Targets yet, but you better believe I’m keeping an eye out.
The official site for this “EGPApparel” project is here, but it’s not quite finished yet. Here’s to corporate America supporting the creation and gestation of new media. Hopefully this project is successful, and more people can support their unique creations this way.
Thanks to Joystiq for the story.
Ok, it was surreal enough for Ace of Cakes to be filmed around here, but this is just too much…
Atomic Books is getting their own reality show.
On G4.
Here’s what they had to say about it.
In light of the success of shows like Ace of Cakes and L.A. Ink, we thought Atomic would make a good reality TV show, something that would focus on the stuff we carry (comics/zines/art toys/cds/dvds/etc.), with interviews with different artists and writers we bring to town, and on top of that, something that would follow the Atomic gang out into the nationally-breaking Baltimore music and arts scene.
So awhile back, through a mutal friend, we hooked up with an agent who put us in contact with a production company and the result will be 6 one hour long episodes of a show called Atomicville to air on G4 TV.
If the network likes the show (meaning people watch), they’ll order more episodes. We had initially wanted to call the show AtomicTV, but sadly certain people didn’t want us to use that name as it might be confused with a certain former cable access TV show. Local culture…hitting TV…brain can’t comprehend…world…too small.
(Thanks to The Mobtown Shank for the heads up…)
After literally four years of build up, Secret Invasion is getting ready to hit comic shops on April 2nd.
For those unaware, Secret Invasion is the latest gigantic Marvel crossover-of-doom (following House of M and Civil War), and apparently ties all loose ends that started in Avengers: Disassembled and the two prior-mentioned mega events. While I think we comic nerds can agree that Civil War didn’t end up as epic as we all wanted, I have an odd hunch this may be the comics mega-event we nerds have been breathlessly anticipating every Wednesday.
Why do I have such faith in this, considering every epic-comic story either ends up faltering or being retconned out of existance within months? The man behind the tale, Brian Michael Bendis. Since hitting the scene with Powers in the early 2000’s, he’s been one of the best scribes in the comics world, wowing me (and comic fans) with his fantastically plotted run on Ultimate Spider-Man and a metric-shitton of Avengers tales. Arguably THE man responsible for Marvel’s current renaissance, he’s been quietly plotting this tale, hiding clues in comics for the past four years, and apparently this eight issue mini series is the end-all-be-all.
The hype train began proper today at Entertainment Weekly’s site, with not just an interview with Bendis, but a 10 page preview of the first issue. Looking pretty good so far.
Is my word not enough to be excited? Maybe this quote from my personal hero, Professional nerd/comedian/rat voicer, Mr. Patton Oswalt will get you fired up.
This is not a big, disposable, multi-issue donnybrook. This is a blitzkrieg from page one. Bendis basically worked out a remorseless, nothing-but-business tearing down of the Marvel Universe. And it’s clear the story has been set up … for … years. And the deaths are treated so off-handedly, with no appeal or remorse — and this is three issues in.
So far, each issue has also ended with a shit-your-pants, ’Wait, what in the FUCK?!“ moment … after, of course, about three or four what-the-fuck moments tossed off during the course of each story.
From Ain’t It Cool News…
Click For Ridiculously Large Ninja Action!
Words can’t really define the bad ass here. Here comes another awesome Summer in ‘09!
EDIT, 3/21/08 - 6:18am:
Now with a 2nd image from USA Today! (That’s Ray ‘Darth Maul’ Park under there, btw)
It’s been said many times that men just don’t understand women.
Now, we have SCIENCE! to back that up.
According to a study performed by the Indiana University’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, us gentlemen just have ZERO idea what exactly you ladies are up to…
More precisely, they are somewhat oblivious to the emotional subtleties of non-verbal cues, according to a new study of college students.
“Young men just find it difficult to tell the difference between women who are being friendly and women who are interested in something more,” said lead researcher Coreen Farris of Indiana University’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.
This “lost in translation” phenomenon plays out in the real world, with about 70 percent of college women reporting an experience in which a guy mistook her friendliness for a sexual come-on, Farris said.
Some might think the results come down to “boys being boys,” and so even the slightest female interest sparks sexual fantasy. But the study, to be detailed in the April issue of the journal Psychological Science, also found that it goes both ways for guys — they mistake females' sexual signals as friendly ones. The researchers suggest guys have trouble noticing and interpreting the subtleties of non-verbal cues, in either direction. This ladies, is why you need to just tell us things. The full article is available here.
I can’t say I’m a Buffy/Angel fan, but between Firefly and his run on X-Men, I’m decidedly ghey over Joss Whedon.
That being said, whenever he announces a new project, my ears perk up.
His latest…might be the most interesting.
It’s the musical tale of a super-villain….DOCTOR HORRIBLE’S SING-ALONG BLOG!
Here’s what the quickly-balding-hero-of-nerds-nationwide had to say about it…
The bag is catless.
During the strike I started writing a musical intended as a limited internet series, 3 episodes of approximately 10 minutes each. Writing with me was my brother Jed, his fiancee Maurissa, and my other brother Zack. To my shock and surprise, we finished it. To my greater shock and surprise, we managed (with the help of many people I’ll be praising at length soon) to drag it into preproduction (yes, just as DOLLHOUSE was given a start date two months away and all my comics were due.) And today, after a grueling week of writing everything ever while trying to be a producer, I got to start shooting. A musical.
This much I will say: It’s the story of a low-rent super-villain, the hero who keeps beating him up, and the cute girl from the laundromat he’s too shy to talk to. And I’m having the time of my life.
“DOCTOR HORRIBLE’S SING-ALONG BLOG” Neil Patrick Harris…..as Dr. Horrible Nathan Fillion……….as Captain Hammer Felicia Day………….as Penny
And a cast of Dozens!
Coming soon. More Fillion goodness? NPH hamming it up as a super villain? The ultra-cute Felicia Day (hey, that’s a good last name!) as a cute girl? INTERNET?! Sounds like a sweet deal.
I’m a recent convert to Battlestar Galactica, and it seems I’m just in time.
Season 3 hit DVD this week, the 4th and final season hits SciFi Channel next month, and they’ve announced that a 2-hour pilot for a prequel series, entitled Caprica is on it’s way.
In case you haven’t jumped on the Galactica party bus yet, I do recommend it. As someone who has avoided similar sci-fi TV series such as Stargate and Babylon 5 due to their rather hokey and at times off-putting presentation, it’s a breath of fresh air to see a series that takes what could be a really cheesy concept with the utmost seriousness, adding an air of 24-style political drama and paranoia to the settings. Check out the DVDs, totally worth it.
The more and more I see of Speed Racer, the more excited I get.
It appears The Wachowski’s have created pure cinematic candy, and while I have no doubt I’ll have to check my brain at the door, I have a feeling my eyeballs will be bouncing with glee (especially if the flick gets Digital Projection).
Yahoo Movies! just released the latest posters for the flick, one-sheets featuring Matthew Fox as a bad-ass Racer X, Emile Hersh looking appropriately enough like Speed, and Christina Ricci looking appropriately bizarre for once as Trixie.
If that wasn’t enough, I’ve also embeded the latest trailer below for your enjoyment. Here’s hoping this lives to the hype when it drops in May.
Nope, it’s not the name of the 5th Pilgrim book…
It’s a rather appropriate title with today’s announcement from the Hollywood Reporter as to who’s in talks to play the titular character in the much-anticipated (here, at least) film adaptation of Brian Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life.
Currently in talks with Edgar Wright and co? One of my favorite young actors, the absolutely astounding Michael Cera.
As a hardcore Arrested Development fan, enjoyer of Juno, and constant rewatcher of Superbad, plus a gigantic nerd for the films of Edgar Wright AND worshiper at the Altar of Pilgrim, this could not be a better combination. Given Wright’s appearance in the extras for the Superbad DVD as a faux-interviewer, causing Cera and Jonah Hill to flip out, I had a feeling we’d see the two working together, but I could not have anticipated anything like this.
You know how Nick (my cohort at Dead of Summer) breathlessly anticipates all things Hellboy? If this pans out, I will put him to shame. Movie of the year, whenever it hits.
As I was just complaining about to my friends in Karmella’s Game (watch out, don’t trip on the name I just dropped), I really wish they were playing SXSW, so I had an excuse to go.
I mean, an entire week devoted to awesome music shows and movies, in one of the coolest cities in the US…who could say no?
Now I have even more of a reason to head to Austin, TX…to check out The Alamo Drafthouse.
Constantly trying to ruin your Monday mornings, I’ve decided the best way to get a reaction out of you, dear reader, is by frightening you.
Behold…REAL LIFE MARIO.
All credit goes to digital artist Pixeloo. What a disturbed person.
Frequently, I joke about the seemingly American-only propensity toward restaurant items that will kill you dead.
Today, McDonald’s Japan proved me very wrong.
They first stepped up the deadly burger gauntlet with the Mega Mac, literally, a Big Mac with 2x the patties…
Then they said nay! We are not done! Let’s add to it!
This gave us the Mega Tomaco (literally, Mega Egg, a Mega Mac with bacon and egg) and the Mega Tomato (a Mega Tomaco with Tomato opposed to Egg)…
Still undaunted, McJapan said…“We’ve got this great Mega Mac thing here, and these Teriyaki Burgers going…let’s get our chocolate in our peanut butter and make some sandwiches!”, giving us the Mega Teriyaki.
This brought McDonald’s Japan unprecedented success.
Today brings a brand new day for the Japanese McDonald’s empire, as they start their “Mega Morning/Mega Day/Mega Night” campaign, making the Mega Mac and Mega Teriyaki standard items, and adding…THE MEGA MUFFIN!
Time to save up the few grand needed to fly to Japan and get a bypass surgery.
If I’ve made anything apparent, it’s that I am an unabashed fan of Brad Bird. I consider him a personal hero. Between Iron Giant, The Incredibles and Ratatouille, he’s delivered some of the finest films, animated or other wise, in the past decade. Simply put, his involvement in a film is enough for me to drop the cash on name alone.
So when a somewhat risky project like 1906 comes along, my ears perk up…
Here’s what the Hollywood Reporter had to say about it…
As The Dark Knight approaches, we’ve seen more and more innovation in it’s fantastically unique marketing plan.
The latest incarnation involves the fictional campaign of Harvey Dent (aka Two-Face) for Gotham City district attorney. To take it to the people, they’re actually having a Dentmobile go around the country to “drum up support”.
A full list of locations being visited is available here, but here’s the important one for me…
So wayyy back in 2006, Brian Singer and crew released Superman Returns, a bizarre, vaguely homoerotic love letter to the Man of Steel. With 2 years of Supes bashing later, we probably forgot the bizarre road the film took to the screen.
It seems only yesterday that Superman Lives was given the greenlight for a late ‘90’s release, featuring Nicholas Cage as Superman with direction by Tim Burton and script by Kevin Smith. The longwinded tale has been spoken of many times, whether in a lengthy Wikipedia article, or Kevin Smith’s eye-opening rant from An Evening With Kevin Smith.
But for the first time ever, thanks to the website pushing kids at Digg, a glimpse of what could have been, with this gallery of concept art for the Burton helmed flick.
Could you imagine Nic Cage as this Superman?
I think this’ll be a regular thing here at Blast-O-Rama, just a quick handful of thoughts about whatever albums I’ve been listening to lately. Enjoy.
Tokyo Police Club - Elephant Shell (2008) Tokyo Police Club first bounced on the scene with their 2006 ep A Lesson In Crime. They grabbed me immediately with their combination of disaffected vocals, handclaps, group yelling and catchy keyboard riffs. Two years later, they’ve signed to Saddle Creek, and finally dropped a full length LP. While it’s a painfully-short 32 minutes long, the album takes everything I loved about their ep, and kicks it up to 11. The first single off the record, “In A Cave”, might just be the catchiest song of 2008. Highly Recommended.
Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV (2008) I’m what you’d call an anomaly in the world of Nine Inch Nails fandom. While I certainly respect what Reznor did to define the 90’s world of Alternative Rock, I can’t say I really got into him until the release of 1999’s The Fragile. An amazing piece of work, that softer double album is considered by many of his fans as either his greatest masterpiece, or his worst misstep. I fall in the former group, so suffice to say, I’ve been left cold by With Teeth and Year Zero, which emulate the thrash rock that gave him his fame, versus the intricate beauty seen in The Fragile. With Ghosts, however, a 36-track all-instrumental album, Reznor returns to the sound which blew me away all those nine years ago. Sure, the internet is all a flutter over the straight-to-digital release of the album, but it’s good to know that’s truly worth the hype. Recommended.
She & Him - Volume One (2008) I’m not going to lie. I have a full blown celebrity crush on Zooey Deschannel. It certainly wasn’t helped when I discovered (like most people) she had a beautiful singing voice in the Will Farrell Christmas vehicle Elf. So when I heard she was cutting an album with indie-rocker M. Ward, my interest piqued. Is it a worthy listen? Sort of. Deschannel goes to her strengths, doing songs of a more classic rock sound. Hell, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say this was a lo-fi rock album from the 60’s. As it stands, however, the sound is a bit too much on the ‘cute’ side of things to really get into. If I give the album a few more spins, I may warm up to it, but until then, I can only say….Download it.
In what is some rather convenient timing, given that I’ve been glued to my Wii the past few days thanks to Smash Bros, and considering we were all pulled to the Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 machine at Dave & Busters this weekend, Nintendo insures their financial future with the announcement of the release date of Mario Kart Wii.
Featuring the useless plastic cartridgeWii Wheel in box, 32 tracks, 12-player online play and the use of both karts AND motorcycles, Mario Kart Wii hits the US on April 27th, 2008.
As the anticipation builds for Street Fighter 4, fans every where are foaming at the mouth with the reveal of every new character.
If the SF2-Gameplay-Meets-3D-High-Def-Graphics idea behind the game wasn’t enough to sell me, this latest character certainly has.
As revealed over at Shoryuken.com…I give you EL FUERTE!~
The future is lucha, and the future looks good.
EDIT: (3/13/08) Capcom has released a higher rez image of El Fuerte on their blog. Now that’s classy. Get on it, cosplayers!
I know, I’ve hyped Wall*E enough…hell, I was sold with the first teaser last summer.
Today though, Disney released what’s apparently the final trailer for the flick, sending it over to our old friends at Apple.
Honestly…jaw agape, stunning stuff. The epic level of scale is just humbling, and I cannot believe the quality of animation. If you have the option, you need to watch this trailer in HD.
Click here for the trailer, then choose ‘Trailer 3’.
June 27th cannot come soon enough.
Being based in Baltimore, and so close to the DC Metro area, I’m really spoiled when it comes to seeing bands live. We get an unusually high number of good shows in the area, and after a bit of a dry spell, it looks like another batch are coming through…check it out.
March
Surprise, surprise…like every other Wii owner, I picked up Super Smash Bros Brawl yesterday. It’s pretty great so far, but I’d love to get some games going with ya’ll.
Here’s my friend’s code: 0731-4446-6149
HERE’S TO BATTLE!
Ever since the Lonely Island crew joined SNL back in ‘05, the Digital Short has been, by far, the best part of the show. This time, they hit a little close to home…and hit a home run.
People of the internet, here’s “Hero Song”
Ok, so the latest rumor being reported by The New York Post is that NBC is in talks with Jerry Seinfeld with regards to starting a new sitcom on the last-place peacock network.
According to the article, the show (which would premiere in June…sure seems fast) would take a page from Seinfeld co-creator Larry David’s HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm, and present Jerry living in NYC in an “exaggerated reality”.
Does this strike anyone as a good idea? I really enjoyed Seinfeld, and enjoy reruns/the dvds, but honestly the strength of the series was in the cynical writings of Larry David and the overall ensemble cast. I don’t recall anyone really loving the Jerry character, and if Bee Movie (plus the HORRIBLE “Bee Movie TV Juniors” which ran on NBC) was any indication, we’ve as a nation, fallen out of love with the observational comedian.
Let it die, Jerry. Enjoy your millions. Relax in that sunset.
EDIT: 3:12PM
CNN.com SAYS THEE NAY!
“There’s nothing to it,” said NBC spokeswoman Rebecca Marks.
Seinfeld’s spokeswoman, Elizabeth Clark Zoia, also said the story was completely false.
“We appreciate the enthusiasm, however,” she said. whew Now, NBC, let’s move forward with some original ideas and not a shit-ton of reality programing, k? K.
Today Paramount unveiled the final Iron Man theatrical posters for both the US and International markets. The part that’s bizarre is that they’re both very similar, yet have slight differences.
Here’s the US Poster First…
Then you have the international version…
Now, while both suffer from floating head syndrome, I overall find that the US poster has a far better layout. What’s bizarre is why they chose the different layouts, and why certain elements aren’t in both…why does the US version have no helicopters? Why are the bodies more noticeable in the international version? What does that say about our cultures?
Which do you like? Personally, I dig the design of the US one more, and look forward to it being a DVD cover.
Man, this blog is becoming more about comic movies than I anticipated. However, I’m sure we can all agree that this is a worthy post.
We’re officially one year away from the release of the movie adaptation of what is arguably the greatest graphic novel of all time, Watchmen. To commemorate this, the director of the flick, Zach Synder, best known for the amazing 300, decided to post the first promotional images of the characters. To put it simply (and to key a phrase from my good buddy Jami), the pants, they are crunchy.
Click for huge.
Japanese Toy Company Kotobukiya will be releasing a set of Indiana Jones Gashapon this June, and /film’s got the first images.
Are these or are these not the most adorable things ever? I need an SD Sean Connery! TO EBAY I GO!
Hey! We finally have another pic from X-Men Origins:Wolverine!
It’s of Liev Schriber as Sabertooth…and…it’s underwhelming.
I’ll hold off until we see an official promo photo to make judgement, but right now…meh. Here’s hoping some of the other characters have a more accurate and/or visually appealing look, versus the kinda-bland-barely-recognize-them style seen here.
One of the many blogs I have a subscription to on Bloglines (134 and counting) is VH1’s Best Week Ever blog. While nowhere near as entertaining as the show it spawned from, every now and then it strikes pure, comedy gold.
Today is one of those days.
I give you The Top 20 Stupid Faces Made By Patrick Swayze in Ghost!
Here’s one…
That’s if we believe The Onion…which unforunately, we shouldn’t. :(
FCC Okays Nudity On TV If It’s Alyson Hannigan
In a rather prophetic post over at Dead of Summer (a blog post that partially inspired me creating this site, btw), I called that the future of all media was free-to-buy. Generally known as the webcomics economic model, Radiohead started the trend for musicians with their “pay-what-you-want” release of In Rainbows, but last night, Trent Reznor took it to a new level, dropping a brand spankin' new Nine Inch Nails album: the 36-track instrumental release entitled Ghosts I-IV.
What really makes this release stand out is it’s multi-tiered approach to selling the album…
For Free, that’s right, Zero Dollars, you get…
This version is also available from the Amazon MP3 store. - Download the PDF Booklet here. Want to give them $10? It gets EVEN BETTER!
We’re very proud to present a new collection of instrumental music, Ghosts I-IV. Almost two hours of music recorded over an intense ten week period last fall, Ghosts I-IV sprawls Nine Inch Nails across a variety of new terrain.
Now that we’re no longer constrained by a record label, we’ve decided to personally upload Ghosts I, the first of the four volumes, to various torrent sites, because we believe BitTorrent is a revolutionary digital distribution method, and we believe in finding ways to utilize new technologies instead of fighting them.
We encourage you to share the music of Ghosts I with your friends, post it on your website, play it on your podcast, use it for video projects, etc. It’s licensed for all non-commercial use under Creative Commons.
We’ve also made a 40 page PDF book to accompany the album. If you’d like to download it for free, visit http://ghosts.nin.com/main/pdf
Ghosts I is the first part of the 36 track collection Ghosts I-IV. Undoubtedly you’ll be able to find the complete collection on the same torrent network you found this file, but if you’re interested in the release, we encourage you to check it out at ghosts.nin.com, where the complete Ghosts I-IV is available directly from us in a variety of DRM-free digital formats, including FLAC lossless, for only $5. You can also order it on CD, or as a deluxe package with multitrack audio files, high definition audio on Blu-ray disc, and a large hard-bound book.
We genuinely appreciate your support, and hope you enjoy the new music. Thanks for listening. See, RIAA? THAT is how you embrace the listeners! If the fact that the ghosts.nin.com site was down most of Sunday night/Monday morning, and people who bought downloads weren’t able to get them due to the strain were any indication, I think it’s safe to say this release is a success. And for those of us who don’t like purchasing the album online? An in-store release on April 8th. Well done, Trent. You’ll be seeing my $10.
Sure, Shaun of the Dead is what made us Americans fans of the oft-mentioned-on-this-blog Pegg/Wright crew, but overseas, they were first known for the fantastic BBC TV series Spaced.
If you’ve never seen the series Spaced, I cannot recommend it enough. Co-written by Pegg and the absolutely fantastic Jessica Stevenson (now Hynes), it incredibly accurately depicts the bizarre age of the 20’s, that slow, awkward shift from adolescent to adult, wrapped with tons of pop culture references and the sharp direction of Edgar Wright. It is simply a joy to watch, and if you aren’t on route to import the DVD set or download both seasons, you really should.
Especially now that Fox is remaking it. Without Wright, Pegg or Stevenson. BUT HEY! THEY GOT McG! OF CHARLIE’S ANGELS AND SUGAR RAY VIDEO FAME! Word of this decision first hit around the holidays, but Simon Pegg didn’t issue an official statement until this week…Fox, you’ve been served.
As far as remaking TV shows for different territories is concerned, I don’t have a problem. The Office remake being a perfect example. Yes, the original British version is a wonderful and compact piece of comedy writing and performance, but I think it’s bit much to expect a large scale American television audience to fully relate to the minutiae of day-to-day business life in an obscure British suburb. I’m sure if you’re reading this, you are the type of person who takes pleasure in the variety of entertainment you enjoy, relishing the differences between our various cultural touchstones but there is a massive audience out there, which perhaps isn’t as culturally savvy (euphemistic phrase for geeky’) as we are and need their signifiers to be a little more familiar. So, Slough is replaced by Scranton, and the office archetypes become a little more archetypal to an American audience. The spirit of the show remains intact. The performances are uniformly great and the show scores big ratings and wins EMMYs, whether we as comedy purists prefer the original or not. The success of the remake is born out by it’s undoubted success and appeal.
My main problem with the notion of a Spaced remake is the sheer lack of respect that Granada/ Wonderland/Warner Bros have displayed in respectively selling out and appropriating our ideas without even letting us know. A decision I can only presume was made as a way of avoiding having to give us any money, whilst at the same time using mine and Edgar’s name in their press release, in order to trade on the success of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, even professing, as Peter Johnson did, to being a big fan of the show and it’s creators. A device made all the more heinous by the fact that the press release neglected to mention the show’s co-creator and female voice, Jessica Hynes (nee Stevenson). The fact is, when we signed our contracts ten years ago, we had neither the experience or the kudos to demand any clauses securing any control over future reversioning. We signed away our rights to any input in the show’s international future, because we just wanted to get the show made and these dark days of legal piracy seemed a far away concern. As a result, we have no rights. The show does not belong to us and, those that do own it have no obligation to include us in any future plans. You would perhaps hope though, out of basic professional respect and courtesy, we might have been consulted. It is this flagrant snub and effective vote of no confidence in the very people that created the show, that has caused such affront at our end. If they don’t care about the integrity of the original, why call it Spaced? Why attempt to find some validation by including mine and Edgar’s names in the press release as if we were involved? Why not just lift the premise? Two strangers, pretend to be a couple in order to secure residence of a flat/apartment. It’s hardly Ibsen. Jess and I specifically jumped off from a very mainstream sitcom premise in order to unravel it so completely. Take it, have it, call it Perfect Strangers and hope Balkie doesn’t sue. Just don’t call it Spaced.
It’s a shame, since the pilot is now a certainty, whether we like it or not, a simple phone call and a few reassurances might have helped to at least curtail the tide of indignation from fans and creators alike. I have, as of yet, heard nothing.
Simon Pegg Damn.
Sure, we all geeked out about the straight to DVD Batanime Batman: Gotham Knight, but it’s getting EVEN BETTER!
Word is that Batman will be voiced by classic Bat-actor Kevin Conroy, who voiced The Dark Knight in the 90’s Batman animated series, as well as the Justice League followups. It’s safe to say he’s the most iconic Batman actor, and this makes my personal anticipation for the project even higher.
Sure, this graphic is from the prior animated series, but I felt it appropriate.
Batman: Gotham Knight hits shelves on July 8th.
Looks like movie poster superstar Drew Struzan is doing a poster for Hellboy II: The Golden Army.
This rough pencil image above is just a hint of what’s to come. Struzan created a poster for the first flick, seen below, but he’s practically the trendsetter for movie posters, having created art for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, E.T., Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, The Muppets, Blade Runner, First Blood, An American Tail, and The Goonies.
Sayeth Guillermo Del Toro…
Straight from my ears to yours, for March 2008–It’s the Blast-O-Rama Monthly Music Mix!
March 2008’s mix is 14 tracks, running just about an hour.
Click the graphic to go straight to the download, or click the break for a full track listing.
ENJOY!
It seems the parkour trend has finally made it to gaming.
If you’re not familiar with parkour, it’s a version of freestyle running, with the aim of moving from one point to another as efficiently and quickly as possible, and also a style that’s been used pretty often lately in action movies (see the opening of Casino Royale, the henchman in Live Free or Die Hard, or all of the parkour tour-de-force District B13.)
In any case, impressions went up today over at Wired’s Game|Life blog of the forthcoming EA title Mirror’s Edge. This unique first person title is ALL about the parkour, and from the impressions, looks to be one of the most exciting action titles this gaming generation.
Between the (already) astonishing graphics, innovative gameplay, and overall risktaking design, this is a title to watch for ‘09. Click the story for full impressions and additional screenshots.
Hands down, my favorite videogame series of all time goes to Metal Gear.
With the bizarre plotting and direction of Hideo Kojima, plus some of the most innovative bits of gameplay and design ever to hit consoles, I’ve been hooked with every single release.
So now that Konami’s announced Metal Gear Solid 4 as hitting on June 12th, you better believe I’m counting the days. The official press release follows, which includes details on exclusive pre-order goodies (DVD recap, online game beta), so I suppose Gamestop is getting my cash…jerks.
EL SEGUNDO, CA - February 28, 2008 - Following opening remarks made during the General Session at the 2008 Destination PlayStation retailer event in Scottsdale AZ, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. confirmed several new initiatives related to Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, including a North American street date, online multiplayer, and pre-sell program.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is the final chapter in the saga of Solid Snake which sends him around the world in pursuit of his arch nemesis, Liquid Ocelot. Armed with new gadgets and abilities, Solid Snake must shift the tides of war into his favor, using the chaos of the battlefield to infiltrate deep into enemy territory. In his globetrotting final mission, Snake must sneak deep into enemy locations in the Middle East, South America, and other corners of the Earth to foil Liquid Ocelot’s plans for total world domination.
Street Date
Opening remarks revealed that the final chapter in the saga of super spy Solid Snake is expected to arrive in stores in North America on Thursday June 12th, 2008. “Blockbuster events and premieres are a tradition of the summer,” said Kazumi Kitaue, Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. Chairman and CEO. “We anticipate that Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots fits that bill perfectly, and consumers will be waiting in line to get their copy of the game just like it’s a hit Hollywood movie.”
Metal Gear Online Starter Pack
It was also confirmed today that Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will launch with the Metal Gear Online “Starter Pack” supporting online gameplay. In addition to the single player experience, gamers will also be able to take the action online with up to 16 players and battle it out using the latest weapons and stealth techniques.
Pre-Sell Program
Beginning April 2008, consumers that pre-order Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots will receive the Metal Gear Saga 2.0 DVD, containing a Prologue that recaps the Metal Gear franchise, a 20th Anniversary retrospective, character bios for Big Boss, Liquid Snake, Solidus Snake, and Solid Snake, plus a collection of international trailers of Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. This pre-order package also contains an insert with a download code and special instructions for accessing the Metal Gear Online beta test when it goes live in late April. This special pre-order package will only be available while supplies last.
This is getting ri-goddamn-diculous.
We’re now on the 3rd official promo shot for X-Men Origins: Wolverine (thanks to Cinematical by way of IGN for it, btw)
And we have NOTHING. NOTHING AT ALL. Would it kill them to announce some semblance of a plot for this flick? Sure, we know there’s a smattering of mutants appearing, ranging from obscure characters like Beak, to well knowns like Gambit and Deadpool…but WHAT IS THE STORY, FOX?
Although, at least we can add ‘smug’ to Hugh Jackman’s range of emotions in this movie. Look, I saw The Prestige. We know you can do better than this, Hugh.
Maybe I’m just asking too much for a flick that’s still a year away from release.
Not too surprisingly, the net’s all a flutter about the new Iron Man trailer which premiered tonight during Lost.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s freaking AWESOME.
But why overlook another great comic trailer? Sorry Shellhead, I think I’m looking forward to this movie (trailer embedded below) more.
It’s bad enough they’ve been teasing this movie for almost a year, but now the official poster for Wall-E has been released.
I really hope they release the flick digitally. I ended up seeing Ratatouille twice in theatres, once projected traditionally, the second time projected digitally, and the difference was mindblowing. Sure, there’s a slight premium, but anyone who has seen a digitally projected movie knows…the additional level of clarity is completely worth it.
After all the fun announcements last week of new cast members, we now have a new image from X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
Thanks to Empire Magazine (by way of Cinematical) for the pic…
Between this, and the prior image, here’s what I’ve gathered of the plot arc…
I think I speak for nerds everywhere when I respond to the fantastic Superhero Movie poster, seen below….
FUCK YOU.
It’s bad enough you’re doing another movie in this same vein, which basically amounts to “Hey, it’s [pop culture reference] but with [gay inference/poop joke/boob joke]”…it’s bad enough that you’re using the SAME fucking poster design you’ve used for FOUR goddamned movies…but you’re dragging Leslie Nielsen into this mess?
May the Hollywood execs who greenlight and fund this shit get hit by cars, and whichever of you assholes not only plan on seeing this, but also were responsible for these other movies being successes (most recently, Meet The Spartans, which hit #1 in January), may we NEVER cross paths, because I will stab you all in the face.
If you’re like me, you’ve noticed the bizarre trend these days with all of the major pizza chains going towards custom crusts.
Surprise, surprise…the Asians have beaten us to the punch, and apparently have been for years, if this post from Slice is any indication, listing the top 10 crazy pizza crusts from the far east continent.
My favorite? Bring on the GERMAN KING! Featuring a bacon, sausage and cheese crust, it’ll insure I’m in the grave by 30.
Mm…life-threatening.
For reasons I’m not entirely sure of (ok, it’s because it’s in HD), I’ll be watching The Oscars tonight. In turn, I wanted to drop a few last minute predictions…
Just saw an ad on TV for Chili’s latest bit of foodage for with to stuff your face…
Behold, the BIG MOUTH BITES!
Looked delicious, however…read the official description:
Yet still…I want to try them. Ever part of the problem, I suppose.
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that I’m a big fan of Edgar Wright.
Between Spaced, Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and even his fake trailer for Grindhouse, he’s proven himself an adept creative force, combining sheer film geek energy with adept, glossy direction (along with the witty screenplays he co-wrote with star Simon Pegg).
However, his next project, which looks to be his first major project without Pegg, could have me falling all over myself with anticipation.
In an interview with Empire Magazine (which was about a UK showing of the full, complete Grindhouse), he glossed over his next project a bit:
“It could be that. I finished the script and I’m having a meeting about it next week,” he said. “But it depends which comes first in the queue basically. I’ve been working on two at once, and I’m also about to start developing two more scripts, one of which is with Simon [Pegg]. It could be Scott Pilgrim (another comic book adaptation who must slay a girl’s evil exes in order to date her) is next or it could be Ant Man, we shall see."
While an Ant-Man flick could be awesome, especially if based on Robert Kirkman’s The Irredeemable Ant-Man (pictured above), I think I speak for many an indie comic nerd when I say….EDGAR, DO SCOTT PILGRIM FIRST! IT’S MONEY IN THE BANK.
…although I imagine a romantic comedy gone shonen-styled fighting comic might be a hard sell. Guess we’ll soon find out. Hey fellow Pilgrim devotees: who would you want to see in the movie version?
Aren’t you glad the strike is over?
It’s funny, because we were just discussing this actor this weekend at Katsucon…
According to the movie rumor gods over at Ain’t It Cool News, X-Men Origins: Wolverine will have quite the awesome cameo…
Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool.
Here’s what AICN’s Moriarty had to say:
Anyone up for a little DEADPOOL? CHUD.COM reported at the start of December that the character would show up in the film.
Well, today we can exclusively ask you… how about if Ryan Reynolds is playing him?
This one’s supposed to be a secret, but cat’s out of the bag now, Marvel. And I have to say… I think it sounds like fun. I know this has been a character you guys have been developing for years now (hell, I think I pitched a DEADPOOL film back in 2001), and Reynolds is absolutely the right guy for the job. Ever since Blade: Trinity hit, I really wanted to see Reynolds starring as the Merc-with-a-mouth, so if this rumor proves true, color me there!
With such amazing looking comic movies hitting in the near future, between The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Hellboy II and The Dark Knight, some are bound to be crap, right?
Unfortunately for Marvel, it looks like the busted wheel of the awesome comic movie party van is this fall’s Punisher: War Zone.
It was bad enough when they revealed the first photo from the movie (seen above) with the main character looking like Steven Segal while proving that he doesn’t know how to hold a gun correctly (check it, he’s holding the magazine, instead of the handle on the frot of the rifle)…
Then this story appears on Cinematical today…
Screenwriter Takes Name Off Punisher: War Zone, Cites Difference in Vision
Yikes, nothing worse than when a writer decides to go Alan Smithee on a flick.
Why does Kurt Sutter (a writer responsible for, amongst other projects, a handful of episodes of The Shield) want his name removed? His reasoning bites a bit deep.
Here’s what he had to say:
From the setup from Toy Fair this week, here’s a statue of the movie version of the Incredible Hulk, from this summer’s edition….
As you can see, this time, Hulk is not OKKKKAAAAYYYY HE’S NOT OKKKAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY…
Yeah, that was a pretty lame gag.
I guess it’s a morning of first looks, as we have our first spy image from the set of G.I. Joe, set to hit sometime in ‘09.
Behold (thanks to IESB), Dennis Quaid as Generic Military Advisor Seen In Every Disaster Movie Ever! General Hawk!
Eh, wake me when we see Snake Eyes or Destro or somethin’.
Here we go, internet…
In my opinion, the BIGGEST risk of Summer ‘08, nearly 20 years after the last installment, here’s the trailer for Indiana Jones & Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.
After watching it, I’m not totally sold yet, but it does look like a fun romp. We’ll see how it shapes up in future trailers.
One of the more interesting projects coming out of the new Warner Brothers Animation studio has been their series of DC movies. Thus far, Superman: Doomsday kinda sucked, but Justice League: The New Frontier was pretty great.
However, it’s their next project that looks the most interesting…Batman: Gotham Knight.
On the DVD of Justice League: The New Frontier, there’s an early look at the project, and it looks fan-freaking-tastic. I’ve embedded it below.
Batman: Gotham Knight should hit stores in June, around the release of The Dark Knight. Color me very excited (I think that’s a shade of mauve).
So the first image from X-Men Origins: Wolverine hit the web today, let’s check it out…
From this we can tell:
I…
The words they just don’t….
Fuck.
Here, you read.
Just posted over at RottenTomatoes.Com….
I look forward to another movie that doesn’t give us clear shots of robots beating ass and a film with roughly 35 sunsets over a 3 day period.
Granted, I know myself so you can look forward to early impressions, concept art, trailers and over analysis of every single step in the creation of Transformers 2, RIGHT HERE at Blast-O-Rama.
Because I’m a god damn sap.
Incase it hasn’t become far too apparent, I am quite obsessed with music…
Combine that with my sorta OCD, and I had a list of bands that I needed to see live…
Over the years, I’ve seen every single band, minus the defunct ones (looking at you At the Drive In and Ben Folds Five) ….except for Radiohead.
Thankfully, that looks like it’s going to change. Tomorrow morning, tickets go on sale for their DC date at Nissan Pavillion on May 11th. To say I will be refreshing WASTE.UK a lot is an understatement. And should I fail? Well, tickets go on general sale at Ticketmaster on Saturday morning. I apologize to my fellow webcomics panelists (more on that later) if I’m more distracted by hitting refresh on my MacBook than on the panel at hand… EDIT: 2/14/08 9:28AM…The tickets sold out VERY fast on WASTE.UK.COM, so I guess I have to try Ticketmaster on Saturday…wish me luck, internet.
Hey kids in DC/MD/VA/etc….
Get out there and vote today. As a registered independent, I cannot, and with an extremely close primary, I’ve never been more aggravated about being able to speak my voice.
If you have the option, make it heard.
As we reach the end (finally!) of the WGA Strike, the actual effect on Hollywood is being revealed…
According to this article from the Hollywood Reporter, the cost of the strike on the Los Angeles economy is…$2 Billion.
How much is that? Just a bit of breakdown…
With that money you could…
Just some perspective, that’s all.
After a weekend full of computer based drama (short story long, I got some nasty adware on my WinXP box, and it took no less than 5 Spyware/Antivirus programs to clean it up), I certainly needed a smile…
Thanks dear interweb, for droppin' the new international Wall-E trailer in my lap.
This one features more of the plot, and honestly, if it doesn’t make you smile, I do believe you have no soul.
Hopefully this stays up, as Pixar has been killing a lot of the mirrors…not entirely sure why, as I’d want this trailer to be seen by every man, woman and child that could see it…
Summer 2008: Best Movie Summer Ever?
As a aspiring writer of my own right (hey, I’m published, I can call myself an actual writer now), I’ve been watching very closely to the Writer’s Strike.
I agree 100% with all of the demands the writers are asking, especially with the growth of internet-based television revenue. And despite how some of the ratings have been shifting, I think the overwhelming amount of piss-poor reality programing over the airwaves has proven how crucial written programing is to modern broadcast TV…(although I’d say that Conan O’Brien has been more entertaining improving his show, but I digress).
Today though, positive word comes about the writers strike FINALLY ENDING, thanks to CNBC. However, it’s source isn’t really the best. Who are they quoting? Michael Eisner. For those unaware, Eisner is the former blowhard Disney head, who followed up a career of running the Mouse House into the ground (and damn near ruining their working relationship with Pixar), with a self-indulgent talk show on CNBC which featured him talking more about himself to his guests than talking with his guests. To put it lightly, I wouldn’t trust a single word out of his demon hole.
So I guess we’ll find out tomorrow if this strike has ended…call me selfish, but between Guillermo Del Toro’s The Hobbit, Volume 3 of Heroes, the remainder of Chuck Season 1, and new episodes of The Office, I want my entertainment back.
As I get older, I find that I’m becoming more and more of a “foodie”…that is, someone who is really into bizarre variations of food, and finding really off-the-beaten-path locations to eat.
Strangely enough, one of the few foods I consider myself a mild expert on is the authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteak. During my many annual trips to Philadelphia (which I’ll be posting about at some point), I’ve eaten at probably 8 of the top 10 best locations to have a cheesesteak, and could talk for hours about the differences between a ‘real’ philly steak and those presented elsewhere, and even the differences between the steak places throughout the City of Brotherly Love.
Apparently the differences can get even more bizarre, as presented in this article from the Philadelphia City Paper about Cheesesteak variants AROUND THE WORLD. It’s a fun read, good way to kill a few minutes. The most bizarre variant? The Vietnamese cheesesteak, which come on a rice flour baguette and are topped with ketchup, chili sauce and mustard….delicious?
Let’s lay it out there…I never really ‘got’ James Bond. I’ve seen most of the movies over the years, even dug a few (Goldeneye was pretty rad)…but despite that, I never found myself a James Bond ‘fan’ persay.
That totally changed with Casino Royale. Taking Bond back to the novella roots, played masterfully by Daniel Craig, who came off with that perfect combination of badass and suave, plus some incredible parkour-styled action (and the tasty Eva Green), it all made for one hell of an enjoyable flick, one that I revisit often on DVD.
So now that Quantum of Solace is set for November of this year, the hype train has started with this brand-spankin' new teaser poster, courtesy of Moviefone/Ain’t It Cool News.
Word is that Solace picks up 20 minutes after the end of Royale, so the pose is appropriate, as it’s the last image we saw of Bond. If you click the link to the article above, there’s also an embedded video with some of the first footage from filming. Looking good! While we’re just getting started on the summer hype season, it’s good to know that the end of the year will have some movies worth checking out as well.
Ah, FedEx…you’ve brought me so much delight over the years. You delivered me my iPod, you delivered me my DVD player…but sometimes, you don’t make any damn sense…
And I’m not just talking about the infamous FedEx Arrow…
Having a package shipped to me…due here on the 11th. Here’s the tracking information so far…
I’m not sure if it’s just some misplaced nostalgia, or my current reinterest in gaming (between the online components of the 360 and PS3, plus their amazing HD graphics, and the interesting control schemes of the Wii, I’ve been playing a lot more than usual), but I’m finding myself quite excited for Street Fighter IV.
Now, I know some people that were HUGE fans of SF3, but I really haven’t been into the Capcom fighters since the Alpha/Versus Marvel era.
But SF4? I’m totally there, especially with the reveal of new characters in the game in this weeks Famitsu magazine. In addition to the obvious Ken and Ryu, plus the SNK-looking/GI Joe-name-having new character “Crimson Viper”, they just announced a whole slue of new characters, plus unleashed a bunch of screen shots.
Who are the new characters? How’s about..oh…Chun Li, Dhalsim, Blanka, Guile, E. Honda and Zangief? Yeah, that’s right, the original SF2 Eight are in the game! Now, all we need is some Vega action, and I’m totally pumped.
Wanna check it out? The scans are below.
Is it just me, or does McCain have tiny lil' T-Rex arms?
And while I have zero intentions of making this blog political (although I may rant and rave about certain bits on here), I thought I’d stake my claim…
As a registered independent, I cannot vote in the Primary Election. That being said, my pick? Obama.
Ever since the premiere of Freaks & Geeks, I’ve been sipping the Judd Apatow Kool Aid.
And this past summer, with the back to back comedy hits of Knocked Up and Superbad, I was in comedy nerd heaven.
The Apatow crew doesn’t appear to be letting up however, as this April brings Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall stars Jason Siegel in the main role (who you may remember as one of the stoner kids from Freaks & Geeks, the obsessive ex from Undeclared, and one of Seth Rogen’s buddies in Knocked Up) as a man who gets dumped by his popular actress girlfriend (the yummy Kristen Bell), who decides to get away and heal by taking an impulsive trip to Hawaii.
Hilarity ensues, of course, as who should be staying at the resort? His ex, along with her new british rocker boyfriend.
A trailer for this hit last fall, and while it looked interesting, it really didn’t seem to be running on the same level of the prior Apatow flicks…However, today, the red-band trailer (read:naughty) hit FunnyOrDie.com, and suffice to say, I’m psyched.
Check it out right here. Forgetting Sarah Marshall hits April 18th. Color me there.
I know, I know, I don’t intend for this to be an all Lego all the time blog, it’s just been an unusually good time for our favorite plastic building block…It turned 50 last week, and now…it’s being used to create Futurama characters!
For the full gallery of these amazing creations, click here.
It’s a quiet Monday across the web…
If I had to guess, I’d say it’s because most of the world is recovering from last night’s Super Bowl Parties (which, by the by, became the 2nd most watched TV program of all time…I’d guess that’s due to a lack of options, thanks to Mr. Writer’s Strike).
So, in the interest of content, here’s YouTube versions of the two BEST movie previews last night….
IRON MAN (Gotta love the confidence Downey has as Stark)
And…
Wall-E (So…So…Adorable….)
Enjoy!
Firstly, color me shocked that the Giants won. I’m a fair-weather football fan at best, and the game ended up being quite the nail biter.
But more importantly, the reason why I watched? The ads.
Here are my 5 favs from the night, in no particular order.
1. Bud Light - “Breathe Fire” Bud Light
Add to My Profile | More Videos 2. Bridgestone Tire - “Squirrel vs. Car” Bridgestone Tire Super Bowl Commercial: Squirrel vs CarAdd to My Profile | More Videos 3. Cars.com - “Circle Fire Pit of Death” Cars.com Super Bowl Ad: Stone Circle Fight to Death as Plan BAdd to My Profile | More Videos 4. Tide-to-Go - “My Talking Stain” Tide-to-Go Superbowl Commercial, My Talking Stain AdAdd to My Profile | More Videos 5. FedEx - “Carrier Pigeon” Fedex Super Bowl Ad: Carrier Pigeons Bad Choice for ShippingAdd to My Profile | More Videos
I’ll be back later with youtubes of my favorite ads, but I had to post…The fucking ARCADE FIRE were used in a video package just now. “No Cars Go” to be accurate. That’s right, scenester kids. Fox will get a hold of EVERYTHING you love. :)
Retraction time, kids. According to this article posted today on Pitchfork, The Arcade Fire had ZERO to do with their own music appearing on arguably the biggest TV program of the year.
Nothing is said about those wacky Canadians and/or their label Merge Records making a move towards say, legal proceedings, but let’s be honest, 90 million people had a song played for them, and it wasn’t even cleared. At least someone’s going to lose a job over this.
(Thanks, Kaleigh, for the heads up.)
This Predator bust might very well be the most amazing Lego creation I’ve ever seen. I mean, even the dripping blood (on the left) is made out of Lego pieces!
My inner-5-year old is beaming.
For the full gallery, click here. (brickshelf.com)Â
In what I think is a pretty smart move, AMC is showing a marathon of all 5 Best Picture Oscar nominees on February 23rd, in select theatres.
Starting at 11am and running until 11pm, you can check out (in order), Michael Clayton, There Will Be Blood, Atonement, Juno and No Country For Old Men. A solid preposition by itself, AMC has made it a bit more interesting with a few perks, including unlimited popcorn and the ability to leave/enter the theatre whenever you like (with your collectors pass), all at the low low price of 30 bills (in the case of here in Baltimore, you’re saving at least $20).
Having seen 2 of the 5 flicks, I personally think it’s completely worth it, and the ability to come and go as you please is nice, especially if there’s a film you’re not too interested in seeing (in my case, Atonement). If this special event is happening near you, I’d recommend checking it out.
With NBC’s series Heroes being an absolute juggernaut…iffy 2nd season and writers strike be damned, it was only a matter of time before it got all kinds of merchandised. And now, thanks to Mezco Toys, action figures are on their way.
Series 1 was revealed earlier this month in ToyFare magzine, and contains the following…
Not to rest on their laurels, Mezco has already announced the second and third series of figures this week at the UK Toy Fair. The lineups are tenative to change, and the sculpts haven’t been completed, so they only exist as sketches.
Pending approval, this is what we should see on the shelves. (Images thanks to Action-Figure.com)
Series 2
So, we’ve all oogled and awed over the trailer for this May’s Iron Man flick, and I think I can safely say that with Ed Norton in the main role (plus the CGI tests looking good, as seen above), my excitement level for The Incredible Hulk is starting to get up there.
However, after reading this lil' sliver of a spoiler about a very interesting connection between the two flicks, as mentioned by William Hurt to MTV...we are at Geek Level Omega.
Don’t Click To Read On If You Don’t Want Minor Spoilers!
I’m sure you heard the rumors earlier this year about Samuel L. Jackson appearing as Nick Fury in both Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk to start creating a shared universe, to possibly be explored in a future Avengers flick.
It looks like it’s been stepped up quite a bit, as Robert Downey Jr. will be making a cameo in The Incredible Hulk in the full red & gold armor!
Here’s what Willie Hurt had to say about it…
After seeing the fantastic video edit known as The Vader Sessions, I thought we heard all there was to hear from the world of James Earl Jones as Vader audio edits…
…until I saw this video using just audio from Mr. Jones' turn in Coming To America. While maybe not quite as funny as the original Vader Sessions, it still has it’s moments. Enjoy!
Ever since I became enamored with the world of Apple with the purchase of my 30GB iPod Video back in November ‘05, I’ve dug podcasts.
However, since I tend to carry an inordinate amount of music on my person, I never really got to listen to them on the regular. With my recent upgrade to a 160GB Classic, however, I download quite a few podcasts, both in audio and video format to get me through the day.
Here’s a few of my favorites…
The Adam Carolla Show Podcast Feed Here: http://www.971freefm.com/pages/podcast/43.rss
As a fervent LoveLine fan throughout my teenage years, I was saddened when Adam Carolla left the show, it was taken off of local syndication, and then his new morning show was made west coast only. FRET NOT, kids, it’s available every day after the show finishes in sweet sweet podcast form. Lately, this is what I’ve been listening to on the way to work.
Never Not Funny Podcast Feed Here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/NeverNotFunny
Hosted by comedian Jimmy Pardo, this show is a shoot-the-shit roundtable with Pardo, producer Matt Belcamp, and a 3rd rotating comedian (past shows have featured such notables as Paul F. Thompkins, Maria Bamford, and The Sklar Brothers). As a comedy nerd, it’s a blast…but I think anyone can enjoy 3 comedic talents just rambling for an hour. I’m totally underselling this podcast, it’s easily one of the highlights of my week.
SModcast Podcast Feed Here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/smodcast
Are you a fan of Kevin Smith? How about his commentaries with producer Scott Mosier? Well, every week you get a slice of goodness, as Smith and Mosier talk all kinds of topics, ranging from the production of the latest View Askew films, to other flicks (they had an incredible debate about The Matrix a few shows back), to even some brutal discussion about their own personal lives. Always a hoot.
What about you? What podcasts roam free in your iPod? Let me know in the comments.
One of the goals I’ve set for myself in 2008 is to read more books. Sure, I read a lot of comics, but I figured it was time I read more things that didn’t have pretty pictures in them (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
However, my biggest issue is, for the most part, fiction doesn’t grab me. Far too often, I find that modern fiction sticks to a rather boilerplate template, and get I bored with a novel halfway through. To counteract that, I tend to focus on non-fiction and memoirs.
So, I found myself at Amazon the other day, and decided to pick up Rock On: An Office Power Ballad, written by Dan Kennedy. Having seen a handful of positive reviews for it both online an in-print, and knowing that it deals with a topic I’m quite interested in (the ever collapsing music industry), it was an easy sale.
What’s it about? Here’s how the official synopsis describes the book.
Egomaniacs, wackos, incompetents, and executive assistants who know more than their seven-figure bosses round out this power-ballad to office life and rock and roll. Already, sounds like quite the fun read. But the proof is in the pudding. Kennedy writes in a very enthralling stream-of-consciousness style, putting his immediate thoughts into word, giving you an always accurate mental picture of this so-absurd-it-has-to-be-real working environment. His wit abounds, and keeps the pages flowing. I really didn’t expect to, but I tore through all 240 pages over the course of one day, enjoying every step of Dan’s ill fated run in the marketing department of Atlantic Records.
With it’s very timely subject matter, and rather informal storytelling style, Rock On: An Office Power Ballad is an easy recomendation. You can grab it today at Amazon for just shy over 10 bills. Highest Recommendation.
One of my favorite things every year is sharing my favorite songs with my friends via an end of year mix. Collecting the best songs from absolute favorite albums, I get to share a part of myself with them. (Or, it’s silly e-wang waving, depending on how you look at it.)
In any case, I really enjoy the conversations that develop, getting people into new musicians they’ve never heard before, and in sharing back, learning about new music myself.
So…I thought to myself…why don’t I do this monthly?
I know, you’re wondering…do I really listen to that much music a month? While the 8000+ MP3s I have may say one way, I know better. But how do I fill out a monthly mix with just a few new albums being consumed by me a month?
Someone who was very close to me used to make mix CD’s once a semester, collecting their favorite songs from the period…a musical document of that time of their life. I always really thought that concept was cool…and I’ll now be applying that on a monthly basis.
Each month here on Blast-O-Rama, I’ll be compiling tracks that were somewhat meaningful to me the month prior. Maybe it’s just a song I loved, maybe it’s a new album that leaked that month, maybe it just struck me at the right time. Never the less, it’s straight from my ears to yours.
“Bleary Eyed” by Annuals
“Paper Float” by Cassettes Won’t Listen
“Run” by Gnarls Barkley
“End Credits” by John Murphy
“Teardrop” by Jose Gonzalez
“Mechanical” by Lemuria
“Death To Los Campesinos!” by Los Campesinos!
“I Like What You Say” by Nada SurfÂ
“The Next Realm” by Nine Days WonderÂ
“Short Term Memory” by No Knife
“Torch” by Pinback
“Knowing When To Run” by The Delgados
“Take, Take, Take” by The Helio Sequence
Aloha, and welcome to Blast-O-Rama.
After almost 7 years of chronicling my life, opinions and rants on LiveJournal, I’ve decided to make the jump to proper blogging.
Now, unlike LJ, this won’t be full of a play-by-play of my personal life. I’ve grown disinterested with sharing my life with the rest of the world, but never the less, want to have my voice heard via the intertubes.
That’s where Blast-O-Rama comes in.
Anyone who’s known me for more than say…10 minutes, knows that I’m kind of ridiculously passionate about the various minutia of pop-culture that permeate our day-to-day lives.
In turn, consider this site your source for various bits of breaking news from all across the nerd world, peppered with what I consider my trademark snark and humor. Maybe it’ll work out, maybe it won’t, but I’ll try my best to make sure it’s entertaining.
So tell your friends, and strap in. Blast-O-Rama.com is launched, and the internet…well, it’ll be pretty much the same.